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Your First-Timer Questions, Answered

The things travelers ask us most before a first trip to Thailand, grouped so you can scan straight to yours.

A blue and yellow tuk-tuk parked on the road outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok
A blue and yellow tuk-tuk parked on the road outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok Mos Sukjaroenkraisri (Unsplash)
Belle
Thai American who travels to Thailand every other year
Most asked

You Asked, We Answered

Tap any question for the short answer and a link to the full guide.

Planning
When should I go?
We AnsweredNovember to February is cool, dry, and the easiest first trip. March to May turns very hot, and June to October brings monsoon rain, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Read When to Go →
Do I need a visa?
We AnsweredMost nationalities enter visa-free for a set number of days, and the length is changing in 2026. Everyone must file the free TDAC arrival card online within 72 hours before landing. Visas & Entry →
How many days do I need?
We AnsweredSeven days covers Bangkok plus one region. Ten to fourteen lets you add the islands or the north without rushing. Sample Itineraries →
How much will a trip cost?
We AnsweredThailand is friendly on the wallet. Street meals cost a few dollars and mid-range days stay low once your flights are booked. Money & Connectivity →
Where should I go?
We AnsweredPair Bangkok with the north for temples and mountains, or the south for islands and beaches. Our overview helps you choose. Where to go →
What if I can only visit Bangkok?
We AnsweredYou can still get a real taste of the country. Base yourself in Bangkok for the food, temples and markets, then give a day or two to a trip out west to Kanchanaburi. Sai Yok and the upper river valley pack Thailand’s mountains, caves and rivers into one easy escape: waterfalls, limestone caves, forest wildlife, and raft houses drifting on the River Kwai. It is the quickest way to swap the city for the wild without a domestic flight. Sai Yok & Upper Kanchanaburi →
What should I sort out the moment I land?
We AnsweredDraw a little cash at an airport ATM and change more in town, pick up a tourist SIM or eSIM, and have Grab installed before you line up for a ride. Our arrival checklist walks through the whole first hour. The Arrival Checklist →
Getting around
How do I get around Bangkok?
We AnsweredThe BTS Skytrain and MRT metro skip the traffic, Grab and metered taxis fill the gaps, and river boats are a scenic way to move. Getting Around Bangkok →
How do I travel between regions?
We AnsweredCheap domestic flights save time over long distances, while overnight trains and buses are comfortable and easy to book. Getting Around Thailand →
What should I pack?
We AnsweredLight, breathable clothes for the heat, plus something that covers shoulders and knees for temples. Slip-on shoes make temple visits easier. What to Pack →
Should I use the Grab app?
We AnsweredYes. Grab is Thailand’s go-to ride app, a bit like Southeast Asia’s Uber, for cars, taxis, and even food delivery. Fares are set upfront, so there is no haggling or meter games, which makes it the easiest and safest way to get around, especially at night or during Songkran. Bolt is a common alternative. Getting Around Bangkok →
How do I get from the airport into town?
We AnsweredGrab or Bolt is the easiest first ride, with the fare agreed in the app. Suvarnabhumi also has the Airport Rail Link into the city. We break down the costs, travel times and best way in for all six major airports. Getting from the Airport →
Safety & laws
Is Thailand safe?
We AnsweredYes, for the vast majority of visitors. Take normal city precautions and know the emergency numbers before you go. Health & Safety →
What scams should I watch for?
We AnsweredThe tuk-tuk gem-shop detour, closed-attraction fibs, and jet-ski damage claims are the classics, and all are easy to sidestep once you know them. Common Scams →
What laws should first-timers know?
We AnsweredNever touch drugs, leave vapes at home, carry ID, and treat the monarchy with respect. Cannabis is now medical-use only. Laws & Legal Basics →
Is the Thailand-Cambodia border safe right now?
We AnsweredClashes through 2025 ended in a ceasefire on December 27, 2025, and it is holding, but the border stays tense and every land crossing into Cambodia is still closed, so fly between the two countries. Most governments advise against travel within 50 km (30 miles) of the frontier, including the disputed temple areas in the northeast (Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom, near Sisaket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani), and remote strips can hold landmines. Exclusion zones can appear at short notice, so follow military and police instructions and check your government’s advisory. The main tourist regions, Bangkok, the north, the islands, Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai, are well away from this and unaffected. Health & Safety →
Is it safe to travel during Songkran?
We AnsweredSongkran, the Thai New Year, runs April 13 to 15 with nationwide water fights, and it is a joy to experience. It is also Thailand’s deadliest week on the roads: the annual “seven dangerous days” bring well over a thousand crashes and around 250 deaths, mostly on motorcycles, with speeding and alcohol the leading causes. Do not drive or ride a scooter over the holiday, never splash people on moving vehicles, travel by Grab or public transport, and expect sobriety checkpoints. Health & Safety →
Food & culture
What should I eat?
We AnsweredStart with the classics, then branch into regional dishes and the markets. Our guide breaks it down by category. What to Eat →
What are the local customs?
We AnsweredDress modestly at temples, greet with a wai, and keep your cool in public. A little respect goes a long way. Customs & Etiquette →
Can I see elephants ethically?
We AnsweredChoose sanctuaries that never offer rides or shows and let the animals roam. We list what to look for and where to go. Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries →
Can women touch monks?
We AnsweredNo. Women must not touch a monk or his robes, or hand anything to him directly. Place an offering on a cloth or tray, or pass it through a man, and step aside to let a monk pass. Customs & Etiquette →
Nightlife
What is the nightlife like?
We AnsweredFrom rooftop bars to buzzing night markets and the well-known red-light districts, here is what to expect and how to enjoy it respectfully and safely. Nightlife & Red-Light →
Are the rooftop bars worth it?
We AnsweredBangkok’s rooftop bars are a highlight, with skyline views to match. We cover the best spots and the dress codes. Rooftops & Bars →
Where does Khao San Road fit?
We AnsweredKhao San is Bangkok’s legendary backpacker strip in Banglamphu, the riverside corner of the Old Town near the Grand Palace: cheap guesthouses, late bars, street food, and travel agents. It is big on atmosphere but light on rail, with no BTS or MRT on the street itself. Reach it by Chao Phraya river boat to Phra Athit pier, MRT Blue to Sanam Chai then a short ride, or a taxi or tuk-tuk. Bangkok Neighborhoods →
Keep reading

More First-Timer Guides

Before You Fly

Visas & Entry

The TDAC card, visa-free rules, and what to have ready at immigration.

Sort your entry →
Out of Town

Bangkok Day Trips

Nine easy escapes, from Ayutthaya’s ruins to floating markets.

Plan a day trip →
The Coasts

Islands & Beaches

Two coasts, opposite seasons: how to choose between Andaman and Gulf.

Find your island →
About this guide

Written by Belle, a Thai American who travels to Thailand every other year and has family in Bangkok. Everything here comes from my own visits unless the text says otherwise. Prices and journey times are typical cases rather than quotes, so recheck anything time-sensitive before you pay. Brand mentions are never paid placements, and the guide is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

How we research →