The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
ThailandA little local knowledge.
Explore stunning temples, vibrant markets, and pristine beaches in the Land of Smiles.
Do not drink the tap water.
Tourist Police: 1155
Thai Baht
Exercise Normal Precautions
Essential Etiquette in Thailand
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Use the wai greeting
Press your palms together at chest level and give a slight bow of the head. This is the traditional Thai greeting called the 'wai.' The higher the hands and deeper the bow, the more respect shown. Return a wai when someone offers one to you.
Don't touch someone's head
The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture. Never touch anyone's head, including children, even playfully. This is considered extremely disrespectful.
Use 'khrap' and 'kha' polite endings
Thai etiquette places high importance on polite ending particles. Men should end sentences, greetings, and requests with 'khrap' (ครับ), while women end statements with 'kha' (ค่ะ) and questions with 'kha' (คะ). Omitting these words when speaking to strangers, service staff, or elders can make even basic phrases sound blunt or rude.
Don't point your feet at people or sacred objects
Feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Never point your feet at people, Buddha images, or temples. Tuck your feet under you when sitting on the floor.
Essential Thai Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Sorry / Excuse me"
"Menu please"
Take all 44 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Do not drink the tap water
Tap water is not potable. Use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and ice in street settings. Bottled water is cheap and ubiquitous (Singha, Chang, Nestlé, Aura — check seal before drinking).
Local Pharmacy Rules
Pharmacies are widely available. Pharmacists often treat minor ailments. Many Rx medications available OTC. Risk of counterfeit drugs in tourist areas — use reputable chain pharmacies (Boots, Watsons, Fascino).
Apps to Download Before Flying to Thailand
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Thailand.
Grab
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing and super-app in Thailand. Book cars (GrabCar), taxis, or motorbike taxis (GrabBike Win) with upfront pricing. Also offers food delivery (GrabFood), grocery delivery (GrabMart), package delivery (GrabExpress), and mobile payments (GrabPay). Accepts international credit cards and cash.
Bolt
Bolt is a growing ride-hailing alternative to Grab in Thailand. Often offers cheaper fares with transparent upfront pricing. Supports credit card, Apple Pay, and cash payments. Available in Bangkok and expanding to other major cities.
12Go
12Go is a travel booking platform for inter-city transportation across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Compare and book trains, buses, ferries, and flights between cities. Ideal for planning trips between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and other popular destinations.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Bangkok
95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330
Field Guides & Dispatches for Thailand
The Thailand Arrival Card Is Free. One in Ten Travelers Pays for It Anyway
Thailand cuts visa-free stays to 30 days on 15 September 2026, and your entry date decides which rule applies. Plus the TDAC, mandatory and free at tdac.immigration.go.th.
Thailand or Vietnam for Your First Southeast Asia Trip — An Honest Comparison
Vietnam runs 20–30% cheaper, but your dates may decide it. Compare cost, weather, trip shape, ease, food, and entry rules.
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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