Thailand Travel Planning: Tips & General Information for Your Trip to Thailand

Thailand is undoubtedly the most popular destination for anyone traveling to Asia for the first time—and for good reason! In the “Land of Smiles”, you’ll find breathtaking islands, picturesque beaches, impressive temples, a variety of culinary delights, unique landscapes, a well-developed infrastructure, and vibrant metropolises.
Additionally, the cost of living is significantly lower than in Western countries, and traveling within the country is straightforward and convenient.
On top of that, Thailand borders countries like Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Myanmar, allowing you to combine several destinations into one trip.

We’ve put together travel tips, general information, and key insights to keep in mind before and during your journey to Thailand.

THAILAND IS THE RIGHT DESTINATION FOR YOU IF…

• You’re looking for a mix of a beach vacation and adventure travel.
• You’re traveling to an Asian country for the first time. Thailand is the perfect destination for Asia newcomers.
• You’re traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with your whole family.
• You’re an all-inclusive vacationer, a backpacker, an active traveler, or an enthusiast for road trips. Thailand suits all kinds of travelers.
• You want to spend parental leave in a tropical country with a baby or toddler.
• You enjoy discovering different cultures.
• You want to explore the country on your own, whether by public transportation, scooter, rental car, or with private drivers. All major spots are largely well accessible for tourists.
• You’d like to meet warm-hearted people.

1. THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND

You can travel to Thailand year-round, so the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences.

During the dry season from November to April, you can expect optimal weather conditions for a dreamy beach and swimming vacation, as well as an active holiday.
Rainfall is relatively low during this period, and temperatures remain consistently high. However, the dry season is also the peak season.

The rainy season, and thus the low season, begins in May and lasts until October.
There’s significantly more rainfall during this time, though the intensity can be unpredictable—from steady rain to strong daily tropical showers, theoretically anything is possible.

Although the dry season is often highlighted as the ideal time to visit Thailand, we don’t entirely agree.
Statistically, there’s less rainfall during this period compared to the rainy season, but does that automatically mean it’s the best travel time? Probably not.
It is, however, undoubtedly the most expensive and most popular travel season, which can lead to crowded bars, restaurants, beaches, and heavy traffic.

If you’re considering visiting during the rainy season, keep in mind that some hotels, restaurants, and bars may be closed in certain regions. This also applies to some national parks.
A benefit of the rainy season is that you can enjoy significantly lower prices and often share the beach and other popular tourist spots with only a few other visitors.

2. THE IDEAL TRIP LENGTH FOR THAILAND

Just like the best time to visit, the ideal trip length depends heavily on your personal preferences.
Many tourists spend around two weeks in Thailand to relax, which is certainly enough. However, if you want to see and experience a lot and visit various places, it’s possible you’ll be rushing from one highlight to another within two weeks and won’t have much time to relax and linger.
That’s why we recommend a trip of three weeks, allowing you to immerse yourself in the country’s unique beauty at a leisurely pace.

In general, our advice is: the longer, the better.
During our parental leave, we spent a total of six weeks in Thailand and are convinced that additional weeks could easily have been filled with more fascinating experiences.

3. THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Thai is the official language, spoken by over 90% of the population. However, in addition to the official language, some Thais also speak one of the roughly 70 other local languages.

Thai is a tonal language, where the meaning of most one-syllable words varies depending on pitch.
Therefore, if you want to learn a few words, it’s helpful to ask the locals for the correct pronunciation.
Another distinctive feature of Thai is that words such as "thank you" vary depending on whether the speaker is a woman or a man.
A woman says “khop khun kha,” while a man says “khop khun khrap”.

Due to the many tourists, a large portion of locals, especially those in the tourism sector, speak basic to good English.
This means you can generally communicate well in English just about everywhere.

The further you travel inland, the less English is spoken. Not only for this reason, but also as a way to open doors and hearts, it’s beneficial to learn a few words in Thai.
Here are a few examples:

• Hello & Goodbye – Sawatdi krab (for male speakers) Sawatdi kha (for female speakers). In Thailand, greetings and farewells are traditionally accompanied by a 'wai'. The wai is performed by placing the palms together in front of the chest, with the upper arms kept close to the body. It is a respectful and culturally significant gesture.
• Thank you – khop khun khrap (for male speakers) khop khun kha (for female speakers).
• Yes – Chai
• No – Mai chai

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to Thailand, you’ll need a power adapter, as plug types A and B are used. These are different from the plug types commonly used in many countries around the world.
You can find a suitable adapter here: Thailand Travel Adapter.

