THAILAND TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

A QUICK GLANCE AT
THAILAND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page. ”
~ Saint Augustine

All the information you need to plan your first trip to Thailand is here. Whether you need a Thai visa, which areas to stay in Thailand, and especially where to eat and shop have all been researched for you.

This is everything you need to know before arriving in Thailand for your first epic visit.

MAIN MENU

1. BEST TIME TO VISIT
   
2. DO I NEED A VISA?
   
3. THAI HOTELS
   
4. VACCINES AND HEALTH
   
5. TRAVELING WITH KIDS
   
6. BKK & DMK AIRPORTS
   
7. THAI MONEY
   
8. THAI SIM CARDS
   
9. GETTING AROUND
   
10. FOOD IN THAILAND
    
11. COMMON SCAMS

BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND

Two questions might’ve crossed your mind while contemplating a trip to Thailand:

1) HOW HOT WILL IT GET?
2) WILL IT RAIN A LOT?

As of 2025, weather and climate have changed noticeably over the past 20 years I’ve been living here. It still gets hot, even on certain days in the cooler months. There were a surprising number of very warm days in November 2024, which is historically a cooler month. And the rain usually lasts 30 – 60 minutes during the rainy months of March through May. Now the rain lasts few hours.

That said, think about it as the Thai travel experience. There are still plenty of malls and 7-Eleven shops for you to duck in and escape the heat and rain.

A BREAKDOWN OF WEATHER IN THAILAND

• HOT (MARCH – JUNE)
• RAINY (Late March – MAY/JUNE – OCTOBER)
• COOL (NOVEMBER – FEBRUARY)
• BEST MONTHS TO VISIT THAILAND’S BEACHES AND ISLANDS

HOT (MARCH – JUNE)

March through June (Bangkok averages 34°C to 40°C  or 93.2°F to 104°F) are the hottest months of the year. Don’t let the high temperatures deter you from visiting Thailand.

Unless you’re out in the boonies, Thailand’s major cities and beach destinations will always have places to pop in and cool down with air conditioning. You can chill out inside a shopping mall that always has air conditioning on full blast.

Cool down inside one of Thailand’s many cafés and coffee shops. Personally, if the heat’s too much to take, I like standing next to the drink refrigerators inside 7-Eleven. There are so many 7-Elevens in Thailand that if you threw a rock in any direction, you’re bound to hit two convenience stores.

Songkran is the Thai New Year and takes place middle of April. Most small businesses are closed for this major Thai holiday. Local citizens either go home to the outer provinces to visit family or enjoy traveling in the country.

Most major malls and shopping centers operate business as usual to the point you can’t tell a major holiday is underway.

April is reportedly the hottest month in Thailand. Part of the Songkran Water Festival is the ritual of dousing water on willing and unwilling participants to cleanse a path for the new year.

RAINY (MAY/JUNE – OCTOBER)

If you’re on a budget and want to save money on a Trip to Thailand, May through September will be the best time for you to visit. The month of May is the start of the monsoon season, with a slight dip in the temperature scale from April, which is reportedly the hottest month in Thailand. 

Starting from May/June, expect heavy rains mostly during the afternoon and evenings. The temperature in Bangkok hovers around 30°C to 32°C or 86°F to 89.6°F.

TheWayfaringSoul Travel Tip #151: Leave your rain poncho at home. It will protect you from the rain. But you’ll get soaked nonetheless from sweating.

Torrential rain brings the temps down a notch. But with the high heat index, the humidity is incredibly uncomfortable. It’s a good idea to have a sturdy compact umbrella to fend off heavy rain or use as shade.

September is the wettest month in Thailand, with sporadic or consistent downpours throughout the month. With a whopping 332.7mm or 13.1 inches of rain.

Don’t let the rainy months scare you off from visiting Thailand. Street floods are a fact of life today in cities like Bangkok and Hua Hin, where tourists are likely to stay.

Best to leave your favorite shoes at home and travel in Thailand with a pair of sturdy sport sandals that you can wear on the streets or the beach.

It’s not until the tail end of October that the temperatures begin to get cooler, especially at night.

COOL (NOVEMBER – FEBRUARY)

The best months to visit Thailand for sightseeing are from November to February. It’s no coincidence that Thailand’s peak travel season coincides with the cool season. Hotels in Thailand cost more during high season. Don’t worry, though, you’re going to find the right hotel for the right price from November to February.

