The Complete Thailand Trip Checklist

Phase 0 Before You Book 0/0▶

Decide when to go (weather, crowds, prices) — my guide

Check flight prices — with this method

Decide how long (10 days? 3 weeks? affects everything else) — my Travel Type Tool

Pick your route: one city deep vs. multi-stop — my itineraries

Set your budget (flights, hotels, daily spend) — my Budget Calculator

Withdraw your whole budget over the next weeks

Check passport validity: 6+ months beyond return date + at least 1 blank page

Check visa rules for your nationality (60 days visa-free revoked) — check your embassy in Thailand online

Check recommended vaccinations with your doctor

Book international flights — with these hacks

Screenshot/save all confirmations

Phase 1 Right After Booking 0/0▶

Book your first night hotel — with this method · my recommendations

Get travel insurance (should cover $1 million)

Notify banks of travel dates

Phase 2 4–8 Weeks Before 0/0▶

Book domestic flights — my guide

Book remaining hotels — my recommendations

Book popular tours that sell out fast — my picks

Book intercity transport — my guide

Start learning basic Thai phrases — start here

Check if you need some of my Thailand essentials — the list

Phase 3 2–4 Weeks Before 0/0▶

Confirm all bookings

Order your eSIM — my guide

Set up apps: Grab, Bolt, Google Maps, Google Translate + LINE — my app list

Book Fast Track Immigration — here

Take screenshots of passport, insurance & bookings

Get a second credit/debit card as backup, stored separately

Save/screenshot hotel addresses + confirmation numbers

Share itinerary with family/friends

Phase 4 Final Week 0/0▶

Fill out TDAC at tdac.immigration.go.th — opens 72h before arrival, free — my walkthrough

Save TDAC QR code as screenshot for offline use

Or use the new THIM app: App Store · Google Play

Know the proof-of-funds rule: officers can ask for 20,000 THB (around $600 or 520 Euro) per person

Pack (see essentials below)

Weigh luggage against airline limits

By now you should have your whole budget in cash

Charge all electronics + power bank

Double-check passport, tickets, insurance docs

Check flight status + set airport alarm

Packing Essentials — one carry-on is enough 0/0▶

Light, breathable clothes for 3–5 days — laundry costs 50–120 THB/kg there

1 temple-ready outfit: shoulders + knees covered (wear on plane)

Comfortable walking shoes (wear on plane)

Sunglasses

Swimming trunks

Personal prescriptions (carry-on, original packaging)

Smartphone

Power bank + charger (check airline rules)

My packing essentials — the full list

What NOT to bring: almost everything you think you need is available in Thailand for cheap — especially toiletries and clothing. Pharmacies have everything you need.

Phase 5 Travel Day 0/0▶

Passport, phone, wallet, boarding pass

TDAC QR code ready (offline screenshot or in app)

Power bank in carry-on (not checked luggage)

Meds in carry-on

Cash in hidden wallet — the one I use

Arrive 3 hours early

Read my Suvarnabhumi Airport Arrival Guide — read it now

Phase 6 Landing to First Night 0/0▶

Activate eSIM before leaving the plane

Immigration: passport + TDAC QR ready, return ticket, cash, and first hotel address on hand

Grab, train, taxi? Follow my Suvarnabhumi Airport Arrival Guide

Bangkok or connecting flight? Follow my Transport & Domestic Travel Guides

Check in, find the nearest 7-Eleven

Have your first Thai meal

Jet lag rule: stay up until at least 9pm local time

Set alarm for tomorrow — your trip starts now

This checklist tells you what.Thailand Trip OS tells you which.

This checklist tells you what.
Thailand Trip OS tells you which.

The Ultimate Thailand Pre-Trip Checklist

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