If you’re planning a trip to Thailand then these insider tips will help you navigate cultural nuances, avoid common pitfalls, and embrace your adventure. From saving money on ATMs to respecting local customs, here’s how to make the most of your Thailand experience.
Taking a break from our usual house sitting exchanges Hannah and I spent a month exploring Thailand. It was our first experience in the Land of Smiles, and we loved it. From the organized chaos of Bangkok to the stunning and super chilled Thai islands, here are 10 insider tips for when you get to Thailand.
1. Respect Thai Culture and Customs
The Thai people deeply value politeness and respect, so in professional situations greet people with a wai – a slight bow with palms pressed together. When visiting temples, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and always remove your shoes before entering.
Avoid touching anyone on the head, as it’s considered disrespectful, and steer clear of pointing with your feet.
2. Beware of ATM Fees
One of the most valuable insider tips for Thailand is that all ATMs charge a fee of around $4 – $7 per withdrawal. This is in addition to any charges from your home bank. To minimize costs, withdraw larger amounts at once and store the cash securely. We did not find a free cash withdrawal in Thailand!
Credit and debit cards aren’t accepted everywhere, especially outside major cities and upscale establishments. Carry enough cash for day-to-day expenses, but don’t carry too much to avoid the risk of loss. Market vendors, small eateries, and local transportation typically only accept cash.
3. Street Food Is Your Best Friend
Thailand is famous for its street food, offering authentic flavors at unbeatable prices. Pad Thai, som tam (papaya salad), and mango sticky rice are must-tries. Don’t worry too much about hygiene – look for busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness.
Plus, finding where locals eat is a great way to discover eateries off the tourist trail. Most shopping malls have fantastic food courts where a variety of delicious Thai dishes are prepared by vendors. These dishes usually cost around $2 – $4 and provided us with some of the best food we ate in Thailand.
4. Beware of Illegal Zoos and Support Ethical Wildlife Tourism
Thailand is famous for its incredible wildlife, but not all attractions treat animals ethically. Avoid visiting illegal zoos or attractions that exploit animals for profit, such as tiger selfie parks or elephant rides. Instead, research ethical sanctuaries and refuges that prioritize animal welfare.
Never tip people using animals like monkeys, snakes, or slow lorises for street performances or photo ops. These creatures are often mistreated and kept in poor conditions, and the people themselves are exploited by criminal gangs to bring in money from tourists.
Elephant Retirement Park in Chiang Mai and Wildlife Friends Foundation near Hua Hin are both fantastic wildlife refuges.
5. Use Public Transport and Apps to Save Money
Skip overpriced taxis and embrace Thailand’s efficient public transport. Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT systems are cheap and convenient. For local rides, Grab (Thailand’s answer to Uber) is safe, reliable, and cheap. With Grab, all communication and payment is done via an app – in English.
Avoid tuk-tuks unless you’ve agreed on a price upfront, tourists are often charged premium rates. Even after agreeing on a price I’ve heard stories of tourists being asked for more money once the ride has finished. If you must ride a tuk-tuk, ride with caution.
6. Dress Light but Prepare for Variety
Thailand’s climate is hot and humid, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing. However, be mindful of cultural norms, especially at religious sites. Include a light scarf or shawl in your bag for quick cover-ups. If you’re traveling during the rainy season, a compact rain jacket, poncho, and umbrella will be invaluable.
We witnessed a couple of mega-storms while in Hua Hin even though it was outside of the rainy season. Be warned that even if the weather isn’t predicting rain, inclement weather can still hit randomly and with force!
7. Stay Hydrated and Be Wary of Tap Water
A very important addition to these Thailand insider tips is to avoid tap water entirely, including ice cubes in smaller restaurants or stalls. It’s not safe to drink and can cause sickness. The tropical heat can be intense, so drink plenty of bottled or filtered water to stay hydrated.
Most hotels and hostels provide refill stations, which are more eco-friendly and cost-effective than buying bottled water repeatedly.
8. Learn a Few Thai Phrases
A little effort goes a long way in Thailand. Learning basic phrases like sawadee (hello) and kop khun ka (thank you) shows respect and can help you connect with locals.
English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in the bigger cities and main tourist hubs. If you plan to travel to remote areas you’ll benefit from having translation apps or guidebooks to help communicate as English speakers aren’t as common.
9. Haggle Smartly in Markets
Haggling is part of the shopping culture in Thailand’s markets, but it should be done respectfully. Start with a counteroffer of about half the initial asking price and work your way up. Smile, be polite, and know when to walk away if you can’t agree on a price.
The Thai markets are great places for everything from fruit and vegetables to clothing and souvenirs. Even in some of the larger shopping malls you will find pop-up temporary markets selling all kinds of different wares.
10. Respect the Royal Family
The Thai royal family is revered, and any form of disrespect is taken seriously. Avoid discussing politics or the monarchy in public. When the national anthem plays – whether in a park or before a movie – do as the locals do and stand silently to show respect.
Final Thoughts
Thailand’s beautiful culture, delicious cuisine, and friendly people make it an unforgettable destination. By following these Thailand insider tips, you’ll not only save money and avoid common tourist traps but also gain a deeper appreciation during your visit.
Traveling around Asia? Don’t miss my previous articles such as Unexpected Amazing Places: House Sitting in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and 10 Insider Tips to Make the Most of Your Bali Adventure. Enjoy your travels!
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