Generic guides to help you on your trip

Planning your adventure in Thailand? Our travel guides guide you step by step, from before you leave home until you land in the country.

Find practical tips for packing your suitcase, knowing what to do upon arrival, getting around easily, and avoiding common mistakes.

They are in chronological order, and once downloaded take a look, click on the links to see additional information. They do not pretend to be very detailed in the content, but useful at first sight.


Define the type of trip you want

Don't know where to start? Explore our routes and articles based on your interests in other sections of the website. You can find inspiration in our content:

  • Thai cuisine
  • Culture and traditions
  • Natural parks and beaches
  • Street food markets

It's time to start looking for affordable tickets... A direct flight? One stopover or two?

Recommended (and mandatory) vaccinations

There are no mandatory vaccinations if you're traveling from Europe, but if you're coming from Latin American countries such as Brazil, Peru, Argentina, or Colombia, the yellow fever vaccination may be required.

They are also recommended, especially if you will be doing outdoor activities:
Tetanus-diphtheriaHepatitis ATyphoid fever and Rage.



Travel insurance: essential

Thailand has good healthcare, but without insurance the costs can be high.
We recommend taking out comprehensive insurance, such as those from IATI Insurance

See how much a travel insurance costs you with IATI

Iati insurance

When is the best time to travel to Thailand?

You have to keep in mind that in some places like the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, the rainy season changes with respect to the mainland, so you will have to check carefully the area where you want to be, since the information above is generic.

Don't leave your search for hotels or vacation rentals until the last minute; you'll get a better deal if you book in advance.

Hotels in Thailand

In Thailand, there is an immense variety of hotels, due to the high number of tourists who visit this beautiful country. The prices in relation to the quality are very attractive, and the places where to choose that offer are wonderful and very prepared for the tourist.

In Thailand the most used search engine is AGODA, Platform similar to Booking.com.

For example, you can use either one or the other for Bangkok, but for smaller cities in the rest of the country, it's better to use Agoda, since it has a wide selection, better prices, and above all...Thais are more accustomed to using this platform.


How to pack for your trip to Thailand: practical tips

🛬 A few days before traveling you have to go to this website to obtain your 30-day visa,

We know that, between excitement and nerves, it's easy to forget important things. In this guide, we give you useful tips and a practical list to download, so you can pack with peace of mind and without forgetting anything essential.

🧳 Main luggage:

  • Use one sturdy suitcase, ideal for long flights and internal travel.
  • Wear light, comfortable and versatile clothing.
  • Don't forget a swimsuit, sandals, some sports clothes and clothing that covers shoulders and legs (useful for temples).
  • extra change of clothes in your carry-on bag It can be a lifesaver after many hours of flying.

🛫 Essential documents

  • Valid passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months before expiry)
  • QR code to display: When we complete the pre-entry process, we download a QR code to our phone. We can print it.
  • Plane tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Hotel reservations
  • folder with printed copies of everything, ideal for showing the taxi driver the address of your accommodation.

🔌 Electronics

  • Chargers, power banks, and USB cables for charging at your airplane seat.
  • Waterproof case for your phone if you go to the beach or on excursions
  • Enough camera or space on your phone for lots of photos 📸
  • Small bag or box to store your SIM card from your country of origin

📱 Useful apps for traveling

  • Currency converter: For euro to Thai baht, simple and fast.
  • Real-time translator: Google Translate, point your camera at any Thai sign or text, and you'll see the translation
  • Mobile payment or wallet to avoid carrying too much cash
  • Download music or videos offline if you want in-flight entertainment

📥 Download the complete packing list

We have prepared a downloadable PDF list so you can check everything off before you leave.
📄 👉 Download packing list


✈️ What to do when you arrive in Thailand: a step-by-step guide from the plane

You've just landed in Thailand after a long flight... Now what? In this practical guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know upon arrival: from visas, passport control, currency exchange, and how to get a Thai SIM card so you're connected from the very first minute.

🛂 1. Go through passport control

For stays of less than 30 days, the "visa on arrival" was previously required, a small document that was filled out on the plane to be handed in at immigration. Now the process has changed., It is done online and BEFORE THE TRIP, so don't forget to do it, although it's true that you can do it before arriving at immigration at some consoles distributed along the corridor that leads to the control, but as it is a somewhat cumbersome process, it is better to do it a couple of days before boarding.