4. THE TIME DIFFERENCE

The time difference with Thailand varies depending on your location. Thailand operates on Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7, and does not observe daylight saving time.
For example, if it’s 12:00 pm in Thailand, it would be 5:00 am in London during daylight saving time or 6:00 am outside of it.
Be sure to check the time difference from your country before traveling.

5. RELIGION

Buddhism predominates throughout Thailand. Only in the south of the country are larger parts of the population Muslim.

Buddhism is considered one of the world’s most tolerant religions, and this tolerance is also reflected in Thai society.
The “spirit of giving”, a central aspect of Buddhism, remains strong despite growing materialism.
Generosity is believed to ensure that one is treated kindly in return and helps foster good relationships with others.

Thailand shows great understanding and high tolerance towards other religions, and proselytizing efforts are avoided.
Temples are ubiquitous, and almost every house has a small Buddhist shrine.
During your trip, you’ll see daily offerings like flowers, food, money, or gold leaf intended to bring luck, health, and prosperity.

It is traditional for young Thai men to spend at least three months as monks in a temple, practicing meditation and studying Buddhism.
Monks are respected across the country, and many older monks are highly revered. Their images often appear in shops, homes, or taxis.
It’s also common to invite Buddhist monks to bless new houses or businesses.

Good to know: Throughout Thailand, it’s customary to remove your shoes when entering a temple, home, or apartment.
Also, when visiting a temple, shoulders and knees should be covered.

6. CURRENCY & PAYMENT METHODS

The official currency is the Thai Baht (THB or ฿).

With major credit cards, you can easily withdraw cash from ATMs. Fees depend on your bank.
Credit cards are generally accepted as a common payment method in restaurants, bars, or hotels.
However, smaller food stalls, remote rural areas, or islands without stable internet or ATMs may only accept cash. The same goes for tipping, so it’s wise to carry cash, ideally in smaller bills.

For those bringing foreign currency and looking to exchange, you can do so in cities and larger towns at banks like Kasikorn Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, or reputable exchange offices. Although exchange rates are usually similar, it’s still worth comparing.
Note: If you’re exchanging money, you’ll need to show your passport. Don’t forget it!

Our tip: Avoid exchanging money at airport kiosks, as rates are often unfavorable.
If you need cash upon arrival, it’s better to withdraw from an ATM, as rates are generally better than at the exchange counters.

7. ENTRY & ARRIVAL IN THAILAND

For entry into Thailand, a valid passport or provisional travel document is required. All travel documents must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.

A visa is not required for tourism stays of up to 30 days for citizens of many countries. However, visa exemptions and requirements vary, so check with your local Thai embassy or consulate for specific information regarding your nationality.

The average flight time to Bangkok varies depending on your departure location. For example, flights from Europe typically take around 11-13 hours.
Airlines such as Thai Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Qatar Airways operate regular flights to Bangkok.
Use flight comparison platforms like skyscanner.com to find the best options for your trip.

For longer stays or specific travel requirements, consult the Thai Immigration Bureau or your country’s foreign affairs website for up-to-date information.

8. GETTING AROUND THAILAND

To travel from A to B, you have several options that will take you to your destination on Thailand's sometimes well-developed, sometimes less-developed roads.

BY SCOOTER

The most common mode of transport in Thailand is the scooter or motorbike. If you enjoy flexibility and exploring your surroundings independently, consider renting a scooter.
You can rent one practically anywhere, whether in cities or villages, for a day or even by the week.
Depending on the situation, a personal scooter is often the most affordable form of transport.

Before renting a scooter, here are a few things to consider:

• Thailand has left-hand traffic.
• If you lack experience with scooters, starting in a big city like Bangkok may not be ideal. Consider alternative transportation options instead.
• You’ll need a valid international driver’s license, which must be presented with your national license. If stopped by police, you’ll need to show both.

All additional information on renting a scooter and essential safety tips are covered in our blog post “Renting a Scooter in Thailand – Helpful Tips & Information”.

BY TAXI & OTHER SERVICES

Whether you’re in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, smaller areas like Khao Lak, or on islands like Koh Samui, apps like Grab, Bolt, and 12.Go.Asia (a transport app specialized for Asia) can help you find a taxi at any time. The prices are affordable compared to Western countries, which makes this type of service popular not only with tourists but also with locals.

In Thailand, “classic” taxis are called “metered taxis” and are typically yellow-green, pink, or light blue. The fare usually starts with a base fee of 35 Baht (around $1).
You can hail these taxis by calling or signaling from the roadside. Tipping for taxi rides isn’t customary in Thailand, but it’s appreciated.

BY BUS

The bus is popular among both backpackers and locals as one of the preferred ways to travel, especially between major cities and towns.
Tickets, often very affordable, must be purchased before boarding at nearby ticket counters. Although schedules exist, they’re rarely strictly followed.

