Before you book: what “travelling to Thailand” usually involves

Most trips to Thailand include a mix of city time, islands, and short domestic flights. That means you’ll likely deal with airport transfers, ferry timetables, rainy-season detours, and a lot of time outdoors. If you plan for those realities early, Thailand feels effortless. If you don’t, it can feel chaotic—especially on your first visit.

Entry requirements and visas for travelling to Thailand

Thailand entry requirements depend on your nationality, your passport validity, and how long you plan to stay. Some travelers enter visa-free for short stays; others need a tourist visa in advance. Rules can change, so confirm your exact requirements using official Thai government sources before you fly.

Typical entry checklist

Best time to travel to Thailand (weather, crowds, and prices)

Thailand’s weather can be summarized in three broad seasons: cooler/drier months, hot months, and rainy/monsoon months. What matters is not just rain, but how rain affects ferries, visibility for boat tours, hiking conditions, and air quality.

• High season (generally cooler/drier): More crowds and higher prices, but easier island hopping and clearer skies.
• Hot season: Great for beaches, less pleasant for long city walks mid-day; hydration becomes a real safety item.
• Rainy season: Still very travelable, often cheaper, but plan flexible days and expect sudden downpours.

Health basics: vaccinations, food safety, and pharmacies

Travelers often ask about “travelling to Thailand vaccinations” because it’s a tropical destination with different disease risks. There is no one-size-fits-all vaccine list. Your needs depend on itinerary (urban vs. rural), duration, activities, and medical history. A travel clinic is worth it if you’re doing extended travel, trekking, or remote islands.

Food and water: how to enjoy street food without regret

Thailand’s street food is a major reason to go. The good news: many stalls are safe and experienced. The practical rule is simple—eat where turnover is high, food is cooked hot, and surfaces look reasonably clean.

• Prefer busy stalls with a constant line; high turnover usually means fresher ingredients.
• Choose hot, freshly cooked dishes; be cautious with lukewarm buffet-style trays.
• Use bottled water for drinking; in some areas, avoid ice if you’re sensitive.

Pharmacies and basic supplies

Thai pharmacies are common in cities and tourist areas. Bring your essentials, but don’t panic-pack. In practice, what you’ll want is: oral rehydration salts, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit.

Street food is a highlight—choose busy stalls and keep hydration in mind.

Is it safe travelling to Thailand?

Most visitors find Thailand welcoming and manageable, but safety depends on decisions you make every day: transport choices, alcohol moderation, water activities, and basic street awareness in crowded tourist zones.

Common safety risks (and how to reduce them)

• Traffic accidents: Thailand’s roads can be unpredictable. If you rent a scooter, use a helmet and avoid riding at night or in heavy rain.
• Petty theft: Crowded markets and nightlife areas can attract pickpocketing. Keep your phone secure and don’t leave valuables unattended.
• Scams: Jet-ski disputes, inflated taxi fares, and “closed temple” detours are classic. Use reputable operators and agree prices in advance.
• Water safety: Respect flags and warnings at beaches, especially during rough sea conditions. Wear a life jacket on boat tours if offered.

Money in Thailand: cash, cards, ATMs, and budgeting

Thailand is a mix of cash and cashless. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, you’ll often pay with cards in malls and hotels, but street food, small shops, local buses, and some islands still run on cash. Expect ATM fees and plan withdrawals accordingly.

• Cash: Essential for markets, small restaurants, tips, and local transport.
• Cards: Convenient in bigger cities; watch for small surcharges in some places.
• ATMs: Widely available; fees may apply, so fewer larger withdrawals can be cheaper than many small ones.

Getting around: flights, trains, ferries, and local transport

Thailand is easy to travel around, but the “best” transport depends on what you value: time, comfort, or cost. Domestic flights save time. Overnight trains can be a fun experience. Ferries are essential for islands—just keep an eye on weather.

Bangkok transport tips

• BTS/MRT: Fast and reliable for many tourist routes.
• River boats: A practical way to reach some attractions and avoid traffic.
• Taxis: If using a taxi, ask for the meter when appropriate; consider app-based rides for clearer pricing.

Island travel is weather-dependent. Keep your plans flexible during the rainy season.

What to pack for Thailand (realistic, not excessive)

Packing for Thailand is mostly about staying comfortable in heat and humidity, being respectful at temples, and being prepared for rain. You can buy basics locally, so focus on essentials you’ll actually use.

Staying connected in Thailand with a travel eSIM

Thailand is one of those destinations where mobile data quickly becomes your travel backbone: translating menus, checking ferry times, calling rides, navigating Bangkok, and booking tours on the fly. Relying on café Wi‑Fi sounds fine until it isn’t.

Simple itinerary ideas (to match your travel style)

Thailand rewards focused trips. Trying to do Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and three island groups in 10 days is possible, but it’s not relaxing. Pick a lane and you’ll enjoy more of what you came for.

7–10 days: first-time, balanced

• Bangkok (3–4 days): temples, markets, river, day trip
• One beach base (3–6 days): island hopping or just rest

10–14 days: city + north + islands

• Bangkok (3–4 days)
• Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai (3–5 days)
• Islands (4–6 days)