5 Not-So-Dirty Secrets on How to Not Get Sick in Thailand

Street markets in Thailand are something special.

Tables and tents take over the sidewalk and the aromas of grilled meats and firing woks waft through the air. Locals, tourists, children, parents, loners, and groups excitedly bump about from stall to stall. Laughter and excited indistinct chatter dance around with the occasion stern voice slicing through.

There are plenty of items for sale—clothes, candles, plants, bags, and everything in between. But the real draw for foodies such as myself is the food. You can find classic dishes like Pad Thai and papaya salad as well as new and unusual dishes you never knew existed.

The young Katie used to be gung ho in trying unknown street eats. Bugs, intestines, mystery meat…. Bring it on! The weirder the better! (Check out my post on the 4 strangest things I’ve ever eaten HERE)

Alas, my adventurous spirit of trying anything and everything was squelched during my 2 ½ months in Mexico. I was sick nearly the entire trip, culminating in a diagnosis of salmonella and a parasite, which fully unleashed its wrath on my insides during my best friend’s wedding. Talk about timing! You can get the full story HERE.

While the older and (perhaps) wiser me is more selective about my street eats, you better believe I still tromped through every market in Thailand I could find.

I didn’t get sick once during my 4 week trip in Thailand. In fact, I’ve hardly had any stomach issues at all. I even avoided the ever-common, ever-feared “Bangkok Belly!”

Here are my 5 tips on how not to get sick in Thailand.

1. Don’t Drink the Water

This is a rule of thumb for traveling in many parts of the world, including Thailand. It’s knowledge that should be common, which is why its number 1 on this list.

Is the ice okay?

Here’s the thing, bad water is bad water. Locals aren’t going to make ice out of tap water because they themselves don’t drink it. Restaurants aren’t going to serve ice made from tap water because they know it could make you sick. Could you get a glass filled up with clinking ice cubes made from tap water? I mean… maybe. But I think the odds are low.

2. Avoid Pork and Shellfish

Pork skewers and bags full of mollusks might be delicious, but if they aren’t fully cooked, you could be in trouble. Both can pass on nasty foodborne illnesses, and avoiding them altogether is a surefire way to protect yourself from things like tapeworms, salmonella, and E Coli.

3. Ask Yourself, “How Long Has This Been Sitting Out?”

At some street food stalls in Thailand, they make each dish to order. At others, they make the food ahead of time to make service quick and efficient. Bacteria grow most rapidly between 40 and 140 °F, so sticking to food that’s hot off the wok or grill is the best way to ensure your dish hasn’t been contaminated.

4. Assess How Popular the Stall Is

If there’s a line of local people, chances are you’re in the clear. Firstly, it’s a sign the food is probably delicious. Secondly, high demand means the food is constantly being cooked rather than sitting out waiting to be served.

5. Take Note of What You’re Eating On

If your dish is served on a single use plate, great! If your dish is reusable, take a look at how it’s being cleaned.

BONUS TIP: Personal Hygiene and General Health!!!

Alright folks, if we’ve learned anything from COVID, it’s that personal hygiene matters. Especially in a dirty city, frequent hand washing is essential. Also be sure to take care of yourself! Take a multivitamin and ensure you’re getting enough sleep to keep your immune system strong and body regulated.

No one wants to spend their trip rolled up in a ball next to the toilet. Follow these tips on how to not get sick in Thailand and you should be good to go!