21 Tips to Know Before Your Thailand Trip
Thailand has a special place in my heart. It was one of the first places I learned how to travel by myself, back when I was a young backpacker fresh out of school.
Since then, I’ve traveled Thailand dozens of times, many times solo, more recently with my partner Clara, and often for months at a time.
If it’s your first time in Thailand, I’ve got some practical tips and advice to share. This is stuff I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to:
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21 Thailand Travel Tips
1. Beware of “Burning Season” (Roughly February to April)
Like much of Southeast Asia, Thailand experiences what’s alternatively known as “burning season” or “smokey season.” Basically, it’s caused by slash-and-burn agriculture.
Though it varies every year, in general, the worst of the air quality issues happen between the months of February and April. It’s worse in the northern part of the country, but I’ve seen air quality issues even as far south as Phuket in the past.
You can get a sense of the distribution of the issue by checking out Chiang Mia’s historical air quality here.
My best advice is to just avoid Thailand’s north between February and April, and to avoid Thailand at all if you are in a sensitive group.
2. Visa-Free Entry is Available to Tourists from the US and 92 Other Countries For Up to 60 Days
Thailand grants visa-free entry to visitors from 93 “visa exemption” countries (including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and much of Europe). Visa-exempt entry is allowed for a period of 60 days.
So what if you want more days in Thailand as a tourist?
Well, tourists on a visa exempt entry stamp can extend their stay for another 30 days by visiting a local immigration office once inside Thailand. Just be sure to plan well in advance, because there aren’t offices on many of the islands and they are also often closed for holidays.
You could also leave Thailand for a detour to somewhere like Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, or Vietnam (all places worth a trip in their own right), then come back and get another 60 days. You just can’t do that too many times or you might get flagged by immigration.
3. Thailand is an Affordable Destination
Traveling by yourself can get expensive.
Thankfully, of the world’s most popular countries for tourism, Thailand remains one of the most affordable. When everything is so easy on the wallet, you can afford to travel longer — or to splurge on a little bit of “me” time.
Thailand’s prices are especially great for solo travelers because they mean that, even without sharing, private accommodation can be very budget friendly.
It’s not uncommon to find decent private accommodation for $15-20 USD per night. That’s one reason Thailand is a great backpacker destination, even when you compare Thailand vs Bali and other affordable SouthEast Asian destinations.
And if you want to save even more, take advantage of this next tip …
4. Scooters are Great for Getting Around – But You Need to Get an International Driving Permit
If you know how to drive them and are properly licensed, renting a scooter or motorbike can be one of the best ways to explore Thailand. They are very affordable to rent (usually about $10-15 USD/day) and they can give you the freedom to explore out of the way places by yourself.
Even on the busiest Thai islands, I found that having a scooter meant I could escape to some secret beach tucked away from the crowds.
But you do need to be sure that you actually know how to ride a scooter.
Way too many foreigners in Thailand hop on a bike without knowing what they are doing (or, worse, while being drunk) and end up seriously injuring themselves or someone else. So be careful before hopping on that ride!
Also, make sure you’re actually legal to drive! Rental places don’t check, but the police will. Unless you have a Thai license, US citizens and most other foreigners need a motorcycle endorsement as well as an International Driving Permit to be considered legal (your license from home is not enough).
Apply for an International Driving Permit
It takes less than 10 minutes to apply for an International Driving Permit. Essential for many countries like Thailand, and a good thing to have on hand no matter where you’re driving.
5. Thailand Offers Lots of Cheap Transport Options
Speaking of transport, scooters aren’t the only ride in town in Thailand.
The “Grab” app basically works like Thailand’s version of Uber. You can order cars, food, even motorbike rides.
Tuk-tuks are another option. They are everywhere, relatively affordable, and worth taking if only for the experience.
Or you can do like the locals and hop on a “Songthaew” — which is basically a truck that’s used for very cheap public transport.
And when it comes to getting between destinations in Thailand, there are loads of transportation options too. Trains, buses, and ferries are all plentiful and relatively affordable. And if you value time over money, then budget carriers like AirAsia offer cheap flights within the country.
