Recently, I've had a few inquiries about travel tips for Thailand, so I thought it would be useful to compile my suggestions for anyone planning a visit to this fantastic country. I usually end up providing more information than people expect, so I believe this approach will be a practical way to share my advice in the future.

As I penned these thoughts, I realized that my deep appreciation for the culture and cuisine of this country wouldn’t have been possible without my wife. Prior to our meeting, she had spent much of her life in and around Bangkok and had traveled extensively across various regions. But, if someone had given me the following tips before my initial two solo trips to Thailand, I probably would have had an even richer experience.

In my interpretation, Thailand has 3 principal seasons:

• Scorching and arid.
• Wet and warm.
• Extremely warm and extremely wet.

The season you choose for your trip can make a big difference. If you're investing the time and money to travel to Southeast Asia, I highly suggest visiting in December or January. This period is the dry season in most parts of Thailand, making it a much better time for tourism compared to other times of the year when the weather can be less favorable or even challenging. I visited in August once and, while I mostly had good weather, there were still moments when I had to stay indoors because of heavy rainfall.

I believe there is usually some risk of storms and flooding, but these risks tend to be minimal near the year's end. One time in December, I took a long taxi ride through Song Khla Province and encountered some moderate(?) flooding. It was a rather amusing experience and it didn't interrupt my trip.

Thailand is a vast nation with diverse climates, so it's important to research the expected weather for your specific travel destination. The rainy season varies across regions, so take note of this when planning your trip.

The peak tourist season spans from November to February, largely because of Europe's chilly climate and Thailand's heavy rainfall during the rest of the year. I wouldn't really suggest organizing a trip outside of these months.

We'll cover more about getting ready for the upcoming weather in a later section.

Bangkok is definitely a place you should see. Although it’s a large metropolis, many of the key attractions are located within a fairly small central zone: the royal palace, some stunning temples, and Chinatown. While the city can be a bit chaotic and polluted, with some areas that are unfortunately run-down or seedy, I still highly suggest spending at least a few days exploring it.

If I had to suggest another area in the country, I'd go with the Andaman Sea coast. Phuket and Krabi are stunning but unfortunately, they’re now swarming with tourists. Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe offer the same beauty without the overwhelming crowds. Additionally, the Andaman coast is dotted with numerous smaller, lesser-known islands that are worth visiting. While there are pleasant places to stay around both Phuket and Krabi, I wouldn't recommend them as your main destination.

I’ve never had the chance to explore Chiang Mai in the north, but I’ve heard it’s an amazing destination. Do keep in mind, however, that from February, the air quality can get quite poor because of agricultural burning. It’s something to consider when planning your trip. Otherwise, everything I’ve heard about the area has been positive.

While the Gulf of Thailand boasts its own beautiful spots, I suggest the Andaman Sea coast instead. The karst landscape is stunning, and there's an intriguing blend of local cultures. Plus, I have more personal experience with the area, making it a place I'm quite comfortable recommending.

In brief, if you have two weeks, I’d suggest dividing your time so you spend roughly 40% in Bangkok and 60% on an island in the Andaman Sea—perhaps give Koh Lipe a shot? From Bangkok, you can easily catch a flight to Phuket, Krabi, or Hat Yai, then arrange for a transfer to your chosen island or resort. Hat Yai itself is a fascinating city, largely untouched by Western tourism. It's also likely one of the safer, more developed, and authentic cities in Thailand, known for its excellent food, particularly Chinese and Malay cuisine.

I realize there are plenty of other amazing destinations in the country, but for a first visit, I'd suggest Bangkok and the Andaman Sea. Sure, Chiang Mai is often praised as a stunning location (even by locals), though I haven't had the chance to go there myself. Also, it's important to note that Chiang Mai experiences significant air pollution at certain times of the year.

Domestic flights offer an affordable and dependable option, matching the quality you'd find in Europe. While there have been recent investments in high-speed rail lines by Chinese companies, these services seem to have not extended to the southern regions of the country thus far. Even though taking an old train could provide a unique experience, I would advise against it for trips of any length. For journeys under 300 kilometers, long-distance buses can be a comfortable mode of travel, though the quality can vary widely.

Thailand stands out as a relatively affluent nation compared to its neighboring countries, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. A significant number of individuals employed in unskilled jobs in Thailand are actually migrants hailing from these less affluent regions. Specifically, there's a notable presence of migrant workers from Myanmar, which is an interesting fact to keep in mind. These neighboring countries share a primarily Buddhist cultural background with Thailand, and it's worth noting that the Lao language has a close linguistic relationship with Thai.

