When is the best weather in Thailand?

The best time to visit Thailand for pleasant weather is from November to February. Daytime temperatures average 32°C (90°F) and cool down to around 23°C (73°F) at night, making it ideal for outdoor activities. This is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher hotel rates. Book early to secure the best deals.

What festivals happen in Thailand from November to February?

Major events include Loy Krathong in November, Christmas and New Year celebrations in December, and Chinese New Year in February, especially vibrant in Bangkok's Chinatown with dragon parades and traditional performances.

Is it hot in Thailand during March and April?

Yes, March and April are the hottest months in Thailand. Daytime temperatures average 35°C (95°F), often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Heat indices can reach up to 48°C (118°F)

What is Songkran and when is it celebrated?

Songkran is Thailand's traditional New Year celebrated from April 13-15. It features nationwide water fights, especially in Bangkok. Book accommodation early as it's a popular time for both locals and tourists.

When is Thailand's monsoon season?

The monsoon season runs from June to October. Expect frequent afternoon rain showers and high humidity. Rain usually lasts under an hour, allowing for continued sightseeing. September and October see the heaviest rainfall and are best avoided.

Is it cheaper to visit Thailand during the hot or rainy season?

Yes. March-April (hot season) and June-October (monsoon season) offer lower tourist numbers and better hotel rates. Despite the heat or occasional rain, major attractions remain accessible and less crowded.

What is the TDAC For?

The TDAC is a digital entry requirement to assist Thai immigration. It is used to track arrivals, enhance border security, and includes a health declaration as part of its requirements.

Who Must Complete the TDAC?

All non-Thai citizens must complete the TDAC, regardless of visa type—this includes tourist, long-stay, Digital Nomad (DTV), Privilege visas, and more. A TDAC is required for every entry into Thailand by air, land, or sea. Each family member must submit their own form, though group submissions are supported.

What You'll Need to Complete the TDAC

To complete the TDAC, you will need the following: passport and visa information, full name, date of birth, gender, and occupation, your country of residence and phone number, arrival and departure dates along with your mode of travel, flight or vehicle number, and your accommodation details, including full address with province, district, sub-district, postal code, and street name.

When and Where to Register for a TDAC

You can register for the TDAC up to 72 hours before arrival. Same-day submission is also allowed. There is no cost—the TDAC is completely free of charge.

Thailand Travel Tips For First Timers

An Essential Guide to Thailand's Basics

By Travel Guide Spot 🌏

Last updated: May 21, 2025

Thailand never seems to lose its charm, from the old Bankok waterway neighborhoods to lush mountains and jungles, to sacred temples, and to some of the best beaches the world can offer. Couple that with people that embrace rich culture and traditions, it is no surprise why is ranked among the world’s most visited countries. However cultural differences, climate, language barriers, and scams can make it a bit overwhelming for first-time travelers. But… we’ve done it all and got you covered with our essential Thailand travel tips for first-timers. We have covered the Visa Requirements, the new TDAC system, weather, travel insurance and scams in this article to help you start your planning.

Thailand’s Seasons

You can visit Thailand year-round, but the best time to go is from November to February. This is when the weather is most pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less humidity. Not that this is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher hotel rates. At the end of the day, there is a time of year for everyone to visit Thailand, and it all depends on your preferences.

When is the best weather in Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand for pleasant weather is from November to February. Daytime temperatures average 32°C (90°F) and cool down to around 23°C (73°F) at night, making it ideal for outdoor activities. This is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher hotel rates. Book early to secure the best deals.
What festivals happen in Thailand from November to February?
Major events include Loy Krathong in November, Christmas and New Year celebrations in December, and Chinese New Year in February, especially vibrant in Bangkok's Chinatown with dragon parades and traditional performances.
Is it hot in Thailand during March and April?
Yes, March and April are the hottest months in Thailand. Daytime temperatures average 35°C (95°F), often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Heat indices can reach up to 48°C (118°F)
What is Songkran and when is it celebrated?
Songkran is Thailand's traditional New Year celebrated from April 13-15. It features nationwide water fights, especially in Bangkok. Book accommodation early as it's a popular time for both locals and tourists.
When is Thailand's monsoon season?
The monsoon season runs from June to October. Expect frequent afternoon rain showers and high humidity. Rain usually lasts under an hour, allowing for continued sightseeing. September and October see the heaviest rainfall and are best avoided.
Is it cheaper to visit Thailand during the hot or rainy season?
Yes. March-April (hot season) and June-October (monsoon season) offer lower tourist numbers and better hotel rates. Despite the heat or occasional rain, major attractions remain accessible and less crowded.

