Neil Aronson Here are our best tips and advice for traveling to Thailand, based on expert experience, trial and error! These tips and advice are based on over 15 years of traveling to, and eventually living in Thailand. And having a local extended Thai family helps with inside information. In 2011 I married my wife, who is from Chiang Mai, and have never looked back. It is an amazing place to visit and live.
However understandably, people are apprehensive about traveling to Thailand, especially for the first time. It can definitely be overwhelming. These tips and advice cover the most frequently asked questions. And we have extended articles on most topics for more detailed info.
For more of your questions specifically about Chiang Mai answered, check out our latest Chiang Mai Guide.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Contents:
Our Best Advice
Go Local!
Ok so everyone likes to travel differently, but Thailand is unlike most any other country you may have visited. The culture, people, food, history, are all unique, and what make it so great. That said, I see people all the time on social media asking where they can meet up with other western travelers when in Thailand. I personally think the best way to enjoy Thailand is just the opposite.
Immerse yourself in local activities, restaurants and bars, events, temple activities, and local people. Yes I have a best friend in Chiang Mai who is also from California. But mostly I try to hang out with local Thai family and friends. I would never have discovered all the cool places I have without my locals!
Meeting local people and getting advice is fairly easy, as the friendly locals, especially in Chiang Mai, love to show off their great city. Tuk Tuk drivers are also a great source.
In cities like Chiang Mai, there always seems to be some local events going on you can partake in. Cooking classes, even though its tourists, is a good way to meet the locals.
Any Travel Restrictions Or Vaccinations?
Thankfully we seem to be past Thailand’s travel restrictions from Covid-19. Fingers crossed.
I can remember traveling to Thailand in December of 2021. It had been nearly 2 years we had been in Thailand. And 2 years since my wife had seen her family in Chiang Mai. We were stuck in California because of Covid-19. I mean I love California, but not being able to even go to Thailand was a bummer. Finally as of November of 2021 the restrictions were lifted.
Travelers entering Thailand are not required to show Proof of Vaccination or COVID-19 test results. All travelers can freely travel to Thailand without any COVID restrictions.
Do you need any vaccinations? Well everyone has their own opinion. I have never had any, and have lived in both Malaysia and Thailand. That said, most doctors recommend getting vaccinations against tetanus and hepatitis A. Also consider a rabies shot – dogs, cats and monkeys can all carry the viral disease. Malaria is present especially along bordering countries. If you visit these regions, you can use anti-malarial prophylaxis such as atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline (or do your best not to get bitten by a mosquito).
Do I Need A Visa?
Known as ‘The Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme’, is the most popular option for tourists to enter Thailand, especially from western countries. Under this, citizens of over 40 countries and territories around the world may enter Thailand without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days and may extend their stay for another 30 day. This also has more exceptions, where some Asian countries can stay for 90 days. You can check your country information here on the Thai E-Visa government site.
Updated- Visa Exempt Countries have been extended to 60 days as of July 2024. However the rules keep changing, visit our Visa Resource page for more.
Get Travel Insurance
Even though most restrictions have been lifted, anything can happen when traveling. And Covid-19 is still prevalent. You home health insurance probably won’t help.
Travel Insurance is still highly recommended when you travel to Thailand.
Travel Insurance is mandatory for travelers traveling from and to countries that require RT-PCR COVID test for incoming travelers such as India and China. Insurance validity must be +7 days to the intended stay in Thailand.
One of the best parts of traveling to Thailand are the many activities there are to do. Especially if you like Extreme Sports and Activities, which Thailand has plenty of. But this also increases your chance of getting hurt, and all the time tourists end up in the hospital from scooter accidents. Even walking the streets, the sidewalks are not built with safety in mind.
Before you travel to Thailand, you should buy your travel insurance for your protection to cover your entire trip to Thailand.
Stay Where You Can Walk
It is actually strange that I would suggest this. Since I prefer peace and quiet up in the mountains. However, when you are visit cities in Thailand, it is great to get a hotel in an area where you can walk to lots of food, bars, sights, shopping, etc. Plus it is easy to get public transportation or a Tuk Tuk to go somewhere.
In Chiang Mai especially being in the Old City area, or near there, is a big advantage. And you can still get to the mountains easily. In Bangkok there are some areas of this huge city that are much better than others for having close access to lots of things to do. Read more on Bangkok Areas And Hotels.