Special events and gatherings like Jai Thep’s outdoor 3-day festivities in Chiang Mai take advantage of the cooler northern temps in January. Also, Maya Music Festival puts on a crazy hot party in Pattaya at the end of January.

November is the start of Thailand’s cool season on record. The northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai see daytime temps of 30°C or 86°F. But night night, the thermometer drops down to 18°C or 64.4°F. While in January the temps can get down to 14°C, and in some instances lower in the north.

Daytime temps in central Bangkok are a few degrees higher than in the north, but at night, Bangkok can drop to 22°C or 71°F.

During the start of November, on the west of Thailand on the Andaman Sea, Phuket experiences daytime temps of 32°C or 82.4°F. With nighttime temps dipping to 25°C or 77°F. But there’s a lot of rain during the month of 

Heading down south to the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui temperatures remain cooler at 28°C or 82.4°F in November.

Though November through February are traditionally the best months to visit Thailand overall, the cooler temperatures are dependent on the weather system up north in China. 

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT THAILAND’S BEACHES AND ISLANDS

THAILAND’S ANDAMAN SEA AND COAST
For clear, calm waters ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating, November through April are the best months for activities and touring around Phuket and the surrounding islands. 

THAILAND’S WEST COAST (THE ANDAMAN SEA)

Months of September and early October are the worst months to visit Phuket and the rest of the islands in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Thailand doesn’t have a world-class surfing scene, though April through October is the best time to go to Thailand for surfing. The best beaches for surfing are on the west coast of Phuket Island.

• Phuket
• Phi Phi Islands
• Krabi
• Similan Islands
• Racha Islands
• Coral Island
• Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi
• Koh Khai Islands
• Koh Bon

The Wayfaring Soul Travel Tip# 76: Koh (also spelled Ko) in Thai (เกาะ) means island.

THAILAND’S EASTERN GULF SEA AND COAST
There are fewer islands on the western coast of Thailand. The most popular beach on this side of Thailand is by the city of Hua Hin, 144 kilometers from central Bangkok.

The best months to visit Hua Hin are from November through February. Which is also true for the beaches listed below.

The most famous island on the eastern gulf of Thailand is Koh Samui, and the best time to visit Koh Samui is from December to early April.

• Khao Takiab Beach
• Suan Son Pradiphat Beach
• Khao Tao Beach
• Cha Am Beach
• Hua Hin Beach
• Koh Samui
• Koh Phagnan
• Koh Ta

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THAILAND VISA INFORMATION

For tourism purposes, depending on your nationality, you can receive 14 to 90 days with no visa requirements.

Most Western and developed East Asian nations receive a 30-day stay as part of a tourist visa exemption scheme promoting tourism in Thailand.

Left is an entry stamp with October 12, 2016, as the entry date, and November 10, 2016, as the exit date. The stamp on the right is the exit stamped October 17th, 2016

MOST PASSPORT HOLDERS WITHOUT VISAS CAN APPLY FOR 30 EXTENSION

For a 1900THB fee, most nationalities are able to extend their stays for an additional 30 days at the nearest Thai immigration bureau for tourism. If you’ve exceeded your exit date, then you are considered an overstay and will not be able to apply for an extension.

Thai immigration is becoming strict on tourists abusing visa exemption schemes. And the laws and rules are often revolving.

However, the good news is that you can apply for your electronic Thai visa online https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

I’ve used it often, and it is very easy to use.

COUNTRIES GRANTED 30 DAYS OF STAY WITHOUT A VISA

Passport holders from countries listed below can stay in Thailand for 30 days, with no visa.

* Bilateral Agreement

COUNTRIES GRANTED 90 DAYS OF STAY WITHOUT A VISA

Passport holders from countries listed below can stay in Thailand for 90 days, with no visa. 

1. Argentina
2. Brazil
3. Chile
4. South Korea
5. Peru

COUNTRIES GRANTED 14 DAYS OF STAY WITHOUT A VISA

Passport holders from countries listed below can stay in Thailand for 14 days (Bilateral Agreement). 

1. Cambodia
2. Myanmar

NATIONALS ALLOWED VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)

Passport holders from countries listed below can apply for VOA for a 2000THB fee and are allowed to stay for 15 days. 

OVERSTAY FEES AND PENALTIES

If somehow you ended up overstaying in Thailand one day after your exit date, there’s a penalty fee of 500THB fine for every day overstaying. With up to a maximum of 40 days or 20,000 THB in fines. This fine is paid at the immigration office at the airport or a border crossing.

