Should I book accommodation in advance?

Book Bangkok and beach hotels 1-2 weeks ahead, especially November-March. Chiang Mai has plenty of options so you can book day-of, but having your first night sorted reduces stress.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

No. Stick to bottled water, ice in tourist areas is usually fine. Most hotels provide free bottled water. 7-Eleven stores are everywhere for water refills.

How much should I tip?

Tipping isn't expected but appreciated. Round up street food bills, tip 10% at nice restaurants, tip hotel staff $1-2, tip tour guides $5-10 per day.

What's the best way to get around cities?

Bangkok: BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, plus taxis and tuk-tuks. Chiang Mai: songthaews (red trucks) and tuk-tuks. Beaches: rent a scooter or use hotel shuttles.

Should I learn Thai phrases?

Learn hello (sawadee kah/krup), thank you (kob khun kah/krup), and excuse me (khor toht). Most tourist areas have English speakers, but effort is appreciated.

How to plan a first-time Thailand itinerary

Spend 10-14 days covering Bangkok (3 days), northern Thailand like Chiang Mai (3-4 days), and southern beaches like Phuket or Koh Samui (4-5 days). Book domestic flights between regions and mix temples, street food, and beaches for the classic Thailand experience.

Pick your total duration. Plan for 10-14 days minimum. Less than 10 days means rushing between regions. More than 3 weeks gets expensive and you'll want variety.
Choose your three regions. First-timers should hit Bangkok (temples, street food), northern Thailand (Chiang Mai for culture), and southern beaches (Phuket for ease, Koh Samui for quieter vibes). Skip the far north or deep south on trip one.
Plan your route direction. Fly into Bangkok, go north to Chiang Mai, then south to beaches, then back to Bangkok to fly out. Or reverse it. Never zigzag—domestic flights are cheap but time-consuming.
Book key transport early. Book Bangkok to Chiang Mai flights (1 hour, $30-60) and Chiang Mai to southern beaches flights ($40-80) at least 2 weeks ahead. Leave ground transport for booking locally.
Mix accommodation types. Stay in Bangkok's Khao San area for backpacker energy, book a boutique hotel in Chiang Mai old city, and splurge on beachfront in the south. Book Bangkok and beach places ahead; Chiang Mai you can wing.
Plan around weather patterns. November-March is cool and dry everywhere. April-May is hot. June-October is rainy in most places but manageable. Southern beaches have different rainy seasons on east vs west coasts.

Should I book accommodation in advance?: Book Bangkok and beach hotels 1-2 weeks ahead, especially November-March. Chiang Mai has plenty of options so you can book day-of, but having your first night sorted reduces stress.
Is it safe to drink tap water?: No. Stick to bottled water, ice in tourist areas is usually fine. Most hotels provide free bottled water. 7-Eleven stores are everywhere for water refills.
How much should I tip?: Tipping isn't expected but appreciated. Round up street food bills, tip 10% at nice restaurants, tip hotel staff $1-2, tip tour guides $5-10 per day.
What's the best way to get around cities?: Bangkok: BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, plus taxis and tuk-tuks. Chiang Mai: songthaews (red trucks) and tuk-tuks. Beaches: rent a scooter or use hotel shuttles.
Should I learn Thai phrases?: Learn hello (sawadee kah/krup), thank you (kob khun kah/krup), and excuse me (khor toht). Most tourist areas have English speakers, but effort is appreciated.