So do your research before booking a hotel, you don’t want to end up in an area of town you don’t like. Believe me, I have moved to new hotels many times. We have articles on most popular areas in Thailand you can read.
Drink Bottled Water
As far as tips and advice goes, this may be an obvious one. But I would not recommend drinking tap water. However I would not overly concern myself with it either. What I mean is, brush your teeth, shower, all that, with tap water.
We live out in the countryside, and it may be fresher than in the US. We cook with it regularly. But who knows. The water authority in Bangkok claims it is safe to drink.
But drink bottled water. It is cheap, and tastes better. Unfortunately bad for the environment. Local Thai restaurants will always serve their customers bottled water.
That said, drink lots of water when traveling in Thailand, for health reasons. Probably not your first thought, but here is one reason. When I first moved to Malaysia years ago, I got a kidney stone within the first month. The doctors said it was because I did not drink enough water, and in that constant heat, sweating all day.
Drinking beers everyday while on vacation is fun, but make sure you are hydrating with a lot of bottled water. You body is probably not used to the heat and humidity, and the effects are real.
Use Proper Etiquette
Most temple grounds will have signs before you enter, but don’t be a unprepared tourist. Know before you go, and respect their culture and traditions.
Dress respectfully when you visit any temple in Thailand. Make sure your shoulders are covered (no vests, tank-tops or spaghetti straps). Although skirts or shorts are acceptable at many temples, they should be smart and at least knee-length.
Take off your shoes before entering the temple buildings. If you are wearing a hat, that should also be removed before going inside.
Don’t sit on the platform or chairs reserved for monks. Monks are prohibited from touching women and women should never hand anything directly to a monk.
Don’t Be An Idiot!
As far as tips and advice go, a common issue we have is the night out.
One night after too many beers at an unnamed pub, my friend and I stumbled out not paying attention. Have you ever seen a row of parked scooters lined up on the street? It’s a common sight in Asia. Well as if straight out of scene from a comedy movie, I drunkenly bumped into the end of the row of parked scooters. Can you picture it? It was a domino effect, and they all fell over into each other. Again, don’t be a dumb drunk tourist!
Having fun is why your in Thailand. However, take it from someone who is married to a Thai, being out of control and acting like an idiot doesn’t go over well. Rolling around the floor, puking in the street, shouting, and fighting, are of course unacceptable to most Western people, nonetheless, this is totally unacceptable within Thai culture.
Because Thai people are generally friendly, smiling, and non confrontational. They probably won’t say anything. But trust me, you are embarrassing yourself. They don’t think it’s funny.
Don’t Play With Animals
It’s tempting, but don’t fall for animal exhibits, shows, places where you can ‘play’ with them. These are poor wild animals that have been ‘domesticated’, to make money off tourists.
Don’t get me wrong, there are great, well respected ethical animal sanctuaries. For a list of ethical options visit Amazing Thailand, and Book on Viator.
If you see an elephant riding program or even an animal show, please reject it decisively and practice animal protection with practical actions. Let animals be free, not harmed.
I myself have been to the Tiger Kingdom, only to realize they were drugged, and clearly not right. I have also been on river tours and seen elephants chained to trees, for the entertainment of tourists. So just be aware, it’s gotten much better, but they are still exploited.
Tips You Can Use
Don’t Over Stay
Important tips and advice include immigration. Chances are you are from an Exempt, or Visa On Arrival Country. Which means your Visa, if you need one, will be given at Thai Immigration. Therefore you do not need to get one ahead of time.
This is a huge bonus, except it does not mean you can stay as long as you want. Typically from a Visa Exempt Country, you get a 30 stamp at immigration. This can be extended another 30 days by paying a 1900 baht fine. This can be done up to 90 days.
American citizens who wish to remain in Thailand for longer than 90 days during any six-month period will be required to obtain a valid Thai visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate that is authorized to issue visas.
The consequences for overstaying as as follows as reported by US Embassy Thailand.
