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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Something that none of these types of list mention is to bring big clean bills. Most banks will actually give a better exchange rate for a crisp hundred dollar bill than smaller denominations.
So true. We had friends who could not get their money exchanged because the bills had a small tear in the corner. Make sure your bills are in good shape.
Good afternoon! Any advice on tipping in Thailand?
*18. the spray next to the toilet is for cleaning your butt after finishing you business. it’s cleaner and very refreshing.
*33. don’t touch anyone in the head *or shoulders*. you could do that to kids to show an affection. but considering that some adults could be short and difficult to tell the age. just don’t do it. do not touch any part of the body of people with opposite sex, no hugs, it’d be considered as sexual advances.
Thanks for the post. I head to Thailand on Monday, so may not see the answer to this before then. I most appreciate your comment about Thai tummy. I know that can be true of most places in the world as your stomach adjusts and with street food. I’m writing because I have a super limited diet due to health problems. No gluten, soy, dairy and limited sugar (even natural). Is the food pretty straightforward? Or are there lots of additives or things to ask about for my diet? Generally I eat Thai food with limited problems – coconut and rice products abound! And I live in Spain so I’m used to being flexible. Nonetheless really want to avoid being sick. Any further feedback or advice is welcome.
Hi Anetta,
I have a trip booked to Bangkok and Phuket in February and was not aware of the roach situation… I have a pretty extreme phobia of roaches that usually results in panic attacks. Are there really that many??? How can I avoid them? I really want to enjoy my trip without worrying about where they are constantly… I booked good hotels and am confident I won’t have a problem there but anywhere else… Any advice? What should I do??
Hi, Melissa! I doubt you’d have much trouble in Phuket… I believe that roaches are typically more common in large cities, which is likely why I saw a few in Bangkok. I never saw any in or near my hotel, only when I was eating outside on the street at small hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Don’t let it ruin your trip – you probably won’t see any at all!