Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ฿300–600 | ฿1,000–2,500 |
| Food | ฿200–400 | ฿500–1,000 |
| Transport | ฿100–200 | ฿300–600 |
| Activities | ฿100–500 | ฿500–1,500 |
| Drinks | ฿100–200 | ฿300–600 |
| Daily Total | ฿800–1,900 | ฿2,600–6,200 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities get 60 days visa-free on arrival — just show up with a valid passport (6+ months)
- Can extend once at immigration for 30 more days (฿1,900 fee) at Chaengwattana Government Centre
- Proof of onward travel sometimes requested — have a booking ready on your phone just in case
Health & Safety
- No mandatory vaccinations. Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink — bottled water is ฿7 everywhere
- Bangkok is generally safe but petty theft and scams target tourists — common scams include gem shops, closed temple ruses, and inflated tuk-tuk fares
- Pharmacies sell most medications over the counter at a fraction of Western prices — Boots and Watsons are on every block
Getting Around
- BTS Skytrain and MRT subway cover major areas. Get a Rabbit Card (฿200 incl. ฿100 credit) for BTS
- Chao Phraya Express Boat (฿15–40) connects riverside temples and piers — the cheapest and most scenic commute
- Grab app for taxis and motorbike taxis. Avoid metered taxis that refuse to use the meter — it is illegal but common
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM cards at the airport: AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove from ฿299 for 8 days unlimited data — excellent coverage
- Free WiFi in most cafes, malls, and the BTS/MRT. Speeds are generally fast throughout the city
- All apps and websites work unrestricted — no VPN needed. LINE is the dominant messaging app locally
Money
- ATMs charge ฿220 per withdrawal on top of your bank's fee — withdraw ฿10,000+ at a time to minimize fees
- SuperRich exchange offices (green or orange) at BTS Chit Lom offer the best rates in the city
- Cash is king for street food, markets, and tuk-tuks. Cards accepted at malls and restaurants — Visa and Mastercard widely taken
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing. Pack one outfit with long pants and covered shoulders for temples (mandatory)
- A compact umbrella — rainy season (Jun–Oct) brings daily afternoon downpours. Dry season evenings can be surprisingly cool
- Flip-flops for temples (easy to slip on/off), comfortable walking shoes, and mosquito repellent for evening markets
Cultural tips
Respect the Monarchy
Lèse-majesté laws are strictly enforced — never disrespect the King, Queen, or royal family in any way. Stand for the royal anthem played before cinema screenings and at 8am and 6pm in public spaces.
The Wai Greeting
The wai (hands pressed together, slight bow) is the traditional greeting. Return a wai when received. Do not wai to children or service staff. The higher the hands, the more respectful the gesture.
Feet & Head
Feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Never point your feet at Buddha images, people, or temples. The head is sacred — never touch anyone's head, even a child's.
Temple Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Cover shoulders and knees. Women must never touch monks or hand anything to them directly — place items on a cloth for the monk to pick up.
Mai Pen Rai
Thai culture values non-confrontation and the concept of "mai pen rai" (no worries). Losing your temper or raising your voice is deeply taboo and will get you nowhere. Smile, stay calm, and problems resolve faster.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up taxi fares. Leave ฿20–50 at restaurants if no service charge is included. Tip massage therapists ฿50–100. Hotel porters: ฿20 per bag.
