what do i need to know about traveling in thailand
Thailand is the perfect introduction to long-term travel and backpacking and these Thailand travel tips will help you lot set up for your starting time adventure to Southeast Asia. The land of smiles has a special place in our hearts. It was the first extended trip we traveled as a couple more than 20 years ago and we take been dorsum several times since.
Thailand has been a popular tourist destination for decades and with skilful reason. Information technology has beautiful beaches, a friendly and exotic culture, historic temples and a lot of adventure. It has a strong tourism infrastructure, withal information technology is exotic and heady enough to make you feel that you take stepped into another world. Simply when traveling to Thailand, there are many rules and cultural differences yous need to know before you lot go. Armed with this information, you lot'll exist able to focus on having a good time in Thailand while traveling safely and responsibly throughout the state.
Thailand Travel Tips
We put our heads together and made a list of all the Thailand travel tips we gathered from visiting Thailand over the last 18 years to help you program your trip.
Thailand Quick Tips
- Thailand power voltage is: 220 5; Plugs A & C
- Thailand Currency: is the Thai Baht and is around xxx baht to 1 USD
- ATMs can be institute everywhere merely take out large sums at a time every bit Thailand banks charge a 150 baht ($5 USD) fee above and beyond your bank's service charges.
- SIM Cards are piece of cake to buy at the MBK Center in Bangkok for your unlocked smartphones. Data is cheap and fast.
- English is widely spoken in Thailand simply it is nice to learn a few Thai phrases before you go.
- Thailand mainly has two seasons, rainy season and dry flavour. It is a tropical country that is hot and humid all twelvemonth long.
one. Don't Ride the Elephants
Elephants that are used for tourism and work have been driveling and live in miserable weather chained to poles. They are forced to walk in circles and have been broken to obey their mahouts. Instead of riding elephants, visit an elephant sanctuary where you lot want to witness retired tourist and logging elephants in their natural environs. They may never be released back into the wild, simply at least they will alive out their days in peace while having some freedom to roam.
- Read all about our Elephant Sanctuary Visit
- Also Read: The Human Elephant Disharmonize
two. Do Not Take Selfies with Tigers
I was surprised to learn that the tiger temples are still open. I knew of them when we first visited Thailand, merely I assumed they airtight long ago. But sadly, tigers are however being exploited in Thailand for tourists to have selfies with them.
The Tiger Temple outside of Bangkok has been closed downwardly, but in that location are even so dozens of places putting tigers on display to pose with tourists. You can read about it yourself here.
Different the elephant sanctuaries that are giving rubber haven to retired tourist elephants, places similar the Tiger Kingdom are raising tigers and violent cubs from their mothers to be poked and prodded past tourists. They are not in a natural surround and they are kept in cages. Instead, go searching for tigers in their natural habitat like Altitude treks did in this mail. (photograph in a higher place courtesy of said mail service)
iii. Cover upward
Whether you are male or female, skimpy clothing is frowned upon. Especially when visiting temples and places of worship and in rural areas. Make certain to respect the culture and embrace your knees and shoulders when inbound a temple or wat. A sarong is a great item to carry with you. I've wrapped it around my waist to use equally a skirt and put information technology over my shoulders to use as a shall.
Wearing long pants and long sleeves that are made of silk or lightweight polyester will keep you cooler than dressing in shorts and protect you from the hot dominicus and mosquitoes. So get for it, dress like the locals!
- Note: In beach areas similar Phuket and Krabi and on hikes, it is fine to wear bathing suits and shorts, merely when in cities and temples, cover up.
- Don't be "that backpacker" that looks like an ignorant tourist knowing nothing of the places they visit.
4. Take Off Your Shoes
When inbound temples, some shops, or private homes, take off your shoes. Flip-flops are a completely acceptable form of footwear in Thailand, and they are easy to sideslip on and off. A good rule is if you run into a bunch of flip-flops at the door, this is probably a identify where you lot should take off your shoes. Read more: 23 Fun Facts About Thailand – The Land of Smiles
5. Exercise Non Mention the Rex
Even though Male monarch Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away, he was revered by the people and to testify whatsoever disrespect could get yous thrown in jail. When talking about the royal family, information technology is best to not bring him upwards at all or if y'all do, exist positive. But isn't that a adept rule for life in general?
half dozen. Consume with Your Spoon
Image by SoleneC1
The preferred option of utensil for eating Thai food is the spoon. The fork is used to push the rice or meat onto the spoon and so put the spoon in your oral cavity. People do not stab their meat or veggies with a fork, they scoop it up with a spoon. Chopsticks are used for things like Pad Thai and other noodle dishes, but when sitting down to eat in Thailand, you lot will virtually likely have a fork and spoon only at your table setting. Read More: Best Thai Nutrient – Traditional Thai Dishes to Eat in Thailand or at Home
vii. Nutrient Service is Slow
Another affair to be prepared for at Thai restaurants is that your food will never come up out at the aforementioned time. If you lot club divide dishes they will come up out when they're ready meaning one of y'all is sure to get your food before the other. Someone may be finished eating, by the time the side by side plate comes out. Our advice, share it and eat family style like the locals.
