First Time Traveling To Thailand? These Are The Most Important Must-Knows
Thailand, The Land Of Smiles.
Historically known as the Kingdom of Siam, Thailand is a country overflowing with natural beauty and mesmerizing culture. It is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in the entire world, with almost 40 million people having visited the country pre-Covid.
Fascinating cultural sites, delectable cuisine, and some of the most exquisite beaches in Southeast Asia all make for an unforgettable experience in Thailand. If the country could be summarized in one word, it would be exotic.
Before embarking on this adventure of a lifetime, there are a few things travellers should be aware of. Read on to find out more.
Quick Facts About Thailand
Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Capital City: Bangkok
Dialing code: +66
Population: Over 69 million
Currency: Thai Baht
Official Language: Thai
Major Religion: Buddhism (94% of population)
Time Zone: Thailand Standard Time (UTC+7)
Drives on the left side of the road
Emergency Number: 191
Outlets and voltage: 220V, types A, B, and C plugs.
Sim Card companies: AIS, TrueMove, and dtac.
eSIM options: Airalo and SimOptions
Sustainability Ranking: Thailand is ranked 77th out of 165 countries in the Sustainable Development Report.
Thai Customs and Culture
Thai culture is deeply influenced by the Buddhist religion. Some important customs to keep in mind are:
The Thai Greeting - The "Wai"
Instead of shaking hands or waving hello, Thai people greet each other with a "wai" - pressing palms together near the chest and bowing slightly. Use the wai when you meet someone to show respect. Upon arriving in Thailand, visitors receive a warm welcome followed by the traditional Thai "wai" greeting accompanied by a smile. Mastering the wai as quickly as possible allows travellers to honour Thai customs, which Thai people deeply appreciate.
Take Off Your Shoes
Remove shoes before entering homes and temples. This practice stems from Buddhist beliefs, where it is considered disrespectful to wear shoes because they are seen as dirty and may bring in impurities.
As a rule of thumb, before entering any building check the entrance for piles of shoes, as their presence will indicate that one should enter barefoot. Wear sandals to easily slip them on and off, as you will be doing this quite often.
Dress Modestly When Visiting Temples
Make sure to cover shoulders and knees. Carrying a light sarong is always a good idea, especially when planning to visit a temple. It can be used to cover shoulders and it can double as a skirt if placed correctly around the hips. Plus, it can also be used as a beach towel when visiting one of the many islands in Thailand.
Don't Disrespect the Royals
It will land you in jail. No joke.
Common Thai Sayings
"Same same but different" - something is similar but not identical. Often used when bargaining.
"Oh my Buddha" - the equivalent to "Oh my God."
"Sawadee-kah" (women) / "Sawadee-krup" (men) - This is a greeting used to say hello in Thai, almost always accompanied by the wai. Women should add “kah” to the end of the word and men should add “krup” instead.
The Infamous Thai Smile
Thailand is often described as the “Land of Smiles”, and for good reason. But Thai smiles have deeper meanings. In fact, there are said to be 13 different types of Thai Smiles. Pay attention to the subtle differences between each one:
Polite smile - Shows respect
Mischievous smile - Playful teasing
Warm smile - Genuine kindness
These are just a few of the examples. Remember to always read between the lines!
The Tastes of Thailand: A Foodie's Paradise
Thai cuisine is world famous for its tantalizing flavors and fresh ingredients, with a combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes all in one dish. Did I mention spicy? During a trip to Thailand, make sure to try as much of the local food as possible! There are excellent restaurants everywhere, but this is truly a country to sample the incredible variety of street food.
Street Food versus Restaurants
Some of the best Thai food can be found at street food stalls and markets. The street food scene is lively, affordable, and full of authentic local flavors.
While sampling local street food is one of the best ways to discover Thai cuisine, be aware that chances of suffering from a case of “Bangkok Belly”are high. Before ordering, check if the street vendor is wearing gloves while handling the food and notice if the food has been sitting out in the open for a long time.
For a more upscale Thai dining experience, head to a local restaurant. You'll find expertly crafted dishes in a more refined setting. Prices will be higher, but the food is incredible.
It should be mentioned that Thai food is meant to be eaten as a shared meal. The dishes are brought to the table all at once and shared between guests. The concept of an appetizer being served before the main course is simply non-existent in Thailand, except for the more upscale restaurants found in the capital, Bangkok.
