How to prepare for your trip to Thailand? The Complete Guide

Choosing the right time of year is key if you want to enjoy the beaches and temples without suffering from the weather. The climate is tropical, with three main seasons that vary depending on the region.

Cool and dry season (November to February): The best time for most travelers: milder temperatures, often clear skies, calm seas. Ideal for Bangkok, the north (Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai), and the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta).

Hot season (March to May): It is very hot, Bangkok can be stifling, but it's great for the islands if you can handle the heat. Plan for breaks in the shade and morning visits.

Rainy season (roughly May/June to October): Frequent showers (often at the end of the day) but travel is still possible. Be aware of the differences:

• • Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta): peak rainfall in Sept.-Oct.
• • Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao): weather is often milder in summer, but the wettest period is from October to December.

💡 My advice: if you're aiming for Koh Samui/Koh Phangan, summer can be a good option. For Phuket/Krabi, November-March is best.

The ideal length of your stay depends on your budget, the season, and what you want to experience (culture, nature, beaches, food tours, etc.).

1 week: doable but tight. Focus on Bangkok (temples, markets, rooftops) + a quick getaway: Ayutthaya (UNESCO) or 2-3 days on an island (Phuket/Krabi or Samui depending on the season).

2 weeks: the ideal length of time. Combine Bangkok → North (Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai) for culture, temples, and cuisine, then a few days on the islands to finish in style (Koh Lanta/Krabi or Samui/Koh Tao depending on the weather).

3 weeks or more: complete itinerary. Add national parks (Khao Sok), wilder islands (Koh Yao, Koh Libong, Koh Phayam), villages and rice fields around Pai, and why not a wellness break (massages, cooking classes, yoga retreat).

It's difficult to give a single figure: it all depends on the season, your internal journeys, and your travel style. But here are some clear guidelines 👇

• • Average budget: $70 to $100 per day per person (accommodation, meals, transportation, visits).
• • For 2 weeks: expect $1,400 to $2,200 per person, including round-trip airfare (varies depending on the season).

Practical information:

• • Small budget: hostels/guesthouses, street food, bus/train. 35-60 € / day.
• • Comfort: 3-star hotels, local restaurants + 1-2 domestic flights. $70-110 per day.
• • Premium: 4-star and above hotels, private experiences, speedboat, spas. $120-$180+ per day.

The most expensive items will be flights (often €600-900 return from France, more in peak season) and the most touristy islands. As for food, street food is delicious and very affordable: €2-6 for a local meal, €8-15 in a good restaurant.

Good news: for French travelers (and most European nationals), no visa is required for tourist stays of less than 30 days.

👉 You just need to have:

• a valid passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry,
• a ticket to leave the country (return flight or bus),
• and sometimes proof of accommodation for the first few days.

It's impossible to imagine a trip to Thailand without the internet—between Google Maps, Grab (the local Uber), hotel reservations, and translating menus, you'll need it every day 📱

💡 The simplest and most convenient solution is the eSIM. Install it before you leave, activate your data plan as soon as you arrive at the airport, and in 30 seconds... you're connected.

👉 Advantages:

• No need to search for a counter or wait in line to purchase a local SIM card.
• You keep your French number.
• You enjoy excellent 4G/5G coverage across the country, even on the islands.

In Thailand, the network is reliable and fast, particularly with operators AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove.

Why choose eSIM?

We have developed our own eSIM designed specifically for your trip to Thailand:

Good news: you don't necessarily need an adapter if you're coming from France 🇫🇷 In Thailand, the outlets are type A, B, and C. 👉 European two-pin plugs (type C) fit into most outlets without any problems.

⚡ The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz, so it is fully compatible with our European appliances.

💡 Personal tip: bring a compact power strip or multi-USB charger, as hotel rooms often only have one or two wall outlets. And if you plan to travel to rural areas or remote islands, a small power bank can save the day.

The choice of accommodation in Thailand is vast — from beachfront bungalows to designer hotels in the heart of Bangkok.

Here's an overview to help you choose according to your style 👇

Modern hotels

Bungalows and resorts

Guesthouses and hostels

Unusual accommodations

Where to stay in Bangkok?

Withdraw money

Exchange money

There are many currency exchange offices, and they are very competitive, especially in Bangkok (Pratunam or Sukhumvit districts). 💡 The best rates are often found at SuperRich (the orange or green chain).