Though here’s an article making an interesting point that the Thai overstay fine won’t go into effect until after the first day of overstaying. In either case, it’s best to exit Thailand by the date that is stamped on your passport.

Overstay 90 days and you’ll get blacklisted from entering Thailand for a year.

DO I NEED TO CARRY MY PASSPORT AROUND IN THAILAND?

No, it’s not necessary to carry your passport wherever you go in Thailand. You do need to show your passport upon checking into your hotel. It’s still your primary form of identification.

You should carry black and white photocopies of your passport. And leave your passport inside the hotel room safe or the hotel’s safety deposit box.

A photocopy of the photo page, stamped entry page with your departure card (more about the departure card below) is sufficient.

Take photos of the same pages with your phone camera. And send a set to your email account as a precautionary backup.

The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20 years. If you get carded, a driver’s license or your country’s government-issued I.D. card should be sufficient.

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WHERE TO BOOK HOTELS AND HOSTELS IN THAILAND

Thailand has some of the best quality hotels in the world. And most are surprisingly affordable. You’ll find quaint little bungalows by the beach for a long stay. To luxurious 5-star hotels overlooking a river with a sunset.

Budget hostels are most popular with young backpackers as well as older travelers. Don’t count out budget hotels in Thailand. For a little extra, you can have a private room and bathroom without the sharing.

The best website to book hotels in Thailand is Agoda.com. I can also recommend Booking.com, but for booking hotels in the Asia region, Agoda is better.

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VACCINES AND HEALTH

Do I Need Vaccines for Thailand?

There’s a good chance you’ve already had the necessary and most important vaccinations, such as polio, measles, mumps, and influenza.

For traveling around Thailand for a long extended period of time, according to the CDC, hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended.

Malaria in Thailand is a concern, especially in hilly or forested areas. Most major tourist destinations and resorts, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Hua Hin, have no reported cases of malaria

If you are planning to head into heavily forested areas, applying mosquito repellent with long sleeves and pants is good advice.

HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CARE QUALITY

Every major city in Thailand has at least one hospital with international standards. The capital city of Bangkok has the most. Though the country has a total of 69 medical hospitals, clinics, dental, and cosmetic facilities verified by Joint Commission International for quality standards.

The cost of medical care in Thailand is very affordable. Prescription medicines are very affordable as well. Most, even antibiotics, can be purchased over the counter by licensed Thai pharmacies at reasonable prices as also.

But accidents might happen, so having some travel insurance purchased from your home country might come in handy. If you’re taking an organized tour in Thailand through a Thai tourist agency, for example, island hopping in Phuket, licensed tour agencies are required to provide travel insurance included with the tour price.

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TRAVELING WITH KIDS

Let’s face it, your kids prefer going to Disney World instead of Thailand. That’s why you have to show them these websites of Siam Amazing Park and Dream World.

And to beat the heat and chill out with cute penguins, take them to Siam Ocean World inside Siam Paragon Shopping Center to enjoy food and shopping.

And there’s always the wonderful beaches and islands of Thailand. Your kids will certainly enjoy playing on the beach and snorkeling.

Though I firmly believe that if you truly want to immerse your child in another culture, perhaps taking a private tour with a local Thai expert. That can show you a floating market or perhaps how Thai farmers grow rice.

It’ll be an eye-opening and life learning experience your young ones will never forget.

Looking for hotels in Bangkok and Pattaya with playrooms and kiddie swimming pools?

• Kid Friendly Hotels Central Bangkok
• Kid Friendly Hotels Pattaya

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BKK AND DMK AIRPORTS

LANDING IN THAILAND’S MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

Thailand has six international airports run by the Airport of Thailand. Most international travelers will be arriving in Bangkok, which has two international airports welcoming the most foreign tourists around the world into Thailand.

SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (Airport Code: BKK)
Most Western and Asian major airline carriers land in Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi (pronounced Su-wana-poom) International Airport.

Acting as a gateway to neighboring Southeast Asian countries, Suvarnabhumi is the largest airport in Thailand, servicing the bulk of international visitors. It is also a regional airport with daily local flights serviced by Thai Airways, the country’s flagship airline.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is Thailand’s major international airport
DON MUEANG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (Airport Code: DMK)

The second largest airport in Thailand is Don Mueang International. Mainly a regional airport handling daily flights all across Thailand. Due to Thailand’s popularity among travelers in the ASEAN region, Don Mueang was expanded to handle international flights from low-cost airlines, most notably Air Asia.

