Thailand Travel Guide

2026 GWS | Phuket, Thailand | November 10-13, 2026

The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of international leaders in the now $6.8 trillion global wellness economy, is thrilled to announce that next year’s 20th anniversary GWS will at Angsana Laguna Phuket, Thailand, with gratitude to our host sponsors Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Amazing Thailand and the Ministry of Public Health, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.

Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements

Passport

  • Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
  • At least one blank passport page is recommended.

Visa Requirements

US Citizens

  • Visa-exempt entry for up to 30 days if arriving by air.
  • Can extend once for an additional 30 days at a Thai immigration office if needed.

Non-US Travelers

  • Visa Exemption (no visa required in advance) – Citizens of many countries (EU, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, etc.) can enter Thailand visa-free for 30 days when arriving by air.
  • Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Some nationalities can obtain a 15-day visa on arrival at the airport.
  • Tourist Visa Required in Advance – Certain nationalities must apply for a visa before traveling.

Best Website to Check Visa Requirements

The most reliable place to check requirements by nationality:

Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Portal
https://www.thaievisa.go.th

This Site Allows You To

  • Check whether you need a visa
  • Apply for a Thailand e-Visa
  • Upload documents and track your application

Most tourist visas are approved within 3–10 business days.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Thailand is transitioning to a digital arrival card system replacing the old TM6 paper form. Travelers may be required to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival.

Travelers required to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival will typically need

  • Passport details
  • Flight information
  • Accommodation address in Thailand

Official Site

Thailand Immigration – Digital Arrival Card
https://tdac.immigration.go.th

 

If the system is required at the time of travel, you will submit it within 72 hours before arrival.

Submit form within 72 hours before arrival. You can not submit any earlier than this. Once submitted you receive QR code or confirmation to show at immigration. Note: Airlines sometimes remind passengers if it is required for their flight.

Customs

You May Bring into Thailand Duty-Free

  • 1 liter of alcohol
  • 200 cigarettes (or 250g tobacco)
  • Personal items

Avoid Bringing

  • Vapes or e-cigarettes (technically illegal in Thailand)
  • Large quantities of prescription medication without documentation.

Weather in Phuket in November

November marks the transition from rainy season to dry season. Tip: Bring a light rain jacket or small umbrella.

Typical Conditions

  • Temperature: 77–88°F (25–31°C)
  • Humidity: high (70–90%)
  • Rain: occasional short showers but usually not all-day rain
  • Sea: generally calmer toward late November

Drinking Water

Do not drink tap water in Thailand. Brushing teeth with tap water is generally fine. Ice is usually safe because restaurants use factory ice.

Safe Options

  • Bottled water (everywhere)
  • Hotel filtered water
  • Restaurants often serve bottled water

Transportation

Grab

https://www.grab.com/sg/
Grab works very well in Phuket. Cost example: Airport → Laguna area: ~$20–30.

Use It For

  • Airport transfers
  • Restaurant trips
  • Sightseeing

Taxis

Traditional taxis in Phuket are notoriously expensive and sometimes don’t use meters.

If Using Taxis

  • Negotiate before entering
  • Or just use Grab

Bolt

https://bolt.eu/en/
Another ride-share app that is sometimes cheaper.

Airport Transfers

Hotels usually offer transfers but they are more expensive than Grab. UBER does not exist in Thailand.

Currency & Payments

  • Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
  • Approximate rate: ~$1 USD = 34–36 THB (varies)
  • Best strategy: Withdraw cash from an ATM in Thailand. Avoid exchanging large sums at airports.
  • Cards: Credit cards widely accepted at hotels and restaurants. Smaller vendors are cash only.
  • ATM fee: ~220 THB per withdrawal.

SIM Cards & Internet

Buy a tourist SIM at Phuket Airport. Typical cost: $10–20 for 15–30 days unlimited data. You can also use Airalo eSIM.

Best Providers

  • AIS (best coverage)
  • DTAC
  • TrueMove

Clothing & Dress Etiquette

Thailand is relaxed but still culturally modest. Bring: Shawl or scarf. Long skirt or pants. Shoes must be removed before entering temples.

Resorts & Beaches

Anything Is Fine

  • Swimwear
  • Shorts
  • Sundresses
  • Sandals

Towns & Restaurants

Casual Resort Wear Works

  • Linen shirts
  • Light pants
  • Summer dresses

Temples

You must cover

  • Shoulders
  • Knees

Cultural Etiquette

Thailand is extremely polite and respectful culturally. Follow the same practice.

The Wai
The Thai greeting: Hands together + slight bow. Visitors are not required to initiate it but it’s appreciated.

Do NOT touch people’s heads
The head is considered sacred.

Feet are considered the lowest part of the body
Avoid pointing feet at people and pointing feet at Buddha statues.

Respect the monarchy
Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws. Never joke about the king or criticize the royal family.

Remove shoes indoors
You’ll see piles of shoes outside of homes, some shops and temples.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.

Typical Tips

  • Restaurant: Round up or 5–10%
  • Hotel staff: 50–100 THB
  • Spa: 10–15%
  • Drivers: Round up

Health & Safety

Thailand is generally safe. Avoid: Raw seafood from street vendors.

Things to Watch

  • Sun: The sun is very strong. Bring: SPF 50, Hat, Sunglasses.
  • Mosquitoes: November still has some. Bring: Repellent with DEET or Picaridin.
  • Street Food: Usually safe if cooked fresh. It’s a busy stall.

Electrical Outlets

Most hotel rooms support US plugs but bring a universal adapter. Voltage: 220V

Thailand Uses

  • Type A
  • Type B
  • Type C

Phuket Airport Tips

Airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT). Grab pickup is usually in domestic arrivals pickup zone. Airport taxis may aggressively approach you.

Arrival Process

  1. Immigration
  2. Baggage claim
  3. Customs
  4. SIM cards / ATM / Grab pickup.

Things That Tourists Often Do Wrong

Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • Renting jet skis (many scams)
  • Riding scooters without experience
  • Overpaying taxis instead of using Grab
  • Forgetting temple dress code
  •  Drinking too little water (heat + humidity)

Helpful Thai Phrases

  • Hello: Sawasdee
  • Thank you: Khob Khun
  • Yes: Chai
  • No: Mai
  • Add “ka” (women) or “krub” (men) at the end for politeness.
  • Example: Khob khun ka/krub.

Phuket Areas

Phuket is a large island.

Main Areas

  • Laguna / Bang Tao: Luxury resorts, quiet, beautiful beaches.
  • Surin: Boutique, upscale.
  • Kamala: Relaxed, scenic.
  • Patong: Nightlife and crowds.
  • Old Town Phuket: Historic, colorful streets, great restaurants.

Typical Prices

Rough Guide

  • Pad Thai: $2–4 street / $8–12 restaurant
  • Thai massage: $10–15
  • Nice dinner: $20–40 pp
  • Cocktails: $8–15
  • Boat day trip: $80–150

What to Pack

Essentials

  • Lightweight breathable clothing
  • Rain jacket or travel umbrella
  • Comfortable sandal
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Temple shawl
  • Portable battery
  • Small day bag