When to go to Thailand

Thailands's tropical maritime climate ensures year-round warm weather, but choosing when to go to Thailand depends on your preference on the heat or crowds.

January

Cool, dry weather makes it ideal for beaches and boating. Celebrate New Year's and visit the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival. Great time to travel Thailand and even beyond to Malaysia or Bali.
February

A top month for beaches before the heat peaks. Enjoy the Chiang Mai Flower Festival and Chinese New Year celebrations. Head north before March's hotter days arrive.
March

Hot season begins with fewer crowds. Celebrate National Elephant Day on the 13th at ethical sanctuaries. Ideal for beachgoers looking for space and sunshine.
April

Thailand's hottest month but also home to Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival (13-15th). Prepare to get soaked as locals and visitors enjoy the nationwide celebration.
May

Quieter season with the first signs of the monsoon. Catch the Bung Ban Fai Rocket Festival and enjoy surfing on the coast as winds bring good waves.
June

Start of the rainy season but still warm and less crowded. East coast is better for beach weather. A good time to explore historical sites and avoid peak travel times.
July

Popular east coast beach time. Surf or explore islands. Don't miss the colorful Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival) for a vibrant cultural experience in the northeast.
August

Wet in most regions but good for festivals. Celebrate Asahna Bucha Day and see Ubon Ratchathani's Candle Festival. East coast still offers beach time with fewer crowds.
September

Thailand's wettest month. Great for surfers and off-peak travelers. East coast still sees some sun. Rain brings lush greenery and fewer tourists across the country.
October

Weather begins to shift with less rain. Experience local events like the Lotus Throwing Festival, Lai Reua Fai (Boat Procession), and Phuket's extreme Vegetarian Festival.
November

Cooler, drier weather returns—perfect for west coast beaches. Celebrate Loy Krathong and Yi Peng with floating krathongs and lanterns lighting up the sky and rivers.
December

Peak travel season with perfect weather for island hopping and family trips. Expect crowds but enjoy sunshine, waterfalls, elephants, and festive holiday vibes across Thailand.

Thailand Visa Requirements

Overview of visa options for travelers to Thailand.

No Visa Required

If you're from one of 93 countries, that do not require a visa for Thailand, you can visit Thailand for up to 60 days. This may be extended by 30 days at the Immigration Office.
Visa on Arrival

People from 31 countries can get a 15-day visa on arrival. This costs 2,000 Baht. Some of these countries are eligable for the 60-day exemption.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

This is a new five-year multiple-entry visa. It's for remote workers, digital nomads, and people engaged in cultural activities or sport. You need to show proof of 500,000 Baht. Stay for 180 days per entry, can be extended by another 180 days. It costs 10,000 Baht.
Student Visa

If you're a foreign student in college, you may stay in Thailand for an extra year after you graduate. You may even work during that time and switch to a regular work visa without having to leave the country.

To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, double-check with the Thai Embassy or consulate in your home country.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

What is the TDAC For?
The TDAC is a digital entry requirement to assist Thai immigration. It is used to track arrivals, enhance border security, and includes a health declaration as part of its requirements.
Who Must Complete the TDAC?
All non-Thai citizens must complete the TDAC, regardless of visa type—this includes tourist, long-stay, Digital Nomad (DTV), Privilege visas, and more. A TDAC is required for every entry into Thailand by air, land, or sea. Each family member must submit their own form, though group submissions are supported.
What You'll Need to Complete the TDAC
To complete the TDAC, you will need the following: passport and visa information, full name, date of birth, gender, and occupation, your country of residence and phone number, arrival and departure dates along with your mode of travel, flight or vehicle number, and your accommodation details, including full address with province, district, sub-district, postal code, and street name.
When and Where to Register for a TDAC
You can register for the TDAC up to 72 hours before arrival. Same-day submission is also allowed. There is no cost—the TDAC is completely free of charge.

Travel Insurance

Thailand is a safe and welcoming destination, but as usual travel insurance is still a smart move… just like in every country.

