After my first time in Thailand, I realized how easy it is for travelers to make the same Thailand itinerary mistakes. After reading through more than 150 Reddit threads about traveling in Thailand, five mistakes showed up far more often than anything else:
- Underestimating the heat: mentioned by more than half the users.
- Dressing inappropriately at temples: many people don’t know the rules.
- Trusting every tuk-tuk or taxi: detours and inflated prices were common complaints.
- Only speaking English leads to confusion and awkward moments.
- Not protecting against mosquitoes: this ruined a surprising number of evenings.
These five patterns shape most Thailand itinerary mistakes, and once you understand why they happen, planning becomes easier. Below, I break down all nine mistakes I found in those Reddit discussions, along with practical fixes you can apply right away.
Mistake 1: Underestimating the Heat (about 58%)
This was the number-one issue in the Reddit threads. More than half the people said the heat shocked them. Many assumed they could walk everywhere, hike at midday, or do long temple runs with no breaks.
Actionable Fix
Plan outdoor activities early in the morning. Drink water constantly. Add indoor breaks between noon and 3 p.m. Wear sunscreen and reapply often. By the way, it's better not to waste too much time doing makeup, you'll sweat it off within minutes.
Why It Happens
Photos and videos don’t show the humidity. Thailand’s heat is heavy and slow, and you won’t know how intense it feels until you're in it. Even travelers used to warm climates said Thailand was “another level.”
Mistake 2: Overpacking (about 51%)
About 50% of Reddit users regretted bringing too much clothing. Many admitted they brought outfits they never wore. Others realized that laundry services are cheap, fast, and everywhere.
Actionable Fix
Bring fewer clothes and plan to wash them. Thailand is easy in that sense. Focus on breathable fabrics and simple outfits. Leave space for things you might buy along the way. Additionally, it's extremely affordable to purchase all your toiletries here. Pack light and functional.
Why It Happens
People assume they need “options” or a pack with an unrealistic idea of how much they’ll sweat. But Thailand is hot, and you’ll want lightweight, repeatable outfits. Packing heavy just makes moving around harder.
Mistake 3: Dressing Inappropriately at Temples (about 47%)
Almost half of the Reddit users mentioned seeing travelers turned away or scolded at temples for wearing shorts, crop tops, or sleeveless shirts. Some people didn’t even realize temple dress codes were strict. Others assumed they could “just wrap a scarf around” and it would be fine, but many temples don’t allow that.
Actionable Fix
If you’re going to a temple, pack at least one outfit that covers shoulders and knees. Wear socks if you feel weird about being barefoot at temples. If you forget, many temples sell or rent covers at the entrance. Light, loose clothing works best in the heat. You’ll be fine in a bikini, but do it at the beach. I guess it’s ok in the very touristy places like Walking Street in Pattaya.
Why It Happens
Most people come from places where casual clothing is acceptable everywhere. As much as people hear about the sexy time stuff, that’s not everywhere. Travellers think of Thailand, and think of beaches, but the locals will legit wear full-on hoodies and stuff at the beach, and even when entering the water. We need to dress with respect, and first-timers don’t always know that.
Mistake 4: Trusting Every Tuk-Tuk or Regular Taxi Driver (about 44%)
This doesn’t mean most drivers are bad. But about 44% of Reddit discussions mentioned situations like long detours, sudden “tour stops,” or inflated prices. Many first-time visitors hop in without asking questions.
Actionable Fix
Ask for the price before you get in a tuk-tuk or a regular taxi. Be polite but firm. Plus, to be honest, bolts or grabs are safer. Use cash, don't bind the bank card to software.
Why It Happens
If a tuk-tuk driver offers an unrealistically cheap ride, they’ll often take you to shops or places you didn’t ask for. What's more, you can easily get overcharged in a tuk-tuk.
Mistake 5: Not Protecting Against Mosquitoes (about 38%)
About 38% of Reddit posts mentioned mosquito bites, with some travelers getting dozens in a single night. A few ended up with infected bites because they scratched them too much.
Actionable Fix
Use repellent at night, especially around water or gardens. Keep a small bottle in your day bag. Wear light, long layers in the evening if mosquitoes love you.
Why It Happens
Mosquitoes don’t show up in vacation photos or travel ads. First-timers think bites are “not a big deal,” but some people react strongly to them. And Thailand’s tropical climate means they’re active year-round.
Mistake 6: Buying a SIM Card at the Airport (about 36%)
Around one-third of Reddit users said airport SIM cards were overpriced or came with plans they didn’t actually need. Many said they got better and cheaper deals once they reached the city.
Actionable Fix
If you can, wait until you get into town. 7-Eleven stores and mobile carrier shops offer clear pricing and simpler packages. You’ll get more data for less money.
Why It Happens
After a long flight, everyone wants immediate internet. Airport staff know this, so the packages tend to be expensive. First-timers think it’s the “official way,” but it’s just the most convenient one.
Mistake 7: Speaking Only English (about 32%)
A common frustration in the Reddit threads was how tourists would get annoyed when locals didn’t understand English. About one-third of comments mentioned travelers who assumed English worked everywhere.
Actionable Fix
Google Translate may not be the best. Do English to Thai, then back to English to see if it’s translated correctly. It's better to learn a few simple Thai phrases. Even basic words like “hello,” “thank you,” and “check please” go a long way. Locals really appreciate it.
Why It Happens
You see so many Thailand videos and blogs made in English that you assume the whole country functions that way. English is common in tourism areas, but not everywhere. A little effort creates smoother interactions.
Mistake 8: Confusing Tipping Norms (about 29%)
About a quarter of Reddit threads included confusion over tipping: some tourists tipped too much, others tipped nothing at all, and many simply didn’t know what to do.
Actionable Fix
Thailand doesn’t have a strict tipping culture. You don’t need to tip in local restaurants with counter service. It’s like if some service costs 97 baht, you can give them ฿100 and be ok. Unless it’s something big, like booking a boat for yourself and the person navigating it for you for half a day. That’s different. For sit-down spots, rounding up or leaving a small amount is appreciated. For massages, tipping is common but still modest.
Why It Happens
Many first-timers come from countries where tipping is either mandatory or not common at all. Thailand falls somewhere in the middle, and that gray zone confuses people.
Mistake 9: Walking Into the Wrong Kind of Massage Shop (about 18%)
About 18% of the Reddit threads mentioned tourists who accidentally walked into unexpected service venues or didn’t understand the risks involved. Some thought they were regular massage shops. Others underestimated safety concerns in these environments.
Actionable Fix
If you want only a normal massage, choose places that are clearly professional: uniforms, price boards, open rooms, and bright lighting. If someone chooses to engage in some special services, they should use protection just as they would anywhere else.
Why It Happens
Many shops look similar from the outside, and some first-time travelers are too shy to ask questions. Others assume everything in tourist areas is “safe enough,” but that’s not always true. Staying aware protects you from risks you didn’t plan for.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through Thailand is easy, fun, and full of surprises. The country rewards people who prepare a little and stay flexible. A few simple adjustments, like dressing right for temples, respecting local customs, staying hydrated, and keeping your expectations realistic, can make your first time in Thailand smoother. If you want a trip plan that fits your habits, your pace, and your interests, you can use iMean AI at the end of your planning. It can help you build an itinerary that actually works for the way you travel, without the usual stress of organizing everything by hand.
If you want a plan that fits your travel style, try asking iMean AI to map out a Thailand itinerary that actually works for you.