Inside Don Meuang International Airport

FREE AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Free transfer shuttle buses between both airports provided you show your onward tickets. These shuttle buses are spacious and can accommodate large luggage.

Service is based on first-come come first-served, and you can’t make reservations.

Airport shuttle buses operate between 5:00 am to midnight, every day. There is frequent service with shuttle buses running every 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day.

The road distance between the airports is 46 kilometers. Under normal traffic conditions, the trip takes 1 hour. It can take 2 hours through rush hour and rainy conditions.

So, plan your flight connections accordingly.

Though if you are in a hurry to make a connecting flight, use the metered taxis and tell the driver to use the highway.

FROM THE AIRPORTS TO CENTRAL BANGKOK
Both airlines provide fairly easy access to central Bangkok. Currently, Suvarnabhumi Airport is the only airport with an Airport Railway Link (ARL) that takes travelers to the center of Bangkok in 30 minutes. 

The ARL is located in the basement level of Suvarnabhumi Airport, and a one-way fare costs 45 THB to BTS Phaya Thai Station. ARL one way fare to Makkasan Station for connecting to MRT Petchaburi Station costs 35 THB.

Bangkok’s public bus system has improved dramatically these days. New buses have rolled out with signage of stops in English. Though translations still need some work. Bus drivers and fare collectors inside buses are most likely unable to communicate in English.

Airport bus stops are marked, and you will not have a problem finding the location near the airport.

Metered taxis are the most convenient and a relatively inexpensive way to get to your hotel from the airport.

As a service fee at BKK and DMK airports, 50 THB is added on top of the metered fare and paid to the taxi driver.

Cost of Metered Taxis from the Airports
Taxi fare from BKK airport to central Bangkok costs approximately between 250THB to 300THB. Taxi fare to the Khao San Road is approximately 400 THB. Metered taxi from DMK to central Bangkok is around 50 THB less because it’s closer to the inner city.

Taxi drivers might suggest taking tollways to passengers to reach a destination quickly. If so, you can add 100 THB on top of the taxi fare. The cost of a taxi fare from both airports to central Bangkok is reasonable.

Especially if you’re traveling with 2 to 3 other people. A standard metered taxi sedan can accommodate 3 to 4 adults. Keep in mind that luggage space will be limited the more persons you travel with.

Remember, there is a 50THB airport surcharge to be added on top of the meter.

Both airports have an organized metered taxi system queue with signs in English pointing to the public taxi queue.

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THAI MONEY

The official unit of Thai currency is the Baht. You may see it abbreviated as B or THB or as this symbol ฿, and also written in Thai at local markets and food vendors บาท.

There are only 4 common notes; 20THB, 50THB, 100THB, 500THB and 1000THB

There are only 4 coins; 1THB, 2TBH, 5THB and 10THB

There are a few other smaller coin denominations called ‘satang’, but they are mainly used in supermarkets and 7-Eleven convenience stores. These coins are a fraction of 1 THB, and I usually try and avoid these.

USING CREDIT CARDS

Currently, Thailand is primarily cash-based. Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are in all major Thai and foreign-owned businesses, including medical facilities. Most vendors inside Chatuchak Weekend Market accept credit card payments. But always keep cash in hand

American Express is only accepted in major shopping centers like Siam Paragon and Central branded malls. International branded hotels like the Hyatt, Marriott, Westin, and Sheraton accept American Express as well.

Smaller local businesses, such as hair salons and nail salons, may accept credit card payments. But might tack on a 5% surcharge to cover transaction costs. Which is not bad considering how expensive it is to withdraw Thai Baht from ATMs in Thailand.

Google Pay works in Thailand, but currently, Apple Pay does not. But bear in mind, these payment systems mostly work in stores that accept credit/debit cards.

WHERE TO GET THAI BAHT?

THAI ATMS

Automatic Teller Machines aren’t difficult to find in Thailand. Particularly inside major cities and all over popular tourist destinations. But withdrawing cash from a Thai ATM costs 220 THB ($ 6 USD) per transaction, which is pricey in my opinion.

