Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Stick to bottled water or use filtered water stations found in many hotels.

Do I need to tip in Thailand?

Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 20-50 baht for exceptional service is appreciated.

Planning Your First Two-Week Trip to Thailand

Spend your first 14 days covering a mix of urban energy, ancient history, and island relaxation. Stick to a route of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and one island region to avoid spending half your trip in transit.

Choose your primary island hub. Pick one side of the peninsula. Choose the Andaman side (Krabi, Phuket) for limestone cliffs and clear snorkeling, or the Gulf side (Koh Samui, Koh Tao) if you are traveling between June and August when the weather is generally better.
Book domestic flights in advance. Do not take trains for long distances if you are on a 14-day schedule. Book AirAsia or Bangkok Airways flights between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands. Booking 4 weeks out keeps costs under $60 per flight.
Secure your accommodation early. Reserve your stays for Bangkok and Chiang Mai at least 3 weeks ahead. Use map-based apps to ensure you are within 10 minutes of an MRT/BTS station in Bangkok to save hours in traffic.
Prepare your digital documents. Save digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, and hotel vouchers in an offline folder. Keep a physical copy of your accommodation address in Thai script for taxi drivers who may not read English well.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Stick to bottled water or use filtered water stations found in many hotels.
Do I need to tip in Thailand?: Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 20-50 baht for exceptional service is appreciated.