Thailand FAQs

Visas

Most travellers are able to enter Thailand for 30 days under a visa exemption. US, Canadian and UK passports fall under this category. 

Please note that requirements can change and we recommend that our guests contact the local embassy in the country where you live for the most recent and up to date information.

Passports

Passports need to be valid for an additional 6 months from your date of entry into Thailand. If you are a dual national, you will need to leave on the same passport you enter with, otherwise you may encounter difficulties through immigration. 

 We will confirm certain elements of your trip such as domestic flights, permits or train tickets using your current passport details. If a member of your party changes their name in their passport after booking (for example, through marriage or adoption) this could mean having to reissue important parts of the trip at an extra cost and subject to availability. 

Yes, once your trip is confirmed it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens. 

We always recommend that our guests get the maximum level of coverage that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

Yes, you should visit a travel doctor before your trip. Some vaccines commonly recommended for travellers to Asia include: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningitis.

In most of Thailand there is low risk of malaria, so medication is not usually recommended unless close to the border of Myanmar, please seek professional medical advice on this.

Regional flights in Asia are similar to those in North America. They will use similar aircraft and your baggage allowance will typically be 23kgs/50lbs, although please do check the allowance on your itinerary as it depends on your route/travel class.  

Travel pack

Before you head off on your adventure you will be sent a travel pack. The travel pack is full of great information and is also a beautiful keepsake. It is not necessary to travel with vouchers or confirmations on your trip but we do recommend having a printed copy of your travel itinerary to hand when you arrive in Thailand. 

Bon Voyage email

Around 2 weeks before you depart we will email you an electronic version of your travel pack including your domestic flight tickets. Once you’ve received this email your Travel Designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last minute questions and talk you through the information we’ve sent over.

Yes, whilst US dollars may be accepted in some places, you should bring thai baht to pay for most things. Credit cards will be accepted in a lot of places, although we recommend you check with your bank in regards to exchange rates and fees. 

ATM’s are readily available and will accept most credit cards.

Tipping is not customary in Thai culture, however it will always be gratefully received. Restaurants and bars may include a service charge, if not then around 10% of the bill would be a typical tip. 

For Taxi drivers it’s normal to round up, so for a 71 bhat journey the driver would get 80 baht.

We would suggest tipping guides USD 5 – 15 per person per day, while for drivers we would suggest around USD 5 per person per day.

Being a tropical climate, light clothing made from natural fibres (especially cotton) is most comfortable. If you plan to visit the north in the cool season a light jacket may be necessary for the evenings. Bring sandals or footwear that is easy to remove (especially if visiting temples). It is advisable to wear sandals in the rainy season as they are quicker to dry than fully covered shoes. All hotels and guesthouses offer laundry service and there are places offering laundry service in all towns that will wash and return your clothes within 24 hours.

Thailand is a buddhist country and people dress modestly here. Avoid wearing very short skirts or shorts and revealing clothes, especially in small towns. If visiting a temple you should cover your legs and shoulders otherwise you will not be allowed in.

We highly recommend that you make restaurant reservations in advance of your trip. Once your trip is confirmed you will be introduced to your concierge who will be able to assist you in not only making the reservations but also  making  recommendations based on your preferences.

Taxis are common, although make sure the driver uses their meter rather than negotiating a price. It is a legal requirement to use the meter in Bangkok, however many taxi drivers will try to avoid this. 

Another popular way to travel short distances would be by tuk-tuk, these will typically be the same price or more expensive than a metered taxi. Make sure to agree on a price before starting your journey in a tuk tuk.

Plugs and power

For Thailand there are four associated plug types, types A, B and C. Plug type A and B both have two flat parallel pins and plug type C has two round pins. Thailand operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Wifi and internet connection

Most hotels have Wifi in Thailand and in the cities you may even find Wifi hotspots. However you may not get the same speeds you are used to at home. If this is important to you, please speak with your travel designer or concierge about where and when you will need a very good connection.