8. Eat the Street Food
Thailand has some of the best street food in the globe. It is cheap and delicious. Just exist sure to follow the rules of eating abroad and you'll be fine. If it is cooked y'all are good. If you lot can peel it, y'all are proficient. Normally, street food has such a high turnover, the food is fresh and delicious.
9. Don't Rent a Motor Scooter – Unless you lot Have Experience
We often see tourists riding around on mopeds without helmets. They're wearing tank tops and t-shirts and side by side thing you know they crash into the harsh reality of realizing they don't have the experience that they recollect they practice.
Thailand has one of the highest traffic fatalities records on earth and it is a hairy place to drive. You'll be sharing the route with everything from tuk-tuks to transports, at that place are no rules and the roads can be quite bad. And so, unless you really take a lot of experience on a motorcycle, rent someone to bulldoze you instead.
x. Take a Tuk Tuk
That said, y'all even so need to experience riding in a tuk-tuk once in your life. It can exist overwhelming just taking a tuk-tuk ride is a rite of passage! Just be sure to concord on a cost earlier you make it the Tuk Tuk and don't let them talk yous into stopping at any shops.
xi. Picket out for Scams
Speaking of Tuk-tuks, watch out for the tuk tuk scam. If the price seems likewise adept to be true, it probably is. That means they'll be taking you effectually to perfume shops, antiquarian dealers, jewelry stores, and anything else they tin can get you to buy.
Tuk-tuk drivers receive commissions from stores, and then they will drive you all around the city except for the identify you wanted to become in the first place. These tuk-tuk drivers can be really aggressive, so just say no.
Other Thailand Scams
- The fake baht scam – shopkeepers claiming yous have paid with a fake annotation and so they exchange it with an bodily fake note while inspecting information technology.
- The Gem Scam – random strangers telling y'all nigh bargains for gems until you call back it'southward besides good of a deal to decline. They are proficient at duping tourists.
- It'southward airtight today scam: When you are near to enter a famous Wat, someone will tell you "it is closed today", merely they "tin can: bring you to some other temple that is but every bit good. Instead of going to a temple, you'll exist stuck going on a wild goose chase in search of jewelry and gems.
- Meet our full listing of Travel Scams
12. Traveling Thailand
Thailand is cheap and easy to travel effectually. If you take a short amount of time, we propose flying from place to place. If you don't want to fly, the trains are efficient. We accept ofttimes take overnight sleeper trains to places like Chiang Mai.
The buses are also good. Thailand has a lot of first-grade sleeper buses that can get you from indicate A to point B. It's easy to book at a travel agent anywhere in Thai cities and islands.
13. GrabTaxi App
We used to have tuk-tuks when looking for cheap transport around Bangkok and other cities, just at present the way to go is with the app GrabTaxi. GrabTaxi is like Uber. It's a similar service, merely a different app.
Information technology is much cheaper and you don't have to barter with the drivers. It'southward besides far meliorate for your lungs. A tuk-tuk's two-stroke engine can get out yous gasping from exhaust fumes in the hot sunday.
Then on that note, get shopping in the markets. Thailand's clothing costs haven't inverse much (in the markets, that is) since 2003! Yous can get sarongs, fishermen pants, skirts, and shirts for a couple of bucks. And the materials are so calorie-free, the actress clothes take upward very little space.
15. Go to a Festival
When planning your travels, look into what festivals are happening and be sure to go. In that location are several festivals effectually the country throughout the yr, but these are a few to peradventure plan your visits effectually.
Thailand Festivals
- Songkran happens in Apr and is amazing! Information technology's the globe's largest water fight. (all over the country)http://happens in November (Chiang Mai)
- Loy Krathong – Lantern Festival all around Thailand
- Yi Peng Lantern Festival – happens in November (Chiang Mai)
- The Vegetarian Festival is in October (Phuket)
- Chinese New Year (Jan or February)
16. Have Long Tail Gunkhole
Long Tail Boats are a major way to get around in Thailand, and yous'll be missing out if you don't take a ride on ane somewhere. Luckily longtail boats are used in both the North and the South.
