Yayyyy! You’re going to Thailand! It’s such a gorgeous, vibrant country that I absolutely love! You’re about to experience gorgeous beaches, incredible temples and beautiful landscapes. This travel guide will cover what you should and shouldn’t do for a Thailand vacation.
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The food, the beaches, the temples, the energy… it’s beautiful welcoming, and unforgettable. But if it’s your first time visiting Thailand, it can also feel a little overwhelming. There are cultural norms, travel challenges and planning decisions that can really impact your experience.
I learned a lot on my first trip, and here are the most important do’s and don’ts of Thailand to help you make the most of your vacation to Thailand!
What to do and not do when visiting Thailand
Here are some tips for you as you plan your vacation…
1. Spend some time in Bangkok
Thailand’s largest city, and the capital is Bangkok, and it’s absolutely worth your time! Whether you’re a city person or not, spend at least 2 days in Bangkok, visiting the city’s highlights.
A few places I’d recommend while in Bangkok:
- Grand Palace
- Wat Pho
- Damneon Saduak Market
- Maeklong Railway Market
Most visitors to Thailand include multiple destinations within the country, so be sure to spend a bit of time in this wonderful city before heading to the beach! 😉
2. Don’t: disrespect Thai culture and traditions
Thailand is deeply rooted in tradition, especially when it comes to religion and daily life. You’ll notice this most when visiting temples throughout the country.
When entering a temple, dress modestly. That means covered shoulders and knees with longer shorts or skirts, and no crop tops for women. Even men need to cover knees! My husband had to buy a pair of $2 pants outside of the Grand Palace because he was in shorts.
Pro tip: you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering temples and religious sites, so you may want pack a pair of socks in your bag!
It’s also strictly forbidden to disrespect the royal family, like negative comments or even joking. Just avoid!
The same goes for Buddha. Don’t climb on statues, pose disrespectfully, or treat them like props for photos. Even wearing clothing with Buddha imagery can be considered offensive.
Showing respect for local customs goes a long way and instantly makes you a more considerate traveler.
3. Do: try the street food
One of my favorite parts of Thailand was the food! And that definitely includes the street food. From pad thai cooked right in front of you to mango sticky rice sold from tiny carts, it’s affordable, flavorful and everywhere!
The best tip I got was to eat where locals are eating. Busy stalls usually mean fresh food. I stuck to cooked meals and had zero issues. Some of my favorite meals in Thailand cost just a few dollars and came from street vendors!
Skipping street food would be a huge mistake while visiting Thailand.
4. Don’t: fall for tourist traps
Thailand is affordable, but tourist traps still exist, especially in very busy areas. And while sometimes tourist traps are worth it for the experience, other times it just feels yucky.
I found most of these in Bangkok and Phuket, versus the smaller areas in Thailand.
Pro tip: booking tours through reputable companies and doing a little research ahead of time will save you money and frustration. I love using Viator for tours, and even used them in Bangkok.
5. Do: visit gorgeous beaches on your Thailand vacation
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Thailand has so much variety, and one of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is only seeing one destination. Bangkok, Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, for example, offer very different experiences!
After spending several weeks in the country, here were my favorite beach locations to visit in Thailand:
If you can, plan your trip to include two or more regions so you can really experience the diversity of Thailand!
6. Don’t: forget to explore beyond the popular spots
Of course if you’re planning a Thailand vacation, you’re looking for an amazing beach experience, and likely some fun cities. But honestly, this country has so much more to offer. I was shocked during my first visit!
One of my very favorite experiences was taking a boat to the gorgeous Similan Islands National Park. With seriously the most gorgeous sand I’ve ever seen (even better than The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Dubai, Portugal and literally anywhere else), it’s nearly an incredible island chain.
Or, the time I went bamboo rafting near Khao Lak! What a genuine, authentic experience that not many others have got to experience.
Find those lesser-known spots, because sometimes the underrated places are the most memorable!
7. Do: choose ethical animal experiences only
Thailand is known for interactive animal experiences, but not all of them are ethical. It’s especially known for elephant santuaries. But unfortunately, not all of them are honest and good.
In general, avoid places that offer elephant riding or performances. These often involve harmful training practices. Instead, look for true sanctuaries where elephants are rescued and allowed to roam freely.
Many ethical sanctuaries focus on observation, feeding and education rather than interaction. Supporting responsible tourism helps protect animals and makes your experience more meaningful. The turtle sanctuary I visited in Khao Lak ethically treats baby turtles and releases them to the wild – what a beautiful experience!
8. Don’t: overpack for your Thailand vacation
Thailand is hot and humid! Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. I lived in loose dresses and sandals. Pack long dresses for temples to ensure you’re covered appropriately.
And for those famous Thailand beaches, you’ll probably be in your swimming suit most days, so just 2-3 swimming suits and swim covers should do it!
Here are a few tips to ensure you don’t overpack:
- Try everything on first and pack only what feels good.
- Take simple jewelry and shoes that work with all your clothes.
- Packing cubes save a ton of space!
- Lay everything out, then remove extra items as you pack.
Here are a few beach essentials you’ll want to take to Thailand:
- Mineral sunblock. Traditional sunblock kills the reef system and harms marine life (including all the baby turtles!).
- Long sleeves for swimming and snorkeling. I love to wear this long sleeve swimming suit and swim shirt to reduce the amount of time I have to spend applying annoying sunscreen.
- Beach hat. Keep the sun off your face with this adorable beach hat.
- Beach towel with hidden zipper pocket. This comes with me on every beach trip to hide valuables on the beach
- Bug repellent. My favorite is this Picardin lotion, and then this natural bug spray that works great in Southeast Asia.
- Bug bite thing. In case you don’t remember to re-apply, this incredible tool helps remove the itchy venom if you catch it soon after a bite. It’s seriously like magic, and I’ll never travel without it!
Get my complete beach packing list!
9: Do: get a Thai massage
They’re famous for a reason! Whether you decide to take the offer from the masseuse working on the beach, or you schedule a massage in a higher-end spa, you’ll want to do this for yourself!
The Thai massage is such an incredible technique, it’s offered around the world. But I can honestly say, the best Thai massage I’ve ever experienced was in Thailand.
10/10 would recommend to anyone visiting Thailand!
10. Don’t: forget the cash
Most businesses in the larger cities like Phuket and Bangkok take cards. But cash is still preferred especially at markets, street food stalls, smaller shops and even tuk-tuk drives.
Exchange money when you get to Thailand or use an ATM. You’ll likely need it during your trip!
Final thoughts: a Thailand vacation is simply amazing!
Thailand is one of those destinations that leaves a lasting impression. It’s beautiful, welcoming, affordable, and full of unforgettable experiences. But knowing a few key do’s and don’ts can make all the difference.
If Thailand is on your bucket list, you’re in for an incredible adventure! I cannot wait to go back and explore more of this amazing country!
Read next:
21 Incredible Things to Do in Phi Phi Islands Thailand You Can’t Miss
28 Absolute Best Beaches in Thailand (Amazing Spots You Need to See)
Amazing 2 Day Itinerary Bangkok, Thailand: Must-see Attractions You’ll Love
Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Thailand: 21 Fun Things to Do (You’ll Love this Underrated Coast)
STUNNING Similan Islands Thailand: Ultimate Guide to Beaches, Snorkeling & More
Ultimate Guide to Coral Island Phuket (GORGEOUS Thailand Spot You’ll Love)
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