6. Skip the Short Term Apartment Rental – Hotels Are Best in Thailand
Many Thai cities and condo buildings have rules that restrict apartment rentals. You will find listings on apartment rental sites, but when you show up, the host will try to basically “sneak” you past security. Many do it, but in my opinion it’s not a great thing to deal with on a vacation.
Hotels in Thailand are the way to go. They offer some of the best service in the world, often at affordable prices.
Need help deciding where to stay? Check out these guides:
7. Thailand is Generally Safe for Travel
Speaking of safety, you might be wondering:
Thailand is generally very safe for travel. There are dangers everywhere in the world, and Thailand is no exception. Scams are the most likely safety issue in Thailand. But generally speaking most travelers feel very comfortable traveling alone in Thailand.
The most dangerous part of traveling Thailand alone (or traveling with others, for that matter) is probably going to be the roads. Again, remember to be safe on scooters!
8. Consider Travel Medical Insurance
Thailand has a world class medical system, but you still want to make sure you’re covered in case the worst happens. I’ve gotten dengue fever in Thailand (not fun!), and had a few other medical emergencies over the years. The hospitals are clean, modern, and the price of care is actually pretty affordable compared to the US.
It’s still a good idea to be protected with medical insurance, though. You can compare quotes from dozens of companies in minutes through a site like VisitorsCoverage.
If you’re traveling for a longer period of time, you could also check out Genki for subscription-style monthly medical health insurance. It’s pretty affordable and geared towards digital nomads!
9. Thailand is Great for Solo Travel
Maybe you’re planning to travel alone in Thailand, and you’re worried.
Well, don’t be.
Solo travel in Thailand is simply awesome and I think it is one of the best countries in the world for traveling alone.
Why do I say that? Well, a couple of reasons.
First, there are a LOT of tourists in Thailand – and quite a lot of them are traveling in Thailand alone. With so many other solo travelers, it’s really easy to meet people and even find companions.
Second, it’s a gorgeous country and there are so many beautiful places to visit in Thailand and activities to keep you busy that you may forget you are alone.
10. Hostels Are an Easy Way to Make Friends
Thailand is one of the biggest backpacking destinations in the world. So, if you are going to solo travel in Thailand, you should definitely consider staying in a hostel. Thailand has literally thousands of hostels, and most of them are clean, cheap, and central. And, yes, generally hostels are safe.
Many hostels even offer hostel jobs to backpackers through the platform World Packers.
Best of all?
Staying in a hostel is one of the easiest ways to make friends while traveling alone in Thailand. Remember, there are a lot of other solo travelers in Thailand, and a lot of them stay in hostels!
I made so many friends in the hostels of Thailand that a lot of the time I totally forgot I was technically a solo traveler. To help plan your trip, check out this backpacker guide to Thailand.
11. It’s Easy to Find a Beach for Yourself
Thailand is renowned for its beaches for a reason. You’ll find beautiful sand, crystal clear water, and some of the best diving and snorkeling spots around.
Heck, there is even a famous movie set there entitled “The Beach.” And, because of that reputation, some of Thailand’s beaches can get downright crowded.
But do you want to know a little secret?
Almost everywhere in Thailand, it’s possible to find a less touristed and quiet beach, even on the popular islands. All you have to do is ask some locals where the tranquil secret beaches are and work out your transport there (again, this is where a scooter comes in handy).
12. Songkran is Worth Planning a Trip Around
There are a lot of really cool experiences to have in Thailand, but Songkran is by far my favorite.
What is Songkran, you ask?
It’s the Thai New Year’s festival and it’s celebrated on April 13th of every year. There are a lot of traditions associated with the festival, but the big one is that essentially the entire country turns into a giant water fight!
Songkran is seriously fun. I arrived on Koh Tao last year the morning of Songkran, and no sooner had I exited the ferry than I was doused — bags and all — in buckets of water.
The only thing I could do? Grab a SuperSoaker and join in the action!
Oh, and it is super easy to make friends at the festival – even if you are traveling to Thailand alone!
13. So are the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festivals
Two other Thai festivals that are worth a trip are Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, which overlap concurrently and usually take place in November. These are festivals you can best enjoy in the north, with Chiang Mai being the most popular destination.
