FAQS
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand depends on your preferences, but the peak tourist season is from November to February, when the weather is dry and cool. January to May can be very polluted, especially in the North
Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?
The visa requirements for Thailand depend on your nationality, but most countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Thailand?
It's not safe to drink tap water in Thailand, and it's recommended to drink bottled water instead.
Can I use my credit card in Thailand?
Yes, credit cards are accepted in Thailand, especially in tourist areas and larger cities but not everywhere will accept them, however, ATMs are available in most places.
What should I wear in Thailand?
Thailand has a hot and humid climate, so lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended. When visiting temples and other religious sites, it's important to dress conservatively and cover your shoulders and legs.
Is it necessary to tip in Thailand?
Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand, but it's a common practice for good service, especially in restaurants and for taxi drivers.
About 10 percent of the bill.
What are some popular tourist destinations in Thailand?
Some popular tourist destinations in Thailand include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
What is the local cuisine like in Thailand?
Thai cuisine is known for its delicious and flavourful dishes, including stir-fries, curries, noodles, and soups. Street food is also widely available and offers a unique and authentic experience. say "mi si prik" if you don't want chilli.
Culture, Climate
Thailand is a popular travel destination known for its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and rich culture. Here are some good things to know when travelling to Thailand:
-
Culture: Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country with a rich cultural heritage. It's important to respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes and ways of communicating with locals.
-
Climate: Thailand has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather throughout the year. It's best to pack lightweight and breathable clothing.
-
Currency: The local currency is the Thai baht. It's a good idea to exchange some local currency before arriving, as not all places accept credit or debit cards.
-
Language: The official language is Thai, but many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas, and if you're going to the North-East, they speak Issan.
-
Transportation: Thailand has a well-developed transportation system, including taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaews (little buses) in Bangkok there is also a sky train BTS.
-
Food: Thai cuisine is world-renowned for its delicious and flavourful dishes. Try local street food for a unique and authentic experience.
-
Safety: Thailand is generally a safe country for travellers, but it's important to take precautions such as carrying a copy of your passport, avoiding walking alone at night, and keeping valuables safe.
-
Health: Make sure you're up to date with all necessary vaccinations and take basic precautions to avoid illnesses such as traveller's diarrhoea.
Costs
Cost:
The cost of traveling in Thailand varies greatly depending on your budget, travel style, and the time of year you visit.
Here are some rough estimates to give you an idea:
Accommodation: You can find budget-friendly options starting from around 300 THB ($8.98) per night for a basic room, or splurge on a high-end hotel for several thousand THB. You can get a very decent hotel for 1500bhat ($44.89) per night.
Food: Street food and local restaurants are very affordable, with meals starting from around 40 THB ($1.30). Eating in mid-range restaurants or in tourist areas will cost more, around 300 THB ($9.75) per meal.
Transportation: Public transport is cheap, with most bus or train rides costing less than 100 THB ($3.25). Taxis and tuk-tuks are more expensive, with short trips costing around 200 THB ($6.50) and hour-long trips costing 1500 Bhat (29.93 US Dollars).
Activities: Entrance fees to temples and other tourist attractions can range from 100–500 THB ($3.25–$16.25). Adventure activities such as elephant rides or scuba diving will cost more.
Thailand can be a budget-friendly destination, but it's possible to spend a lot of money if you choose more expensive options.
By keeping these things in mind, you'll have a more enjoyable and memorable experience while travelling in Thailand.
Safety and Security
Safety and security:
In an emergency, Thailand has an emergency service just for tourists; call 1155 for the tourist police.
Thailand is generally considered a safe country for tourists.
However, like any other destination, there are certain precautions tourists should take to stay safer. Here are some tips:
Be mindful of pickpocketing and theft, especially in tourist areas.
Be cautious when crossing the road, as traffic can be chaotic.
Avoid over-indulging in alcohol, as it can make you vulnerable to crime.
Be respectful of local customs and culture, as cultural misunderstandings can sometimes lead to problems.
Take care when swimming, as some beaches can have strong currents.
Keep your passport and valuables in a safe place.
Avoid political demonstrations and gatherings, as they can become violent.
In the unlikely event you end up in hospital, you may be happy to know that the hospitals in Thailand are some of the best in the world, and of course you should cover yourself with travel insurance!
Emergency services number:
In an emergency, Thailand has an emergency service, just for tourists; they understand English, call 1155 for the tourist police.
What to Pack?
When traveling to Thailand, it's important to pack wisely and consider the local climate and culture. Here are some items to consider packing:
-
Light, breathable clothing: Thailand has a hot and humid climate, so lightweight and breathable clothing is essential.
-
Sun protection: Suncream, a hat, and sunglasses are important to protect yourself from the sun.
-
Mosquito repellent: Thailand has mosquitoes and many of them! Bring insect repellent to avoid getting bitten. However, some very effective repellent will be sold in 7/11, and 7/11 is everywhere so don't worry if you run out.
-
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are important, as well as flip-flops or sandals for the beach, many people use glass bottles when drinking and don't dispose of them efficiently even on the beach so keep your feet safe.
-
Travel adapter: Thailand uses 220-volt electrical outlets with 2 pins and sometimes 3 (strangely), so you may need a travel adapter if your devices use different voltages, most hotels will sell these.
-
Cash: It's a good idea to bring some local currency, as many places don't accept credit or debit cards.
-
A water bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially in the heat.
-
Personal toiletries: Don't forget to bring your personal hygiene items, including toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.
-
A backpack or daypack: A small backpack or daypack is useful for carrying items while exploring the country.
-
Thailand has a conservative dress code, especially when visiting temples, so it's best to pack clothing that covers your shoulders and legs.
-
Remember your passport!!
Apps to Download
When traveling to Thailand, it's helpful to have a few apps on your phone to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are some recommended apps:
-
Google Maps: A must-have app for navigating the country and finding your way around.
-
Bolt or Grab: A popular ride-hailing app like Uber in Thailand, it's a convenient way to get around the cities. Bolt tends to be cheaper but Grab also does food!
-
LINE: A popular instant messaging app in Thailand, it can be used to communicate with locals.
-
Thai Language Keyboard: If you're not familiar with the Thai language, this app can help you with typing in Thai and translating text.
-
XE Currency: A currency converter app, it's useful for converting local currency to your home currency and vice versa.
-
Save this website to your phone, you'll probably need it at some point.
-
Google Translate: A must-have for travellers who don't speak Thai, it can translate text and speech in real-time.
It's a good idea to download these apps before you leave for Thailand and make sure you have a data plan or offline maps to avoid data roaming charges.