Must-Try Thai Dishes
While you'll find local variations across Thailand, here are some iconic dishes you must try:
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a popular stir-fried noodle dish that can be found in almost every Thai restaurant or street corner. It is commonly served as a street food. It is cheap and delicious, and consists of rice noodles, shrimp, peanuts, scrambled egg, and bean sprouts. And for those who dislike spicy food, Pad Thai will likely be a fan favorite.
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and lime juice. It is a light soup and very refreshing, and a perfect starter after a long day at the beach.
I know, soup and beach don’t belong in the same sentence together, right? Trust me on this one.
Som Tam
Som Tam, or green papaya salad, is a refreshing and spicy salad that is crunchy, salty, and sweet. Som Tam consists of unripe papaya, tomatoes, dried shrimp, and hot chilli peppers. The sauce is made with fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice, and combined with all ingredients makes for a perfect meal on a hot day. This dish is native to North-eastern Thailand, but it can be found throughout the entire country.
Massaman Curry
Massaman Curry is a rich and flavorful curry that has influences from Indian, Persian and Malay cuisine. It is slightly spicy and made with potatoes, peanuts, onions, chicken, or other meat.
No Name
No Name is a dish I first tried in the island of Koh Tao, and every time I go back to Thailand, my mouth waters just thinking about it. Basically speaking, it is a deep-fried ball of vegetables, perfectly crispy on the outside and packed full of flavor on the inside. This dish is not available everywhere, but in case you do find it, give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Mango with Sticky Rice
Mango with Sticky Rice is a personal favourite of mine. Juicy, sweet mango accompanied by warm sticky rice sweetened with palm sugar and thick coconut cream. A dessert of the gods. Or should I say of Buddha? Peak mango season is between April and May, but this dish can be found at any other time of the year.
I could make a whole blog post about Thai dishes, but it is far better to experience Thai food by eating it, right? Go out there and be daring. Try dishes you've never heard of! Thai cuisine offers amazing variety beyond the popular dishes of Pad Thai and Curry.
Navigating Thailand: Transportation Tips and Tricks
Thailand offers tons of transportation options for getting around. The country is well-connected by a vast network of highways, train routes, and airports. Transportation is cheap but not always fast depending on the mode of travel.
Here are some key tips for avoiding headaches and reaching your destinations smoothly:
Avoiding Traffic Jams in Bangkok
Bangkok traffic is notoriously congested. Luckily there are ways around it.
Forget Uber. Hail a motorcycle taxi to zip through traffic. Motorcycle taxis can be found at nearly every corner of Bangkok, and they can be found by spotting drivers wearing bright orange vests. Alternatively, download the Grab app to hire a motorcycle taxi. Available on Google Play and App Store.
Travel early/late to avoid peak rush hour times.
Transportation Options in Bangkok
Taxis - Ask for the meter and have your hotel address written in Thai.
Tuk-tuks - Negotiate rates in advance for these open-air taxis, which can make for a memorable experience in Thailand.
Motorbike taxis – One of the fastest ways to get around if you're comfortable on a bike. Wear a helmet always!
Rail (BTS and MRT) - Best way to avoid traffic. Can be crowded during rush hour.
Boats - Hop on express boats along the river and canals.
Communicating with Taxi Drivers
Many taxi drivers (even in Bangkok) don't speak English. For that reason, have your destination written in Thai to show them. Grabbing a business card from your hotel with the address on it is very useful.
Transportation Options Around Thailand
For travelling between cities, the following options are available:
Airplane
Quick and relatively inexpensive. Look for airlines such as Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, Nok Air and Air Asia, just to name a few.
Trains
Slow but scenic. Overnight trains have sleeper cabins. Train travel can be fraught with delays, however. First class is worth it and a much better experience in my opinion.
Bus
If you are on a budget, this is probably the best option. VIP buses are best for long distances and offer air-conditioning, blankets and comfortable seats.
Van
Slightly more expensive than buses but making less stops along the way.
Speed Boat/Ferry
Great for inter-island travel. Popular choices include Lomprayah and Songserm.
Navigating Thailand's transportation network is part of the adventure. Stay flexible, do your research, and getting around will be a breeze.
Top Things To Do in Thailand
Thailand offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Here are some top activities you must experience on your trip.
Get a Thai Massage
Have you ever dreamed of getting a massage every single day of your life? I know I have. In Thailand, this is not only possible, but it actually does not cost a fortune.
A Thai massage is the work of gods: it involves the use of stretching, acupressure, and deep tissue massage to relieve tension, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. It leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed. A Thai massage can certainly feel a bit rough at times, but your body will thank you later.