17. Protect from Mosquitoes
This is not to be taken lightly in Asia. We know more than than one person that has caught Dengue Fever during our travels, then be sure to wearable light-colored long sleeves and pants, wearable insect repellant. If you are staying in hostels or cheaper guest houses, bring your ain mosquito cyberspace.
18. Become Your Zen On
Things are a bit slower in S East asia and you should beginning letting things slide off your shoulders from the moment yous land. Schedules will near likely be behind, service volition exist slow, food will come up at all different times and things will most likely not get as planned. So, get into that happy place and go with the flow, y'all'll have a lot better time and a lot less stress.
19. Pack a SteriPen
You can drink the h2o in some places, but a lot of times you have to worry nearly quondam pipes even if the water is treated. While bottled water is an selection, don't contribute to the growing plastic pollution problem. Instead, pack a refillable water bottle and use a SteriPen to purify your water from the tap.
About establishments use commercial water ice that has been purified so it is often safe in reputable places. If in dubiety, enquire for no ice and drink out of the can or bottle.
twenty. Have a Valid Passport
This may seem straightforward, but make certain your passport is valid for at least 6 months before yous leave your abode state. Community may non let you in if information technology is nigh to expire in the next few months or weeks.
21. Live the 5 Star Life
Even if you are on a budget it is worth it to splurge for a night or two at a v-star hotel. Thailand is the place where you lot'll have the chance to live a five-star life on a mid-range upkeep. And so go for it, you won't be able to have the same experience downtown New York or in Tahiti, but Thailand has options for beautiful hotels that the regular middle-class American/Canadian can beget.
22. Never Touch Anyone'south Head
This may seem straightforward, but when I did a quick Google search to run into what I missed, I saw this on many other lists. So, I'grand putting information technology in because I guess some people lack common sense. I wouldn't touch a stranger's caput period, merely apparently, tourists need to be reminded not to touch someone'due south head. I know people dearest to give kids a quick pat on the head, but fifty-fifty for children, don't do it.
23. Do Non Buy Buddha Statues
They are everywhere and you'll be tempted to bring a Buddha abode but to bring a Buddha image out of the land is illegal (unless y'all accept a license) so instead stick to ownership elephant statues like the balance of us.
24. Avoid Petting & Feeding the Animals
I know how cute they can look, but avert feeding or petting monkeys, cats, and dogs. And then every bit much equally y'all want to allow that kitten snuggle in your lap, it is best to give it space. And don't feed the monkeys, they tin can become vicious and their scratches and bites conduct disease.
25. Have a Massage – Many Massages
Massages are cheap in Thailand and you tin can become a massage anywhere and they are heavenly. We've had inexpensive massages on the beach and massages in a v-star spa and all accept been nifty! A Thai massage will work out all the kinks.
26. Full Moon Parties
For the ultimate party experience, yous might want to get to a Total Moon Party on Koh Phangan. Every month, thousands of people head to the islands to gloat. There's a lot of drugs, drinking, and debauchery. Keep your wits most you and you'll be fine, merely be careful, things can go out of command. Be certain to book your hotel in accelerate, it fills up quickly on Kho Phangan during this time.
27. Pack a Padlock or PacSafe
When traveling on a budget in Thailand, we always bring an extra lock and a PacSafe bag protector. Information technology adds actress weight but if you are staying in dorm rooms or questionable guesthouses, it is skillful to have peace of mind when you are out. Nosotros just wrap the cage around our packs and our electronics, cash, and camera gear
28. Explore Thailand'south National Parks
Thailand has 127 national parks and you must make certain to visit some of them to go hiking to waterfalls. There are bamboo rafting excursions, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and camping. Our favorites to visit were Doi Inthanon and Khao Sok.
29. Get Scuba Certified
If you have always wanted to take a scuba diving course, Thailand is a good place to do it Thailand is one of the cheapest places to learn how to scuba swoop. Popular places to learn to dive are Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket. Koh Tao certifies more people than anywhere in the world in diving. It's filled with backpackers and adept deals. In one case yous are certified, head out on a liveaboard to The Similan Islands. Operators run out of Phuket and Khao Lak.
thirty. Thailand is Big
There is a lot to see in Thailand and even a month isn't enough to take it all in. If yous want to really take in the civilization, nosotros recommend going north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. If yous are looking for beach life, caput to the South Islands and choose a couple of different destinations. Y'all tin can't encounter all the astonishing beaches of Thailand in one trip, but you can relish a few.
Our favorite islands of Thailand are:
- Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Samui
- Phuket Island is busy, simply it is the biggest and nosotros enjoyed ourselves in that location too.
- Railay in Krabi is attached to the mainland, but it can but be reached past gunkhole, so it feels like an island.
