Visa-free

Several nationals can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, including most EU member countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. For the latest visa and entry requirements, visit the website of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Immigration form

All visitors are required to complete an entry/exit form upon arrival in Thailand. The exit form will be attached to the passport and must be presented to immigration officials on departure.

Documents required on arrival

• Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages;
• Return flight ticket or proof of onward passage.

Time zone

Language

Official language: Thai

Many people in the major cities and towns speak some level of English and can engage in basic communication with tourists.

What to pack

• Light cotton clothing is recommended for Thailand’s tropical climate;
• Smart evening wear may be required for dining at hotels and high-end restaurants (please check the dress code for specific venues with your Asian Trails guide);
• Clothing that covers the arms and legs are recommended to protect against mosquitos;
• A lightweight raincoat may be useful if travelling during rainy season;
• A light fleece jacket can be handy if visiting the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand during the colder months (between November and February);
• When visiting temples, it is required to wear a shirt that covers the shoulders and pants that cover the knees;
• Sandals are recommended as it is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious building or private home;
• An umbrella can offer shade from the strong sun and/or rain;
• Reusable water bottle;
• Sun hat and sunscreen;
• Insect repellent;
• Universal plug adaptor.

Electricity

Phone & internet

Do

• Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
• Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine;
• Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room;
• Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
• Ask permission before taking photographs of people;
• It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home;
• A respectful way of greeting is to bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest (known as the wai).

Don’t

• Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste;
• Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets, and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school;
• Don’t take home religious objects such as Buddha images or other sacred items;
• Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins;
• Don’t point your feet at others and avoid touching people on the head as this is considered bad manners;
• Women should avoid touching male monks as this goes against their religious beliefs;
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and short skirts or clothing that is too revealing as Thailand is a conservative Buddhist country; make sure shoulders and knees are covered, especially when visiting temples;
• Avoid discussing politics and do not make openly critical remarks about the Thai monarchy;
• Avoid accepting rides from strangers or taxi drivers who may encourage you to shop in places where they receive commission and you may be overcharged;
• Don’t bathe or sunbathe nude in public and wear appropriate swimwear, especially in the southern islands and beaches where the people live in predominantly Muslim communities;
• Don’t smoke on Thai beaches or in areas where smoking is prohibited (this includes electronic cigarettes) and do not throw cigarette butts in the street as there are penalties and fines as a result.

Currency

Official currency of Thailand: Thai baht (THB)

Foreign currency is rarely used for everyday transactions. ATMs that accept foreign cards are widely available and usually allow withdrawals of up to 20,000 baht per transaction. Cash can be exchanged at banks or exchange bureaus.

Banking hours

Usual banking hours are:

• Monday to Friday: 9 am to 3.30 pm;
• Branches in shopping malls usually offer extended hours on evenings and weekends.

Credit cards

Tipping

Domestic flights

Several local and regional airlines offer convenient and fast connections between Thailand’s major cities.

Electric tuk-tuks 

An eco-friendly way to travel and ideal for short journeys around Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Electric vehicles (EV)

This new, zero carbon mode of transport is available for airport transfers in Bangkok and can be booked through Asian Trails.

Public metro

Many of Bangkok’s major attractions can be reached by the city’s extensive BTS sky train and MRT underground network.

River boats

Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is serviced by public ferries, offering convenient connections to many riverside attractions and a unique perspective of local life.

Taxis

In Bangkok, metered taxis can be waved down and can usually be found along the city’s major roads. Rides can also be booked via the Grab mobile app. The rate for taxis in areas such as Phuket and Koh Samui can be exorbitantly high and in some rural areas it may be necessary to negotiate the fare with the driver prior to starting the journey.

Religion

Theravada Buddhism is practiced by about 95 per cent of the population and every Thai male is expected to become a monk for a short period in his life. There is also a large Muslim minority in Thailand’s four southernmost provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Satun.

Food

Common local dishes:

• Pad Thai – The nation’s quintessential fried noodle dish;
• Tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup) – Prawns served in a broth flavoured with lemongrass, chilli, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, fresh lime juice and fish sauce;
• Som tum (papaya salad) – A spicy salad typically made with papaya and other vegetables;
• Khao soi – A northern Thai dish of crispy noodles topped with greens and served in a coconut-flavoured broth.

Shopping

The capital Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai have excellent night markets. The weekend market at Chatuchak in northern Bangkok is one of the largest markets in the world, with hundreds of stalls stocking items ranging from antiques to clothes, furniture and even animals. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!)

What to buy:

• Thai silk;
• Painted umbrellas;
• Lacquerware and pewter ware;
• Pottery, bamboo and wood crafts;
• Tailor-made clothes.

Vaccinations

There are currently no other vaccine requirements, although it is advisable to be up-to-date with standard inoculations, such as:

• Typhoid;
• Cholera;
• Hepatitis A and B;
• Polio, diphtheria and tetanus;
• Malaria and dengue (especially if travelling to remote areas).

Consult your doctor for the most appropriate medical advice. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you pack an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally.

Drinking water

Avoid drinking tap water in Thailand. Bottled mineral water is easy to find at convenience stores around the country. Ice cubes are typically safe if served at a hotel or restaurant, but best avoided at street stalls and in remote parts of the country.

Safety

Thailand is a safe country to visit. However, it is advisable to take some precautions to safeguard your belongings:

• Never leave items unattended;
• Maintain a firm grip on bags and wallets, especially in crowded places and on busy streets;
• Leave expensive jewellery at home and store valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or in-room safe;
• Avoid engaging with touts who approach you in the street.

Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Police 191
• Tourist Police 1155
• Fire service 199
• Ambulance service 1554