Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Stick to bottled water or use a filtered water bottle.

Do I need to carry cash?

Yes. While malls and hotels take cards, street food vendors and smaller boat operators only accept Thai Baht.

Is it okay to rent a scooter?

Only if you have an international driving permit and significant motorcycle experience. Traffic in Thailand can be chaotic and accidents are common.

Navigating Thailand as a Couple

Thailand is best navigated by splitting your time between internal flights for long distances and the Grab app for city travel. Stick to a mix of pre-booked private transfers for ease and local ferries for island hopping to keep the stress low.

Use Grab for city transport. Download the Grab app before you arrive. It functions like Uber, providing upfront pricing and GPS tracking, which eliminates the need to haggle with tuk-tuk drivers or navigate confusing bus routes.
Book domestic flights via AirAsia or Bangkok Airways. For travel between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands, flying saves 10-15 hours compared to buses or trains. Book at least 3 weeks in advance to keep costs under $60 per flight.
Manage island hopping with 12Go.asia. Use the 12Go.asia website to coordinate ferry and bus connections. It provides specific departure times and terminal locations, preventing you from missing boats due to vague local schedules.
Get a local e-SIM. Install an Airalo or Nomad e-SIM specifically for Thailand. Having constant data is essential for checking Google Maps, translating menus, and calling Grab rides on the fly.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Stick to bottled water or use a filtered water bottle.
Do I need to carry cash?: Yes. While malls and hotels take cards, street food vendors and smaller boat operators only accept Thai Baht.
Is it okay to rent a scooter?: Only if you have an international driving permit and significant motorcycle experience. Traffic in Thailand can be chaotic and accidents are common.