Yi Peng is a festival that only takes place in Chiang Mai, and revolves around the release of lanterns into the sky. Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand, and involves floating lanterns made of wood and banana leaves. There are a ton of other celebrations that take place, with most temples having some sort of ceremony that is open to the public.
The festivals are really beautiful, particularly for photographers, and I think it’s worth planning a trip around.
14. The Full Moon Party, Meanwhile, Isn’t (But It’s Still Fun)
Oh, yeah, there is this other festival in Thailand that you might have heard of. It’s called the Full Moon Party and it too is an experience.
A lot of tourists will plan a trip around going to the Full Moon Party.
But the party in a lot of ways reflects some of the worst things about tourism in Thailand. I’ve been twice. And, to be honest, it’s fun but far from the greatest party I’ve been to in my life.
You may be bummed out if the party dates don’t coincide with your trip. But know that the island which hosts the party, Koh Pha Ngan, also hosts a Half Moon party twice a month (check the festival calendar).
15. But You Should Go Anyway If That’s Your Thing
With that said, the Full Moon Party can be fun and it is definitely a unique experience. When I went in April, it wasn’t nearly as overcrowded as I expected, there was lots of interesting entertainment, and I was surprised by just how gorgeous the beach was.
Plus, there are so many solo travelers at the party that it’s a great way to connect with others if you are traveling alone in Thailand.
So if you are in the area anyway, go ahead and have some fun. Just don’t be one of those drunk fools who makes an embarrassment out of visitors to Thailand.
16. Try to Watch as Many Sunsets as You Can
I know, I know, “watch the sunset” seems like a pretty lame tip right?
Well, tell me what you think after you’ve seen the sunset a half dozen times or so in Thailand. I’ve been around the world, and in my opinion, Thailand has some of the most consistently amazing sunsets in the world. And because you’re likely to spend a lot of time on islands, it’s always possible to find a westward facing view!
17. Cannabis is Everywhere in Thailand (But Be Careful)
Cannabis in Thailand was decriminalized on June 9, 2022. Almost overnight, cannabis shops sprouted up on practically every corner. If you’re interested in trying some 420 in Thailand, you won’t have to look far to find a weed shop slinging the goods.
With that said, there are some things you should know before lighting up:
First, vaping is banned in Thailand. That applies to all vaping, not just marijuana pens.
Second, Thailand’s cannabis industry is young and it’s very much still a “Wild West” situation in terms of regulation. For most products, there’s no reliable way to be sure that you’re getting what is advertised. According to this Forbes article, the only cannabis product currently approved by Thailand’s FDA is Baked cookies, a brand that offers a micro-dose of THC. Everything else is buyer beware, for now!
Third, as of summer 2025, the law has changed and you now need a prescription to buy it. You’ll still see shops everywhere. Some shops may not ask for it, others may “sell” prescriptions for a few hundred baht. It doesn’t seem to be a massive barrier for many, but be sure you’re following the law.
18. Don’t Exploit Elephants and Tigers Please
A decade ago, it was practically a right of passage for backpackers in Thailand to ride elephants and take a photo with tiger cubs at one of Thailand’s “tiger temples.”
These days we know the truth: this is animal abuse. The elephants are brutally beaten to become compliant enough to allow human riders, and Thailand’s unethical tiger temples drug the beautiful animals so that visitors can take photos with them. Cubs are even separated from their mothers.
Be an ethical traveler and skip the elephant riding and tiger selfies!
If you want to see the elephants, I recommend a visit to Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, which rescues abused elephants. You can’t ride or bathe them but you can see them and feed them. It’s a ton of fun!
19. Don’t Forget About Thailand’s North
While the Thai islands are great for their sunsets, don’t forget to plan to spend some time in Thailand’s gorgeous and mountainous north.
Chiang Mai is one of the most popular spots for solo travel in the world. You’ll spend your mornings exploring some of the most beautiful temples in the world, your afternoons hanging out with elephants (just don’t ride them), and your nights eating incredible street food.
Or head on up to Pai, where you can soak in life at one of the top backpacker towns in the world.