BY TRAIN

Besides the bus, train travel is another popular and affordable means of getting around. Depending on the route and class of train, train journeys in Thailand can be relaxed or adventurous. Options range from modern, air-conditioned cars to comfortable sleeper cars and older, non-air-conditioned ones.

Although Thailand doesn’t yet have high-speed rail lines, the railway network is well-developed. This makes it easy to travel by train to all major cities and tourist regions.
Additionally, crossing the border into Malaysia by train is hassle-free, which is something we did during our parental leave journey.

You can buy train tickets at the counter or conveniently in advance on 12.Go.Asia, where both day and night trains are available.

BY PLANE

Domestic flights are ideal for those who want to cover long distances quickly. Airlines such as Nok Air, AirAsia, or Thai Air offer flights to virtually every tourist destination in Thailand.
During our stay, we flew from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and from Chiang Mai to Krabi.

We booked flights in advance online through apps specializing in Asian transport, such as 12.Go.Asia or AirAsia, which generally offer cheaper options than Western alternatives like Skyscanner. In general, domestic flights in Thailand are very affordable, even with luggage.

9. HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

The range of hotels and accommodations across Thailand is extensive and incredibly diverse.
From hostels and budget hotels to affordable mid-range hotels and luxurious all-inclusive resorts, there’s something for everyone.
Besides hotels, there are also plenty of self-catering accommodations like houses or villas. Platforms like Airbnb or booking.com are sure to have the right accommodation for your needs.

During our six-week parental leave trip, we stayed in both hotels and villas with amenities like private pools.

Here’s a quick overview of the most beautiful and comfortable accommodations we stayed at:

• iSanook in Bangkok
• Samui Blue Bird in Koh Samui
• Sea Seeker Krabi Resort in Ao Nang (Krabi)
• Khao Lak Laguna Resort in Khao Lak
• Hatyai Signature Hotel in Hat Yai

10. FOOD & DRINK

Most Thai dishes combine crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and various spices with gai (chicken), moo (pork), or seafood.
A common base or side is khao niao (sticky rice) or Asian noodles. Seaweed is also a frequent ingredient in Thai dishes.
Here’s an overview of 6 traditional dishes you should try during your trip to Thailand:

1. Tom Yam – Thai Soups
   Thais eat soups at any time of day. Many street stalls offer freshly prepared Thai soups, even for breakfast.
   Popular options include Tom Khaa Gai, an aromatic coconut soup with chicken, and the spicy shrimp soup Tom Yum Gung.
2. Pad Thai – Noodle Dish
   This classic noodle dish consists of stir-fried noodles, fresh vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce, often with tofu, meat, or shrimp. It’s garnished with peanuts and lime.
   Pad Thai is a national dish and is available in almost every restaurant.
3. Kao Pad – Fried Rice
   This dish, also commonly found on menus, is based on fried rice with ingredients similar to Pad Thai. Both are tasty, healthy, and generally mild in spice.
4. Gaeng – Thai Curries
   Thai curries come in various flavors, ranging from mild to very spicy. The spiciness of the dish is determined by the color of the curry paste used (yellow, red, or green).
   The yellow variety is typically the mildest and is often served with beef. Red curry, which is served with pork, chicken, fish, or vegetables, is roughly comparable to spicier dishes in Western cuisine. Green curry paste is the spiciest and is meant for lovers of fiery-hot dishes. Green curry is prepared with various types of meat, fish, or vegetables.
5. Som Tam – Papaya Salad
   Another very healthy and refreshing dish is Som Tam, a salad made from green papaya, chili, garlic, tomatoes, beans, lime, and peanuts.
   Thais often enjoy their Som Tam extremely spicy, which can be too intense for many international visitors.
   So do yourself a favor and order a milder version with less chili when dining at a restaurant.
6. Fresh Fruit and Delicious Desserts
   Throughout Thailand, you’ll find fresh and exotic fruits at nearly every corner, such as mango, pineapple, papaya, coconut, bananas, mangosteen, and much more.
   Many restaurants and street vendors offer either raw fruit or transform it into delicious desserts like mango with sticky rice and coconut milk poured on top (Khao Niao Mamuang), banana pancakes (Roti), or sticky rice with coconut milk and bananas wrapped in banana leaves (Khao Tom Mad).

In most restaurants, fresh water is served for free with meals, and it’s safe to drink as it’s not from the tap. This is especially refreshing when paired with often slightly spicier dishes.

Aside from water, there are many soft drinks and fresh fruit juices. Some restaurants, street vendors, and beach vendors also offer fresh and chilled coconuts, which you can drink straight from the shell with a straw.

If you’re up for a beer, try one of Thailand’s most popular brands: Chang, Singha, or Leo.

SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR EATING IN THAILAND:

• Throughout the country, people typically eat with chopsticks or use a spoon and fork. However, the fork is only used to push the food onto the spoon.
• Thai food is usually cut into small pieces or cooked so soft that it can be easily broken apart with a spoon. This is why most restaurants don’t provide knives.
• In Thai cuisine, fish sauce or chili flakes are commonly used for seasoning, so you’ll often search in vain for pepper and salt.
  Only in hotels catering to Western tourists will you occasionally find salt and pepper shakers on the tables.
• In tourist areas, English menus are relatively common. If there’s no English menu available, you can order using gestures.
  At food stalls, simply point to the dish you want and say "Ao an ni krap/ka" (meaning "I’d like this one, please").
• In restaurants, a tip of around 5 to 10% is considered appropriate. In smaller eateries or at Thailand’s street food stalls, tipping is not customary, but it is always appreciated.

11. SPECIAL VACCINATIONS FOR THAILAND

Although it’s a tropical destination, no specific vaccinations are required for most travelers.
However, vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Typhoid are recommended, especially for those visiting rural areas or planning extended stays.
For the most accurate and up-to-date advice, consult your local health authority or a travel clinic in your country.

12. LOCAL SIM CARD OR WIFI?

For anyone planning to leave their hotel frequently or embark on a road trip, purchasing a Thai prepaid SIM card is highly recommended.

Checking opening hours of a restaurant, ordering a Bolt or Grab, or finding directions on Google Maps is easily done with a local SIM.
You can use your social media apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, etc., wherever you go. And in case of an emergency, you can make a call.

The most popular tourist SIM card providers are dtac, True Move H, and AIS, all offering excellent 4G and even 5G coverage in many tourist areas.
The choice mainly depends on the duration of your trip and your data needs. Generally, prices across providers are fairly similar for up to 15-day stays.

It’s recommended to purchase a prepaid SIM card directly at the airport shortly after arrival. In Thailand, a passport is required to buy a SIM card, which you’ll already have with you at that point. This way, you’ll be connected right after your arrival. The small booths of the respective providers are often located after baggage claim.
The staff on-site will help you activate the SIM card and check with you to ensure it works properly. Payment can be made either in cash or by credit card.

If you forget to purchase a SIM card directly at the airport or decide to get one later, you can visit a store of the respective providers, which you can easily locate using Google Maps. Alternatively, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at stores like the widely available 7-Eleven or Tesco.

13. TRAVEL INSURANCE

HEALTH INSURANCE

Medical treatment costs in Thailand are not covered by most national health insurance plans, so having private international health insurance is essential.
Some credit cards include international health insurance. If that’s not the case, we recommend comparing options on portals like Check24 to find suitable coverage.
Typically, international health insurance is quite affordable per year, and in an emergency, it’s well worth the cost.

Our tip: Make sure the policy includes comprehensive coverage with no limit on claim amounts and covers repatriation in case of a serious illness.
Also, keep all receipts for medical treatments and medications you paid for upfront, so you can file claims with your insurance later or use them as proof of treatment.

TRAVEL LUGGAGE INSURANCE

Unfortunately, luggage or valuable items may sometimes get lost during a trip.
We opted for additional travel baggage insurance for the duration of our trip due to our expensive (tech) gear like cameras and drones.
This insurance is also typically inexpensive per trip or year and is invaluable in case of loss. Find and compare the best travel baggage insurance on Check24.de.

Our tip: Be sure to get comprehensive coverage with no claim limits, especially for high-value items!

14. OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS

• For your trip to Thailand, you’ll need a power adapter, as plug types A and B are used. These are different from the plug types commonly used in many countries around the world.
  You can find a suitable adapter here: Thailand Travel Adapter.
• No Rush! The most important thing to remember during your stay is to take your time (you’re on vacation, after all) and not to get upset if things take a little longer.
  While punctuality is highly valued in some cultures, it is not as emphasized in Thai culture.
• Don’t Drink Tap Water! Unless you want to spend most of your time on the toilet or in your room.
• Tipping is not traditionally part of Thai culture, as friendliness, helpfulness, and a smile are seen as part of the service.
  However, a small token of appreciation is always welcome, especially in tourist areas or higher-end establishments.
  Beyond restaurant or bar staff, consider showing gratitude to gas station attendants, cleaning staff, boat crews, or receptionists as well.
  Even small amounts, like 20-50 Baht, are greatly appreciated.
• Bargaining is not very common in Thailand due to the prevalence of fixed prices.
  However, there are situations where you should definitely try to bargain, such as at markets, with tour operators, and with beach vendors. Just give it a try!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Thailand
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Thailand

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.