If you’re planning a trip to the Land of Smiles in the near future, make sure you register for travel insurance before you go.
You can also check out the guide book I used while in Thailand, as well as my list of essential items for backpackers!
In some ways, Thailand is where this whole crazy blog began. While by no means my first international adventure, my time in Bangkok was the first time I truly felt outside of my comfort zone.
Traveling to Asia brought me the kind of adrenaline rush that Western Europe or the Caribbean just hadn’t given me.
While I’ve been living with a severe case of Wanderlust since the age of 12, my trip to Thailand reignited my need to travel with a vengeance.
Today I wanted to share with you a list of things you should know before going to Thailand. I was aware of some of these before I arrived in Bangkok, while others were a more of a shocking surprise once I got there.
Ready?
39 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Thailand
One
Eat off your spoon, not your fork. Eating directly off a fork is considered crude; instead, use your fork to push food onto your spoon.
Two
Yes, the people really are *that* nice. Don’t be surprised if strangers offer you advice or strike up a conversation with you.
Three
People don’t stand in lines. This took me a few days (and many long waits for the ladies room) to figure out. Instead of queuing up, Thais form a crowd. Stand your ground, and get used to a lack of personal space in public places. It is good to know this before you visit Thailand.
Four
Take tuk-tuks during the day and taxis at night. Taxis are more comfortable, but tuk-tuks give you a better view. Both are terrifying.
If you go to Patpong road at night (Bangkok’s equivalent of the Red Light District), ask your taxi to come back and pick you up at a certain time. Otherwise, you’ll have a hard time fighting all the other drunk people to find a ride back to your hotel.
Five
Don’t talk about the king. Seriously, not a word.
This is very important for Thailand travel.
Six
Gambling is only permitted on certain days (by order of the king, whom you are still not talking about, right?). Hit up the horse tracks on a pro-gambling day for an awesome experience. Prepare for lots of yelling, drunk people, and general debauchery.
Seven
Eat as many mangoes as you possibly can when you travel to Thailand. The mangoes in Thailand are the most delicious in the world.
Eight
Cover up your elbows and knees when visiting temples, wats, monasteries, palaces, etc. I’d recommend bringing along a light jacket or cover-up even on days when a temple isn’t on the itinerary — you never know when you’ll stumble across a beautiful wat you’ll want to check out!
Nine
Many of the popular beer brands also make bottled water. If you order a “Chang” or “Singha,” the waitress will likely respond “Chang beer?” to clarify. Make it easy by ordering “Chang water” or “Singha beer” to begin with.
As a side note, I’ve tried doing this in Thai restaurants back home and I just get weird looks. Go figure.
Ten
Don’t take a taxi driver’s word on it if they say an attraction or site is closed for the day; many times they will use this tactic to try to “suggest” other destinations which earn them a commission. If in doubt, just thank them for the information and ask another driver.
Eleven
Use public transportation. The BTS (Subway) and MRT (Light Rail) are cheap, convenient, and fast. You can get just about anywhere using these systems and they are really easy to use.
The maps make sense, the token system is efficient and simple, and the trains are kept very clean. Get a day pass to save extra money.
Twelve
You will see some roaches. Some days I saw none, other days they were crawling over my feet while I was trying to drink a mojito. Yeah, they are a little gross, but it’s not a deal-breaker. Better than rats, am I right?
Thirteen
The best-dressed woman on any given train, boat, or sidewalk is probably a ladyboy. I say this without meaning offense to Thai women, who are absolutely gorgeous, but as a compliment to the styling prowess of ladyboys.
Fourteen
Stay in a five-star hotel when visiting Thailand. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better deal at a top-of-the-line hotel than in Thailand.
We stayed in some fabulous hotels for around $100/night — some came with our own private infinity pools.
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Haha I LOVE this. I live in Malaysia, so Thailand trips are frequent and very cheap. It’s a GREAT getaway, they;ve such gorgeous beaches in Koh Samui & Phuket. I usually avoid Bangkok as it’s dirtier than Kuala Lumpur, and too busy for my liking.
And the food. Oh the glorious food. You forgot to mention Tom Yum. Get pork in it, instead of the traditional seafood. You’ve to ask, but it can be done. Absolutely amazing. Oh and sticky mango rice with coconut milk for desert. I’m so addicted to the stuff! So glad it’s just a 2 hour flight for me! 🙂
Alcohol is also very cheap. A 3.5/4 star hotel is actually decent and very affordable as well.
Bangkok is definitely busy! Tom Yum is super delicious, I have a recipe for it here on the site! I’m jealous that you’re so close!
Hi Anetta
Me n my husband are planning to have our around November in Bangkok.
Tell me what kind of clothes will be suitable? did u carry swimsuits?
How long were u there for?
I am hardly a nonvegetarian, can never eat chicken with bones 😛 will it be tough surviving on vegetarian there?
Hi, Georgia! We were there for 2 weeks, but it was in April so the weather was quite different. I do believe you’d need to take a car or shuttle to get to the beach from Bangkok, so you likely wouldn’t need to carry them in the city. I brought lots of cotton clothes which helped to keep me cool. Make sure you bring clothes to wear when you visit temples; you’ll need to have your elbows and knees covered. You won’t have any trouble being a vegetarian there!!
My husband just drop on me that he wants us to go to Thailand next year! This from the man I took on his first plane ride while we were dating is a HUGE deal. The covering of elbows and knees; does that include men?
Hmm, it’s hard to remember now but I believe it does. I have a vague memory of someone pointing at my (male) travel partner’s shorts and giving us the “no-way” face. It’s a good idea to try to see lots of temples all in the same day so you don’t have to dress so conservatively in the heat every day.
I’m traveling there in November with a friend!! Would love to know what hotel you stayed at and your favorite sights!!
Hi, Rachel! We stayed at the Park Plaza hotel in Sukhumvit – totally loved it! Perfect location and the room was top notch. Definitely go check out their China town. Excellent shopping!
Hi I’m going in a weeks staying at the Rembrandt hotel in Bangkok for a few nights before going to Ko Samui. What can I see and do that’s easy to get to from my hotel? Thanks
Hi,Henriette I live in main city of Suratthani. It is very close to ko Samui! Ko samui is very nice! the beach is wonderful, the water is so pure that I can see my feet under! I wish you have fun there!
But I would prefer ko taw or ko tow i don’t know how to write in English, and yes, it is beautiful!
don’t forget to ask for Nampla..it’s fish sauce with thai chiles…so good with everything
in chiangmai, go to the Tiger Kingdom, attend a cooking class, we paid 700 baht for 1/2 day, we went to Galangal cooking school, it was an awesome experience.
Buy their dried fruits to bring over to the US…their dried mangoes are to die for. And yes, i agree Thai Mangoes are the best!!
Yes! Nampla should go on everything!
I wish I had read this before my travels to Chiang Mai in June! Very informative and pretty spot on for the north part of the country, too. We were visiting friends so we had the luxury of transportation provided.
I’m so jealous! I’ve never been in Northern Thailand. On my bucket list!