Planning your first trip to Thailand? Whether you’re dreaming of island-hopping in the south, exploring temple-rich cities in the north, or diving into Bangkok’s vibrant street life, Thailand is a destination that truly has it all. To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve put together our top 10 essential tips for first-time travellers.
1. Bring Cash or a Fee-Free Travel Card
Thailand’s ATMs charge a 220 Baht fee per withdrawal, regardless of the amount. This is on top of any charges from your own bank. To avoid unnecessary costs, bring some cash to exchange or use a travel card that offers fee-free international withdrawals.
2. Pack Plenty of Suncream
The Thai sun can be intense, especially in coastal areas and on the islands. While suncream is available locally, it’s often significantly more expensive, particularly in tourist hotspots. Bring enough from home to cover your whole trip.
3. Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences
Avoid attractions that offer elephant rides or animal shows. Instead, opt for ethical sanctuaries, such as Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, where animals are cared for in natural, cruelty-free environments.
4. Dress Modestly at Temples
Thailand’s temples are beautiful and culturally significant. Visitors are expected to dress respectfully—shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. A lightweight scarf or sarong is useful to carry for unplanned temple visits.
5. Agree Tuk Tuk Prices in Advance
Tuk tuks are a fun way to get around, but they can be expensive if you don’t agree on a fare first. Always negotiate the price before starting your journey, or consider using a ride-hailing app like Grab (Thai Uber) – for transparent pricing.
6. Carry Tissues and Hand Sanitiser
Toilets are generally easy to find, but many do not supply toilet paper or soap. It’s a good idea to keep tissues and hand sanitiser in your day bag to stay prepared. There may also be a small change charge to use public toilets so have some to hand.
7. Don’t Miss the Street Food
Thailand’s street food scene is world-famous, and for good reason. Dishes like Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled skewers are often best (and cheapest) from local vendors. Look for stalls that are popular with locals—it’s usually a sign of great food and hygiene.
8. Avoid Drinking Tap Water
It’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip. Ice in drinks is generally made from purified water in restaurants and cafes, but if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask. Thai’s also drink bottled water.
9. Get a Local SIM Card
Staying connected in Thailand is easy. Local SIM cards are affordable and widely available at airports, 7-Eleven stores, and phone shops. Providers like AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove offer great tourist data packages for reliable internet on the go. It isn’t cheaper to buy outside of the airport (for short term packages) so you may as well grab one when you land.
10. Explore Beyond the Beaches
Thailand offers more than just tropical shores. While the islands are stunning, consider spending time in Chiang Mai’s mountains, exploring Bangkok’s culture and nightlife, or discovering hidden gems in the northeast. Internal flights and trains are easy and affordable, making it simple to see more of the country.
Ready to Explore Thailand?
With a little preparation, your first visit to Thailand can be smooth, exciting, and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a beach escape, cultural tour, or multi-centre adventure, we’re here to help craft your perfect itinerary.
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