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What should I know before visiting Thailand for the first time?

Thailand travel tips first-time visitors Thai culture weather in Thailand visa information local transportation food customs safety tips

Oct 23, 2025

2 days ago

Myles **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone I’m planning on visiting Thailand for the first time next year in July and I will be there for possibly 2 months! Is there anything I should know as someone that’s never traveled outside of the United States before? I appreciate it 🙂

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TLDR : Answer Summary

As a first-time traveler to Thailand, there are several key points to consider that will enhance your experience. It's advised to embrace the culture, enjoy local foods, and avoid tourist traps. Familiarize yourself with some common scams and transportation options, opting for rideshare apps like Grab instead of tuk-tuks. Be prepared for the rainy weather in July, but don't let that deter you from enjoying the visit. Remember to respect cultural norms, such as the significance of the 'wai' greeting and the importance of keeping feet low. For safety, it's recommended to refrain from driving without an international permit. Engaging with locals, researching beforehand, and understanding the cultural differences will lead to a fulfilling trip.

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Sylvia ********

Follow this group for a couple of months and you'll learn so much. Everyone ideal vacation is different depending also on age group and energy.

Can you tell me what you want to achieve with this holiday ? Mountains hiking and zip lines, visiting elephant Sanctuary and hillsides?

Shopping, massage and drinking?

Snorkeling, island hopping, beaches and boats

River trip, museum, temples and culture

Then we can give ideas of provinces that may interest you, the country is big and like the US has different weather patterns and crops within the areas.

2 days ago

Chris ******

Unless you actually have a licence to ride motorbike or drive car don't do it in Thailand you will need international driving permit licence can be mental on the roads other than that great country people food great places to visit

2 days ago

Ingvar *******

Go to a libery and read about the culture, weather and things which interests you. Everything here is totally opposite USA.

2 days ago

Jon *****

Maybe reading peoples experiences might be helpful. Don't pay deposits up front. If you're diabetic, be aware the food is loaded with sugar salt and msg . A little research could save you a lot of problems. YouTube is a great Goto for information and office sites as well.

2 days ago

Frankie *******

Go to soi 4 n soi 11 in bangkok that's where all the action is n in pattayya go to soi 6 n also visit the dinosaur park that in c ludes an elephant show n a cultural show plus the tiger park n the alcatraz show all absolutely magnificent shows

2 days ago

Alan ********

@Frankie ******

F SOI 6..QE BETTER PLACES TO SEE

21 hours ago

Reply to

Alan ********

Stephen *****************

Less tourists.....bring a umbrella

2 days ago

J **************

Do you research using the search function first before asking banal questions

2 days ago

Sasi ************

July is the rainy season, not that bad, my most recent trip was in July. I personally like going there during the season.

Visa related should be a mindful matter as you’d everywhere in the World. I am Thai living both here and there.

Every corner of the World are sharing both negativity and positive . Don’t do what you wouldn’t at home ; as a basic rule of thumb, you’d be fine.

Monk and or religious relations should be highly regarded.

Foot considered a “low” level of respect. Do not point your foot/feet at anyone, period.

2 days ago

Jeremy ********

Just come and be yourself

Wai when they wai and remember English is not the first language so be patient and as always

Sabai sabai

2 days ago

Lawrence ********

- Don't overplan!

- Don't overthink!

- Don't miss Chiang Mai!

- Step outside of your comfort zone and AWAY from tourist trap locations. Immerse yourself in Thai culture, food, people.

- Read up and familiarize yourself on common tourist and romance scams to avoid.

- DON'T USE TUK TUK, Use Grab app for rides & food delivery. Equivalent to Uber/Uber Eats. Tuk Tuk as absolute last resort in areas where no rideshare is available.

- SABAI SABAI

HAVE FUN!

2 days ago

Joe ********

@Lawrence *******

what he said…learn 6-8 basic Thai word/phrases. Be patient, kind, respectful. Plan to stay in a variety of price point accommodations. Inexpensive hotels doesn’t mean dirty and dangerous here. Super basic can be interesting too.

2 days ago

Jacqui *****************

@Lawrence *******

I agree, especially avoiding Tuk Tuk's!

2 days ago

Greg ******

At least one ride

2 days ago

Reply to

Greg ******

Mike **********

@Lawrence *******

everything here is true except i use Tuk Tuk all the time. Just have to bargin for price. Much better than grab bike or sitting in traffic.

I use tuk tuk all the time at night cheap 100-300 baht depends where im going

2 days ago

Reply to

Mike **********

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What visa requirements should I know as a US citizen traveling to Thailand for the first time?

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