First time travelers with little experience heading to Thailand

Hey everyone

So we are four guys in our late 20s who just bought tickets to Thailand for mid November.

Honestly, we are not very experienced travelers. We come from Eastern Europe and have only seen a few countries in Europe.

What are some things we should definitely do or avoid? For example, I’ve read that food poisoning can be an issue; could you share more from your experiences?

We’re starting in Bangkok with no solid plans yet. We’re planning to stay in hotels and have about €1200 each for 8 days—is that enough?

Please share anything else we should know based on what I’ve mentioned. Thanks

Be respectful and learn about local culture. Be careful of scams, like taking photos or videos of rented items before using them. In Thailand, the locals are always right, especially if police are involved. Steer clear of fights or confrontations. Just be respectful, and you’ll have a great time.

@Daire
Being able to take a loss is the best advice for these situations. Losing gracefully can help you make friends.

@Daire
The idea that locals are always right really makes this place sound unwelcoming. Especially with jet ski scams, where even a scratch can cost $2500, and they can threaten violence.

Most guys over there think they have kickboxing skills. Just don’t get into a fight.

Don’t take drugs.

Piper said:
Don’t take drugs.

Absolutely. I love Southeast Asia and Thailand, but don’t get involved in any drugs. Travelers seen as rich can attract trouble from the drug scene, especially in clubs. You don’t want to be the news story about someone who got drugged and found themselves in a bad situation.

Piper said:
Don’t take drugs.

Weed is legal there, though. Enjoy that.

It’s a less developed country but also very traditional. Be polite and humble. Don’t jump to conclusions about being scammed or about the food being unclean. Keep jokes about the king to yourself. The regular locals are not like those you see at tourist spots, and the bar girls are just trying to earn a living. Polite behavior will take you far—Thais are nice and friendly people who dislike any drama.

I’ve been to Thailand so many times and have never faced food poisoning. It can happen anywhere. Just wash your hands often. Consider visiting Chiang Mai too. Spend 4 days in Bangkok and then 4 days there. Just know that you won’t see the beaches unless you take a quick flight to Koh Samui, followed by a boat ride to Koh Phangan. €1200 is barely enough for both hotels and expenses. Enjoy your stay and book a place with a pool to relax after touring. Also, use Grab for transportation and avoid tuk-tuks.

@Jules
I visited Thailand once and got food poisoning within days. I didn’t expect it, but it’s crucial to educate yourself on simple precautions. I knew to avoid tap water but didn’t realize I shouldn’t brush my teeth with it or should skip some washed fruits and veggies. There’s a reason this advice exists.

@Kel
Absolutely! Use bottled water for brushing your teeth and avoid ice. Be careful about letting shower water get in your mouth. I’m really sorry that happened to you. It’s rough.

Blaine said:
@Kel
Absolutely! Use bottled water for brushing your teeth and avoid ice. Be careful about letting shower water get in your mouth. I’m really sorry that happened to you. It’s rough.

I agree completely. I always use bottled water to wash my hands before dealing with contact lenses. Maybe I’m overly cautious, but better than being sorry.

@Parker
Exactly!

@Kel
Sorry you dealt with that. I’ve used tap water for brushing without issue in places where the water is filtered. Eating local fruits and veggies has been fine for me. It’s about your choices. Remember, food poisoning can happen anywhere, even in the US.

@Jules
The US isn’t known for food poisoning. This post deserves to be shared on a forum dedicated to America’s issues.

Briar said:
@Jules
The US isn’t known for food poisoning. This post deserves to be shared on a forum dedicated to America’s issues.

The CDC states that around 48 million Americans get sick yearly from foodborne diseases. It’s not just about an America thing; it happens everywhere.

@Jules
This is the exact plan I followed during my trip, and it was fantastic.

Be careful with scams. Bangkok doesn’t make it easy with all the scams around. It’s not dangerous, but…

Vanya said:
Be careful with scams. Bangkok doesn’t make it easy with all the scams around. It’s not dangerous, but…

Yeah, the tuk-tuk drivers will try to take you to some relative’s carpet factory. And the traffic can be awful.