Erase your anxiety around traveling internationally to Thailand with these six easy tips!

Thailand is a mystical, hospitable country that hit all the points I wanted to experience on a vacation. We had criteria for our honeymoon that consisted of delicious food, a rich local culture, a red-light district, a country that we could easily navigate, and a conversion rate that wouldn’t eat our budget. Thailand hit all our points for a top-rated honeymoon destination, plus it offered more than we initially thought.

We spent two weeks in the country and then traveled to Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket for our honeymoon in March. Traveling to any foreign country can seem intimidating and scary, but it doesn’t have to be filled with anxiety. When I plan an international trip, I read all the blogs, watch YouTube videos, and check out online reviews before booking anything.

What about the practical components of traveling abroad, like whether I should bring local currency with me or if my credit card will be enough? Is the water safe to drink, or should I stick to bottled beverages? Is Uber available abroad, or how do I order a car back to my hotel? What will the weather be like when we arrive, and will it change depending on the city we visit?

I’ve broken down my top tips for anyone looking to travel to Thailand for a vacation or a honeymoon. This country provided us with an unforgettable two-week adventure that we still talk about years later. Don’t be intimidated by the language barrier, extreme weather, or distance to your final destination…Thailand was worth every moment.

**Big Buddha in Bangkok**

***Temple:*** *Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen*

Tips for Before you leave for Thailand:

Convert U.S. Dollars to Thai Baht

Credit cards are a challenge when you're out and about at the markets or trying to catch a taxi. We converted around $400-$ 500 before we left and used Baht on the street for food vendors, shopping stalls, and taxis.

You can convert U.S. Dollars to any local currency at your local bank or at a Triple AAA branch by placing the order ahead of time. I used the Bank of America App to place my order online and scheduled it for pickup at a branch location.

2. GRAB is their Rideshare App

Grab is their version of Uber or Lyft for ridesharing. Just download the application before you arrive in the country so it’s all set up with your credit card.

Sometimes taxis don’t want to drive you to a particular part of town and would then upcharge for the distance, so opting to use the Grab App on those special occasions can take the stress out of haggling.

Tuk-tuks and taxis weren’t always waiting outside our hotel, so this gave us confidence knowing we would be on time for a booked tour or dinner reservation.

3. Research Virtual SIM Cards

Purchasing a SIM card at the airport kiosk is a common practice in foreign countries, and it was easy to spot at Bangkok International Airport. You must present your passport in exchange for the SIM card, and the attendant will take a photo for their records.

If you don’t feel comfortable with this type of exchange, then I would recommend researching virtual SIM cards before you arrive overseas.

4. Arrange Transportation to/from your Hotel

Eliminate the stress of finding a reliable ride to your hotel from the airport or being hustled for money by the local swindlers. We had an unfortunate scare in Paris when we arrived off our flight, feeling exhausted and disheveled from the long flight. We avoided this close call from swindlers when we arranged our transportation with the hotel before arriving in Thailand.

Is it more money? Yes. But the security, safety, and comfort of having someone waiting with our names on a sign at the arrivals terminal was worth the higher price compared to taking a local taxi.

All our hotels (The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Inside House in Chiang Mai, JW Marriott in Phuket) emailed me about 1-2 months before our arrival, and I corresponded with the concierge or front office. Ask about arranging for a car to pick up/drop off at the airport.

5. Download a Translate App

Many local people, such as tuk-tuk/taxi drivers or market vendors, don't speak English. We had to use the translation app to ask questions, such as directions or haggle for a better price. It was easier to use the Samsung Translate or Google Translate app.

Bonus Tips for Planning:

Chiang Mai is a Blanket of Smoke

February through April is the Burning Season in Northern Thailand and Myanmar, resulting in a blanket of smoke over Chiang Mai.

Bring an N95 mask or avoid this time of year until the rainy season clears out the smoke. The winds are limited in Chiang Mai during this time of year; thus, the smoke gets trapped between the mountains and hovers over the city. It can make for an uncomfortable experience if you aren’t prepared for the presence of the smoke.

Seasonal Weather in Thailand

The cool, dry season lasts from November to early April, with the peak tourist season occurring from December to February. The shoulder seasons of October and May offer a good balance of fewer crowds. The hot season is from March to May, which can be very hot and humid. The rainy season, also known as the monsoon season, is from June to October, with heavy rainfall on the west coast during September and October.

Don’t Drink the Water

Don't drink the water and don't get ice in your drinks (you'll thank me later). We enjoyed local beers, wine, and bottled water with all our meals.

Additionally, use bottled water to brush your teeth and refrain from opening your mouth while showering.

Water and sanitation remain a challenge in Thailand; therefore, drinking water is often limited to bottled water, and it is not advisable to consume tap water.

Thailand gave us everything we hoped for in a honeymoon and so much more: delicious food, warm hospitality, vibrant cities, and unforgettable adventures. With just a little planning, you can eliminate the stress of traveling internationally and focus on soaking up the experience. From the busy streets of Bangkok to the temples of Chiang Mai and the beaches of Phuket, Thailand is a destination that truly stays with you long after you return home.

If you’re planning your first trip, I hope these tips help you feel confident and excited about the journey ahead.

Have you visited Thailand before? Share your favorite memories, or the questions you still have, in the comments below. Feel free to send a message on social media as well. I’d love to hear from you!

Check out our TripAdvisor page for raw and real reviews of local Thai businesses during my stay.

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