Road Risks: Scooters are popular but dangerous. Accidents are common, even among experienced riders.
Medical Costs: Private hospitals offer excellent care, but prices can be high—sometimes thousands upfront. Insurance covers these costs.
Food Issues: Street food is mostly safe, but bad cases of food poisoning can land you in the hospital with a $1,000+ bill.

Affordable Travel Insurance by EKTA

Travel insurance from EKTA is very affordable and policies can cover medical emergencies, delays, lost luggage, and more—often for less than the price of a fancy meal.

We use EKTA for every trip. Most times we don’t need it—until we do. And then, it’s a lifesaver.
*Travel insurance helps you enjoy Thailand stress-free, knowing you’re covered if things go wrong.

Get Travel insurance from EKTA

Thailand Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

This is a list of some of the important tips for Thailand, cultural and political etiquette you should be aware of in Thailand to make you trip a breeze and to get the most out of your visit

Never criticize the King or Royal Family

Strict lèse-majesté laws apply—serious legal consequences.
Respect temples

Cover shoulders and knees.
Monks are highly respected

Do not touch monks, especially if you're a woman. Always give them space and right of way.
Don't touch heads

The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Avoid touching anyone's head.
Transport

Thailand has diverse and affordable public transport, making it easy to get around cities and travel across the country. Popular modes include: buses, trains, taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorcycle taxis, metros and express boats in Bangkok.
Safety

Watch for Scams! Thailand is generally safe (low violent crime rates). However, petty theft and scams targeting tourists in major cities are common. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and walk away if something feels off. **Contact the Tourist Police on 1155**.
Alcohol

Alcohol in Thailand is heavily taxed, considerably raising the price of wine and cocktails. Ensure you stick to local beers to keep your bar bill in check. Thai craft beers, are often brewed abroad, and priced similarly to imports.
Be mindful of money

The King's image is on Thai Baht notes and coins. Avoid stepping on or mishandling money.
Use two hands to give and receive

When giving or receiving something from elders or important figures, use both hands as a sign of respect.
Wai greeting is appreciated

Bow slightly with hands together to say hello or thank you.
Stay calm and polite

Thai culture values calmness and respect. Anger is frowned upon.
Food

Thailand is a food paradise. From authentic Thai dishes in old-town shophouses to high-end fine dining experiences, the country caters to every budget. For the most flavorful local meals, follow the locals to small eateries and vibrant street stalls.
Food etiquette

Use a fork and spoon. Forks are used to push food onto the spoon, not for eating. Chopsticks are used for noodle dishes.
Street food is mostly safe

Eat where the locals do. If the stalls, equipment and sauce containers are clean, chances are the food preparation is too.
Avoid drinking tap water

Stick to bottled water—it's cheap and safe.
Only use clean ice

Use ice with holes in the middle (from purified water sources).
Be conscious of your shoes

Before entering temples, homes, and some local shops or restaurants (look for a sign or others' shoes at the entrance).
Be mindful of your feet

Considered the lowest part of the body. **Do not point your feet** at people, Buddha images, or step over food. Don't put your feet on furniture.
Limit public displays of affection

Thai culture is conservative—keep intimacy private.
Vaping & drugs

**Vaping is illegal**—do not bring or use e-cigarettes and avoid all drug involvement unless you have a prescription from your medical doctor—Thailand has strict drug laws.
Songkran

A Countrywide Water Fight. Thai New Year (April) transforms the country into a giant water battle. Expect to get soaked as the businesses close and the streets fill with revelers. Plan accordingly if you are visiting during this period.

Thailand Scams

Here's a heads-up on the common tourist scams to watch out for when traveling in and around Bankok:

Elephant Pants

Elephant pants can make you an easy target for túk-túk scams and other hustlers. Save them for home.
Taxis outside the airport

If you decide to take a taxi over the train, take the regulated airport taxi, not from the touts outside the airport (they charge 10 times as much)
Standing taxis at tourist spots

Avoid them and wave down a taxi driving on the street.
Taxi Meters

Some taxis won't use their meter or are are otherwise completely unlicensed. Use apps like inDrive or Bolt, or ensure they use the meter. Ensure that the meter is on and set to ZERO when you get in the taxi. If they don't get out and find another taxi.
Rigged Taxi Meter

If the meter jumps up by 2-3B every few seconds, get out. If the meter now freezes, get out and pay for when the amount at which it froze.
Never change money with drivers