If an individual does not depart Thailand prior to expiration of his/her airport permit or visa, the individual is in the country illegally. In order to depart Thailand, it will be necessary to pay an overstay fine. The fine for overstaying a visa is 500 Baht per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 Baht
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Pack Light
The amount of time you will be in Thailand as well as where your going, will be part of your decision on what to take. Plus everyone is personally different. However Thailand is generally warm to hot all year. In the North, it gets cooler from November-January. By cooler I mean wearing some pants and maybe a sweater at night, especially were we live near the northern mountains and Doi Inthanon.
Keep in mind, you can buy anything you may have forgotten or find out later you need. Western shopping malls and superstores are in every city and even smaller towns, with everything you need. Common medications are easily purchased at any of the thousands of pharmacies, as is prescription eyewear.
If you are staying in any city, there are many local shops doing laundry by the Kilo. Just drop off a bag and pick it up later. Also I have found most smaller hotels will have laundry machines you can use for free.
How To Pay For Things
Just about everyone who travels to a new country for the first time wonders about paying for everyday things, food, shopping, etc. Fortunately in todays modern world, this is much easier these days. Also people are not so sure, but Thailand is as modern as anywhere when it comes to paying with technology.
Cash is still king, but credit cards, Google and Apple Pay work just about everywhere. for the best exchange rates, always exchange cash in town, not in your home country or airport.
Check your credit cards to make sure there are no Foreign Transaction Fees. My US banks give me good exchange rates on my credit cards. I also use a Wise International Debit Card. Load your account with the amount you want. You can then convert the money into dozens of currencies, including Thai Baht. There is an initial $9 fee to get a card, but still one of the best ways to pay. For more read The Best Ways To Pay.
Check Holiday Calendar
Ok so the couple years after Covid this really didn’t matter, but now tourism in 2024 in Thailand has picked up big time. And many travelers are not aware that there may be a busy holiday time when they are planning to visit Thailand. Just this past November during Loy Krathong, many people were shocked when they could not find a hotel, or that the prices were so high. Not realizing they accidently picked the busiest week to visit.
So it is important to check the calendar when planning your trip. Visiting during Songkran or Loy Krathong is awesome, but be aware you have to book hotels well in advance, and prices will be much higher. If you go to Chiang Mai during a festival time, these Walkable Hotels will be where you want to be.
If you are looking for the best prices and don’t care about potential rain, then the rainy season July-October up north, is the cheapest. I think people over react to the rain. I love that time of the year.
Wear A Helmet
Wear a helmet when cruising around on your scooter. Yes it’s hot and much more fun being helmetless. But traffic can be dangerous. And it is the law. During holiday times like Songkran deaths from motorbikes in Thailand are in the thousands.
In Chiang Mai for example, the police set up at the same spots almost everyday pulling over tourists with no helmets. I have been pulled over a couple times not wearing a helmet, and now you are dealing with police that want a bribe. Carry a copy of your passport, and don’t give them any money.
Additional tips and advice for wearing a helmet, is that if you get into an accident, your Travel Insurance may not cover you if you breaking the law. It is happening to this unlucky Brit. So get Travel Insurance and obey the laws.
Random Tips
If you find yourself going to a go-go bar, and you probably will, don’t run around taking selfies and videos. Most all places forbid this, as they want to keep their privacy. Both the bar and the girls don’t want pictures all over the internet. You will get kicked out.
Don’t offend the Royal Family. Trust me, being married to a Thai, I can tell you the Royal Family is taken very seriously, and has a lot of influence. Article 112 of Thailand’s Penal Code states, “Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, Queen, Heir-Apparent or Regent shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years”.
Ok, foreigners are rarely subjected to this law, but it has happened where they have been deported or jailed. And just out of respect for the culture and people, don’t be a fool.
Don’t greet locals in a western fashion. They already know your a tourist, you don’t have to remind them. So don’t shake someone’s hands, instead greet them with the ‘Wai’. Which consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. The higher up you put your hands on your face the more respect you are showing.
Lastly, bargaining with Tuk Tuk drivers and street market vendors is the norm, but don’t over do it. Being over aggressive while bargaining is offensive to them, as Thai people don’t like confrontation. You should bargain respectfully, keeping in mind this is their livelihood. You already paying much less than you would back home, so don’t be afraid to share the wealth as you visit their country.
I hope you can use these tips and advice when you travel to Thailand. Respect their culture and they will return the smile.