If you have a bank account that refunds fees like Charles Schwab, then you’re in luck. Otherwise, a little advanced planning and withdrawing just the right necessary amount will ensure you only need to visit an ATM just a few times during your travels in Thailand.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

You’ll get the best currency exchange rate at a company called Super Rich. They’ve rapidly spread all over Bangkok, and currently, many copycats are providing roughly the same low rates. But Super Rich is the original, which is why I’m recommending them here.

Make sure you bring new and current bills along with your passport for identification purposes. I do not recommend exchanging currency at a Thai bank.

All being said, it is better to go cashless. I recommend checking out Tag Thai with their easy option to link up with the Kasikorn Bank (Kbank). They’ve set up a system where you get favorable exchange rates. So just load up and go. It’s called the Pay & Tour card.

All you need to do is: 1) Head to the Kasikorn Bank foreign exchange booth, don’t forget your passport and currency amount for exchange to Thai Baht. 2) Download the Tag Thai app for iOS or Android. 3) Follow the instructions to register. 4) Start scanning and paying like a local!

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THAI SIM CARDS

Without a doubt, you will need a cell SIM card to travel all over Thailand. From getting directions on Google Maps, ordering food delivery to your room, booking spa treatments online, and of course calling up a Grab Taxi to get there.

Currently, there are three major telecommunications providers in Thailand (well, actually two now, TRUE has recently merged with DTAC), including AIS.

All are excellent service providers for foreign tourists. I wouldn’t worry too much about which one is the best. That’s all there is to say about mobile providers in Thailand.

GETTING AROUND THAILAND

Public Transportation

Bangkok is the most populous city in Thailand, so it has the most government/private-operated public transportation system. Bangkok is the only city in Thailand with a BTS Sky Train and MRT subway train systems.

While the rest of the country’s public transportation system needs are covered by private and enterprising Thais with 2, 3, and 4 wheeled vehicles.

PUBLIC BUS

Currently, only certain cities have a government-operated bus system. It is the cheapest form of mass transit available to the masses, with fares starting at 7THB for the non-air-conditioned bus. Limited-run run non-air-conditioned buses with limited routes are free of charge.

Air-conditioned bus fare starts at around 13THB to 15THB, depending on the distance traveled. These buses do cover a large swath of metropolitan Bangkok, but traffic jams during rush hours make the use of bus travel not feasible for foreign travelers.

The Wayfaring Soul Tip #106 – “Public bus travel is recommended if you’re traveling alone, adventurous at heart and don’t mind a bit of stress”

METERED TAXIS

Love them or hate them, metered taxis in Thailand are affordable and convenient for traveling around big cities like Bangkok. Not all cities in Thailand have metered taxis. Smaller districts and local provinces may have limited metered taxi service.

Metered taxi drivers have a reputation for not turning on meters and quoting flat rates to foreign travelers. In reality, Thais get the same treatment.

But foreign travelers are always targeted by drivers with tampered meters that hike up the fare price.

Though most of these instances occur in most areas where foreign foreign-centric location. This is an illegal practice, and the Thai government has made an attempt to curb such practice.

Expect long wait times for finding an available taxi during rain and peak rush hour in the inner city of Bangkok.

GRAB TAXI SERVICE

GRAB is the only taxi app service in Thailand after taking over UBER.

It’s useful to have if you’re staying at a hotel away from central Bangkok. And just as hard to find as a regular meter taxi during rain.

MOTORCYCLE TAXIS

They may look dangerous, especially when the drivers are weaving around traffic. But they are much needed and necessary in Thailand. Especially when you have to get somewhere quickly.

Motorcycle taxis or “Motorsai” rates start at 10 THB for short distances. There are designated rate charts at motorcycle taxi stands, but most are written in Thai. Though in some areas in central Bangkok, you’ll find some destinations in English.

TUK TUK

These three wheeled unofficial symbols of Thailand are not cheap. But they’re safer than a motorsai taxi and can weave in and out of traffic and get you to certain places quicker than a taxi, particularly if you have several friends with you.

Compared to metered taxi rates, Tuk Tuk drivers charge expensive flat rates. But there’s room to haggle. So if it’s humid and hot or pouring rain, consider getting a metered taxi instead.

SONGTHAEW (สองแถว)

Songthaew in Thai means “two rows,” referring to the two rows of seats on the sides of altered pick-up trucks. Destinations are written on the truck in the Thai language.

Some songthaews are smaller, and some are a little bit larger. It can be found in big cities and especially in small cities and villages with limited public transport options. Depending on the city and route, a ride costs 5THB to 10THB.

