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.
Page 1 of 2 (Next Page –>)
Hi! This is a great post. I love all your advice for people who never been to Thailand. But since I am Thai, I do not agree or disagree about talking about the King. We can talk about the King, but we Thai people sometimes find it not appropriate to have conversations about our King with the outsiders, especially those who ask in a crude way. And it also depends on persons whether they want to talk about it or not, because everybody has different point of views. But trust me, it is okay to talk about the King. Just start the conversation with a question like, “Do you mind if I ask some questions about the King?” or “Is it appropriate to ask questions about the King?” If they say no and you still want to ask, tell them that, “Okay. I’m sorry. I just want to know the King better. I wanna know why Thai people love and respect him so mush.” When Thai people hear this, trust me, they will totally say yes to you (at least, most of them). I personally would talk about the King (I meant in a good way), so people would understand our King better and in a good way. I would have a talk to make you or any foreigners to know the King better. One tip that would help a lot about this topic is for you to find some information about the King first. *Always keep in mind that this is a very sensitive topic for tropical Thai people, so be smart about questions… Sorry. That was a long comment, but yeah. I hope you don’t mind. Hehe ^^
To make it easier to understand. I mean you can “talk” about the King, but DO NOT “CRITICIZE” him, meaning talking in bad way about him. It is considered to be disrespect to him. Also, it is because it’s illegal to criticize the King. If you are caught, you can be put in jail for that.
Thanks so much for your advice!
Hi my friend as you want to call it…but i really wanted to be there in your very own place or locality. can you tell me some information of how Thai people recognize and appreciate the presence of newly arrived people or foreign people? thank you… i really become worried of how i will become if i am there already.
God bless…
In my experience, Thai people are very welcoming and friendly. They don’t call it the land of smiles for nothin’! 😉
Hi Anetta,
I found your post via Pinterest and love it. I travel to Thailand in March and want to stay for one night or two in a five-star hotel. Can you recommend one outside of Bangkok?
Greetings from Berlin
Patricia
Hi, Patricia! The only hotel I stayed in outside of Bangkok was the AKA resort in Hua Hin. It was beautiful!!
That looks really beautiful! Thanks a lot!
Okay, next time I go to Thailand I’ll drink a beer at the zoo. (After my 6 massages a day.) Thanks for coming up with something unique. Gotta love Thailand – and I’m really glad Thai food in Thailand doesn’t taste like Thai food at home. For some reason they have to add sugar to every stupid dish in American Thai restaurants. Literally. I’ve asked if there is anything without sugar. The answer is generally ‘no.’ Yet in Thailand … food is superb – if hot enough to burn your tongue off.
i would love to go back to thailand soon, and yes, people there are SUPER friendly!
Hi
I’m Thai and I found this on interest then I read it.
It is so true. If anyone want some suggestion about Thailand, you can e-mail me.
Tell me the interesting places, shopping malls located closer to Khlong Luang. Also let me know the things a tourist could buy from Thailand.
Any suggestion where to stay in Bangkok, $40 – $60 range hotels with a swimming pool. Near popular tourist attractions.
Try checking Kayak.com or Agoda!
tell me more about the girls please 😛 how, where