Planning your dream trip to Thailand? That is AWESOME! But let’s be real: it stops being awesome the second you get ripped off for the silliest thing—a taxi fare, a fake bracelet, or a drink you didn’t ask for.
This is your quick, essential guide telling you exactly what to do and what NOT to do on your trip to Bangkok and Phuket in November 2025, so you can keep your cash for cheap-luxury hotels and ethical elephant sanctuaries!
Bangkok & Phuket Travel: What To AVOID vs. What To DO
Cheap Travel: Meter is Your Friend (Unless You Use Grab!)
-
AVOID The Hustle: Never agree to a flat-rate taxi fare. You will lose. Bargaining with street taxis is a losing game for tourists unfamiliar with local prices.
-
INSTEAD, Use the Apps: Download Grab and Bolt! These ride-share apps are the safest and cheapest way to travel around Bangkok and Phuket.
Where to Stay: Sleep Like Royalty on a Budget
-
AVOID the Noise: Skip staying right on Khao San Road. It’s a fun party area to visit, but not the best place to stay in Bangkok for comfort.
-
INSTEAD, Live It Up: Look for fantastic deals in Sukhumvit or Siam Square. For a cool, hipster vibe, check AirBnBs in Ari. Seriously, Thai 5-star hotels are cheap!
Ethical Tourism: Skip the Sad Shows
Your travel rupees must support good causes!
-
AVOID Animal Abuse: NEVER pay to ride or feed elephants at tourist camps. Also, skip the tiger selfie traps. You are funding animal exploitation.
-
INSTEAD, Support Real Rescues: Look for organizations dedicated to rehabilitation.
- Northern Thailand: Elephant Nature Park is the benchmark for ethical elephant tourism in Thailand.
- Koh Samui: Visit Samui Elephant Sanctuary for a humane experience.
Phuket Peace: Finding the Quiet Bays
-
AVOID the Chaos: If you want beautiful beaches without the loud bars and crowds, avoid Patong Beach.
-
INSTEAD, Find Seclusion: Head to quieter spots like Tri Trang Beach or take an ethical day trip to the stunning Similan Islands.
7-Eleven: Your Budget Food Lifeline
7-Eleven is always your safe, reliable backup option. When street food seems questionable, or you need a quick, clean meal that isn’t a tourist trap, grab a hot-pressed toastie, some instant noodles, or a ready-to-eat local dish like Spicy Basil Pork with Rice.
Nightlife & Street Scams: Keep Your Wits About You!
This is where travelers lose their money over the silliest things. Stay sharp!
-
The Drink/Hangout Scam: Be extremely wary if a friendly stranger approaches you offering to buy drinks or suggesting you hang out at their specific bar or club. This is often a scam linked to the bar owner designed to run up massive bills you’ll be forced to pay. Trust your instincts and decline any unsolicited invites.
-
Fake Bouncers: In busy nightlife zones, watch out for aggressive people posing as bar bouncers who demand an entry fee. Always verify official staff. If you feel unsafe, do not enter or pay.
-
Passport Collateral: NEVER leave your passport as a deposit when renting scooters or jet skis. Carry a good photocopy instead.
-
Temple Rules: Remember to wear pants to cover your knees when visiting temples.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll enjoy authentic travel in Thailand without the headache! Thailand Travel Gurus, What are your top genius tips or little-known hacks for exploring Thailand?