Here is an overly detailed list of things you need, want, or will be asking me about if you don’t check this webpage. December in Bangkok is comfortable with highs around 88°F (31°C) and minimal rain, so pack like it’s summertime! (Except the formal stuff, don’t forget the formal stuff.)
Jump to:
Essentials • Safety • Getting Here • Food & Drinks • Fun-tivities • Thai Phrases
Pre-Trip Essentials
What You Absolutely Need
- Passport – Valid for at least 6 months
- Travel insurance – Medical emergencies abroad are expensive. World Nomads or Allianz (~$50-100 for the trip)
- Cash – Keep ฿5,000 Thai Baht (~$150 USD) for emergencies
- Compression socks – Seriously. Essential.
Four Apps
- Grab (iOS, Android) – Thailand’s Uber. In-app translation is incredible.
- Google Translate (iOS, Android) – Camera scan for menus, audio for conversations
- Google Maps (iOS, Android) – Download Bangkok offline
- Currency Converter – Any app works. ฿1,000 ≈ $30 USD
Three Phrases
- Sawaddeee khap/ka (สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ) – Hello (men say khap, women say ka)
- Kob khun khap/ka (ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ) – Thank you
- Mai pen rai (ไม่เป็นไร) – No worries (most used phrase in Thailand)
Stay Safe & Healthy
Money Tips
Best exchange: SuperRich or currency exchange counters in the city (NOT the airport). ATMs work but fees are brutal (~$7 per withdrawal).
Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency. Bills come in ฿20, ฿50, ฿100, ฿500, and ฿1,000 denominations.
฿1,000 ≈ $30 USD
Health Basics
- Don’t drink tap water – Bottled water only. Even for brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. 7-Eleven sells bottles for ~10 baht (30 cents).
- Pharmacies everywhere – Boots and Watsons are on every corner. Pharmacists speak English and can help with most issues. No prescription needed for many medications.
- Hospitals – Bangkok has world-class private hospitals. Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital have English-speaking staff. Much cheaper than US healthcare, even without insurance.
- Street food is safe – If it’s hot, fresh, and busy, eat it. High turnover = fresh ingredients. Trust the crowds.
Common Scams to Avoid
- Tuk tuk “tours” – Driver offers to take you sightseeing for 20 baht, then takes you to gem shops or tailors where they get commission. Politely decline and use Grab instead.
- Taxi meter tricks – Always insist the driver turn on the meter before you start. If they refuse, get out. Starting fare is 35 baht (~$1). Airport taxi stand is legit.
- “Temple is closed today” – Helpful stranger tells you the Grand Palace is closed and offers to take you somewhere else. It’s not closed. They’re steering you to shops.
- Jet ski rentals – At beaches, jet ski operators will claim you damaged it and demand thousands. Avoid jet skis entirely or take detailed photos before renting.
Quick Tips
Tipping: Not expected in Thailand. Some restaurants add 10% service charge automatically. Rounding up 20-40 baht is appreciated but not required.
Electrical outlets: Type A, B, C, and O. US plugs work fine. Voltage is 220V (vs US 110V), but most phone/laptop chargers handle both automatically.
SIM cards: Available at the airport for ~300 baht ($9). Unlimited data. Much cheaper than international roaming. Look for AIS, TrueMove, or dtac counters.
Getting Here
Whether you’re on a budget or balling, this part is gonna suuuuuuck. It’ll be worth it when you land, and let’s be honest, you can’t exactly bail on the flight halfway through.
Google Flights is a great tool to customize your approach. Feel free to reach out if you need help setting your itinerary.
Dirt Cheap (Dart Approved)
Philippine Air – NYC to Bangkok with 2-hour Manila layover.
Price: $650-$900 round trip (includes checked bag)
Routes: PR 127 + PR 730 (to Bangkok), PR 731 + PR 126 (return)
Mid-Range (Gieve Standard)
Japan Air (codeshare with American) or Korean Air (codeshare with Delta)
Price: $900-$1,200 round trip from NYC/Boston
Perks: Better food, comfier seats, chance to try Japanese toilets at layover
From Europe/East Coast: Qatar Airways or Etihad offer direct comfort from Dubai or Frankfurt to Bangkok.
From West Coast/Pacific: JAL, ANA, or Korean Air via Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, or Manila. Great food and service.
Layover bonus: Emirates and Etihad offer free UAE hotel stays during layovers. Japan, Korea, and Manila also make great stopovers.
Food & Drinks
Mango Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง) – Thailand’s most famous dessert. Ranges from great to phenomenal. Find at any dessert shop or street cart.
Pad Kapow (ผัดกะเพรา) – Spicy basil stir-fry with pork/chicken and fried egg. Most common local dish. Literally everywhere. Point at the picture if needed.
Som Tam (ส้มตำ) – Spicy green papaya salad. Not for the faint of heart. Street carts and restaurants. Say “mai pet” for less spicy.
Nam Tok (น้ำตก) – Grilled pork salad with lime, chili, and toasted rice powder. Dart’s favorite. From Thailand’s Isan region (northeast). Most Thai restaurants, especially those serving Isan cuisine.
Moo Ping (หมูปิ้ง) – Thai-style grilled pork skewers. Street vendors, especially near markets.
Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย) – Rich curry noodle soup from Northern Thailand. Rich and flavorful. Northern Thai restaurants serve this regional specialty.
Drinks – Turn Up
Regency – Think Hennessy, but Thailand. Mixed with soda or water. ~$12
Sang Som / Hong Thong – Like Regency if it was half priced and also poisonous.
Chang – Cheap, strong, classic. Think Budweiser. ~$2
Leo – Smooth, easy-drinking. Coors. ~$2
Singha – Crisp, premium. Heineken. ~$2.50
Craft beer – Surprisingly good, shockingly expensive.
Wine – Inexplicably and undeniably bad.
Fun-tivities
Ride in a Tuk Tuk – Fast, fun, just a little unsafe. Negotiate fare first (offer 50%, be ready to walk). Everywhere. Flag one down on any street.
Thai Massage – Health Land charges 700 THB ($20) for two hours. Book ahead online or walk in.
Muay Thai – Rajadamnern or Lumpinee Stadium. Watch people absolutely maul each other. ~800 THB ($24) tickets. Book online.
Skybars – Some of the world’s best. Recreate The Hangover. Vertigo at Banyan Tree, Sky Bar at Lebua. Dress code enforced.
King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk – Glass floors, panoramic views from Thailand’s tallest building. ~$28 entry. Book online to skip lines.
Floating Market – Noodles cooked on floating kitchens. Damnoen Saduak is the most famous. 2 hours from Bangkok. Book a tour.
Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn with beautiful riverside setting. 100 THB ($3) entry. Take a river taxi.
Chinatown (Yaowarat) – Food, neon, late night action. Go after 7pm when it comes alive.
Chatuchak Market – Huge, hot, overwhelming. If it exists, it’s here. Weekends only. Go early (9am) before the heat.
Questions? Reach out to Dart and Gieve anytime.