Essential Thailand holiday planning tips

Visiting Thailand for the first time? Take a look at these travel tips to help you plan your visit to Southeast Asia. From understanding Thailand’s weather and finding the best time to book, to checking Thailand entry requirements and vaccinations, you’ll find essential info in this guide. And when you’re ready to go, you can buy your Thai baht (THB) in the UK ready to spend on your Thailand holiday, giving you one less thing to think about.

Plan your Thailand holiday around the seasons

Thailand's high season runs from November to February, when it’s pleasantly warm and dry and visitor numbers – and prices – usually rise. That’s particularly true from mid-December to mid-January in line with Christmas holidays and the cold winter temperatures in the UK and elsewhere, so you may find cheaper prices for flights and accommodation outside of these times. We’ve covered more in our best time to visit Thailand guide.

Research Thailand's weather

Thailand’s rainy season generally runs from May to October, but exact timings will depend on where you’re travelling to. Thailand’s west coast on the Andaman Sea – home to Phuket and Krabi – experiences heavy rain from April to October. Its eastern Gulf coast, meanwhile, is wettest from September to December, so places like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are affected.

Check the latest Thailand entry requirements

It’s important to keep up to date with Thailand’s entry requirements before you travel, as the specific details can change. According to GOV.UK at the time of writing, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from your arrival in Thailand, and have at least one blank page. UK passport holders can currently visit Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days, but you'll need to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival.

Book in your vaccinations

Check Thailand's latest travel-health advice at least eight weeks before you go, but ideally earlier – as it can take time to get vaccine appointments booked in and some require a course of treatment. Depending on your itinerary, you may be advised to have vaccinations like hepatitis A or typhoid, for example.

Buy Thai baht before you go

Having some local currency in cash can be handy for smaller purchases – particularly at street food stalls, local markets and smaller businesses where card payments might not be accepted – and you can buy Thai baht before you go to save you a job when you arrive. You can also sell your leftover baht back when you get home*, so you’ve got GBP back in your pocket.

Learn a few Thai customs

Understanding a little of the local etiquette can make your trip to Thailand run much more smoothly. For example, you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering temples and religious sites, and cover your shoulders and knees. For that reason it can be handy to pack footwear that’s easy to slip on and off, and a cover-up that can be kept in your day bag.

Download apps like Grab before you go

If you’re planning on getting a taxi from the airport and beyond, consider downloading any ride-share apps you might need beforehand. Grab is widely used in Thailand and lets you book rides and see the fare before travelling. Bolt is another option that’s popular in destinations like Phuket and Chiang Mai, so having both apps gives you a choice of prices and availability.

Book popular attractions in advance

Some of Thailand's biggest sights can get busy, so check whether you need to book ahead if you’ve got your heart set on seeing specific things. The Grand Palace in Bangkok, for example, costs 500 Baht (around £11) for overseas visitors. While you’re in the city, don’t miss Chatuchak Weekend Market. You’ll need to bring cash to shop at one of the world’s biggest weekend markets, ideally in small denominations like 20, 50, and 100 Thai baht notes.

Buying Thai Baht with Marks & Spencer Travel Money

Ready to go to Thailand? Buy Thai baht (THB) before you travel – just order online for free collection from 580+ participating M&S stores, including Simply Foods*. 

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Sell-back only available at bureau locations.

Prices quoted in this article correct at the time of writing in September 2026. 

For the latest official Thailand entry requirements, please visit GOV.UK. For health-related guidance, see TravelHealthPro.