Pai is absolutely filled with other people traveling through Thailand solo – so you’re practically guaranteed not to be alone there 🙂
20. Thai Cuisine is More Than Pad Thai
If you’ve never been to Thailand, you probably have a very specific view of Thai cuisine, in part because of a very successful Thai government program to export Thai restaurants around the world.
If you are like most foreigners, I’m guessing “pad thai” comes to mind when you think “Thai cuisine” right?
Well, don’t worry, you can definitely look forward to great and affordable pad thai in abundance on your trip.
But realize that Thailand actually has several regional cuisines!
In particular, you must also try the Lanna cuisine in the north of Thailand. Khao Soi (pictured above) is the most famous dish and trust me it’s unbelievable. Many visitors, including myself, prefer it over pad thai. You can find it all over in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and even in many Lanna restaurants in Bangkok.
21. You’ll Have to Go Through Bangkok A Lot
Bangkok is the hub for pretty much any travel in Thailand (and Southeast Asia more generally). So, you’re likely to find yourself going through the city at a few points during your trip through Thailand.
You’ll soon get familiar with the phrase “back to Bangkok.”
To help you see the best of the city, I suggest staying in a different area on each visit. For inspiration, check out my guide on where to stay in Bangkok.
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Enjoy your trip, and let me know in the comments if you have any questions or tips of your own. Next up, see Taylor’s complete packing list for Thailand.
I am a 48 year old married father to two girls aged 13 and 15. I am planning my third trip to Thailand, first trip was 20 years ago when me and the wife spent a month in Thailand, second trip was two years ago and we ‘back packed’ around Phuket – old town, Kata, Ban Tao, Koh Lanta, rafting and water parks. In the upcoming Easter Holidays we want to go again for 2 weeks and visit Bangkok and Koh Samui, and back to Kata Beach.
Do you have any advice or suggestions for us?
Hi Wayne – check out my guides to where to stay in Bangkok and where to stay in Phuket for hotel suggestions there. I don’t have one for Samui, but with kids I’d recommend the Lamai Beach area or maybe up north near Fisherman Village. I also stayed at the Melia Samui and it was very family-friendly.
For Bangkok, be sure to take them to the shopping malls as they’re such an experience. Terminal 21 is cool because it’s themed like different parts of the world. and Em Wonder has a fun vibe as well. And then there are also a ton in Siam (MBK Center, centralwOrld, Siam Paragon, etc). Also of course the Grand Palace, and I’d suggest a sunset or nighttime river cruise as well. Then take them through some night markets. And maybe a day tour to a floating market. Lots to do in Bangkok.
In Phuket, you already know I’m sure about the shows, waterparks, etc. Of course a boat tour to the islands is great, especially if they like exploring, snorkeling, etc.
The one thing I’d say about your itinerary is just be aware that Phuket and Samui are on opposite sides, so you’ll need to fly between them. I don’t think it’s an issue, but flights to Samui can get expensive. If you wanted to cut Samui, you could alternatively go to Krabi / Ao Nang and get a similar experience.
Anyway, check out those guides and if you have any more specific questions, just let me know.
-Nate
My 18-year-old daughter and her friend want to spend about a month in Thailand. What are your thoughts on girls traveling to Thailand that young? I’ve never been there and am unsure. So far everything I’ve read says that it’s a safe country to visit.
Many young people from all over the world come to Thailand for backpacking and “gap year” trips. In general, Thailand is a very safe place for visitors. The biggest things to pay attention to are motorbike safety. Many young foreigners ride even though they aren’t licensed and trained, and that can lead to bad results. Also make sure to wear lots of repellent, as dengue can be an issue. But in terms of violent crime, Thailand’s crime rate is less than that of the US, UK, Canada, or France.
Hello Mate,
I’m due some solo travel in November, perhaps for a month.
Thailand with few days in Cambodia. Would you recommend planning, or just seeing where the wind takes me? I imagine it’s relatively easy to make plans on the fly.
Thoughts?
Hi Darren – it really depends what type of travel you like. Especially if traveling overland, it is true that Thailand and Cambodia are relatively easy places to plan on the go.
Planning to stay in Thailand should I break It down to two destinations for the month or is it cool to sit in Bangkok for the whole month ?
