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

Travel TipsVisa InformationCultural InsightsRainy SeasonTransportationLocal AttractionsFood and DiningDriving in Thailand
Oct 23, 2025
2 months 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
A first-time visitor to Thailand for two months in July should keep in mind several travel tips: avoid overplanning, explore beyond tourist traps to immerse in local culture, and be aware of common tourist scams. July is the rainy season but can be enjoyable. A five-year visa may be important; familiarize yourself with visa regulations. Always respect local customs, such as not pointing your feet at others. Use rideshare apps like Grab instead of tuk-tuks, and research activities that align with your interests, whether cultural, adventurous, or relaxing.
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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 months ago
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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 months ago
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Ingvar *******
Go to a libery and read about the culture, weather and things which interests you. Everything here is totally opposite USA.
2 months ago
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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 months ago
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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 months ago
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Alan ********
@Frankie ******
 F SOI 6..QE BETTER PLACES TO SEE
2 months ago
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Alan ********
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Stephen *****************
Less tourists.....bring a umbrella
2 months ago
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J **************
Do you research using the search function first before asking banal questions
2 months ago
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Robert **********
@J *************
 youR research... I recommend you research your spelling 🤣😂
2 months ago
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Robert **********
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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 months ago
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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 months ago
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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 months ago
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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 months ago
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Jacqui *****************
@Lawrence *******
 I agree, especially avoiding Tuk Tuk's!
2 months ago
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Greg ******
At least one ride
2 months ago
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Greg ******
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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 months ago
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Reply to
Mike **********
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