The “wai” greeting might be enjoyable to perform, but few tourists realize the etiquette that comes with it. In Thailand, social rank holds much more significance than in Europe, and the “wai” should be initiated by the person of lower status. Additionally, it's primarily used in formal settings. As a foreigner, you might not fully grasp the appropriate moments to initiate a “wai,” so it's generally best to do it only in response to someone who initiates it with you. You can initiate the “wai” with elderly individuals or monks if you encounter them, but randomly doing it to a hotel staff member might make them feel uncomfortable or even annoyed. Overall, as a foreigner, you are generally forgiven for not mastering the intricacies of local etiquette, similar to how you're not expected to learn the challenging local language. Just keep in mind that Thailand is a deeply traditional and conservative culture, though the locals are accustomed to accommodating tourists.

Apart from several smaller religious and ethnic minorities present in Thailand, there are two prominent minority groups that stand out and play a significant role.

Approximately 5% of the population follows Islam, predominantly Thais with Malay roots. While they are mainly located in the southern areas near the Malaysia border, they can be found in other regions as well. For example, at my wife’s parents’ house, which is just north of Bangkok, you can hear the call to prayer from a nearby mosque five times daily.

Around 15% of the Thai population has Chinese heritage. Chinese characters and cuisine can be found throughout the country, but they are particularly prominent in Bangkok and the southern regions. In Old Phuket Town and Hat Yai, you will notice distinctive Chinese architecture, including numerous temples. The history of Overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia and Thailand is rich and complex. In Thailand, Chinese identity is deeply integrated with local Thai culture. While I don't know much about this subject, it could be interesting for visitors to learn more.

It's also fascinating to point out that Thailand stands out as the sole nation in its regional vicinity, and one of the few in all of Asia, that has never been under European colonial rule.

The images displayed below showcase various religious traditions, featuring grand architectural masterpieces as well as humble shrines, all within a small southern city.

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Traffic accidents are a frequent occurrence in Thailand. I strongly recommend avoiding any trips on motorcycles or scooters — issues like drunk driving and general recklessness are prevalent. Unfortunately, thousands of individuals, including tourists, lose their lives each year in Thailand due to traffic accidents, with about 75% involving motorbikes. While the medical system and quality of care in Thailand are quite good for a developing nation, it's best not to find out for yourself! If you opt for a licensed taxi or a driver from your hotel, you should be safe. If you feel uneasy with a particularly aggressive cab driver, you can simply ask to get out and hail another cab.

You’ll see plenty of tourists taking the chance, but I would recommend avoiding the rental of a motorbike or scooter.

The roads in Thailand boast quite good quality, even surpassing some areas in Europe. However, pedestrian infrastructure is often lacking, with sidewalks that are hard to navigate or completely missing. Additionally, you might observe that power lines are not always well isolated from footpaths and, in rare instances, might pose a safety risk.

As a pedestrian, it's important to stay vigilant, particularly if you're not used to left-hand traffic on the roads.

The BTS and MRT systems in Bangkok are decent, though their routes don't cover as much ground as networks in many European capitals. The river ferries, while somewhat noisy, offer a fun and efficient way to navigate the city and avoid its famously heavy traffic. Many of Bangkok's top attractions, such as Wat Arun, are conveniently accessible via these ferries.

Because taxis are so affordable, I find myself using them quite often. However, this isn't without its downsides. You need to pay in cash, and sometimes drivers claim they don't have change. When you flag a taxi down from the street, drivers might refuse your trip due to traffic or concerns about getting another fare afterward. In many situations, opting for Grab or Bolt might be a better choice. While the vehicle quality isn't superior to regular taxis, according to my wife, they are just as safe and regulated as official taxis. Official taxis aren't all bad, though; at airports, there's a handy ticketing system for the taxi queue and a comfortable, air-conditioned waiting area with seats.

It's a good idea to have some cash on hand (less than 1000 THB) in the local currency at the airport to cover your first cab ride.

When you stay at a hotel in a smaller town near Bangkok, they can usually organize a car and driver for you to explore local attractions, typically for around 50 EUR per day. This is likely a more reliable choice than booking through an unknown tourist agency. I haven't tried Airbnb Experiences or GetYourGuide.

Don't underestimate how large, bustling, and diverse Bangkok can be. Traveling from one part of the city to another can feel like it takes ages, and neighboring districts can have very distinct personalities. Despite this, I've never been in danger of missing a flight from either airport because of traffic.

