But we get it-it can feel a little overwhelming at first.
This guide is designed to help you hit the ground running. It’s your go-to companion for navigating the chaos with confidence, avoiding rookie mistakes, and having the best possible first impression of Thailand. From packing tips to temple etiquette, we’ve got you covered.
So take a deep breath, grab a coconut, and get ready, your Bangkok adventure starts here.
Most tourists can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days (UK, EU, USA, AUS/NZ). If you're staying longer, you can apply for a tourist visa before you travel or extend your stay once in the country. Always double-check with your country’s Thai embassy for the latest rules.
Passport validity: Must have 6+ months left
Proof of onward travel: Occasionally checked at checkin or immigration
NEW-Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
Starting 1st May 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This new digital system makes immigration processing faster, easier, and more secure-no more paper forms! Register within 3 days before arrival: Apply here: tdac.immigration.go.th
Cool + Dry (Nov–Feb)–Best time to go, very popular
Hot Season (Mar–May)–Can be intense but manageable
Rainy Season (Jun–Oct)–Still fine for travel; showers are usually short
Sign up to an eSIM like Airalo which works great. Use code KERRY4674 and get money off your first purchase. Wi-Fi is common in cafes and hotels.
Thailand is known as the land of smiles. People are really friendly and helpful and you’ll feel generally safe.
Cash is still king food stalls or if y a ride in a Tuk-tu
good repellent; dengue is present especially in the r season. Pick up a packs at any 7-Ele
Insurance: Don’t s this. Medical care very good but cou be expensive with it
Water: Don't drink from the tap or us to brush your teet Use bottled water only
Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics. Cover shoulders/knees for temples
Hat / Cap / Sunglasses: Avoid direct sun where you can as it can be intense especially when walking around.
Shoes: Slip-ons are great as some temples and restaurants require you to remove them
Adapter: Thailand uses type A/C plugs, 220V
Packs of Tissues: Just generally handy and not all toilets supply paper
Other: Power bank, reusable water bottle, small day bag
WATCH OUT FOR “Luxury taxi” drivers inside arrivals offering inflated prices. Walk to the official taxi line instead.
SIM card counters may upsell expensive packages. It’s fine to buy one, but know what you need beforehand.
TIP: If you are flying in and out of Bangkok for onward travel make sure you know WHICH airport you are flying from!
If you're jet-lagged or overwhelmed, here’s a chill start to your trip: Check-in and freshen up
Grab a coconut, fruit shake or light Thai meal
Head to a nearby massage spot for a jet lag recovery session
Take an early walk (Khao San or Sukhumvit), then sleep early You’ll feel much better the next day and ready to explore properly.
Iconic: The Standard Mahanakhon
Luxury: The Ritz Carlton Bangkok
The original Thai brand: Dusit Thani Bangkok
Grilled Meats (Moo Ping, Gai Yang) –Pork skewers or chicken.
AND HOW TO ORDER LIKE A LOCAL
You’ll find vendors on nearly every corner. Trust the ones with a line of locals!
Pad Thai –Stir-fried noodles with egg, peanuts, lime, prawns and/or tofu
Mango Sticky Rice–Ripe mango, coconut milk, and sticky rice heaven
Pad Kra Pao- Holy Basil with chicken or pork and plenty of chillies
Som Tam –Spicy green papaya salad (watch the heat level!)
Boat Noodles–Savoury beef or pork soup with herbs and spices
Thai Iced Tea–Sweet, creamy tea perfect for cooling down
HOW TO ORDER STREET
Pointing is 100% okay
Carry small change (10s, 20s, 50s)
Don’t worry if there's no English-just smile and point to what others are eating
If it looks good, try it! Food turnover is fast, so it’s usually fresh
Say “mai phet” (not spicy) or “phet nit noi” (a little spicy) if you’re unsure Even “not spicy” can have a bit of a kick!
Eat where it's busy (high turnover = fresh food)
Stick to cooked or peeled foods at markets Pack Imodium or activated charcoal just in case, but most people eat happily without issue
FOOD COURTS ARE YOUR FRIEND
Found in malls like Terminal 21, MBK and Icon Siam
Cheap, clean, local dishes in air-con comfort
Most use a pre-paid card system top it up, eat, and get unused money back
TIP: Icon Siam's ground floor SOOK SIAM (pictured) food hall is made to look like a traditional Thai outdoor market with stalls, freshly made food and even a little river-it's an ideal first introduction if you feel a little intimidated by the real thing.
Lumpini Park in Silom
You can spot Monitor Lizards here
GRAND PALACE & WAT PHRA KAEW
Home to the Emerald Buddha and royal history
Dress code is strict: no shorts, no sleeveless tops
Go early to avoid crowds and heat
Entry: ~500 THB
Huge golden Buddha lying down —impressive and peaceful
Also home to a traditional massage school
Entry: ~200 THB
Stunning riverside temple with porcelain details
Great at sunrise or sunset
Entry: ~100 THB
TIP:
When visiting the temples remember to wear appropriate clothing. Cover knees and shoulders and wear shoes that are easy to remove.
Asiatique The Riverfront Destination
BKK Social Club
Hire your own longtail boat driver
Sky @ Lebua
Moon Bar @ Banyan Tree
Spire @ Dusit Thani
TIP: Dress smart-casual. Prices are higher but the views are worth it. Aim for a sunset drink-but check if you need to book in advance (and don't wear flip-flops)
BKK Social Club @ The Four Seasons
Caleo @ The Ritz-Carlton
Wallflowers Cafe-Soi Nana, Chinatown
Bar Us- 1, Soi Sukhumvit 26 Funkytown-39, Soi Sukhumvit 37
TIP: Don’t try to cram it all in leave time to wander, rest and take in the chaos with a smile
Massive market (8,000+ stalls!) open Friday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday
Clothes, art, vintage, pets, food everything
Go early and stay hydrated
Luxury mall meets cultural experience
Great views of the river, food court, and Thai design shops
Check out SIAM SOOK on the ground floor for eats and local market style stalls
TIP: For the spectacle of beautiful decorations and cool concept stores head to Emsphere
Next-Level Shopping: The Emsphere brings together luxury brands, highstreet favourites, and indie Thai designers under one futuristic roof
Perfect for fashion hunters and trendsetters Keep an eye out for their rotation of exhibitions and displays
(MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART)
A sleek modern building housing works from Thai greats and emerging artists. Perfect if you're interested in how Thai art blends tradition with bold, modern themes.
Stroll through industrial warehouses turned art galleries, design shops, and cool cafés. Highlights include ATT 19 and P Tendercool
One of Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods now a street art haven. Wander tiny lanes full of murals, vintage car parts, antique shops, and bold installations. It’s a local favourite for pre-wedding photoshoots and street photography.
TIP: For Talad Noi-Start at So Heng Tai Mansion and let your feet (and camera) guide you.
Bicycles are available to hire close by.
Whetheryou’reinBangkokfor48hoursor settingoffonaSoutheastAsianadventure, we’vegatheredthetips,tricks,andhidden gemsthatmakethiscityunforgettablealongsideallthepracticaltipsinthisbitesizedguidebook.
This guide is brought to you by the team who produce Fused Magazine and Travel Editions. With a wealth of travel experience behind us, we asked ourselves (and our friends):
“What do you wish you knew before arriving in Bangkok for the very first time?”
Our First Timers Guide To... was created to take the edge off the unknown and help you fall in love with one of the most vibrant cities on the planet.