Thailand Key Travel Information

Trip Overview

Is this trip right for you?

This itinerary covers a lot of ground and includes many fantastic activities and sights, which means there will be some long days and early mornings. You will visit several temples on this trip, which requires a level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the shoulders and pants or skirts that go past the knees (for all genders)..

How physically challenging is the trip?

This trip is easy to moderate, with relaxed sightseeing and gentle walking most days. You don’t need to be super fit, just comfortable being on your feet.

Where does the trip start and end?

The trip begins in Bangkok and wraps up in Phuket, taking you from the energy of the city to a relaxed beachside finish. You can view the full day-by-day itinerary here.

Airport transportation

What are the included hotels?

During this 10-day, 9-night trip, you’ll stay at a thoughtfully selected mix of comfort, style, and wellness-focused hotels:

Amatara Welleisure Resort, Phuket
Kimpton Maa-Lai, Bangkok
Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort

Are laundry services available?

Laundry services are available at all hotels for an additional cost, making it easy to pack lighter and refresh your clothes during the trip. There are also options to do laundry outside of the hotels, but we don’t have a relationship with any of those businesses, and in the event, there are issues, we would be unable to help.

What are the included transportation options?

Transportation during the trip is included and features domestic flights within Thailand, private ground transfers (mini vans), and traditional longboat rides for select experiences. Everything is arranged to make getting around easy and stress-free once the trip begins.

Included activities

The trip features a great mix of activities to enjoy the diverse culture of Thailand. If, for some reason, you don’t want to participate in an activity, that’s no problem as long as we’re not traveling. Please note, refunds are not possible, and schedule changes can not be made to meet personal preferences.

You will also have time to book optional activities, and we’re happy to help with that or provide recommendations.

How many people are in the group?

This is a small-group experience with a maximum of 16 travelers, plus a guide (or guides) throughout the trip.

Trip minimum

A minimum of 7 travelers is required to run the trip at the listed price.

Payment dates and refunds

The deadline to secure your spot is August 24, 2026, but many trips sell out well in advance! The deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm your participation and is non-refundable unless the trip isn’t confirmed.

The final balance is due by September 7, 2026. If additional trip payments are made prior to the deadline (September 7, 2026), those are refundable, less processing fees. After September 7, the trip is non-refundable.

It is advised to get a travel insurance policy that includes cancellation coverage after making the deposit.

If the trip isn’t confirmed

Like most small boutique tour operators, we require a minimum number of travelers to operate our trips. While larger companies may be able to absorb losses, operating responsibly as a small business means we must ensure each trip is financially viable.

In the unlikely event that a trip is not confirmed, several options are available. If the trip is close to the minimum, we may reassess pricing and offer travelers the option to proceed at an adjusted rate. We can also explore planning a private departure for you and your travel companions. Alternatively, you may transfer your deposit to another Veggies Abroad trip, or request a full refund of your deposit if none of these options feels like the right fit for you.

Itinerary disclaimer

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change. We always stay flexible to account for weather, site closures, and the occasional unexpected surprise that’s simply part of travel. Rest assured, any adjustments are made with the best possible experience in mind.

We will also do our best to provide rough estimates on timing, but please note that due to traffic, construction, festivals, closures, etc., there might be changes, or we might not be able to give a firm answer.

Local Partners

To deliver a sustainable and authentic experience, this trip is operated by Intrepid Travel. Veggies Abroad and Intrepid co-create the itinerary, with Intrepid handling all in-destination logistics through their trusted local teams.

Essential Pre-Departure Information

Passports, visas, and entry requirements

You’ll need a valid passport to travel to Thailand, and it must have at least six months of validity from your date of entry. Entry requirements vary by nationality, so we recommend checking your government’s travel advisory for the most up-to-date information. You can also use Sherpa to check entrance and visa requirements.

All visitors entering Thailand are required to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before their arrival (excluding transits or travelers entering Thailand using a Border Pass). The TDAC must be completed a maximum of 3 days before arrival. The TDAC website can be found here.

Medical and health information

Can I bring all medications into the country?

Vaccinations and health considerations

Mosquitoes and tropical health considerations

Thailand is a tropical destination, and mosquitoes are common. We recommend packing insect repellent, wearing lightweight clothing that covers exposed skin when possible, and taking standard precautions to avoid bites.

Packing Recommendations

Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for the warm climate, with a light rain jacket or layer just in case. Comfortable walking shoes and sandals are recommended. You’ll also want a day pack for essentials like water, sunscreen, a camera, and a light layer for air-conditioned spaces.

Dress standards are generally conservative throughout Thailand, especially outside major cities and when visiting temples. When visiting temples, you must cover your shoulders and knees. For other sightseeing, we recommend loose, lightweight fabrics that are practical in the heat.

