Top Tips for Holidaying in Thailand

If you are planning a holiday in the Royal Kingdom of Thailand and this is your very first time in the Land of Smiles, you have come to the right place, as we offer a few essential tips from veteran travellers.

• • Check for Thai Immigration entry requirements – Entry requirements can change at any time, so rather than just arriving and hoping for the best, check on the Thai Immigration website. Some nationalities receive a visa upon arrival, while some are visa-exempt. Google can take you to the Thai Immigration website and you can check the entry requirements for your nationality.
  • Don’t drink tap water – Some foreigners think that they can drink the tap water in Thailand, which we definitely do not recommend. Drink bottled water to be 100% safe! Even the ice in your drink might cause sickness, so take care.
  • Thai street food – There is a lot of مأكولات صحية في تايلاند (healthy food in Thailand) and street food is everywhere. Of course, you have to visit some of the best seafood restaurants that can be found in every town and city. There are also delicious Thai desserts available from vendors who sell from a handcart.

• Thai taxis – Most people are unaware that there is a colour code with taxis in Thailand; green and yellow taxis are driver-owned, while orange, blue, yellow and pink taxis are rented out to the drivers. We recommend the dual colour taxi, with green at the bottom and yellow at the top. Always insist on the driver turning on the meter at the start of the journey, as some taxi drivers will try to negotiate a higher fare.

• Do not walk around shirtless – The only time you should be topless is on a beach; the Thais are very modest people and they do not like showing lots of skin. The Thais will never say anything to you, but they will turn their noses up and you are bringing foreigners into disrepute. Dress conservatively, especially when going into a Buddhist temple and always remove your shoes before entering a Thai person’s home. Click here for top tech tips in 2025.

• Apply sunscreen – It is oh so easy to get sunburnt; when you are on the beach, there is a breeze so you do not feel the heat. Plus, the salty air can cause sunburn. To be safe, apply sunscreen before going out and you really can’t go wrong. The back of the neck also needs to be protected when you are out in the sun.

• Respect local customs and traditions – Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country and there are days when it is illegal to buy/drink alcohol in public places. There are maybe 7-8 days a year when this law is in place, so avoid alcohol during these times. Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites.

• Changing money in Thailand – Of course, there are currency exchange booths everywhere in tourism areas and they offer variable rates; you can save money by comparing rates before you change money. Be aware of ATM charges when you use your credit card to withdraw cash, as charges can be very steep.

We hope that the above tips help you enjoy your Thai holiday and whether you are staying in Phuket or Pattaya, you will find the local people are very friendly. One thing is for sure, your first visit to the Land of Smiles won’t be your last.