Thailand travel tips
18 Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand (2026)
Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most-visited countries for good reason — but the new TDAC arrival card, Buddhist etiquette, and street-scam awareness dramatically smooth the trip. Here’s what to know.
01. TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) required since 2025
Free, online, 3 minutes. Apply 72 hours before flight. Replaces the old paper form.
02. Most Western travelers get 30-60 days visa-free
Confirm at the official Thai e-visa site before booking — rules updated 2024.
03. Bottled water only — never tap
Even hotels: brush teeth with bottled. 7-Eleven sells 7-baht bottles.
04. Buddhist temple etiquette
Cover shoulders + knees. Remove shoes inside. Never point feet at a Buddha. Don’t touch the head of any image.
05. The King is sacred
Defamation laws are strict. Don’t joke about the royal family. Stand for the national anthem in cinemas and at events.
06. Negotiate everything except marked prices
Markets, tuktuk fares, beachfront vendors — start at 30-50% of the asking price.
07. Use Grab app, not street taxis
Bangkok meter-taxi drivers often refuse short rides or quote fake meter prices. Grab fixes upfront fare.
08. Don’t ride elephants
The vast majority of elephant ‘tourist parks’ use cruel training. Ethical alternatives: Elephant Nature Park (Chiang Mai), Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary.
09. Tropical diseases
Pack DEET repellent (dengue, Zika). No malaria in major cities; check rural advisory if going to border areas.
10. Drugs = serious prison time
Thailand’s drug laws are harsh. The decriminalization of marijuana (2022) was rolled back. Don’t risk it.
11. Cash is everywhere
ATMs widely available; 200-baht fee per withdrawal. SuperRich exchange booths give best rates.
12. Burn season Feb-April
Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai especially) has unhealthy air quality from agricultural burning. Check AQI before booking.
13. Don’t drink the ice from cheap stalls
Most ice is made from purified water but some isn’t. Better restaurants and bars are fine.
14. Cover up for temples + Grand Palace
Strictly enforced. Wraps available to rent at the gates if you forgot.
15. Songkran (April 13-15)
Country-wide water festival. Plan around it — flights book up, but the experience is iconic.
16. Loy Krathong (November full moon)
Floating candle festival on rivers. The Yi Peng sky lantern festival in Chiang Mai same week.
17. Tipping isn’t standard but appreciated
20-50 baht to porters, 10% rounding at restaurants without service charge.
18. Street food is generally safe
Eat from busy, fresh-cooked stalls. Avoid pre-cooked items sitting out. Locals = best signal.