The process is quick and straightforward. After the stamp, collect your luggage and prepare for the basic procedures.

💱 2. Change some money at the airport

It's a good idea to exchange a small amount of euros for baht (THB) to pay for taxi fares or initial expenses. 50 or 100 euros will be enough.
Later, you can find more favorable exchange offices in the city or even at BTS stations in Bangkok.

There's a very reliable franchise throughout the country that offers very good exchange rates and is very reliable. It's called Super Rich. You can search on Google Maps from your hotel and see the closest one to your area.


💡 Approximate exchange rate: 1€ = 36-38 baht in recent months

Recommendation: Use an app like Currency FX XE to check the change in real time.
📲 Ddownload the Google Play app

📲 Download the APPLE STORE app

📱 3. Get a Thai SIM

As soon as you leave the baggage claim, you will find counters for the main transport companies:
✅ AIS
✅ True Mobile

The staff will ask you how many days you're staying and offer you a rate tailored to tourists.
They install the SIM card right away and help you configure it.

💡 Tip: Keep your Spanish SIM card in a small bag (as explained in the packing guide) so you don't lose it.

🔗 You can see AIS rates here: https://www.ais.co.th/travellersim

📦 4. Be careful with data usage

If you're uploading a lot of photos or videos to the cloud, you could run out of your subscription in just a few hours.
Advice: disable automatic sync, save the files and upload them later via WiFi.

💬 5. Keep your WhatsApp with your usual number

WhatsApp will ask you if you want to use your account with the new Thai number.
✅ Accept to keep your chats.
When you put your Spanish SIM back in, it will ask you the same thing again.


🚕 How to get around Thailand: a practical guide to internal transportation

Thailand is a country where getting around is easy, affordable, and even fun if you know how to navigate. From cheap flights to scenic trains, tuk-tuks, buses, minivans, or rental motorcycles, you have many options for exploring the country depending on your time, budget, and travel style.

Without a doubt the best combined transport website within the country is 12go Asia, you have multiple search boxes to make your reservations.

✈️ Domestic flights: the fastest way

Ideal for long distances such as Bangkok – Chiang Mai or Bangkok – Phuket.

  • Frequent companies: AirAsiaNok AirThai Lion AirThai VietJet.
  • Basic fares do not always include checked baggage.
  • If you book in advance, you can find flights for less than €30.

🚆 Trains: for travelers with time

The railway network connects the main cities in the north, northeast, and south of the country.

  • You can choose between regular seats or bunk beds for overnight trips.
  • They are safe, affordable, and a very Thai experience.
  • The main station in Bangkok is Hua Lamphong (although there are new terminals in use).

🚌 Buses and minivans

A good intermediate option between trains and flights.

  • Buses: comfortable, with air conditioning and different categories (VIP, standard…).
  • Minivans: fast and frequent, ideal for medium distances (such as Bangkok – Ayutthaya).

⚠️ Tip: Always check the type of transportation and its departure point. Many minivans depart from specific BTS stations or terminals.

🚇 Urban transport in Bangkok

  • BTS Skytrain: connects the most modern areas (Siam, Sukhumvit…).
  • MRT Metro: connects to key points such as Chatuchak or Chinatown.
  • TaxisMake sure they use the meter. If they don't turn it on, it's best to get out.
  • Bolt (Uber type): comfortable, clear price and no haggling. Download their app
  • Tuk-tuks: picturesque, but only to try the experience, better any other for everyday use.
Guides for your trip to Thailand

🛵 Motorcycle rental

Very common on islands and small towns.

  • You need an international driving license for motorcycles.
  • Always wear a helmet, even if no one else around you is wearing one.
  • Make sure your insurance covers motorcycle riding.

Looking for things to do in Bangkok before continuing your trip around the country?


🛶 Ferries and maritime transport
  • To reach islands like Koh Tao, Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi.
  • Check schedules in advance, especially during peak season.

📱 Useful apps for getting around

  • Bolt: private transportation (like Uber).
  • Google Maps: will help you locate stations and routes.
  • 12Go Asia: Compare and book trains, buses, ferries, or flights.

You're already in Thailand, but it's a good idea to learn some basic tips to avoid making behavioral mistakes in a country that may have different cultural standards than yours.

Check out this article if you want to know more.

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