💱 Currency
• Thai Baht (THB). Cash is still widely used. Keep small bills for markets and tipping while in Thailand.
🗣️ Language
• Thai is the official language. Basic English is common in tourist areas.
🕒 Time Zone & DST
• GMT+7. Thailand does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
🔌 Plugs
• Types A, B, and C, 220V. Most sockets fit US and European plugs.
💰 Tipping Culture
• Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated—leave small change at restaurants and round up fares.
🏧 ATM Access
• ATMs are everywhere. Most charge a withdrawal fee of 200–250 THB for foreign cards.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
• Police: 191, Ambulance: 1669.
🔗 Embassy Info
• Embassy List
🛂 Visa Requirements
• Do I need a Visa?
💉 Vaccine Requirements
• Vaccine Information
✈️ Major Airports
• Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), plus Chiang Mai (CNX) and Phuket (HKT) for regional access.
🍽️ Food to Try
• Tom yum soup was my favorite — one of the rare times I enjoyed hot soup in hot weather. Also try pad kra pao and mango sticky rice.
📍 Must-See Spot
• You’ll see more golden Buddhas than you can count, but don’t skip the White Temple in Chiang Rai. It’s like someone mixed religion with fantasy art — and somehow made it work.
🏞️ Our Favorite Location
• Phi Phi Island wins this one. It’s touristy, but the views don’t care. Still one of the most scenic places we’ve been.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
• November to February — cooler, drier, and more comfortable for exploring.
🚌 Transportation Tip
• Tuk-tuks are fun, but grab a price first. For longer rides, Grab (the app) is reliable. In Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain is your friend.
🚰 Water Safety Info
• Don’t drink the tap water. Bottled water is cheap and widely available.
📶 Wi-Fi & Connectivity
• Wi-Fi is solid in most places. Pick up a local SIM card at the airport for easy navigation and translation on the go.
🚻 Bathroom Availability
• Public toilets vary. Some are free, some charge a few baht — carry small coins and your own tissue.
🤝 Cultural Custom Tip
• Show respect to monks and avoid touching anyone’s head. Always remove shoes before entering temples.
🤯 Fun Fact
• Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by a European power — which locals are proudly aware of.
Thailand is easy to love but still full of surprises. We felt safe just about everywhere, though we always kept an eye on our bags in busy markets. Most scams are low-effort—taxis without meters, overly helpful strangers offering tour deals, or shops pushing “rare gems.” A little common sense goes a long way.
Locals were friendly, especially when we greeted them with a simple “wai.” English was spoken in most tourist spots, but we used a translation app in quieter areas. The weather can be intense, so plan your day around the heat and enjoy the slower afternoons.
It’s a great destination for both families and solo travelers. SIM cards worked well, Wi-Fi was reliable, and we mostly used cash—though cards were fine at hotels and bigger restaurants. Would we go back? Absolutely. Thailand has a way of making every meal, market, or beach sunset feel like its own little adventure.
