Thailand is known as The Land of Smiles and it doesn’t take long to see why. The country is a dazzling mix of ancient temples, bustling markets, turquoise seas, friendly locals and food that will have you wishing there was room in your belly for seconds – it’s that good!
Whether you’re wandering through Bangkok’s colorful chaos, relaxing on a beach in Phuket or exploring the quiet charm of Chiang Mai, Thailand manages to feel both exotic and welcoming.
If it’s your first time in the country, here are 25 things to know before visiting Thailand. I’ve included a mix of practical tips and cultural insights to help you make the most of your trip. Just be prepared, if may be your first time in Thailand, but you’ll already have the next visit planned before you’ve even gotten on the flight back home.
Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand
Before You Go
1. You’ll Be Greeted with a Smile and a “Wai”
Thai people are famously warm and polite. A common greeting is the wai – palms pressed together in a prayer-like gesture with a small bow. While it may feel unfamiliar at first to return the greeting, you’ll quickly find yourself returning it without thinking.
Tip: The higher your hands are placed (closer to your face), the more respect you’re showing.
2. Download Grab & Bolt Before You Land
Grab & Bolt (Thailand’s version of Uber & Lyft) is the easiest way to book reliable transport in cities. It helps you avoid haggling and guarantees fair pricing. We tend to use Grab more frequently but Bolt is another great option. The app just didn’t like my credit cards, so we used this option more when needing to spend the rest of our cash.