Is it safe to drink tap water?

No. Stick to bottled water, which costs $0.30-0.50 everywhere. Most hotels provide free bottles daily. Ice in restaurants is generally safe as it's commercially made.

How much should I tip?

Tipping isn't expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fares, leave 10% at sit-down restaurants if no service charge, and 20-40 baht for hotel housekeeping.

What's the best way to get cash?

ATMs are everywhere and give good rates. Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees. Notify your bank of travel dates. Some ATMs charge 220 baht ($6) foreign transaction fees.

Buy a local SIM at the airport for $10-15 with several GB data. Much cheaper than international roaming. True, AIS, and DTAC are the main carriers with good coverage.

Pharmacies are common and pharmacists speak some English. Hospitals in Bangkok and tourist areas have international standards. Travel insurance is essential for serious issues.

How to plan your first trip to Thailand

Plan 10-14 days minimum for your first Thailand trip. Focus on 2-3 regions maximum: Bangkok plus either northern Thailand (Chiang Mai) or southern beaches (Phuket/Koh Samui). Book flights 2-3 months ahead, get a 30-day visa exemption on arrival, and budget $40-70 per day depending on your comfort level.

Choose your regions. Pick 2-3 areas maximum for 10-14 days. Classic first-timer combinations: Bangkok + Chiang Mai + beaches, or Bangkok + Ayutthaya + Koh Samui. Don't try to see everything — Thailand rewards slow travel.
Book flights early. Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices. Fly into Bangkok (BKK) for most flexibility. Direct flights from major US cities run $800-1200. Consider open-jaw tickets if ending in different city than you start.
Plan internal transport. Domestic flights are cheap ($30-80) and fast between major cities. Overnight trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai cost $25-60 depending on class. Buses are cheapest but longest. Book sleeper trains 1-2 weeks ahead.
Sort accommodation strategy. Book first 2-3 nights only, then book as you go. Guesthouses run $10-25/night, mid-range hotels $40-80. Hostels in Bangkok and islands have good social scenes. Chiang Mai has excellent boutique options under $50.
Check health requirements. No required vaccinations for most travelers. Consider hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis if going rural. Malaria risk only in border areas. Bring mosquito repellent with DEET.
Download essential apps. Get Grab (like Uber), Google Translate with camera function, XE Currency, and Agoda for last-minute accommodation. Download offline maps for each city before arrival.

Is it safe to drink tap water?: No. Stick to bottled water, which costs $0.30-0.50 everywhere. Most hotels provide free bottles daily. Ice in restaurants is generally safe as it's commercially made.
How much should I tip?: Tipping isn't expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fares, leave 10% at sit-down restaurants if no service charge, and 20-40 baht for hotel housekeeping.
What's the best way to get cash?: ATMs are everywhere and give good rates. Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees. Notify your bank of travel dates. Some ATMs charge 220 baht ($6) foreign transaction fees.
Can I use my phone?: Buy a local SIM at the airport for $10-15 with several GB data. Much cheaper than international roaming. True, AIS, and DTAC are the main carriers with good coverage.
What if I get sick?: Pharmacies are common and pharmacists speak some English. Hospitals in Bangkok and tourist areas have international standards. Travel insurance is essential for serious issues.