16 Things To Know Before Visiting Thailand for 2023

Get ready to explore the Land of Smiles! Thailand is a vibrant and exciting destination with so much to see and do. Whether you're looking for a cultural experience, a beach holiday, or an adventure, Thailand has something for everyone. Before you go, here are 16 essential things you need to know before visiting Thailand.

1.  Visa

Planning a trip to Thailand? Before you pack your bags, make sure you have the right visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Do your research and make sure you have the right visa for your trip. A wrong visa can lead to a lot of headaches and delays. From October 1, 2022, you can get a 45-day free visa if you're from a selected 65 countries, which do include the UK and the USA. Make haste, however, as this is only running until the end of March 31, 2023. If you're reading this after the time frame has expired, you'll just get the regular 30-day free visa. Once you go to the immigration office to extend your visa, you must bring your passport, a photocopy of your passport, a photocopy of your visa stamp, a passport photo, and a printout of your flight out of Thailand. 

2. Eat Thai Food

If you're looking for a delicious and unique culinary experience, you should definitely try Thai food! With its incredible combination of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors, Thai food is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Thai cuisine is so cost-efficient, especially compared to Western cuisine, that it’ll leave you wondering how you didn’t do this sooner. From the traditional Pad Thai to the flavorful Tom Yum soup, the variety of flavors and textures in Thai food will certainly make for an unforgettable dining experience, and honestly, Thai people know how to put on a good night market. 

3. Renting a scooter 

To drive a scooter legally in Thailand, you need an international driving license. In some other countries, they don’t ask you for a driver's license, but in Thailand, it was quite important. You can rent a scooter with a driver's license. It costs about ฿200 Thai Baht ($5.51 USD) a day, and it's honestly the best way to travel around different islands and different parts of Thailand, and I highly recommend it. Just be very careful in the rain and on the gravel.  

4. Lodging

Thailand is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience a unique culture and breathtaking sights. Whether you're looking for a luxurious hotel stay or a more budget-friendly option, there are plenty of accommodations in Thailand to suit your needs. From beachfront resorts to charming guesthouses, you can find a place to rest your head in every corner of the country. Use hotel/hostel booking sites like Hostelworld, Booking, or Agoda for all your room bookings. If you're on a budget, you should search for the lowest price, and as long as the rating is okay, go for the cheapest. 

5. Full Moon Party 

This is something you might not do when you're in Thailand, but if you are and it lines up, then you have to do the Full Moon Party. It's pretty much the biggest beach party in the world, and for good reason. It is so much fun with a lot of people on just one beach. If you're backpacking in Thailand, you probably don't want to book ahead of time, but for the Full Moon Party, you absolutely must because if you don't, the price will be super expensive because reservations have already been made months in advance, and you don't want to be left out. The taxis are really expensive in Ko Pha-ngan if you’re staying quite far from the actual beach. If you like alcohol, consider picking up the bucket beverages. Many people love them, and they cost about ฿300 Thai Baht ($8.20 USD) each. 

6. When To Go to Thailand 

Thailand has two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season, which lasts from November to March, is the busiest time of the year. Because it is dry and doesn't rain much, there are a lot of people there. Despite the fact that it rained a lot for us, if you go during the wet season, the prices are much lower. There are fewer tourists. In the wet season, for example, Marina Phuket Resort costs only ฿982 Thai Baht ($30 USD) per night. However, during the peak of the dry season, it can cost up to ฿2,455 Thai Baht ($75 USD) per night, which is a huge difference. That being said, going during the wet season will provide you with far more value.

7. Scams 

Here are some scams and things to avoid while in Thailand. The scooter scam is one of the most common in Phuket. Basically, if the police stop you because you're not wearing a helmet, don't have an international driving license, or for any other reason, they'll just charge you and take you to the police station to get some money from you.

The Tuk Tuk scam is another common scam in Bangkok. A Tuk Tuk is a two- or three-wheeled passenger cart, similar to a rickshaw. The Tuk Tuk scam occurs when the chauffeur offers you a tour but only takes you halfway. If you want to return to where you started halfway through the tour, they try to charge you a lot of money. Use Thai ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Bolt. This is where Uber and Lyft come in. In general, use caution when dealing with Tuk Tuks in Bangkok.

 8. SIM Cards

Finding a SIM card is essential if you're traveling through Thailand and need to stay connected. With a SIM card, you can connect to the internet and make phone calls to stay in touch with friends and family. There are a few different options to choose from, depending on the amount of data you need and your budget. True Move, AIS, and DTAC are the top three choices for the best Thailand SIM cards. Each one of these companies provides excellent coverage at affordable prices. Whichever option you select, just know that you will have consistent internet access and will be able to stay connected! SIM cards are really cost-efficient in Thailand, and you can get an unlimited data plan for about ฿689 Thai Baht ($21.07 USD), which is amazing value, and I recommend doing that.

