16 practical tips for Thailand
You are planning a holiday to Thailand. The plane tickets are booked, the anticipation can begin! But then... Are you someone who plans everything from top to toe, or are you the one who goes without a plan and sees what happens? Thailand is ideal for both types of traveller! We are happy to share practical tips you can use before and during your trip. These practical tips are for every type of traveller, both the planner and the non-planner.
Travelling to Thailand? Tips you need to know before you go
You have decided: you are going on holiday to Thailand! The plane tickets are booked, so the anticipation can begin. But how will you go about it? Are you someone who plans everything down to the last detail, or would you rather let go of planning and see where you end up? Good news: Thailand is perfect for both types of traveller. We share handy tips you can use both to prepare and during your trip. Whether you are a planner or not, these tips will make your holiday even more fun and easier!
Visa for Thailand
Short stay: Since 15 September 2026, travellers from the Netherlands and Belgium may stay in Thailand for up to 30 days on holiday without a visa. Before that it was 60 days; if you entered the country before 15 September 2026, the period you were given on arrival still applies for that trip.
Extending: Want to stay longer? You can extend your stay once by up to 30 days at the immigration office in Thailand (cost: about 1,900 baht / €50). That way you can stay up to 60 days without applying for a visa in advance.
Long stay: For more than 60 days, apply for a visa in advance, for example a tourist visa through the Thai embassy or the online e-visa system (valid for 60 days, extendable by 30 days). For long stays there is also the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which lets you stay in the country for up to 180 days.
Visa rules can change, so always check the current requirements shortly before you leave.
Mandatory digital arrival card (TDAC)
Since May 2025, all travellers must fill in a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. It replaces the paper TM6 form.
- Deadline: Submit online within 3 days (72 hours) before arriving in Thailand, so not earlier
- More info: Official Thai immigration website
Onward ticket and passport validity
When you travel to Thailand, you need to keep two important things in mind: an onward ticket and a valid passport.
Onward ticket: Airlines, and sometimes Thai immigration on arrival, ask for proof that you will leave the country again, for example a return or onward ticket. If you do not yet know exactly when you will travel on, you can easily buy a temporary onward ticket so you can enter Thailand without any problems. You can get one for about €15.00 from onwardticket, for example. We did this ourselves at the time, perfect!
Passport: Your passport must also be valid for at least six months on arrival in Thailand.
Travel and cancellation insurance for Thailand
For a carefree holiday or round trip in Thailand, good travel insurance is essential. Check in advance whether your current policy offers worldwide cover and whether it covers the full length of your stay in Thailand. Cancellation insurance is also handy for unexpected situations, such as an accident or a death in the family, so that the costs of your trip can be reimbursed. Do not have an annual policy yet? Then you can always take out temporary travel and cancellation insurance, usually up to two weeks after booking your trip.
Money matters in Thailand
Make sure your debit card can be used abroad and preferably bring several means of payment, such as an extra debit card or credit card. Spread them across your luggage so you are not completely dependent on one card.
It is handy to bring part of your money in cash to exchange on arrival in Thailand. Preferably do not exchange it straight away in the arrivals hall at Bangkok airport, because the exchange rate there is often poor. A better option is the basement of the airport, at exchange offices such as Super Rich 1965, Superrich Thailand or Value Plus Currency Exchange, or even better: exchange later in the city for a better rate.
Note that withdrawing cash in Thailand often comes with a fee, usually around 220 baht (€6) per transaction. So try to withdraw a larger amount at once rather than several small amounts. The maximum withdrawal per transaction is usually between 25,000 and 30,000 baht. When you are given the choice between With or Without Conversion, always choose Without for a better exchange rate.
Vaccinations for Thailand
There are no mandatory vaccinations for Thailand, unless you have been in a country with yellow fever within 7 days before departure. In that case a yellow fever vaccination is required. For a safe and healthy holiday, however, a few vaccinations are recommended, such as DTP, hepatitis A and possibly MMR if you have not previously been protected against measles, mumps or rubella. Contact a travel clinic or your GP for personal advice, so you are well prepared for your trip.