Hi Bill –
It depends what you’re looking for, but personally I would suggest visiting one of Thailand’s amazing island or mountain destinations. Bangkok is a world class city and there is definitely enough to keep you busy for a month if you are the kind of traveler who likes to go deep into a city. But it’s an entirely different Thailand outside of Bangkok, so I’d suggest visiting somewhere else. It’s a short flight to Koh Samui, Krabi, or Phuket, which are home to tons of amazing beachfront destinations. You could also go north and visit the mountains, checking out Chiang Mai, Pai, or Chiang Rai. If you want to stay closer to Bangkok, it is only a couple hours over land to Pattaya, or a few more and a ferry to visit my favorite Thai island, Koh Chang.
Whatever you do, it sounds like a great trip! Have fun in Thailand!
Nate
Hi Nate, loved the article, lots of helpful tips. I am planning a 5 week trip across 5 countries and I will be in thiland at 2 different parts. For one day I will be in Bangkok with a group of 4 and then a week or so later i have about 5 days by myself in Bangkok. I have never traveled out of the US by myself and am a bit worried about getting lost or stuck somewhere and not making it back to bangkok for my flight. Still, I have 5 days and would love to explore more of the country that just the city. Do you have any tips for the best mode of travel for getting in and out of the city or maybe a place out of the city that is the most worth visiting or easy to get to and from?
Hi Cam! First, congrats on your first solo trip abroad – Thailand is a great choice! I would suggest just being sure to be back in Bangkok at least one night before your flight, and you should be fine. There are plenty of quick and easy affordable flights from Bangkok to elsewhere in the country. You could go to Chiang Mai if you want jungles, mountains, and temples. Or fly to Krabi and visit Ao Nang if you want beach. Or to Koh Samui if you want an island.
If you’re really worried about it, I would suggest checking out Koh Chang. It is a beautiful island and one of my favorites in Thailand. You can access it by bus/ferry combo from Bangkok.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the very interesting article!
I want to do a solo travel in Thailand, would you recommend to travel from north to south or from south to north?
(I have 3 weeks and I’m thinking of doing also some volunteer work for 1 week!
Thanks!
Gr, Sofie
Hi Sofie – going either way is generally fine, in my opinion. The one thing I’d avoid is spending time in the north during March or April, which is burning season in northern Thailand. Otherwise, I think whatever works for your schedule is just fine. In general, you will find more volunteer opportunities in the north. Check out Vanessa’s Worldpackers review for tips on how to find them.
Thanks for mentioning not riding a beaten elephant or petting a drugged tiger.
Hi Nate, I want to spend about 2 weeks in Thailand but I am not sure which city to start at. I want to explore Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Spending about 3-4 days in each city. May you kindly advice on this. I do not mind the order of the cities, I can start anywhere.
Hi Rachel – that sounds like a great plan. Those are three of the largest destinations in Thailand and all three have airports with frequent flights between them.
Can’t agree on one piece of advice, the Tuk tuks! They are largely scammers/gang enterprises and will often try to take you on round about trips that include unwanted stops to cheap jewelry and awful “tourists sites.” This is despite negotiation of price beforehand. Furthermore, they are environmentally filthy with their smokey two stroke engines. Lastly, they are definitely NOT cheaper than the metered taxi except for really short hops under a mile.
But for short hops why not walk? At a starting meter price the taxis are air conditioned and super cheap. Bangkok to airport (45 minutes) is baht as example or about $5 US. Or, good luck on Tuk tuk!
Thanks for your perspective Tony. My point is just that tuk tuks are a relatively affordable means of travel, at least for anyone used to US or Europe prices. I agree they are more expensive in Bangkok, but in much of the rest of the country (such as the islands) they are essential to getting around if you don’t have a scooter.
If you’re not staying in hostels, Facebook groups, couchsurfing and airbnb experiences are great ways to meet people too 😉
Enjoyed the article… Traveling to Thailand for a month… 25th of March to April 25
Sounds like a lot of fun! And I think that means you’ll be there for Songkran!
I’ve really enjoyed reading your articel! Thank you for the tips!!