Your first trip to Thailand should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
Before you go
- Visas — British passport holders get 60 days visa-free on arrival. Easy.
- Flights — Bangkok is around 11½ hours direct. Book early for the best fares; we bundle flights into our packages.
- Money — the Thai baht. Cards are widely accepted in cities; carry some cash for markets and small stalls.
- Travel insurance — non-negotiable. Get it when you book, not the day before.
Packing
- Light, breathable clothes — it's hot. Cotton and linen beat synthetics.
- Cover-up for temples — shoulders and knees covered for the Grand Palace and wats. A scarf works for both sexes.
- Sun protection — the sun is fierce; reef-safe sunscreen if you'll be snorkelling.
- Comfortable shoes — you'll walk more than you expect.
On the ground
- Respect the culture — the head is sacred, the feet are not. Don't touch heads or point feet at people or Buddha images.
- Wai, don't shake — the gentle hands-together greeting goes a long way.
- Bargain with a smile — haggling at markets is normal; aggression is not.
- Drink bottled water — and be wary of ice in very rural spots (city ice is fine).
- Use metered taxis or apps — agree the price before an unmetered tuk-tuk ride.
- Elephants — only visit sanctuaries that don't offer riding. We only work with ethical ones.
Getting around
- Bangkok's Skytrain & MRT — quicker than taxis at rush hour; get a stored-value card.
- Internal flights — cheap and fast; Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Phuket is around an hour.
- Longtail boats & ferries — part of the experience, and often the quickest route between islands.
Staying safe and sane
- Watch the heat — sightsee early, rest in the midday sun, and stay hydrated.
- Scams are rare but real — the "temple is closed today" line is a classic. Trust your hotel and your guide.
- Jet lag — plan a light first day and let the trip build slowly.
Honestly, the single best tip we can give is to let someone else sweat the logistics. Our family and honeymoon packages handle flights, transfers and tours so you just enjoy it. Call 020 7946 0958 and we'll sort the rest.
Quick questions, answered
Do I need any vaccinations?
Nothing unusual for Thailand, but check with your GP or a travel clinic around six weeks before you go — they'll give you the standard, up-to-date advice for the region.
What currency should I take?
The Thai baht. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for markets, small stalls and tuk-tuks.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, in tourist areas you'll get by easily. A few Thai phrases — hello ("sawasdee") and thank you ("khob khun") — go a long way and are always appreciated.
What should I definitely avoid?
Elephant-riding camps (choose ethical sanctuaries instead), unmetered tuk-tuks without an agreed fare, and tap water — stick to bottled.