Travel adapters

You’ll need a travel adapter to physically connect your plug to Thai outlets, which can be various types, including Type F, C, and O.

Confirm your device’s charger is “dual-voltage” or “auto-switching,” meaning it can handle the 220V power in Thailand. Most modern devices will state “INPUT: 100-240V” somewhere on the power brick or label. You don’t need a voltage converter for simple plug adapters, but it’s essential to NOT to bring any devices that are only compatible with 110V electricity, such as certain hair dryers or curling irons. Using them in destinations with different voltages can damage the appliance and even create a fire hazard.

Spending money

On average, here are the costs of certain items to give you an idea of how much cash to bring:

Restaurant meal: $5–$15
Beer: $2–$3
Small souvenir: $5 – $10
Tuk-tuk / taxi: $2–$4 (depending on the location and length of travel; we also recommend using the Grab App)

Credit cards are accepted at larger stores and hotels, but many businesses are cash-only, including some optional activities. You will also have access to ATMs throughout the trip, so in the event you don’t have enough cash, you can always get more.

Staying in communication

Before and during the trip, we will keep in communication via WhatsApp. If you don’t have the app downloaded and set up on your phone, please do so as soon as possible. We will utilize the group chat to share itinerary changes/updates, photos, reminders, and more.

Additional trip considerations

This itinerary includes limited time in Bangkok, so you may wish to arrive early to explore the city on your own. Keep in mind that traffic in Bangkok can be quite challenging, and travel times can be unpredictable. Even short distances (around 5 miles / 8 km) can take up to 45 minutes or more, so we strongly recommend allowing extra time when planning activities or transfers.

Destination Overview

Weather

Late November through early December is a great time to visit Thailand. You can expect warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and lower humidity (it will probably still feel more humid than you’re used to) compared to other times of the year. It’s ideal weather for sightseeing, exploring, and enjoying time outdoors. There is always a chance of rain, so an umbrella is always a good thing to have handy!

Food: Is Thailand vegan-friendly?

Absolutely. Thailand is one of the most vegan-friendly destinations in the world, especially in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. That said, some traditional dishes may include ingredients like shrimp paste (often used in curry sauces), fish sauce, dried shrimp, or egg added to stir-fries and soups. The good news is that all meals included on this tour are 100% vegan, and we’re mindful about ensuring you can enjoy Thailand’s incredible flavors without worry.

Can you accommodate allergies?

We can do our best to accommodate allergies, but we don’t visit places that are entirely nut-free, gluten-free, etc., so cross-contamination is always a concern. Please be sure to share any allergies or special requirements during the booking process so we can have a conversation and assess if this trip is right for you.

Tap water

Do not drink tap water and avoid ice from unknown sources. Only drink filtered water. There are great filters on the market to help you cut down on plastic consumption. All of the hotels will also have access to filtered water.

Cultural differences

Respect the Monarchy: Thailand has strict lese majeste laws. Never speak negatively about the royal family — it’s taken very seriously.

Temple Etiquette: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered for all genders), remove shoes and hats, and speak quietly. Women should not touch monks or hand items directly to them.

Greetings: The traditional wai, palms together with a slight bow, is a common greeting and sign of respect.

Body Language: Avoid pointing your feet at people or religious objects; the head is considered sacred, so don’t touch anyone’s head, even children.

Time: Timing and schedules are more relaxed in Thailand. Things have a tendency to run slower, especially outside major cities.

Hierarchy and Age: Age and social roles are important. A little extra politeness goes a long way, especially with older people.

Bathrooms: In many places, toilet paper goes in the trash, not the toilet. Plumbing systems often can’t handle paper. It’s also a good idea to always have tissue or toilet paper in your bag as it’s not guaranteed in public restrooms. We also recommend having hand sanitizer. You will also encounter squat toilets (vs. western seated toilets) throughout the country. It’s easiest to manage these toilets with skirts or dresses, vs. long pants.

Traveling to Thailand means stepping into a culture that is beautifully different from home, and that’s part of what makes the experience so meaningful. Expecting things to work exactly as you’re used to or dismissing local customs as “weird” or unimportant can come across as disrespectful; approaching differences with curiosity, humility, and openness shows respect for Thai culture and allows you to connect more deeply with the place and its people.

Tipping

At the start of the trip, we will discuss starting a tipping kitty for any of our activity guides and our driver; this is generally about $20 per person.

You may consider tipping our tour leader for outstanding service. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline $8 – $10 per person, per day is a good standard.

Additional tipping information:

Tipping isn’t necessarily customary in Thailand, but it’s certainly appreciated.

