Travelling around Thailand : The dos and don'ts

Travelling around Thailand ? Here are some dos and don'ts

Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. From bustling cities like Bangkok with its vibrant street markets and ornate temples to serene beaches in Phuket and Krabi, Thailand offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Visitors can explore ancient ruins,, indulge in delicious street food, enjoy traditional Thai massages, and partake in adventurous activities like elephant trekking and diving. With its rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes, Thailand promises an unforgettable and enchanting experience for tourists.

If you're planning a trip to Thailand, you’re in for a treat. It’s an amazing country, full of adventure. In fact, it’s Asia Pacific’s most popular tourist destination. With so much to see and do, you won’t want to stick to one place.

To act as your go-to guide to travelling around the country, we’ve picked out the top dos and don’ts in Thailand. Check them out:

Do: visit an animal sanctuary

There are few affordable opportunities around the world to see well-treated animals in their natural habitat. But in Thailand you can – including amazing elephants and turtles. Make sure you choose the sanctuary wisely and avoid places where the elephants are ill-treated.

Elephant Sanctuary (CC: Arvind Grover via Flickr)

Don’t: ride the animals

However, watch out for places which abuse animals in order to attract misinformed tourists. It might be tempting to ride an elephant or pet a tiger – but you’re encouraging a trade that doesn’t care for the animals properly. Be aware of unethical animal interactions. Instead, try out these alternatives to cruel animal attractions in Thailand.

Do: island hopping

Thailand is home to some amazing islands - Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Krabi, Phi Phi, and Phuket, to name some of the best. Try and visit as many as you can and relax on white sandy beaches.

(image credit: Flickr)

Don’t: get up late

If you want to see some of Thailand’s most famous attractions – Maya Beach from The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, for example – then you better be prepared to wake up early to beat the crowds.

Do: learn to dive

With some of the best diving spots around the world, Thailand is a great place to discover what lies beneath the water. With amazing coral reefs, spectacular sea life and historic wrecks, a whole new world awaits those who learn to dive. What’s more, it’s one of the cheapest places to learn. Places like HinMuang, HinDaeng and the Similan Islands come highly recommended.

(image credit to Khowaga via Flickr)

Don’t: miss out on the water festival

In April every year, Thailand celebrates the start of a new year with The Songkran Water Festival. Streets everywhere turn into giant water fights and everyone gets involved with the fun – you’ll see locals and tourists alike armed with buckets and water guns. Be prepared to get wet.

Don’t wear shoes in religious places

You can continue to wear your socks. Most temples have a space where you can leave your shoes.

Don’t get involved with drugs.

Penalties can be as serious as life imprisonment and even death and a fine of 1,000,000-5,000,000 Baht

Don’t disrespect the culture

When visiting Thailand, it is essential for tourists to show respect for the local culture and customs.

Do try out the delicious foods

Thailand is famous for its delicious food. It has some of the best street food I've ever eaten as well as an abundance of delicious fruits, due to its tropical climate.

Here are 13 delicious foods you must try in Thailand.

Have you travelled to Thailand? Share your recommendations with us.

Read my other posts on Thailand here.

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Sara Essop

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.