Thailand Essentials: Everything you need to know before travelling

Thailand is the most-visited country in Southeast Asia and the starting point for countless backpacking trips. It's easy to see why — world-class food, stunning beaches, well-developed tourist infrastructure, and a culture that rewards curious travellers.

Visas

Most Western nationalities receive a 60-day visa exemption on arrival, extendable by 30 days at an immigration office for 1,900 THB. If you're planning a longer trip, apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) at a Thai consulate before you travel — valid for 60 days, extendable once.

Getting Around

• BTS Skytrain & MRT — Bangkok's metro system is clean, cheap and fast. Get a Rabbit card.
• Night trains — Bangkok to Chiang Mai overnight is a classic, book via 12Go Asia
• Buses — affordable on most intercity routes; Nakhonchai Air is the premium option
• Ferries — essential for island hopping; book with Lomprayah for reliability
• Grab — widely used across Thailand for metered rides
• Songthaew — shared red pickup trucks, the local way to get around Chiang Mai

The Islands

Thailand's islands broadly split into two coasts — choose based on time of year as weather patterns differ:

• Gulf Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) — best November to April
• Andaman Coast (Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi) — best November to April
• Koh Tao — the world's cheapest place to get PADI certified
• Koh Phangan — Full Moon Party aside, great for quieter beach life in the north

Money & ATMs

ATMs are everywhere but charge a flat 220 THB (~$6 USD) fee per withdrawal regardless of amount — withdraw the maximum each time to minimise fees. Wise and Revolut cards can help avoid these charges at some machines. Most markets and street food are cash-only.

Food

Thai food needs no introduction. Eat at markets and street stalls — the food is better and cheaper than restaurants. Must-eats:

• Pad Thai — ubiquitous, but Thip Samai in Bangkok is the benchmark
• Som tam — green papaya salad, fiery and addictive
• Khao man gai — poached chicken on rice, the perfect cheap lunch
• Mango sticky rice — best from April to June when mangoes are in season
• Boat noodles — Ayutthaya's signature dish

Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is one of the world's great food markets. Go hungry.

SIM Cards

AIS and DTAC are the most reliable networks. Pick up a tourist SIM at the airport — 30 days unlimited data costs around 300–400 THB ($8–11 USD). Both networks have desks in every arrivals hall.

Safety

Thailand is very safe. The most common issues are scams around major tourist sites (tuk-tuk tours to 'closed' temples, gem store scams) and road accidents — always wear a helmet on a motorbike. Thai road safety is a serious concern; travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is essential.