The Thai community takes immense pride in their culinary traditions, and in my opinion, their cuisine ranks among the best and most diverse globally.

In Bangkok, exploring Chinatown, dining at riverside restaurants, and visiting the big mall food courts are excellent ways to savor the local cuisine. If you're staying on a small island or at a resort, you'll likely find that most food options are pricey and toned-down versions of traditional dishes, but they can still be quite enjoyable. In the highly touristic areas of Krabi or Phuket, the food can be disappointing and mass-produced. Meanwhile, Hat Yai stands out as a fantastic food destination, showing that Bangkok isn't the only place in Thailand with great culinary offerings.

In Thailand, finding delectable food is typically straightforward by observing where locals dine or using resources like Google Maps and food blogs. Keep in mind that Asian reviewers tend to be more stringent and critical about food; they have a deep appreciation for cuisine but set the bar high. Bangkok has numerous Michelin-rated eateries—a common critique is that Michelin might lack expertise in Asia, but I've personally visited two with the "Bib Gourmand" distinction, and they were fantastic. The issues seem to lie more in undervaluing great places than in overrating them.

Here’s a handy piece of advice for traveling in Asia: whenever you notice a long line of people waiting for something, go ahead and join the queue. I've done this before, simply mimicking the order of the person ahead of me, and ended up being completely delighted by the outcome.

In Thailand, you'll never go hungry as food is abundant, but it's worth being selective and taking some time to plan your meals.

You can enjoy your meal any way you prefer, but traditionally, Thais use a spoon in their dominant hand and a fork in the other hand to help push food onto the spoon. For noodle soups, both chopsticks and a spoon are commonly used. These customs are flexible, and as a foreigner, you won’t be expected to follow them strictly.

Thais almost always opt for a cold, sweet beverage like iced tea or lemonade when dining out. The local beer is quite good (I personally have a weakness for Chang), but Thais tend to prefer sweet, chilled drinks with their meals. You'll also see numerous shops offering different kinds of sweet iced teas — I recommend giving them a try. In general, Thais are very fond of sweet flavors and create a variety of delicious desserts and snacks — one of my top picks is snake fruit “sala” in ice syrup.

Thai cuisine often packs a punch with its level of spiciness, but food vendors typically inquire about the customer's preferred spice level, or diners can adjust the heat themselves using chili condiments provided. Additionally, much of the heat can be sidestepped by simply eating around the fresh chiles that may be included in the dish.

The language is among the toughest globally, so becoming proficient enough to speak or read it before your trip is likely impractical. That said, if you prefer your food without chile, knowing a few phrases might be helpful, such as "mai phet" (not spicy) and "phet noi noi" (just a little spicy).

Besides most malls, you can often find food centers near office parks. While food poisoning isn't a major issue in Thailand, it's wise to choose spots frequented by middle-class customers to minimize your risk. Some basic eateries can have quite shocking hygiene standards, particularly in Chinatown. Consider seeking out places where well-dressed younger individuals are dining. The hygiene practices among older generations and rural folks can vary significantly from what you might be used to, but it can be worthwhile to take the plunge—I myself have never gotten seriously ill there.

In certain areas of Thailand, locals consume some rather unconventional and potentially risky foods, such as raw blood or bile used as seasoning. However, as a tourist, it's extremely rare to come across these dishes. Blood cakes, which are similar to blood sausage but have a smoother texture, are quite prevalent and are cooked, much like blood sausage in Europe. You might spot insects available in a few locations, though this isn't a common dietary staple; I've only observed them in particularly touristy areas.

Thailand has a plethora of dishes that extend far beyond just the famous pad Thai and green curry, and here are a few of my favorites:

• Papaya salad, also known as "som tam,"
• Halal fried chicken.
• Sure! Here is a rewritten version of the text: **Dim Sum** is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Originating from the Guangdong region of China, this traditional Chinese cuisine consists of a variety of small dishes, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Typically served with tea, Dim Sum includes an array of delightful options such as dumplings, buns, and rolls, each bursting with unique flavors and textures. Whether you're a fan of savory bites or sweet treats, Dim Sum has something for everyone, making it a beloved culinary tradition around the world.
• wonton noodles (dumplings and noodles served in a fish broth).
• khao soi (curry noodles).
• Rad na, which are broad noodles drenched in a savory gravy,
• Tom yum is a sour shrimp soup that includes many inedible herbs.
• Hainan chicken rice features either poached or crispy chicken served alongside rice infused with rich chicken broth.
• Stir-fried morning glory, along with other stir-fried green vegetables, offers a delicious and nutritious option for any meal.
• grilled river prawns (definitely taste the rich and creamy juices from the head).
• Massaman curry, a delightful blend of chicken and potatoes in a rich, flavorful sauce.
• Snake fruit "sala" in ice syrup (incredibly refreshing with a touch of salt).
• Seafood cooked on the grill served with a variety of fresh sauces and dips