Songthaew – shared mini bus transport popular with local Thais and cheap to use

MINIBUS AND LONG DISTANCE BUS

Like songthaew, Thailand’s minibuses are shared. Minibuses also make long distance commutes. Minibuses are very popular for taking travelers from Bangkok to Hua Hin and ports on the east coast, where passengers can catch ferry rides to the islands of Koh Chang and Koh Samet.

Long-distance buses are cheaper with frequent service, though they take a little longer to reach a destination.

Minibus and Bus services for long-distance travel are located in Bangkok’s three bus station terminals:

1. Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal (New Mo Chit) – Minibus servicing North and Northeast regions
2. Ekkamai Bus Terminal – Eastbound regions
3. Southern Bus Terminal – Westbound regions

Minibuses are comfortable and air-conditioned with a 10 to 12-person capacity. Fares start from 150 THB and increase with distance. For example, a minibus fare from Ekkamai Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Pattaya costs 130THB (1 hour) while to Hua Hin (4 hours) costs 180THB.

As a note, minibus services have a reputation for unsafe drivers. So keep your seatbelts on at all times.

TRAIN TRAVEL – BTS (SKY TRAIN) AND MRT (SUBWAY TRAIN)

Currently, Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, is the only city in the entire country with a metropolitan train system.

There are two train systems servicing greater Bangkok with planned future expansions:

1. BTS SKY TRAIN – These trains run on elevated platforms above the busiest streets of central Bangkok.
2. MRT SUBWAY TRAINS – Bangkok’s official subway trains also run below busy sections of Bangkok. But also local residential areas in parts of Bangkok.

Thailand also has a national rail service reaching more parts of Thailand. Though to keep this section short, here is the best information on Thailand train travel I’ve found.

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FOOD IN THAILAND

Thankfully, Thai food is not centered around all things spicy. Although there are regional delicacies, particularly in the northeast and south of Thailand, that make you feel like you’ve eaten a flamethrower.

While the foods of central Thailand are more mellow, with just enough heat in the dish to remind you where you are.

Whether or not you can take the heat of a chili pepper with the power of a nuclear bomb or not you will be able to find Thai foods that will suit your taste. Especially when you’re traveling with children.

THAI FOOD

Sweet, sour, salty, and of course spicy. Thai food uses simple fresh ingredients, all or some combination of the four flavors, to create a complexity that keeps you coming back for more.

THAI-CHINESE FOOD

Through the years, Thailand’s food history has been influenced by cultural interactions. The Chinese, however, have had the most influence at the time when immigrants from Southern China came and added their take on Thai cuisine.

This shop sells roast pork, Chinese style

THAI-MUSLIM FOOD (HALAL DINING)

4.3% of Thailand’s total population is muslim. According to Halal Food Science, there are 3500 Halal-certified restaurants in Thailand. And there are many pockets of neighborhoods throughout Thailand where muslims reside.

One of my favorite dishes is Khao Mok Gai, which is Thailand’s take on chicken biryani. You can find Khao Mok Gai in most mall food courts and definitely near muslim neighborhoods.

Khao Mok Gai (ข้าวหมกไก่) is Thailand’s very own chicken biryani dish.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD IN THAILAND

All the major travel destinations in Thailand have a Western international food scene. The most popular cuisine is Italian, and there has been a surge in South American restaurants, particularly those specializing in Mexican cuisine. You can also find Greek restaurants and wine bars with steaks and chops.

• Check out my Guide On How To Eat and Order Thai Food Like a Local

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COMMON SCAMS

The Wayfaring Soul Travel Tip #98 – “Where ever there are tourists there are scammers.”

Overall, serious crimes against foreigners in Thailand are few and far between.

What foreign tourists face, possibly on a day-to-day basis while hopping from one tourist attraction to another, are “motivated salespeople” looking to steer you away from your original destination.

While some scams are rather elaborate, they’ll take you on to tour of “secret temples,” but there will be a cohort speaking near-perfect English trying to sell you something.

Tuk-tuks and taxis parked outside of hotels where foreign tourists are plenty should be avoided. They have no interest in taking you to cultural sights and attractions. But instead of gem shops and clothing tailors that pay them commissions.

These days, it is very easy to find the information you need on the internet. Without relying on hearsay. And if anyone approaches YOU near tourist attractions, it’s most likely that they are trying to get you to buy something from somewhere.