Thailand
Smart travel through Thailand in October: avoid the biggest pitfalls
Thailand has good roads, good flight connections, and is easy to reach. However, a few things can go wrong if you do not know about them in advance. We have listed the biggest stumbling blocks for you.
7 September 2026 · Wayloha editorial · 4 sources
Communication: LINE instead of WhatsApp
Your first mistake: WhatsApp. Many hotels and restaurants offer it, but most Thai people do not use it. If you need real contact with local shops, guides, or drivers, you must use LINE. This is the standard app in Thailand.
Internet is not a problem. Hotels, cafés, and restaurants where Western tourists go almost all have wifi. You can manage without a mobile subscription if you are smart about where you stay.
- Download LINE before you depart. This is the main communication tool in Thailand.
- Ask for your hotel's house number or address written down in Thai, in case the taxi driver does not understand it.
In October, you will find green hills and misty mountain paths where tourists hardly ever go.Thailand
Health: vaccinations and mosquitoes in border areas
Tetanus, hepatitis A, and yellow fever: make sure you are vaccinated against these before you depart. You can simply request this from your GP.
Rabies is a real risk. Dogs, cats, and monkeys in Thailand can carry the virus. If you are bitten, immediate medical help is required. So, avoid animals you are not sure about.
Malaria is mainly found along the borders with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia. If you are going there, take anti-malarial tablets or make sure you do not get bitten. Long trousers, long sleeves, and mosquito repellent help.
- Get vaccinated against tetanus and hepatitis A at least two months in advance.
- Do not touch wild animals, even if they look cute.
- In case of bites or scratches from animals: go to a hospital immediately.
Safety and scams: where to be alert
There are scammers in busy tourist areas. Some are Thai, others are foreigners. They work in busier places where many tourists walk around. Use common sense: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Phuket and Pattaya were once more beautiful. They are now heavily built up and have suffered a lot of damage. If you are looking for nature instead of nightlife, go to places like Pai (with the Tham Lod cave) or the village of Phayao in the north. Phayao is practically forgotten by tourists: wooden houses, beautiful shores, and a quiet atmosphere.
- Be careful with offers from strangers on the street in Bangkok or other large cities.
- Skip Phuket and Pattaya if you are looking for authenticity. Choose Pai or Phayao instead.
