ThailandTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Drink sealed bottled water or properly filtered water; ice is usually fine in established restaurants.
• Choose busy food stalls with fast turnover and visible cooking heat.
• Seafood is best near the coast and at venues that sell out early.
• Carry oral rehydration salts in hot months; dehydration arrives before hunger.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Use Grab, Bolt, hotel cars, or metered taxis; agree clearly before any informal ride.
• Ignore claims that a major sight is closed from strangers nearby.
• Inspect scooters before renting and photograph every scratch.
• Do not leave phones on cafe tables near the street edge.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Keep your voice low in hotels, restaurants, and transport.
• Remove shoes when hosts or signs indicate it.
• Dress neatly for official buildings and formal interiors.
• Never touch anyone on the head, including children.
• Point with an open hand, not a foot.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is appreciated, not demanded.
• Round up taxis and casual bills when service is smooth.
• In refined restaurants, add 5-10% if service charge is absent.
• Spa therapists and private drivers expect more than cafe staff.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Carry passport identification or a clear digital copy for hotel and official checks.
• Drug penalties are severe; do not treat nightlife offers casually.
• Helmets are expected on scooters and insurance may fail without one.
• Respect royal imagery and currency; careless behavior can create serious legal trouble.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Mosquito protection matters year-round, especially at dusk and after rain.
• Heat management is essential from March to May; schedule outdoor plans early.
• Use strong travel insurance if riding scooters or visiting islands.
• Private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Samui are the most efficient for travelers.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.