Thailand & Pattaya: Essential Visitor Guide (2025)

Thailand is tropical year-round with two monsoon patterns (Andaman vs Gulf), easy app-based transport in cities, excellent 4G/5G, and great value. Expect respectful etiquette at temples, routine ATM fees for foreign cards, and money changers that prefer clean, unmarked banknotes.

• North & Central (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai): Best Nov–Feb • Hottest Mar–May • Wettest May–Oct.

• Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi): Best Nov–Apr • Wettest ~May–Oct.

• Gulf Coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao): Best Jan–Sep • Wettest ~Oct–Dec.

EZLife Tip: Jul–Aug: Gulf is usually calmer • Dec–Mar: Andaman shines.

• Gateways: Bangkok BKK/DMK, Phuket HKT, Chiang Mai CNX, Pattaya UTP.

• Official transport counters for taxis/minibuses are inside the terminal.

• Bangkok: Airport Rail Link connects BKK to downtown + BTS/MRT.

EZLife Tip: Screenshot your hotel’s Thai address; drivers prefer Thai script.

• Many nationalities have visa-exempt or e-Visa options (rules change).

• Passport validity: aim for 6+ months on arrival.

• Keep onward ticket and photo backups of passport + entry stamp.

• Ride-hailing: Grab (widest), Bolt (often cheaper, variable supply).

• Food: LINE MAN Wongnai and GrabFood have strong city coverage.

• Transit: BTS/MRT official apps + Google Maps for routing.

EZLife Tip: For airport transfers, compare app quotes vs fixed counters; rail + BTS can beat traffic.

• Songthaews (Baht Buses): Blue pickups loop Beach Rd ↔ Second Rd. Hop on, press the buzzer, pay cash.

• Motorbike taxis: Look for orange vests with numbers; ideal for short hops.

• Airport transfers: Pre-book or compare app rates vs fixed counters for UTP/BKK.

EZLife Tip: Carry small bills/coins for songthaews; exact change is smoothest.

• ATMs: Foreign cards usually incur a fixed local fee per withdrawal.

• DCC: If offered to charge in your home currency, choose THB for a fairer rate.

• Cash exchange: Specialist changers give strong rates. Bring clean, high-denomination notes.
  

EZLife Tip: Withdraw larger amounts less often to amortize the fee—balance with safety.

• Major operators: AIS, True, dtac. Tourist SIM/eSIM at airports, malls, 7-Eleven.

• Passport required for registration; top-ups are instant via apps.

• Typical packs: 7–30+ days with generous data; eSIM = scan & go.

• Street-food meal: ฿40–฿100

• Café/Thai restaurant: ฿120–฿300

• Local beer: bar ฿80–฿120 • 7-Eleven ฿40–฿50

• Bangkok BTS ride: ~฿16–฿59 (distance-based)

• Daily budgets: Budget ฿1,000–฿1,500 • Mid ฿2,500–฿4,000 • Comfort ฿6,000+

EZLife Tip: Tourist islands run higher; check app fares before hailing off-app.

• Bills: Scan menus; check service/cover charge lines.

• Rentals: Video existing scratches before paying (scooters/jet skis).

• ATMs/DCC: Decline home-currency conversion; pay in THB.

• Nightlife: Keep your drink with you; use licensed venues.

EZLife Tip: If it feels off, walk away politely—you don’t need to “win” a negotiation.

• Insurance: Strongly recommended (medical costs upfront).

• Pharmacies: Plentiful for minor issues.

• Water/heat: Bottled/filtered water; ORS; sunscreen/hat.
  Save these: 1669 (medical), 191 (police), 1155 (Tourist Police).

• Helmet required; ride defensively.

• International Driving Permit + home licence recommended to be fully legal.

• Checkpoints common; carry documents and be respectful.

• Photograph the bike (all sides) and note fuel level before leaving.

EZLife Tip: A small action cam/dashcam can help in traffic disputes.

• Temples: Cover shoulders/knees; remove shoes; speak softly.

• The wai: Return a gentle greeting; avoid pointing feet at people/Buddha images.

• Monarchy & religion: Treated with deep respect; avoid jokes/debates.

• Songkran (mid-April): Citywide water festival—protect phones/passports.

• Loy Krathong (usually Nov): Floating candle festival—great evening photos.

• Some Buddhist holidays restrict alcohol sales; plan ahead.

• Temples: No climbing on Buddha statues; follow photo signs.

• Drones: Registration/insurance and no-fly zones may apply; check before flying.

• People: Ask before close-ups; smiles go further than lenses.

• Musts: Light clothing, rain shell, insect repellent, power bank, universal adapter.

• Nice-to-haves: Sarong (temple cover/beach mat), dry bag (boats/Songkran), first-aid kit.

• Air quality (North): Check AQI; carry a P2/N95 mask if sensitive.

• Connectivity: Offline maps; passport photo in the cloud.

• Hello / Thank you: Sawasdee / Khop khun (khrap/kha)

• Please / Excuse me: Karuna / Khor thot

• How much? Tao rai? • Where is…? Yuu tee nai…?

• Delicious! Aroi mak!

• 48-Hour Bangkok: Day 1: Grand Palace/Wat Pho → river ferry → Chinatown street food. Day 2: Chatuchak (weekends) or ICONSIAM → rooftop sunset.

• Beach Switch (Gulf): Day 1: Samui north-shore beaches → Fisherman’s Village night market. Day 2: Island boat trip → low-tide sunset walk.

• Northern Culture (Chiang Mai): Day 1: Old City temples → Night Bazaar. Day 2: Doi Suthep sunrise → Nimman cafés.

• Cards only? In cities, mostly yes; some vendors are cash-only.

• Tap water? No—use bottled/filtered.

• Tipping? Not mandatory; round up; ~10% for great service.

• Scooter/car rental? IDP + home licence recommended; helmets required.