International driving permit
If you plan to rent a car during your round trip in Thailand, an international driving permit is required. A Dutch driving licence on its own is not valid. In the Netherlands you can apply for one at the ANWB for €24.95; it is valid for three years.
Be careful when renting scooters: in Thailand scooters are at least 100cc, and you need a valid motorcycle licence for them. If you rent a scooter without the right papers, you are not insured in case of an accident. So always make sure you have the right documents with you to drive safely and legally in Thailand.
Emergency numbers in Thailand
For a safe round trip or holiday in Thailand, it is wise to save important emergency numbers in your phone beforehand, such as those of your bank, airline and travel insurer. It is handy to memorise them too, or keep them on a small note in your wallet. That way you always have access to important contact information, even when you temporarily have no internet.
Medical certificate for Thailand
If you take medication regularly, bring a medical certificate in English from your pharmacy. You may need it when visiting a medical clinic in Thailand, for example to check whether new medication can be safely combined with your current treatment. Do you use medication that falls under narcotics legislation (in the Netherlands, the Opium Act)? Then request an English-language medical certificate in advance (in the Netherlands via the CAK). That way you can be sure of carefree, problem-free treatment during your trip.
SIM card and internet in Thailand
Do you want internet access everywhere during your holiday or round trip in Thailand? Then a Thai SIM card is a practical solution. You can buy a SIM card straight away at the airport, but this is often more expensive than at a local shop or 7-Eleven. Make sure you bring your passport, as it is needed to register and install the SIM card. When you buy it, the SIM card is usually installed in your phone straight away; check on the spot that everything works before you leave the shop. That way you are assured of stable mobile internet throughout your trip.
Handy apps for your trip to Thailand
During a holiday or round trip in Thailand there are several apps that make your trip a lot easier:
Booking accommodation: Use apps such as Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb or Hostelworld to easily find and book hotels, hostels and apartments.
Getting around town: Grab and Bolt work much like Uber. Choose your destination, check the distance and price, and find the nearest taxi. You can pay via the app by credit card or in cash. You can also use the apps to negotiate with local taxis.
Transport tickets: 12GoAsia is ideal for arranging trains, buses, boats, transfers and domestic flights. The app helps you compare different options and book directly. For plane tickets you can also use the apps of AirAsia and Thai Airways, or comparison apps such as Skyscanner and Google Flights.
Budget and money: With TravelSpend you keep track of all your spending during your trip, while the Currency app quickly calculates exchange rates.
Weather in Thailand: Windy offers accurate weather forecasts, more reliable than many standard weather apps, so you can plan your days better.
Transport in Thailand
Public transport in Thailand is well organised and offers plenty of ways to travel easily during your holiday or round trip. You can get around by plane, train, (mini)bus, taxi, tuk-tuk or boat.
You can arrange transport through local tour agencies, but also easily via handy apps such as Grab, Bolt, 12GoAsia or the airline's app.
A few tips for on the road: Taxis: Always ask the driver to switch on the meter. If he refuses, get out and find another taxi so you do not pay too much. Tuk-tuks: Always negotiate the price in advance. Decide beforehand the most you want to pay, so you never pay too much.
With these tips and apps you can travel comfortably and affordably during your holiday or round trip through Thailand.
Local mosquito repellent
There are a lot of mosquitoes in Thailand, especially during the rainy season and in rural areas. The chance of getting ill is small, but it is wise to protect yourself well. Local mosquito repellent such as Soffell is cheap and effective, available at almost every 7-Eleven for about €2.00. That way you do not need to bring expensive DEET from home.
Street food in Thailand
Do not be afraid to get your food from a street food stall. It is one of the highlights of a round trip or holiday in Thailand. The food is not only tasty and cheap, but also a unique experience. Try fresh snacks such as pad thai, roti with Nutella, massaman curry or tropical fruit. For adventurous eaters there are even fried grasshoppers! Do use your common sense and always choose stalls that are busy with other tourists or locals for the best quality and hygiene.
