🇹🇭 What Travelers Wish They Knew Before Visiting Thailand

Insights from 2,500+ real traveler reviews of Your Thai Guide

Planning your first trip to Thailand? We analyzed over 2,500+ traveler conversations to bring you the most commonly shared advice, regrets, and must-know tips—so you can skip the rookie mistakes and hit the ground running.

💵 Money & Payments

Cash is still king.

Many travelers wish they’d brought small bills on arrival.
You’ll need cash for street food, local markets, public transport, and even some temple entry fees (usually around 100 baht, or ~$3).
Smaller vendors rarely take cards. Even in cities, credit card machines can be down or “not working today.”

ATMs are everywhere—but…

ATM fees add up (around 220 baht per withdrawal), so withdraw in larger chunks if possible.
Have some cash ready before leaving the airport to avoid stress after a long flight.

Tour tips most first-timers miss:

If you’re booking a local guide, you’ll likely cover their meals and transport costs during the tour day. Plan for that in your budget.

👕 Clothing & What to Pack

Based on what caught travelers off guard

Temple dress codes are strictly enforced.

For women: shoulders covered, skirts/pants below the knee.
For men: no tank tops; long pants only.
Many travelers shared stories of being turned away at entrances, even at famous temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

You’ll remove your shoes… a lot.

“I took my shoes off at least 12 times in one day,” one traveler wrote.
Bring comfortable, slip-on shoes with good grip (temple steps can be slippery).
Clean socks matter—you’ll be barefoot on warm stone, tile, and marble floors.

Pack for the heat you don’t expect.

Even in the “cool” season, Bangkok hits 90°F+ / 32°C+ with intense humidity.
Prioritize lightweight, breathable clothing: think loose cotton, linen, moisture-wicking tees.
Don’t stress about style—“elephant pants” (sold near all major temples for under 150 baht) are cheap, comfy, and temple-appropriate.

Sun protection isn’t optional.

A foldable umbrella, wide-brimmed hat, or UV scarf can save you from heat exhaustion on outdoor days.

🎒 Essential Items to Carry

Travelers consistently recommended packing these items in your day bag:

Tissues + hand sanitizer: Many public restrooms lack toilet paper and soap.
Sunscreen: The UV index is extreme year-round.
Refillable water bottle: Dehydration happens quickly.
Wet wipes: Especially useful after walking around outdoor markets or temples.
Small towel: For sweat—you’ll thank yourself during that second temple stop.
Compact backpack or tote: To carry snacks, souvenirs, water, and cooling items.

🚈 Transportation Insights

Public transport is fast, cheap, and often better than taxis.

Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are efficient, air-conditioned, and inexpensive.
Chao Phraya river ferries are scenic and skip traffic.
Tuk-tuks are fun, but always negotiate the price before getting in.

Traffic is brutal.

Several travelers said “we spent more time in traffic than sightseeing” when relying on taxis.
Trains, boats, and walking are often faster for short distances.

Ride-hailing works great.

Grab (like Uber for Southeast Asia) is widely used—download it in advance.

Pro tip:

Have your guide teach you how to buy transport tickets early—it boosts independence later in the trip.

🍲 Food & Drink Safety

Street food is safer than you think—and delicious.

Most travelers had no issues and loved the experience.
The best rule: eat where locals eat. Busy stalls mean fresh turnover.

Be mindful of ice and tap water.

Some sensitive stomachs reacted to iced drinks.
Bottled water is cheap and everywhere.

Restaurant tip:

Avoid tourist-heavy spots. Local, family-run restaurants often have better food at half the price.

Food allergies?

Ask your guide or hotel staff to write key allergy phrases in Thai for you to show when ordering.

☀️ Weather & Heat Management

The heat surprises everyone.

Bangkok often hits 95°F with 80% humidity—and doesn’t cool off much at night.
The majority of travelers recommended starting days early (before 9am) and taking midday AC breaks.

Guides make the heat easier.

Many travelers said guides came prepared with water bottles, fans, and shaded routes.

Air-conditioned transport is worth it.

Opt for Grab with AC, indoor dining, and train travel when possible.

🙏 Cultural & Practical Tips

Hire a local guide for your first day.

This was one of the most common and repeated tips.
Guides help you understand etiquette, translate, navigate, and avoid tourist traps.
“Our guide taught us how to wai, negotiate at markets, and spot scams—all in one morning,” one traveler shared.

Respect temple etiquette.

Remove your shoes, keep quiet, and never point your feet at Buddha statues.
Avoid touching monks, especially as a woman.

Learn basic Thai greetings.

Just “Sawasdee ka/krap” (hello) and “khop khun” (thank you) go a long way.
And yes—you’ll impress locals if you try.

Markets require bargaining.

It’s expected, not rude.
Let your guide model it first—you’ll pick it up fast.

🏥 Health & Safety

Prescription meds? Bring them.

Don’t count on finding replacements locally.

Hand sanitizer is a daily essential.

You’ll touch plenty of railings, cash, and shared surfaces.

Stay hydrated.

Dehydration + jet lag = early burnout.
Travelers recommended drinking water at every stop, even if you’re not thirsty.

Jet lag + heat is no joke.

Plan a low-stress first 24 hours with minimal walking and lots of water.

📅 Timing & Planning

Book popular guides in advance.

The best guides often get fully booked weeks ahead, especially in high season (Nov–Feb).

Start temple days early.

By 8:30am, you’ll avoid both crowds and heat.

Build in rest breaks.

Many travelers wished they’d left gaps in their itinerary for shade, food, or spontaneous stops.

One guided day = smoother rest of your trip.

A guide early on can teach you how to get around, order food, and follow etiquette—making every day after easier and more fun.

📱 Communication

WhatsApp is widely used.

Most guides and tour companies will use it to confirm bookings and coordinate meetups.

Translation apps help.

Google Translate (with Thai downloaded offline) can be a lifesaver for signs and menus.

Don’t expect fluent English—but don’t stress.

Many locals know basic phrases, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots.

💡 Money-Saving Tips

Public transport costs a fraction of taxis.
Street food and local eateries are cheaper—and usually better—than tourist restaurants.
Temple clothing (scarves, elephant pants) can be bought near entrances for just a few dollars.
A local guide helps you avoid scams, overpriced tours, and fake products—often saving more than they cost.

✅ Final Word

After combing through thousands of traveler messages, one theme kept coming up:

Hiring a knowledgeable local guide for Day 1 made the rest of the trip smoother, cheaper, safer, and more fun.

They help you navigate the culture, decode the transport system, and avoid the tourist mistakes you don’t even know you’re making.

If you remember one thing from this guide:
Start early, stay hydrated, and book a local guide.