I went without a guide on my first trip and honestly, I wish I had something to explain the basics. I wasted two nights hopping into random bars that were either dead, overpriced, or just not my vibe at all. A guide would have saved me a lot of time. Thailand is fun, but it’s not as straightforward as people think.

People underestimate how fast things change. The bar that was great last year might be a ghost town now. Even as someone who’s been coming for years, I still check updated info before heading out. A decent guide isn’t about “spoon feeding” you — it just gives you context so you know where to start.

For first timers, a guide helps you understand what’s normal and what’s not. Most places are fine, but there are a few common scams or misunderstandings that happen because travelers don’t know the rules. Knowing the basics ahead of time makes the whole experience way smoother.

If you’re trying to keep costs under control, a guide is very useful. Not because it tells you what to spend, but because it shows the typical price ranges. That alone prevents overspending. Some bars are incredible value. Others are tourist traps. A guide helps you tell the difference.

You don’t need one, but it definitely helps — especially if you’ve got limited time. Think of it like a city map. You can wander and discover things on your own, or you can use a few pointers to make smarter choices from the start. I used a guide before my last trip and it made the nightlife feel way less confusing.