Thai culture and religion
During your round trip or holiday in Thailand it is important to respect the local culture and religion. The Thai royal family is highly revered; negative remarks can even lead to a prison sentence.
In Thailand the head is considered the ‘highest’ part of the body, so never touch someone's head. The feet are the ‘lowest’ part of the body and are considered unclean. Take your shoes off when entering someone's home, never point your feet at anyone and do not hang your shoes on the outside of your bag or backpack.
Visiting a temple is a must during your holiday. Make sure your shoulders and upper arms are covered; at many temples you can borrow a sarong if you are wearing a short skirt or shorts. Take your shoes off when you enter and never point your feet at the Buddha.
If you meet a monk, do not touch him, especially as a woman. If you want to give something, place it on the ground in front of him or give it via a man. As a woman, never sit next to a monk, to respect local customs and religious rules.
Safety in Thailand
Thailand is known for its friendly and helpful people, so you usually feel safe during a round trip or holiday. As in any other country, there are people who try to charge extra, for example taxis, tuk-tuks or market stalls. Respond calmly and kindly, use your common sense and assess situations carefully before you decide to do something.
Safety goes beyond people. Also pay attention to food and hygiene. Always choose accommodation with good reviews, preferably a score of at least 8+. Do not drink tap water and be careful with street food or food you do not fully trust. By choosing wisely, you greatly reduce the risk of stomach or bowel problems.
When booking excursions and tours, it is smart to check reviews. Sometimes activities are presented more attractively than they really are, for example boats that are poorly maintained or old tuk-tuks. That way you avoid disappointment and possible safety issues.
The weather is also an important safety factor in Thailand. Especially during the rainy season (May to October), heavy rain, flooding or slippery roads can bring risks. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust your plans accordingly.
Enjoy the journey
The most important tip: do not forget to enjoy all the beauty the country has to offer. Take the time to discover the stunning landscape, the culture and daily life in Thailand. Let yourself be surprised and go with the flow of this fascinating country.
Practical tips for Thailand
Preparation
On the spot
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Thailand
Do you need a visa for Thailand? +
Not for a holiday. Since 15 September 2026, tourists can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. Once there, you can extend your stay once by 30 days at the immigration office. If you want to stay longer, apply for a visa in advance. Always check the current rules before you leave.
What is the digital arrival card (TDAC)? +
All travellers must fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online via the official TDAC website. You do this within 3 days (72 hours) before arriving in Thailand, so not earlier. It replaces the old paper form.
Do you need an onward ticket for Thailand? +
Airlines and sometimes Thai immigration ask for proof that you will leave the country again. If you do not yet know when you will travel on, you can arrange an onward ticket through onwardticket, for example, like we did. Your passport must be valid for at least six months on arrival.
Which vaccinations do you need for Thailand? +
There are no mandatory vaccinations, except yellow fever if you have been in a country with yellow fever within 7 days before departure. Recommended vaccinations include DTP and hepatitis A. Ask a travel clinic or your GP for personal advice.
Can you withdraw cash in Thailand? +
Yes, but withdrawing usually costs around 220 baht (€6) per transaction. So it is better to withdraw a larger amount at once, and always choose "Without conversion" for a better rate. Preferably do not exchange cash straight away at Bangkok airport.
Can you rent a scooter in Thailand? +
Scooters in Thailand are at least 100cc and you need a valid motorcycle licence for them. Without the right papers you are not insured in case of an accident. For a rental car you need an international driving permit.
How do you get around Thailand? +
You travel by plane, train, (mini)bus, taxi, tuk-tuk or boat. With apps such as Grab, Bolt and 12GoAsia you can easily arrange your transport. Always ask for the meter in a taxi and agree on the price in advance for a tuk-tuk.
Is Thailand safe? +
Thailand is known for its friendly people and you usually feel safe there. Stay alert with taxis, tuk-tuks and market stalls, do not drink tap water and keep an eye on the weather during the rainy season (May to October).
What should you know about Thai culture? +
Show respect for the royal family, never touch someone's head and do not point with your feet. In temples, cover your shoulders and upper arms and take off your shoes. As a woman, do not touch a monk.