Card payment

Good news: no vaccinations are required to travel to Thailand. However, certain precautions are strongly recommended depending on your itinerary.

Up-to-date basic vaccinations:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, polio (DTP)
• Whooping cough
• Hepatitis B
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

Recommended vaccines for certain travelers:

• Hepatitis A: highly recommended, as contamination can occur through food.
• Typhoid: useful if you are traveling for a long time or frequently eat street food.
• Rabies: for extended stays, or if you plan to be around animals (especially in rural areas).
• Japanese encephalitis: recommended if you are staying in the countryside for several weeks during the rainy season.

💡 Other precautions:

• Always drink bottled water (and check the seal).
• Avoid ice in rural areas.
• Bring a basic first aid kit (mosquito repellent, bandages, paracetamol, etc.).

Thailand has an excellent healthcare system, particularly in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, with modern hospitals and English-speaking staff.

It is not mandatory, but highly recommended ✋

Why? Because in the event of a problem (scooter accident, infection, lost luggage, etc.), costs can quickly add up.)

Please note:

• A consultation costs approximately $116-$125.
• Hospitalization can exceed $300 per day.
• And repatriation can cost up to several thousand euros.

👉 Travel insurance will cover you for:

• 🏥 Medical care
• 🚑 Emergencies and hospitalizations
• ✈️ Repatriation
• 🎒 Loss or theft of luggage

💡 My advice:
Check whether your premium credit card (Gold, Premier, etc.) already includes travel insurance.
If not, expect to pay $30 to $60 for two weeks of dedicated insurance. It's a small investment for peace of mind while traveling.

Nothing too complicated, but a few things to keep in mind ✈️

You can import personal effects and up to:

• 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco,
• 1 liter of alcohol,
• and reasonably priced souvenirs.

Please note:

• The importation of electronic cigarettes (vapes) is prohibited — even for personal use. The authorities may confiscate your equipment and impose a fine.
• Medications containing opioids, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers must be accompanied by a medical prescription.

Good news: Thailand is one of the easiest countries to travel around in Southeast Asia 🇹🇭 Transportation is varied, affordable, and well organized.

🚆 Trains

🚌 Intercity buses

✈️ Domestic flights

🚕 Taxis and apps

🚤 Ferries and speedboats

Thailand is nicknamed "the land of smiles," and for good reason 😄 Thai people are welcoming, polite, and very respectful—as long as you are too.

Respect above all else

• We greet with the “wai” (palms pressed together in front of the chest, head slightly bowed).
• Never touch someone's head, even a child's (considered sacred
• Avoid pointing your feet at someone or a Buddha statue.

🕍 In temples:

• Wear appropriate clothing (shoulders and knees covered).
• Take off your shoes at the entrance.
• Never turn your back on a Buddha for a photo.

🍚 Let's eat:

• Do not stick your chopsticks or spoon into the rice.
• Wait until everyone has been served before you start eating.
• We often eat with a spoon + fork (the fork is only used to push food around).

💬 In public:

• Avoid sudden movements or raising your voice.
• Public displays of affection (kissing, cuddling) are rare.
• And above all: never criticize the monarchy — it's an extremely sensitive subject.

Thailand is a fascinating blend of spirituality, gastronomy, nature, and modernity.

🍜 Cuisine and street food

🎭 Cultural experiences

🏝️ Must-see sites:

• Bangkok: Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Grand Palace.
• Chiang Mai: Old town, Buddhist temples, night market.
• Krabi / Phuket / Koh Lanta: beaches and diving.
• Koh Samui / Koh Tao: island atmosphere and turquoise waters.
• Ayutthaya & Sukhothai: ancient royal capitals listed by UNESCO.

As you can see, planning a trip to Thailand requires a bit of organization in terms of the season, transportation, accommodation, and local customs. But don't panic: we've simplified it all for you!

👉 That's exactly why we created voilà, a solution designed for travelers like you who want to enjoy the country to the fullest without getting bogged down in the details.

With this, you will find:

• 📱 Our Thailand eSIMs: Get connected immediately upon arrival, without a physical SIM card, without blocked apps, and with responsive French-speaking support.
• 🎒 Our practical advice: Tips tested in the field to avoid tourist traps and enjoy authentic Thai culture.