10 common mistakes to avoid when traveling to Thailand
Traveling to Thailand is a unique experience: dazzling temples, idyllic beaches, delicious food, and a friendly and captivating culture. However, many travelers make certain mistakes that can spoil part of the experience.
To help you enjoy it to the fullest, here are the 10 common mistakes when traveling to Thailand and how to easily avoid them.

1. Not checking the season before traveling
The weather in Thailand changes a lot depending on the time of year. Many travelers avoid the rainy season thinking it will rain a lot, but they may miss out on enjoying mountain destinations.
Then there are months of intense heat when the waterfalls and rivers are dry and have little flow; the mountains are spectacular during the rainy season, but if you go to beach destinations, that doesn't matter anymore.
Find out about the weather in the area you're visiting, and whether you're going to the mountains or the beach. You can avoid the peak season from February to May; it's too hot.

2. Disrespecting customs and cultural codes
In Thailand, showing respect is essential. A very common mistake is not dressing appropriately in temples: shoulders and knees must be covered.
Pointing with your feet, touching someone's head, or speaking loudly are also considered disrespectful. You can read our full article on this topic here.

3. Drink tap water
Although some hotels have filters, Tap water is not drinkable For foreigners. A typical mistake is using it to rinse your mouth, make coffee, or even drink without thinking.
Always choose bottled or filtered water. Carry vacuum-sealed bottles, which keep water cold for a long time, and refill them with water from the supermarket.

4. Trust all taxis without turning on the meter
In cities like Bangkok, many travelers get into taxis without checking if the driver has turned on the meter. If it's not on, the trip can be very expensive.
Ask taximeter Or use apps like Bolt, which work perfectly in Thai cities.

5. Not negotiating in markets or negotiating too much.
Haggling is part of the shopping culture. Not doing so can make you pay double. But aggressive haggling is also frowned upon.
Always aim for a middle ground and maintain a friendly attitude. Looking for a better price is common at street stalls selling clothing and other items like handicrafts, souvenirs, etc.
Don't haggle in shopping centers or franchise stores, it won't do you any good and it's frowned upon.

6. Overload the itinerary
Thailand has so much to offer, but trying to visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi in just one week is a mistake. Travel is tiring and leaves little time for enjoyment.
Leave time to rest, get lost in markets, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Plan your itinerary in advance to account for travel times within the city., Use this website 12 go Asia which gives you the complete itinerary and shows you arrival times.

7. Neglecting sun and mosquito protection
The Thai sun is very strong, even on cloudy days. And in tropical areas, mosquitoes can be a nuisance and transmit diseases. Use high SPF sunscreen and insect repellent with DEET, especially at dawn and dusk.
You can buy it at any store near your hotel; you don't need to bring it from your country, but make sure you have both if you're going on excursions.

8. Not checking documents and visas
Many travelers don't check entry requirements, visa regulations, or permitted length of stay. In most cases, no vaccinations are required, but it's still advisable to review official information before traveling.
Nowadays, even for a short trip, you have to complete a preliminary procedure that used to be done on the plane; it's a simple but mandatory process. Check it out in our guides section, where we have a lot of information about it.

9. Relying too much on cheap tours
Extremely cheap offers often mask poor service, overcrowded boats, or irresponsible excursions. It's always best to choose reliable and sustainable operators that respect the environment and wildlife.
Beware of the most common scams in cities like Bangkok; we'll be publishing an article about them soon.

10. Not carrying enough cash
Although cards are accepted in many areas, you'll need cash at markets, street stalls, and small shops. A common mistake is relying solely on cards and ending up paying high ATM fees.
It's common for people living in Thailand, and even for Thais themselves, to pay with their mobile phones through an app, which is very convenient even for small amounts. However, if you don't have a bank account in Thailand, you can't use it. Bring enough cash, because you can pay by card almost everywhere, but in small markets and food stalls, you can't pay without cash.
Plan Your Trip: Practical Tips
Prepare your visit to Thailand with our practical tips!!
Prepare your visit to Thailand with our practical tips. From information on visas and transportation to accommodation suggestions, we will provide you with the essential information to plan your adventure.




