EXPLORE THAILAND

Getting there from the US

• Direct flights from major cities like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and New York (JFK) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
• Flight duration approx. 17-20 hours, depending on route and stops
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Travel Safety Tips

Before You Go:

General Safety

• Thailand is generally safe; it is one of Southeast Asia’s most visited countries, and most trips are incident-free.
• Watch out for petty theft. Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in tourist-heavy areas, night markets, and crowded public transport. Use anti-theft bags and stay alert.
• Avoid political demonstrations – Protests can happen, especially in Bangkok. While usually peaceful, they can disrupt travel and sometimes escalate.

Emergency Contacts

• Tourist Police (English-speaking): 1155
• General Emergency (Police): 191
• Ambulance/Fire: 199

Natural Hazards

• The monsoon season runs from May to October, especially in the south. Be cautious of flooding and rough seas.
• Ocean safety—Observe red flag warnings at beaches. Rip currents and jellyfish can be a hazard.
• Mosquito-borne illnesses: Dengue fever and, in rare cases, malaria can be risks in rural areas. Use repellent and sleep under nets if trekking.

Transportation Safety

• Avoid renting motorbikes if you lack experience, as accidents involving tourists are common. Always wear a helmet.
• When using tuk-tuks and taxis, negotiate fares upfront with tuk-tuk drivers or insist that taxi drivers use the meter. Use Grab (ride-share app) for fair pricing.
• Night buses—Stick with reputable companies and keep valuables on you, not in the baggage hold.

Health & Hygiene

• Stick to bottled water; tap water isn’t considered drinkable.
• Pharmacies are widely available—Thailand has well-stocked pharmacies, but always carry your prescription meds in original containers.
• Medical care—Thailand has excellent hospitals, especially in major cities. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Cultural & Legal Tips

• Respect the monarchy—critiquing the royal family is illegal and can result in imprisonment.
• Modesty matters: dress respectfully at the temples and remove shoes when required. There is a zero-tolerance policy for drugs, and harsh penalties apply for the possession or use of illegal substances.
• session or use of illegal substances.
• Avoid touching people’s heads, as it is considered disrespectful toward children.
• Feet are considered unclean; avoid pointing them at people or sacred objects/statues.

Extra Tips

• Scams exist—common ones include the “gem scam” or being told an attraction is “closed” and rerouted to a shop. Trust your instincts and only book tours through reputable companies.
• Use sunscreen and stay hydrated; the sun is strong year-round.
• Travel with copies of your passport—keep the original in a hotel safe and carry a copy when out and about.

Transportation:

• Bangkok has an extensive BTS Skytrain and MRT subway network.
• Negotiate fares before using the iconic tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis.
• Domestic flights and ferries connect the islands.

Food & Dining:

• Thai food is globally famous but best experienced fresh from street vendors and local markets.
• Must-try dishes: Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Massaman curry, Khao Pad (fried rice), and Thai iced tea.
• Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available.

Cultural Etiquette:

• Respect for the royal family is deeply ingrained; avoid negative comments.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples—cover shoulders and knees.
• Remove shoes before entering homes and temples.