9. Travel Itinerary 

Many people fly into Bangkok, but I have a suggestion as to why you shouldn't. I recommend flying into the south, into somewhere like Phuket, and then just making your way up into Bangkok and then further north without taking any flights. It's most likely the cheapest option. If you fly into Bangkok, you must then fly south, then back up, and then north again. By flying into the South immediately, you will save time and money. Now, I'm going to list some of the places you should visit, and one of them is Koh Phi Phi. It is a gorgeous island, and Maya Bay, in particular, is highly recommended.  Furthermore, the 2000 film "The Beach," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed here. It costs 400 Thai Baht ($12.22 USD) to visit the beach, but it is well worth it; it is one of Thailand's most beautiful beaches, although it can become quite touristy.

Phang Nga is less touristy and consists of massive limestone cliffs in the water, followed by Ko Panyi (also known as Koh Panyee), a small floating fishing village. This town has a population of only 1700 people, and I highly recommend visiting. It's fantastic. Another location is Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani Province. It is well-known for its tropical rainforests, biodiversity, and wildlife. With a proper guide, you can see monkeys, elephants, tigers, and deer in the wild.

Finally, travel further north to Chiang Mai. It has fantastic night markets. There are numerous day trips available just outside of Chiang Mai, including a day trip to see elephants and other wildlife.

10. The Thai People 

It isn't called the "Land of Smiles" for nothing. They were all extremely friendly and welcoming. Consider how many thousands and millions of tourists have visited Thailand, and they are still so welcoming and welcome you with open arms. Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, so if you go into a temple, make sure you cover your knees and shoulders. It's actually a country law, and you want to show some respect when entering their places of worship.

11. Budget for Thailand

As a budget backpacker, you can easily travel for less than $20 USD per day if you don't drink much, stay in the cheapest accommodation, and eat the cheapest food. If you want a little more comfort, $37.24 USD per day will get you a lot more stuff. Obviously, you have more freedom to spend, but it all depends on the individual. Don't feel obligated to spend a lot of money. One thing to keep in mind is that the north of Thailand is significantly less expensive than the south. If you have less money, you could spend less time and more time up north.

12. ATM fees. 

In Thailand, you are usually charged 220 Thai Baht ($6.72 USD), which is quite a bit of money, especially when compared to other countries where it is sometimes free or only a small charge. To avoid this, go to the bank, bring your passport and debit or credit card, and withdraw them directly from the teller, which is usually free. You can also open a Charles Schwab account and obtain a Charles Schwab debit card. There are no foreign transaction fees, and ATM fees are credited to your account. Another thing to remember when using an ATM is that the card only appears after you've taken your cash.

13. How To Get Around

Thailand is probably one of the easiest countries to travel in because there are tour agencies everywhere, and this is where you can book your transportation to your next city, whether it's a minibus or a ferry, and they'll help you. If you only need to travel a short distance, I recommend using the Grab and Bolt apps. It’s relatively inexpensive in Thailand for transportation, and you don’t have to haggle with taxi drivers, especially if you don't know the price and they don't speak much English. So do it, and you'll save a lot of time.

14. 7-Eleven The Hidden Gem

 7-Eleven is literally everywhere, especially in Bangkok's surrounding cities. There is a 7-Eleven on every corner, every street, and every 100 feet. They have a wide variety of food and drinks, including iced coffee and iced cocoa. 7-Eleven is simply not as good in other countries, such as the Philippines. It lacks food variety and the famous Ham and Cheese Toasty. The big thing to try costs 27 Thai Baht ($0.82 USD). A 7-Eleven microwave meal is a good option for a low-cost lunch. They cost about 45 Thai Baht ($1.37 USD) and are a quick and easy way to eat lunch without spending too much money.

15. Must-Know Facts 

Here are some quick facts to keep in mind when visiting Thailand. They use plugs from the United States. If you're from the United Kingdom or the European Union, you'll need an adaptor. They also drive on the left side, as opposed to the right in America. There are many people who speak English, and it is important not to mention the king. If you want to get into jail quickly in Thailand, say something bad about the king and you'll be locked up, but don't mention it.

16. Bangkok Belly

The infamous Bangkok Belly is a common condition among travelers visiting the vibrant city of Bangkok. It's a combination of food poisoning, dehydration, and exhaustion from the heat and humidity that can leave you feeling sick for days. It's important to be aware of the risks and take precautions when trying new food and drinks in Bangkok. It's also important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Eating street food should be done with care and avoiding ice cubes in drinks and making sure all food is properly cooked are just a few of the precautions to take.

In conclusion, if you're planning a trip to Thailand, it's important to be aware of the culture, the language, the currency, and the climate. Knowing these things will help ensure your trip is a success and that you have an enjoyable experience. With the right preparation and research, you can have a wonderful time.