It's fascinating to observe how various ethnic groups and their unique culinary styles contribute to the gastronomy of Thailand. The Thai palate favors bold and pronounced tastes—whether sweet, sour, spicy, fishy, fermented, or bitter. In contrast, the Chinese community, which hails predominantly from southern China, introduces milder and fresher dishes to the mix. Meanwhile, Malay cuisine stands out too; its flavors bear some resemblance to Thai cuisine but, to me, the dishes feel heartier and exude warmer flavors.

The Thai salads known as yam, which is tangy, and larb, which boasts a rich, spicy flavor, hold significant importance as well.

The fruit here is simply amazing! I'd suggest giving anything that catches your eye a try, including durian—you might find you enjoy it. Guava and its relative, the rose apple, are particularly refreshing and not overly sweet. The smaller local bananas are fantastic whether you eat them fresh or grilled with salted brown coconut syrup, the latter of which is a popular street food.

Finally, when you're sampling pad Thai, look for a restaurant that offers fried mussels, known as "hoi tod," since they are often enjoyed together.

Thais enjoy sharing multiple dishes among friends and taking their time to savor each bite. Sit back, relax, and enjoy :)

Balancing comfort with an authentic experience in Thailand can be challenging. I’d suggest opting for hotels with positive reviews on Booking.com rather than choosing Airbnb in Thailand, as an authentic local stay might be a bit too much. Your budget will stretch further in Southeast Asia, but going for extremely cheap accommodations might leave you unsatisfied with the conditions. It’s wiser to spend an amount closer to what you would in Europe to enhance your overall enjoyment.

The standard of lodging varies widely, from impressively pleasant (often surprisingly so for the price) to levels that might not meet a European’s comfort expectations. Including a resort with a pool and private beach for part of your stay could be a great option.

Keeping an open mind can be truly rewarding: in 2022, we spent five nights in bungalows on a tiny island that didn’t have much more than a school, a mosque, and a few simple eateries. Electricity was only available at night, powered by a diesel generator, while Wi-Fi was accessible all day thanks to solar panels, and there was no hot water. The cicadas' daytime chorus was nearly overwhelming. But we enjoyed hundreds of meters of white sand beach with only a handful of other families, and the starry night sky was absolutely breathtaking. You could also stroll across the island on jungle paths, encountering locals from a small ethnic minority in their traditional huts and garments. Local fishermen generously gifted us fresh crabs and fish on two occasions.

Thailand boasts a vast and highly-developed tourism industry, offering something for every taste and budget. To enhance your experience, consider steering clear of the most crowded tourist areas and the least expensive lodgings.

Quick note: Not many urban Thais are fond of swimming in the sea or sunbathing, which is why you won't see a large number of them at beach resorts.

There are several well-known spots in Bangkok that I would recommend steering clear of. For instance, Khao San Road, often hailed as a haven for backpackers, doesn't really offer anything of genuine interest. Similarly, the Patpong Night Market, which isn't much of a traditional night market, is another place to skip. These destinations won't give you a true sense of Thailand and are places the average Thai person would likely never consider visiting. They cater specifically to tourists, but probably not the kind of traveler you aspire to be. Spending time at these locations won't enhance your overall impression of Thailand.

Thailand does have some less pleasant aspects, but if you don't go looking for them, you can usually steer clear. Sadly, these elements have somewhat affected the country's global image.

In tourist-heavy areas, you'll often see impoverished women standing outside massage parlors, attempting to draw in customers—these establishments might vary in quality. Thai traditional massage is an integral aspect of the culture and is entirely non-sexual, notwithstanding any negative perceptions it might have overseas. It could be enjoyable to explore a spa that has good reviews from locals on Google Maps and give it a try. Massage services are ubiquitous in Thailand.

Activities like elephant treks and tiger petting zoos can be somewhat disheartening, but I believe there could be some fascinating conservation parks out there.

Thailand isn't the safest place to visit — for instance, aside from the chaotic traffic, it's generally not advisable to wander around certain areas of Bangkok at night. Additionally, a local woman might not feel very secure taking a taxi alone. It's important to remember that the typical purchasing power of residents is much lower than that of the average European, and there is limited social safety support, although the public healthcare system is efficient. Corruption is another concern.