- Koh Phi Phi is the paradigm of what every one has seen on travel shows about Thailand.
31. Bring Your Own Toilet Paper
In cities and higher-end restaurants and hotels, there is toilet paper these days, but when going more off the browbeaten path, or to markets, you lot won't find TP in the toilets. Conduct your own to be safe.
32. Go With the Flow
Thailand tin be overwhelming and when you lot first go yous tin can experience culture shock. Merely if you take a deep breath and give yourself room to change plans, you'll be fine. Information technology'due south an exciting destination and then relax and go with information technology!
And that is our list of all the Thailand travel tips you'll need to know earlier y'all go!
What to Pack for Thailand
Pack as little as possible, you can buy what y'all need for cheap at open-air markets and it is inexpensive and like shooting fish in a barrel to become clothing washed all around Thailand.
Packing List for Thailand
- flip flops – you will wear these all the time in Thailand
- sarong – this works great in a pinch for visiting temples and wats
- ear plugs – It can be loud on transportation and in some guesthouses.
- We recommend hiking shoes as opposed to boots. Keep it lightweight, breathable and waterproof.
- Bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts, a long skirt for women, long pants for men.
- Dry out bag – Protect your electronics on boat rides, rains and water festivals.
- pegless clothesline – nosotros often dry our bathing suits and sarongs at our beach bungalows.
- Sweater – Omnibus and train rides can be freezing with air conditioning blasting.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
If you are starting your trip in Bangkok cheque out our suggestions for where to stay in Bangkok.
Sheraton Royal Orchard – We loved staying directly on the Chao Phraya River. Free boat shuttles to Skytrain and excellent amenities. Bank check out Availability & Prices TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort – Splendid luxury hotel overlooking the river. Complete with Infinity pool, traditional rooms and superb breakfast Check out Availability & Prices TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Suggested Tour Operators in Thailand
- Get Your Guide – Offers great day tours and multi-day tours all over the world.
- Viator – Viator is some other splendid bout operator that offers 24-hour interval tours and multi-day trips that we have also used ofttimes and can recommend.
- Lonely Planet – This is an excellent travel guide book to accept with yous through your travels in Thailand.
- TripAdvisor – Compare and check out hotels also equally find reviews and book on TripAdvisor.
Budget for Thailand
- Budget: You tin find a number of backpacker hostels in the range of 250-700 baht per night. ($8 – $25 USD)
- Mid Range: Look to pay 1,500-2,750 baht ($l – $80 USD) baht per nighttime and savour extra amenities.
- High Cease: Upscale hotels will range from 3,00-12,000 baht per night ($100 – $300 USD)
Food Upkeep
- Upkeep Travel: Look to pay xc-150 baht per meal ($iii – $5 USD) in a eating place
- Street food: 30-xc baht ($1- $iii USD) per dish for street food.
- High-cease restaurants can range to Western prices to 450-600 baht ($xv – $20 USD)
Thailand Phrases – Quick Reference Guide
- Tuk-Tuk – Three Wheeler motorcycle that is used as a cheap taxi.
- Songthaew – Public ship. A pickup truck that has a covered box where passengers sit down.
- Thai Greeting – Bow your head and put hands in prayer position and so say "sawadee ka" (for women) or "sawadee cup" (for men)
- Muay Tai – Is Thai Kickboxing
- Khoa San Road – Bangkok's most famous street. A Backpackers hub full of shops, bars, and cheap hotels.
- Wat – A Buddhist monastery or temple
Is it Easy to Travel Thailand?
Thailand has a very strong infrastructure for tourism and it is easy to travel on any budget. With a expert tourist jitney system, railroad train system, and flights, internal travel in Thailand are organized and affordable.
What should I avoid in Thailand?
Don't have elephant rides, exercise not go to tiger temples. Avoid staying on Kho San Road, but definitely visit it.
Is the h2o rubber to drink in Thailand?
We avoid drinking tap h2o in Thailand without purifying it first. We use a Steripen to purify our drinking h2o. Its ultraviolet lite purifies water in seconds making it prophylactic to drink.
Have you been to Thailand? What'southward your best Thailand travel tip? We are always learning about new tips that pop up and we'd love to accept you share them below!
Did you relish our Thailand Travel Post? Be sure to Pin information technology for Future Reference.
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- 20 of the Best Things to do in Koh Samui, thailand
- 23 Fun Facts About Thailand – The Land of Smiles
- 35 Amazing Things to Do in Thailand in 2021
- Ultimate 3 Days in Bangkok – A Local'southward guide to The Perfect Bangkok Itinerary
Featured Paradigm by kod88
Source: https://theplanetd.com/thailand-travel-tips-things-not-to-do/
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