Thailand Business Guide: How to Start and Succeed
Starting a business in Thailand…
Ideal Months: November to February
Why: Coolest and driest season; perfect for sightseeing, markets, and festivals like Loy Krathong & New Year celebrations.
Average Temperature: 22°C–30°C
Humidity: Low to moderate; ideal for walking and boat tours
During Nov–Feb: Dry season, sunny skies, pleasant evenings
Monsoon Months to Avoid: May to October (frequent rains, floods in some areas)
Recommended Days: 5–6 days
1 day for arrival, rest & shopping
2 days for cultural & historical attractions
1 day for day-trip (Ayutthaya or Floating Market)
1 day for markets & nightlife
1 day for leisure or spa/day-cruise
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Chatuchak Weekend Market
ICONSIAM & Asiatique the Riverfront
Jim Thompson House
Chao Phraya River Cruise
MBK Center / Siam Paragon / Terminal 21
Erawan Shrine (Brahma Temple)
Khao San Road Nightlife
BTS Skytrain – Fast & clean (Sukhumvit/Siam areas)
MRT Metro – Connects Chinatown, Chatuchak, etc.
Grab App – For car & bike taxis
Tuk-tuks – Fun but negotiate the price
Chao Phraya River Boats – Great for scenic travel
Sukhumvit (Great for shopping, nightlife, access to BTS):
🏨 Budget: The Quarter Onnut
💼 Mid-Range: Citrus Suites Sukhumvit 6
⭐ Luxury: Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Siam (Shopping & central location):
🏨 Budget: Lub d Siam
💼 Mid-Range: Novotel Siam Square
⭐ Luxury: Siam Kempinski Hotel
Riverside (Scenic, romantic, near historical sites):
💼 Mid-Range: Ibis Bangkok Riverside
⭐ Luxury: The Peninsula Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental
Old City/Khao San Road (Backpacker, culture):
🏨 Budget: D&D Inn
💼 Mid-Range: Casa Nithra
Valid Passport (at least 6 months before expiration)
Tourist Visa (if applicable – most Western & ASEAN travelers get visa-free/visa on arrival)
Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
Proof of hotel booking
Return ticket or onward travel ticket
Flight Tickets (3–4 months prior for best rates)
Hotel Booking (via Agoda, Booking.com)
Sim Card or eSIM (e.g., AIS, DTAC – book online)
Airport Transfer (Grab app or pre-booked taxi)
Day Trips (Ayutthaya, Floating Markets via Klook or Viator)
Carry a power adapter (Type A, B, C – 220V, 50Hz)
Download Google Maps, Grab, Translate, and XE Currency
Keep a photocopy of passport in case of emergency
Learn basic Thai greetings:
Hello: Sawasdee krub/ka
Thank you: Khop khun krub/ka
Scams: Beware of overly friendly tuk-tuk drivers offering “special tours.”
Traffic: Avoid rush hour travel (7:30–9:30 am & 4:30–7:30 pm)
Dress Code: When visiting temples, cover shoulders and knees.
Money Exchange: Use SuperRich or Kasikorn exchange booths for better rates
Health: Stay hydrated, use mosquito repellent in the evenings
Secret: Skip traffic with the Khlong Saen Saep boat service.
Why it helps: It’s cheap (~10–20 THB), fast, and avoids the city’s infamous traffic jams.
Pro Tip: Use the Pratunam Pier to access shopping areas like Platinum Mall and CentralWorld.
Secret: Enter via Kamphaeng Phet MRT Exit 2.
Why it helps: Avoid the weekend crowd at the main gate and access the plant, antique, and art sections first.
Secret: Temples like Wat Mahathat offer free meditation classes in English.
Why it helps: You’ll experience spiritual Bangkok without spending a baht.
Secret: Avoid airports and banks. Use SuperRich (orange or green) branches in central Bangkok.
Why it helps: They offer far better exchange rates with minimal or no service fees.
Secret: Some Michelin-rated stalls charge less than 100 THB.
Must-try: Jay Fai, Raan Jay Fai, or Thip Samai Pad Thai.
Hack: Go before 5 PM to beat queues or opt for takeaway.
Secret: Buy a Rabbit Card for BTS travel and small purchases.
Why it helps: Saves time and can be used in places like 7-Eleven.
Secret: Bars like Sky on 20, Octave, or Tichuca offer views rivaling expensive spots like Vertigo or Sky Bar—but without the tourist trap pricing.
Secret: Areas like Ari, On Nut, and Phra Khanong offer budget-friendly, stylish stays with local vibes and great cafes nearby.
Category | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
---|---|---|---|
Accommodation (5N) | $70–150 | $250–500 | $700–1500 |
Food & Drinks | $50–80 | $120–200 | $250+ |
Attractions & Tours | $60–100 | $150–250 | $300+ |
Local Transport | $20–30 | $40–70 | $100+ |
Total (USD) | $200–360 | $560–1020 | $1350+ |
Budget Traveller
Accommodation: 5 Nights – $70-$150
Food & Drinks: $50-$80
Attractions & Tours: $60 – $100
Location Transport: $20 – $30
Total: $200-$360
Mid-Range Traveller
Accommodation: 5 Nights – $250-$500
Food & Drinks: $120-$200
Attractions & Tours: $150 – $250
Location Transport: $40- $70
Total: $560-$1020
Luxury Traveller
Accommodation(5N) – $700-$1500
Food & Drinks: $250+
Attractions & Tours: $300+
Location Transport: $100+
Total: $1350+
Note: Prices in Thai Baht are generally cheaper. Exchange rate as of July 2025 is ~1 USD = 36.3 THB (As of July 2025)
King Power Mahanakhon, also known…