Thailand has long been a favorite destination for many, and for good reason. It’s one of those rare places where you return home and immediately crave more – more of the vibrant culture, the warmth of the people, the mouthwatering food, and the breathtaking nature. Truly, it’s a must-add to your travel bucket list.

That said, there are a few unspoken missteps that travelers often make without even realizing it. To help you experience all that Thailand has to offer without any hiccups, we’ve curated a list of 13 essential mistakes to avoid, ensuring your trip is every bit as magical as you imagine.

1. Disrespecting the King and/or Royal Family – do not do this. Don’t even joke about it. Thailand has strict laws making it illegal to disrespect the King or the royal family. Even slight gestures of disrespect can lead to serious legal consequences. Always show respect for the monarchy in speech and action.
2. Not removing shoes when required – it’s customary and required to remove shoes when visiting Temples, as well as covering your shoulders if you’re a woman. This is a sign of respect, and there are always spots to put your things down while you walk around. It’s also customary to remove shoes when visiting someones home and even some businesses. Check for signs that ask for removal of shoes and do your best to follow local practices
3. Overpacking – yes you’re overpacking. Thailand is HOT, like a hot i’ve never experienced before. You’ll want to bring as light and airy of clothes as possible. Think linen pants, tank tops, and flowy dresses. Don’t pack your hair styling tools as the humidity is so intense your hair likely won’t hold. Overpacking with bulky clothes will also weigh you down when you’re likely moving around to multiple destinations and if you’re island hopping you’re traveling by speed boat.
4. Ignoring street food etiquette – While you should absolutely experience street food you still want to be mindful of the cleanliness of the stalls. Look for stalls that have lines or high customer turnover as this is usually a sign of fresh, quality foods. Also find street food fairs where there are many vendors set up compared to one or two on the side of the road. If you see food sitting out in the sun/heat, I would steer clear.
5. Ignoring the “Wai” gesture – Thais are very kind and respectful. A common greeting they use is called the Wai greeting which is a small bow with hands together. When someone says hello and makes the Wai gesture, it’s a sign of respect to return it. All you need it a small bow of the head and a smile.
6. Underestimating the power of the sun – did I mention it’s hot? I promise the sunscreen you wear at home is no match for that Southeast Asian sun. There are tons of spots to get sunscreen for cheap once you’re over there if you’re not checking a bag. I would recommend going for at a minimum 70 SPF, but I will say I was reapplying 70 like it was my job.
7. Not negotiating at markets – Thailand is known for it’s fabulous street markets and they expect you to bargain with them. When negotiating though, make sure you are still being polite especially when it comes to hand made items.
8. Assuming TukTuks are cheaper – Or in the opposite view you don’t take them at all assuming they’re too expensive. If visiting from the states everything is going to be cheaper in all honesty due to currency exchanges. However TukTuks are majority of the time going to be more expensive than taxis. While they’re fun and a must experience, I wouldn’t use it as your daily way to get around. Thailand uses Grab which is their version of Uber and it’s super easy to use. Also when you do take a Tuk Tuk, don’t be afraid to bargain there either!
9. Touching or pointing with your feet – feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body in Thai culture, and it’s extremely offensive to point the bottom of your feet at someone, especially Monks or Buddhist statues. Don’t sit cross legged or with the bottom of your feet facing someone.
10. Drinking tap water – don’t drink the tap water and always make sure you are consuming bottled water. Filtration systems in Thailand are old and get overrun during Monsoon season. Even locals don’t drink the tap water, so be vigilant even when brushing your teeth. It’s customary that hotels provide you with plenty of bottled water for your needs.
11. Overestimating the English language proficiency – While in larger cities you will likely come across people who speak English, you’re going to find that you’ll end up doing a lot of Google Translating and pointing at things. Be patient and remember that you are visiting their culture. Again Thai people are very kind and will do their best to help you out when you get stuck.
12. Not preparing for jet lag – 30 hours of travel if you’re coming from the states is brutal I won’t lie. Factor in a ~12 hour time difference depending on where you’re coming from and it can make you all kinds of confused. We actually watched the sun set and rise on the same flight to Bangkok. You’ll likely be arriving in the morning local time, so whatever you do do NOT take a nap at the hotel or in the car. Get as much sunlight in your eyes as you can, drink some coffee and lots of water, and try to stay up as long as you can that day. The good thing with a 12 hour time difference is one good night of sleep and we were back on what “felt” like a normal schedule. Be prepared to feel a little off and give yourself some grace.
13. Giving business to non elephant sanctuaries – Do not ever ride an elephant. Companies that are exploiting elephants for tourism or entertainment are inhuman and cruel. Ethical elephant sanctuaries provide a safe and natural environment where rescued elephants can roam freely and peacefully. How special is it to be able to walk around in open air with the elephants, feed them snacks and even bathe them, all while knowing they’re being fully supported to their live happiest lives.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and embracing the nuances of Thai culture, you’ll ensure a smoother, more authentic experience. Thailand has so much to offer, from its rich history to its vibrant landscapes, and with a little preparation, your journey can be as effortless and unforgettable as the destination itself.

Xo Holly and Dylan