Is it safe to drink tap water?

No. Stick to bottled water or use a water filter. Most hotels provide free bottled water. 7-Eleven sells large bottles for 15-20 baht.

How much should I tip?

Tipping isn't expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fares, leave 20-40 baht at restaurants, tip tour guides 100-200 baht per day.

What's the best way to get around?

Grab app for cars and motorbike taxis in cities. Tuk-tuks for short rides (agree on price first). Songthaews (red trucks) in Chiang Mai. Ferry boats between islands.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Book first and last nights in advance, especially in Bangkok and during peak season (Nov-Mar). Mid-range hotels and hostels can usually be booked 2-3 days ahead elsewhere.

How to Plan a Thailand Itinerary

Spend 14-21 days for a proper Thailand trip. Start with 3-4 days in Bangkok, then either head north to Chiang Mai (3-4 days) or south to the islands (5-7 days). Most first-timers do Bangkok, one northern city, and one island region.

Pick your season. November to March is cool and dry (peak season, higher prices). April to June is hot but manageable. July to October is rainy season with afternoon storms but fewer crowds and better deals.
Choose your regions. Bangkok is your likely entry point (3-4 days). North: Chiang Mai for culture and mountains. Central: Ayutthaya for ruins. South: Phuket/Krabi for beaches and islands, or Koh Samui area. Pick 2-3 regions max for 2-3 weeks.
Map your transport. Domestic flights are cheap ($30-80). Overnight buses and trains work for longer routes. Book flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai or southern airports. Use buses/trains for shorter hops like Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
Plan around full moon dates. If you want Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, check lunar calendar first. Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead for full moon periods. If you want to avoid crowds, plan around new moon instead.

Is it safe to drink tap water?: No. Stick to bottled water or use a water filter. Most hotels provide free bottled water. 7-Eleven sells large bottles for 15-20 baht.
How much should I tip?: Tipping isn't expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fares, leave 20-40 baht at restaurants, tip tour guides 100-200 baht per day.
What's the best way to get around?: Grab app for cars and motorbike taxis in cities. Tuk-tuks for short rides (agree on price first). Songthaews (red trucks) in Chiang Mai. Ferry boats between islands.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?: Book first and last nights in advance, especially in Bangkok and during peak season (Nov-Mar). Mid-range hotels and hostels can usually be booked 2-3 days ahead elsewhere.