The likelihood of tourists encountering crime is fairly low. However, it's somewhat more comparable to Latin America than East Asia in this regard. Nonetheless, serious crimes such as kidnapping are completely unheard of.

The primary risks for travelers stem from traffic accidents and swimming while intoxicated or not recognizing strong currents. Additionally, although there are deadly venomous creatures such as certain snakes and box jellyfish, and the risk of tropical diseases, encountering these threats is rare for tourists visiting the suggested locations and seasons.

Whenever possible, choose to swim at supervised beaches. Seek advice from informed locals, like the staff at your hotel, about any potential hazards, like jellyfish. Refrain from drinking alcohol when swimming or boating.

It's probably important to mention that separatist groups have previously focused on tourist spots for minor bombing attacks. However, I believe such incidents haven't occurred in the last few years, and violence has become infrequent, confined to the far-off southern areas neighboring Malaysia — this might be why you see enhanced security in some of the southern regions.

People often emphasize the severity of punishments for specific crimes, but if you generally behave respectfully, it's unlikely you'll run into any problems. Just make sure to adhere to all local laws, and if you avoid seeking trouble, you shouldn't encounter any.

You don't need to be afraid, but it's wise to take sensible precautions that some tourists sadly overlook—each year, a number of tourists lose their lives in Thailand, primarily from motorbike accidents or drowning.

Keep in mind that the climate here is vastly different from any part of Europe. The southern tip of Thailand is just around 5 degrees north of the equator. If it's your first time visiting a tropical country, you might be taken aback by the intensity of the sun and particularly the humidity.

30° in the Mediterranean region can be significantly more comfortable than 30° in Asia. Nonetheless, many people find Thailand to be quite enjoyable in December.

I'd suggest bringing your favorite sunscreen from home, as it's not commonly used by locals and the options available are somewhat limited. Additionally, my wife is partial to European mosquito repellants. While you can find almost anything at convenience stores like 711 or Family Mart (some even have a licensed pharmacist available), it's a good idea to arrive with these essentials already in hand.

Don't underestimate how pesky and plentiful mosquitoes can be in Thailand. On a similar note, I've visited areas in Thailand and other regions of Asia where birds, insects, or frogs created incredibly loud noise.

Be sure to stay hydrated with lots of bottled water. I'd also recommend wearing light, airy clothing; linen works well. You can leave the hoodie at home.

Owing to the warm climate and potentially varying hygiene and infrastructure standards, unusual smells are a frequent occurrence in Thailand. This might be partly attributed to a key ingredient in Thai cooking: a fermented sauce derived from anchovies.

Malls offer a great escape from the scorching heat. They frequently feature excellent food courts and relaxing spas. While you might initially think malls lack authenticity and aren’t worth your time on vacation, you'll soon see why locals love them. They are refreshingly clean, comfortably cool, and well-organized.

If you choose to visit during the dry season, you'll certainly get more out of your trip. However, keep in mind that this period also attracts the most foreign tourists.

Another popular destination in the region for tourists is Vietnam. Although I haven’t visited myself, I've heard it's an amazing country with wonderful people and delicious cuisine. However, it's worth noting that safety might not be its strongest point, and taking sensible precautions is advisable. Anecdotally, my wife’s friend experienced a robbery there, and my brother lost his phone—whether it was stolen or simply fell out of his pocket is unclear. You'll likely find data that supports petty crime being a concern there; it might not be any worse than in Thailand, but it's wise to be cautious with your belongings, especially in larger cities. The same advice applies for traffic safety as well.

Other countries in the region, like Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang, and Bagan, also offer some captivating destinations. However, keep in mind that most of these places aren’t as developed as Thailand. Yunnan and Sichuan in southwest China are intriguing but cater more to the adventurous traveler, as they lack the tourist services readily available in Thailand. I found Taiwan to be very cool, even though it’s not a typical travel hotspot. That being said, every year millions of Westerners visit Southeast Asia without any problems, and I’m confident you’ll have a fantastic time no matter which destinations you pick.

Malaysia is slightly more affluent than Thailand and features a fascinating blend of cultures. The country is renowned for its delicious cuisine. Additionally, there are great chances for diving and exploring nature reserves. Singapore stands out in the region as a highly prosperous city-state and differs significantly from its neighboring countries.

Finally, let me remind you that Thailand is quite similar to a European nation such as France in terms of both population and size. Additionally, it boasts a rich diversity in its culture and landscapes. Even if you had a full three weeks to explore, you could easily spend the entire time in Thailand and never find yourself bored.