Thailand

Domestic flights are often the quickest option between distant regions, particularly when combining Bangkok, northern Thailand and the southern islands. Trains and long-distance coaches provide useful alternatives and connect many major cities and provinces.

Thailand's rail network is particularly useful on routes north from Bangkok and towards the south, with overnight trains available on some longer journeys. Book popular sleeper services and journeys around major holidays ahead where possible.

Transport within destinations varies considerably. Bangkok has extensive rail and metro services, while elsewhere you may encounter local buses, minibuses, motorcycle taxis and songthaews — shared pick-up trucks with bench seating.

Routes and payment methods for informal local transport are not always obvious to visitors. Ask your accommodation about normal fares and routes when arriving somewhere new, and keep small-denomination cash available.

In Bangkok, normal street taxis should use the meter. If a driver refuses and instead insists on an inflated fixed price, taking another taxi is usually the simplest option.

Ride-hailing apps are useful in many major tourist destinations because the journey and quoted price are clearer before you travel.

Tuk-tuks do not use taxi meters. Agree the complete fare before getting in. Prices around major attractions can be aimed heavily at tourists, and a tuk-tuk is not automatically cheaper than an ordinary taxi.

Many islands are reached by ferry, speedboat or a combination of road transfer and boat. Service frequency can vary by destination and season, and some routes become limited or stop completely during periods of rough weather.

Leave extra time when connecting an island ferry with an important flight or other fixed departure. During monsoon conditions, check the latest local forecast and operator information rather than assuming the normal timetable will run.

Hiring a car can be useful in less connected areas, but motorcycles and scooters require particular care. Do not assume that being offered a scooter means you are legally licensed or insured to ride it.

Check that your licence is valid for the type of vehicle, obtain any required international permit before travelling and confirm that your insurance covers motorcycle use. Wear a helmet and avoid riding if you are inexperienced; motorcycle accidents are a significant risk in Thailand.

Cards are commonly accepted at hotels, shopping centres, larger restaurants and established tourist businesses, but cash remains useful for everyday travel. Street-food stalls, markets, smaller businesses, taxis and local transport may still be easier or only possible to pay for with cash.

QR payments are extremely common among Thai residents, but not every Thai QR payment system will work with a foreign banking app. Carry some smaller baht notes rather than relying entirely on your phone or card.

Bargaining can be appropriate at markets, souvenir stalls and for goods without a clearly displayed fixed price. Start politely and keep the exchange friendly; if you cannot agree a price, simply walk away.

Do not assume everything in Thailand is negotiable. Convenience stores, shopping centres, restaurants and businesses displaying fixed prices normally expect you to pay the marked amount.

Temples are active religious sites. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and avoiding very short clothing; individual temples and royal sites may impose stricter dress requirements.

Remove your shoes where requested, keep noise low and follow restrictions on photography. Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards Buddha images or monks, and never climb on or pose disrespectfully with religious monuments.

Women should avoid physical contact with Buddhist monks.

Avoid touching another person's head, including children you do not know. Feet are considered the lowest part of the body, so do not point at people or objects with your feet or place your feet on furniture.

Shoes are normally removed before entering Thai homes and may also need to be removed at temples, smaller accommodation and some businesses. Shoes gathered near an entrance are a useful clue when there is no sign.

Do not take a vape, e-cigarette, pod, e-liquid or heat-not-burn device to Thailand. Possession and use can result in confiscation, fines and legal proceedings, and the restrictions apply to tourists as well as residents.

Do not assume cannabis is freely legal because you have seen shops selling it or remember Thailand's earlier rules. Cannabis flower is now strictly controlled and recreational use is not permitted. Tourists require a valid Thai medical prescription to legally obtain or possess cannabis flower for medical use.

Do not take cannabis out of Thailand. This can result in serious problems both at Thai customs and when entering or transiting another country.

Thailand has strict laws protecting the monarchy. Avoid insulting or making negative public comments about members of the Thai Royal Family, including through social media or by sharing material online. The law can be interpreted broadly and penalties can be severe.