Pay in small notes and never change notes with drivers, even if they make requests. This typically comes from talkative over-friendly taxi drivers.
Scenic Routes

If drivers take much longer routes to give you a scenic route to show you around, tell them to let you out. Ensure you have the route in google maps and check the real route.
Recommendations by taxi drivers

Do not fall for any recommendations made by any taxi drivers they get commission by taking you to overpriced & fake shops!
Wrong Destination

Sometimes taxi drivers will take you to the wrong destination - particularly at floating markets where you will be approached by a tout to take an expensive boat ride to the market. Do your research or take a reputable tour that takes you to the correct entrance.
Cheap Tuk-Tuk Tours

That very cheap tuk-tuk ride? It'll probably involve an unwanted stop at a commission-grabbing shop. Just negotiate a direct fare and ensure theres an understanding that you want to go direct.
Sharing a Tuk-Tuk with a well-dressed stranger

If a well-dressed stranger approaches your ride and asks to share a tuk-tuk, it's likely a scam. Politely decline. They are likely to take you to an area where they will try to extort you.
Tansport prices

Ensure you negotiate a resonable price and agree to it BEFORE you get in the taxi/tuk-tuk/motorsai. If note, they will extort you.
Grab/Bolt

Prices can vary largely. Ensure you take the lowest price - this is usually on Bolt. When you get in the car, ensure that the meter is set to zero, if not, ask the driver to reset. If they dont, get out and hail another ride.
Grab/Bolt Car Change

If the driver requests to change cars due to a 'faulty' car along the way, get out and pay for the ride, then get a new ride, otherwise you will go with the driver in an unofficial vehicle and the will try to extort you.
Train/Bus Totes

They can approach you telling you that the train/bus is full, and attempt to divert you to a private one. Its a scam!
Fake Tours

Book tours through trusted sites that we recommend here, or through the tour company directly, but ensure you double check the google reviews on the tour before you use any other tours.
Fake Police/Locals

If someone claiming to be a cop asks for your passport or accuses you of anything, request to see their police ID and insist on going to the police station if needed.
Jet Ski/Motorbike Scam

Stick to trusted rental places (reputable hotels), or just skip the motorbike/jetski altogether and check Google reviews.
Ping Pong Show Trap

Ignore any promoters offering free shows 'Ping Pong Show! Ping Pong Show!' Avoid these touts like the plague. Go to the reputable places with transparent prices.
Fake Gem Shops

If a stranger suggests a special wholesale deal at a gem shop, don't go. Shop at the well-known places.
ATM/Card Scams

Use ATMs inside banks and always shield the keypad when entering your PIN. Check your statements regularly.
Grand Palace Scam

If the driver says the Grand Palace is closed and offers a special tour, it's a scam. The same applies to fake officials at the gate.
Secret Temple Scam

Ignore strangers talking about any secret temples. Visit the popular/documented spots instead.
Curious Travellers/Guides

People approaching you enthusiastically asking to see what Thai money looks like (to see how much you have). When people approach you enthusiastically asking where you from, say nothing and move away. Don't show your money!
Fortune Tellers

They will tell you a fortune then demand money. Move away and ignore them!
Fake Monks

Real monks never ask for any money in public. Donate at the temples where donations can be made.
Bird Seed/Bracelet/freebee Scam

Just say no to anyone offering you something for free and walk away.
Pickpockets

Watch your belongings in crowded spots. Use a crossbody bag, anti-pickpocket bag and don't put valuables in your back pockets.
Tailors

Avoid any places using totes to promote a tailor. Only use reputable tailors with good google reviews.
Street Food & Eating

Ensure you see the menu for the items you are ordering FIRST! This way they can't overcharge you.
Avoid the Foreign Beggers

Yes... westerners - old and young will beg using numerous stories. Don't give them anything it's a means to come to countires like this to fund their everlasting holiday.
Investment Scams

Again - avoid!
Accommodation

There are bait and switch scams especially on AirBnB. Ensure you read the google reviews for the hotels/accommodation to see if it actually matches what was advertised. Also, you can book from the accommodation we recommended from this site.
Bar Bill scam

Ask for a price list before ordering drinks. It's best to pay as you order if its on at a very reputable bar.
Alcohol At Nightlife areas

Ensure you check your bills! Bars sometimes try to add extra drinks to your bill, especially if you had a few. Rather pay as you go and dont rack up a bill.