Thai massage is so ingrained in Thai culture that you will find parlours in nearly every corner: at shopping malls, small towns and even on the beach. And the icing on the cake: a Thai massage is extremely cheap, averaging around US$15 for a one-hour session.
If looking for a more sophisticated environment while getting a Thai massage, the price will be slightly higher at around US$100.
Watch a Ladyboy Cabaret Show
One of the most interesting and fun activities to do in Thailand is to watch a ladyboy cabaret show. A ladyboy, or kathoey, is a transgender person who identifies as a woman. Thailand is known for its tolerance and acceptance of the kathoey community, and many of them work as entertainers in cabaret shows. These shows are not only a showcase of their beauty and talent, but also a celebration of their identity and culture.
Watching a ladyboy cabaret show is an exciting activity for travelers who want to experience a different side of Thailand’s nightlife. The shows are full of dazzling costumes, lively music, stunning choreography and hilarious comedy. You will be amazed by the performances of the ladyboys, who can impersonate celebrities, sing live, dance gracefully and interact with the audience.
Some must-watch shows:
The most famous and longest-running ladyboy show in Bangkok, located at Asiatique the Riverfront. This will be a full-on production and highly entertaining.
The newest and most modern ladyboy show in Bangkok, located at Ratchada City Hotel. Mirinn Cabaret is an exciting mix of live theatre, cabaret and international song performances. Bangkok ladyboys perform in amazing costumes and sing their hearts out.
I just had to save the best for last. Located at the top of the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, this is a classy venue with a gorgeous view of the city skyline. But you won’t come here for that: the ladyboy shows here are considered the best and most engaging in the entire country. The shows are so entertaining that you will laugh until your stomach aches. The staff is very welcoming, even if some of them don’t speak perfect English. The audience is mostly comprised of locals, and the venue has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Go Island Hopping
With over 1,400 islands, Thailand is a dream destination for island hopping. Some of the most popular destinations are:
Koh Phi Phi
Boasting paradisiacal beaches and a scenic lookout point, this island is the main stopover for visiting the site of the Leonardo DiCaprio film “The Beach”.
Koh Tao
Famous for some of the most mind-blowing sunsets in all of Thailand and for great scuba diving and snorkeling. At certain times of the year, it is also possible to spot whale sharks here when booking a scuba diving trip.
Koh Samui
Boasting beautiful beaches and upscale resorts, this is the only island in the Gulf of Island boasting an international airport.
Koh Pa Ngan
Famous for the Full Moon Party.
Koh Lanta
For a quieter island vibe.
Phuket
The largest island in Thailand, with a slightly more Western feel to it.
Koh Chang
Lying just west of the Cambodian border, this is a quieter island with dense jungle from which one can visit many other smaller, mostly deserted islands.
Visit Elephant Sanctuaries
Interacting with elephants in an ethical setting is a major draw for many visitors to Thailand. Luckily, there are now excellent sanctuary options where you can observe, feed, and bathe these gentle giants up close while supporting their protection.
Certified sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park and Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary provide a safe habitat for rescued elephants to live peacefully. Many elephants in these sanctuaries have been saved from abusive conditions in riding camps or illegal logging operations.
At a reputable sanctuary, you will have opportunities to feed the elephants their daily fruit and vegetable snacks. Bathing sessions allow getting into the river alongside the elephants as their mahout trainers scrub and rinse them. You may even see baby elephants splashing playfully in the water!
Shop the Markets
Explore Thailand's vibrant markets to shop for souvenirs, people-watch, and sample delicious street food. Some of my favourites include:
Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok
Sprawling across over 35 acres, Chatuchak Weekend Market is said to be the largest outdoor market in the world. Locals and visitors flock here every weekend to shop, eat, and explore this vibrant maze of stalls selling everything imaginable. If you see something that you like, just buy it. Forget about looking around to then come back to that one stall you saw back there, because you will not find it.
Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market
Known as Sunday Night Walking Street, this market stretches for over a mile and takes place within Chiang Mai's old walled city, with vendors setting up shop from 4pm until midnight. The heart of the market features locally made goods and souvenirs. Hill-tribe handicrafts, hand-woven textiles, carved wood items, and silver jewelry shine under the glow of lanterns and fairy lights overhead.
Amphawa Floating Market near Bangkok
Located just 80 km outside of Bangkok, Amphawa Floating Market provides a lively glimpse into Thailand's canal culture. This weekend market features vendors paddling small wooden boats laden with fresh fruits, snacks, and more through the town's sleepy canals.
Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok
Just outside of Bangkok lies one of Thailand's most thrilling local markets, where a busy train line passes directly through the middle of the bustling market stalls and shops. Watch as vendors hurriedly snatch up any items sitting over the tracks, collapsing awnings and umbrellas at the train’s first sight, only to put everything back in its position once the train has passed.
Festivals and Celebrations in Thailand
Thailand is replete with unique cultural festivals year-round. Some of these festivals are truly unforgettable due to their visually appealing aspects, and some are downright mind-boggling.
Songkran (Thai New Year)
Celebrated annually in mid-April, Songkran marks the beginning of the Thai New Year. It is a time of cleansing and renewal, where people participate in water fights (usually with water guns) and pour water on each other to wash away any bad luck or misfortunes from the past year.
Songkran also involves visiting temples, making offerings to monks, and spending time with family and friends. It is a fun cultural activity to experience while visiting Thailand, and the refreshing water sprays are a welcomed aspect of Songkran, which takes place during some of the hottest months in Thailand.
Loy Krathong
Celebrated on the full moon night in November, this festival involves floating krathongs (decorated rafts made of banana leaves) on rivers and canals, which are decorated with flowers, candles, and incense. The act of floating the krathongs is seen as a way to pay respect to the water goddess and to let go of any negative feelings or grudges.
Vegetarian Festival
The Vegetarian Festival is a nine-day event held annually in October in the island of Phuket, and in my opinion is the most fascinating of all Thai festivals. It is not for the faint of heart, however.
During the festival, participants follow a strict vegetarian/vegan diet and engage in bizarre acts to purify their bodies and minds. It is not uncommon to see devotees with dozens of objects piercing their bodies while being paraded around town. Participants take part in various rituals, including walking on hot coals, piercing their cheeks with sharp objects, and climbing bladed ladders. These acts are thought to bring devotees closer to the Gods, and the festival itself is considered a time of spiritual cleansing for those who participate.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a unique event that takes place in Chiang Mai in November, coinciding with Loy Krathong. The festival involves the release of thousands of lanterns into the sky, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing sight.
The release of lanterns is seen as a way to symbolically release negative emotions, make wishes, and bring good luck. In addition to the lantern release, the festival also features cultural performances, parades, and temple fairs. The event is a highlight of the year in Chiang Mai, and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Top Cities to Visit in Thailand
Thailand offers exciting destinations from north to south. Here are some of the top cities and towns to add to your Thailand itinerary:
Bangkok
The capital Bangkok blends ancient temples with modern skyscrapers. Don't miss:
Grand Palace and Wat Pho
Floating markets like Damnoen Saduak
Shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market
Rooftop bars with views
Thai massage parlors
Chiang Mai
Charming Chiang Mai has a relaxed vibe and Lanna culture. Top attractions include:
Doi Suthep temple
Elephant sanctuaries
Cooking classes
Night bazaar for shopping
Excursions to hill tribes
Phuket
Phuket is world-famous for some of Thailand’s most gorgeous beaches and nightlife. Top picks:
Patong and Kata beaches
Phang Nga Bay for island hopping
Seafood restaurants and beach clubs
Wat Chalong temple
Cabaret shows
Ayutthaya
Soak in history in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Highlights are:
Ayutthaya Historical Park with temple ruins
Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana
Boat tours on rivers and canals
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Interesting Facts About Thailand
Thailand was never colonized, making it the only Southeast Asian country to avoid European colonization.
The capital Bangkok was once known as the "Venice of the East" due to its expansive canal network.
Muay Thai, Thailand's ancient martial art, is now the country's national sport.
Thailand is the world's largest exporter of rice.
The king cobra is a national emblem of Thailand.
Thailand is home to over 1400 islands.
The country has around 35,000 active Buddhist temples.
Major National Holidays
Here are a few of the major national holidays in Thailand. Keep in mind that during some of these holidays (religious or royal family-related) many banks, shops and government offices are closed. Sale of alcohol is also forbidden and heavily enforced.
New Year's Day (January 1st)
Makha Bucha Day (February) - honors Buddha
Chakri Day (April 6th) - commemorates the founder of the Chakri dynasty
Songkran (April 13th-15th) - Thai New Year festival
Labor Day (May 1st)
Coronation Day (May 5th)
Queen's Birthday (June 3rd)
King's Birthday (July 28th)
Constitution Day (December 10th)
Plan your trip around major holidays to witness how Thailand celebrates its history, culture, and devotion to Buddhism. You may face crowded attractions but the festive atmosphere makes it worthwhile.