However, it’s not as simple as giving a percentage of your bill – there are certain situations where it is more appropriate to tip, and somewhere it isn’t. Here are a few examples:

Street food vendor – no tip; if the food is terrific, buy more.
Restaurants — leave 10% (sometimes a service charge is included so always check the bill)
Taxi drivers — Someone who is very helpful or uses a meter, leave a little change.
Spa/beauty services: 10 – 15%
Please don’t tip with coins or dirty and ripped notes. This is regarded culturally as an insult.

Wifi and phone access

For the most part, you will have access to wifi throughout the trip and at hotels. It is important to have an international phone plan or pick up a local SIM card at the airport to stay connected when not on wifi. This will ensure we can still contact you no matter where you are.

Traffic & Getting Around

Traffic in Thailand can be brutal, especially in Bangkok. It is always best to give yourself extra time to get around. In general, the pace of life and traffic is much slower than in other parts of the world. A short distance might take double the time that you would think.

In major cities, it is easy to get around with mass transit, taxis, and tuk tuks. For safety reasons, we do encourage travelers to avoid motorbikes. We also recommend downloading the Grab app to get around, it operates very similarly to Uber and is an economical and safe way to get from one place to another.

Uber in Thailand

Uber doesn’t operate in Thailand instead they use a ridesharing app called Grab. It works great and we highly recommend using it to get around.

Problems While Traveling & Safety

Emergency contact information

While we always aim to provide the best possible experience, travel can sometimes come with the unexpected. If any issue arises during your trip, it’s important to speak with your group leader or local representative right away. They’re there to help resolve concerns as quickly as possible and ensure your trip stays on track.

We will also provide an emergency number before the trip departs in the event that you run into problems while traveling to Costa Rica.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all of our trips, and we’re happy to provide you with a recommended company and/or quote. It’s essential to have a policy that provides cancellation, medical, and emergency repatriation coverage.

It’s also best to get the policy after making the deposit, especially if you want coverage for a pre-existing health issue or want to add cancel for any reason coverage. If you decide to forego travel insurance, you will be required to sign a travel insurance waiver that states you’re taking personal responsibility for any costs due to cancellation, trip delay, emergency medical, and repatriation should they arise.

If you need any help with a plan or have questions, please reach out.

Travel advisories

Responsible Travel

Responsible travel is at the heart of everything we do. For us, it means creating experiences that respect local communities, protect wildlife, and honor the cultural traditions of the places we visit — while giving travelers a deeper, more meaningful connection to each destination.

In Thailand, this means being especially mindful of wildlife welfare and cultural customs. We do not support activities that involve the use of animals for entertainment or exploitation. This includes experiences such as dolphin encounters, deep-sea fishing, and elephant riding or bathing. Instead, we prioritize ethical, observation-only wildlife experiences and activities that support conservation and local communities.

Responsible travel in Thailand also means showing respect for the country’s customs and traditions. Thailand is currently observing an official period of mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on 24 October 2025. This is a significant and deeply felt moment for the country.

While mourning attire is not enforced for foreign visitors, it is strongly encouraged as a sign of respect. During the mourning period (24 October 2025 – 24 January 2026), travelers are encouraged to wear black or subdued colors such as dark grey, navy blue, brown, or white, and to avoid bright or festive colors, including red, yellow, pink, and neon tones. Modest clothing should always be worn when visiting temples, royal sites, and government buildings. Visitors may also choose to wear a black ribbon, which can be easily found in Thailand, as a thoughtful gesture during this time.

By traveling thoughtfully and intentionally, we can help ensure these destinations remain vibrant, resilient, and welcoming for generations to come — and that our journeys truly give back. Read more about our policies here.

Traveling as a Group

As we journey together, please keep in mind that you’ll be traveling with a diverse group of fellow adventurers from around the world and all walks of life. While you may find common ground on many things, differences in backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives are natural. We kindly ask that you remain respectful, considerate, and open-minded throughout our time together.

To help ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment, we recommend being mindful of your conversations and avoiding clothing or accessories that are overtly political or could be considered offensive—whether to your fellow travelers or the communities we visit.

Be Mindful of Time

Out of respect for your fellow travelers and to keep our adventures running smoothly, we ask that you arrive on time for all scheduled activities. If you’re asked to be somewhere at a specific time, please make every effort to be punctual so the group isn’t kept waiting.

We’ve found that the most memorable and enjoyable tours are those where the group dynamic is positive and supportive—and that starts with each person doing their part. A little consideration goes a long way in making the experience amazing for everyone.

At Veggies Abroad, we’re committed to creating a safe, respectful, and positive space for everyone—both within our group and in the destinations we explore.