Entry Requirements: 

US citizens can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days as a tourist.  It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival.  All non-Thai travelers entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within 3 days prior to arrival.  You can check for entry requirement updates at Washingtondc.thaiembassy.org  To complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card visit tracking.immigration.go.th 

Currency: 

The official currency of Thailand is the Thai baht.  Conversion rates change minute by minute. Banks usually update their exchange rates daily.  Conversion between the US dollar and Thai baht over the last five years appears to have fluctuated somewhere between 1 baht to .025 dollars and 1 baht to .033 dollars.

Getting Around: 

Trains are a great way to get to some parts of Thailand.  The northern line travels from Bangkok through Ayutthaya and then either further up to Chiang Mai or slightly eastward and all the way up to the border with Laos (and onward).  The southern line goes through Surat Thani all the way to the Malaysian border (and onward).  There is also a short line to the west from Bangkok through Kanchanaburi to the bridge on the River Kwai.  The overnight trains are especially great, with the Bangkok to Chiang Mai route being particularly popular.

There are, of course, also taxis and the iconic tuk tuks, and in Bangkok you’ll also find the orange vested motorcycle or ‘moto’ taxis.  Official moto taxis wear the vest (usually orange) with a large registration number and ID on the back of the vest.  These are understandably not considered the safest way to get around but they are the most exciting and sometimes more readily available than other taxis.

In Bangkok there is also an extensive water transit system with taxis, public ferries and riverboats that run back and forth on the Chao Phraya river and  along some of the canals.  This is a great way to see most of the major sights in Bangkok, with a cool breeze off the river and no street traffic.  See my post: Top Sights Along the Chao Phraya River.

On the islands in the south of Thailand you’ll find a plethora of high speed ferries and beach hopping longtail boats to get you around.

CDC recommendations: 

The CDC Travelers’ health website for Thailand can be found at:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

Water:

Tap water is not considered drinkable.  Drink sealed bottled water or reliably filtered water.

Average Weather:

Bangkok

Things of Note

Wats (Temples) and other sights in Thailand may have dress code requirements. These dress codes usually require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees out of respect for the sights cultural and religious significance.