To plan a trip to Thailand, you must first learn a few facts about the nation in order to avoid being ripped off and having your expectations disappointed. Furthermore, certain Thailand suggestions can help you appreciate the nation more. In this article, I’ll answer some often asked questions from visitors visiting Thailand. So have a look!
Travel to Thailand: what you need to know
1 – Do you need a visa to travel to Thailand?
It depends on your nationality and the length of your intended stay.
If you are a citizen of the United States and plan to stay in Thailand for 30 days or less, you do not need a visa. You will receive a visa exemption stamp upon arrival, which will allow you to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
If you plan to stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days, you will need to obtain a visa. There are several types of visas available, including tourist visas, business visas, and education visas. You can apply for a visa at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
2 – Are the cities of Thailand precarious?
A visit to Thailand will reveal various huge and developed cities, such as the capital, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, for example. They have skyscrapers, massive shopping complexes, and enormous avenues. Some cities have extremely efficient and comprehensive metro systems.
By the way, Bangkok is a city of opposites. There are traffic jams, the sky is constantly polluted, and there are gigantic skyscrapers, but there are also rats on a smaller street, for example.
Thailand seemed to me to be much more developed than Indonesia and Laos, which appeared to be much poorer countries.es.
3 – Is it dangerous to go to Thailand?
No, in my experience. Thailand is a safe place to visit. I remained with my hubby for the most of my 22-day visit. We had no troubles, despite the fact that we strolled through several deserted and dark neighbourhoods at night, took a lot of public transportation, and exchanged money at street exchange offices.
Also, I didn’t hear any tales of visitors encountering violence when I was there.
I heard of an alleged scam in which people lie about the Grand Palace in Bangkok being closed in order to lure you to little stores. However, I didn’t hear anyone saying such near the palace.
On the days when I was alone in Thailand, I was solely frightened of a morning transfer. For around 30 minutes, I was the lone passenger, and we were hunting for more passengers in a dark condominium. But I continued to converse on the phone, and nothing occurred to me.
4 – Do you need a passport to travel to Thailand?
Yes, you need a passport to travel to Thailand. All foreign visitors to Thailand must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the country. It’s important to check the expiration date of your passport before you plan your trip to Thailand, and if necessary, renew it well in advance of your travel dates. Without a valid passport, you may not be allowed to enter Thailand or may be delayed at the border.
5 – Do you need a vaccine to go to Thailand?
It depends on the specific vaccines you have already received, your health status, and your itinerary while traveling in Thailand.
There are no specific vaccine requirements for entering Thailand, but some vaccines are recommended for all travelers, including the routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), and influenza.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several other vaccines for travelers to Thailand, including Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis. The CDC also recommends that all travelers be up-to-date on their routine vaccinations and receive the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist at least four to six weeks before your trip to Thailand to determine which vaccines are recommended for you based on your individual health status and travel itinerary.
6 – IS THAI FOOD SPICY?
Not all the time. There are several dishes that do not include pepper. Order “fried rice” (or fried rice, in Portuguese), which is rice cooked with chicken (or shrimp or pig), chopped fried eggs, and small bits of tomato and chives. Aside from never having pepper, it’s an inexpensive meal that can be found wherever.
Rice with chestnuts and shrimp (or chicken) in pineapple is another meal sans pepper.
If you see “green curry” on the menu, be aware that it is really hot!
Pad thai is a traditional Thai meal that may or may not include pepper. It’s a fried rice noodle with bamboo shoots, chestnuts or peanuts, finely chopped fried egg, and either chicken or shrimp. It is my favourite Thai dish!
Rice with coconut milk and mango is a popular treat that does not contain pepper.
7 – WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN IN THAILAND?
Thai is the official language. The Thai alphabet, by the way, differs from ours. However, it is fairly usual to see signs, menus, and general sayings printed in our alphabet.
According to the Thai Embassy, English is a required subject in high school and is widely spoken and understood across the country. In actuality, however, many Thais with lower earnings do not speak English.
8 – I DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH WELL, CAN I TRAVEL TO THAILAND?
Yes, it does. Translation programmes are used and abused. Also, good old mime is always useful. Thai folks are extremely kind and like assisting others.
9 – WHAT IS THE THAI RELIGION?
More than 90% of Thais practise Buddhism. Other religions practised by citizens of the nation include Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. Thailand’s Constitution makes no reference of any faith or group as the official religion. Furthermore, all Thai nationals have total freedom of worship under the Constitution.
10 – WHAT TO TAKE ON A TRIP TO THAILAND?
In addition to beach essentials like a bikini, sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing, include some long garments that cover your shoulders. To visit the Buddhist temples, wear long skirts (that cover the ankle) with no slits and shirts that cover the shoulders but have no neckline. Many temples would not even admit tourists dressed inappropriately.
However, you may make do with a sarong or a wide scarf as a skirt or to cover your shoulders. Furthermore, anyone wearing transparent or tight clothing (even if they are pants or skirts) or showing their belly are not permitted to enter the temples.
11 – IS IT BETTER TO TAKE A BACKPACK OR SUITCASE ON A TRIP TO THAILAND?
My spouse and I travelled to Thailand with two wheeled luggage (one big and one small). We had no regrets. Even when visiting a tiny island by boat, there is generally at least one little pier where you may disembark.
We never had to pull a suitcase across the beach, for example. There’s also someone who can assist you carry your bag for a tip. I dislike the pain of lugging pounds upon kilogrammes of garments on my back.
12 – WHAT ARE THE COUNTRIES CLOSE TO THAILAND?
Those who come to Thailand frequently wish to take advantage of the possibility to visit other Asian countries. So, here’s a list of resources that could be useful.
Thailand’s land borders are shared by the following countries:
- Laos
- Cambodia
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
Countries that do not have a land border but which are close and where it is easy to travel by plane:
- Indonesia
- China
- Singapore
13 – IS IT EASY TO BUY A SIM CARD IN THAILAND?
Yes, it is relatively easy to buy a SIM card in Thailand. There are several mobile network operators in Thailand, including AIS, dtac, and TrueMove H, and they all have stores and kiosks in most towns and cities.
To purchase a SIM card in Thailand, you will need to bring your passport and a small amount of cash. You will need to provide your passport details when you purchase the SIM card, as it is a legal requirement in Thailand to register SIM cards to prevent fraudulent activities.
Once you have your SIM card, you can choose from a range of prepaid or postpaid plans, depending on your needs. Most mobile network operators offer a variety of data and voice plans, with prices varying depending on the amount of data and the duration of the plan.
It’s important to note that some mobile network operators in Thailand may require you to activate your SIM card by dialing a specific number or by accessing an online portal, so it’s best to check with the operator or store where you purchased the SIM card for specific activation instructions.
14 – WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND?
For those of you looking for a quick answer on when to visit Thailand, I recommend going between December and March. However, depending on where you go in the country, there may be other suitable months to visit. Furthermore, you should avoid the months when the monsoons occur, which cause tremendous rainfall.
15 – WHEN IS IT CHEAPER TO TRAVEL TO THAILAND?
It is most affordable during the monsoon season, when there is a lot of rain. The low season arrives. Traveling to Andaman Sea beach spots such as Krabi, Phuket, Phi Phi, Railay, and Koh Lipe is less expensive from May to November.
From September to November, beach resorts in the Gulf of Thailand, such as Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan, are more cheap.
If you only visit more metropolitan places like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, the cheapest (and rainiest) months are May, July, August, September, and October.
However, I would not visit any of these Thailand sites during the rainy season, since they claim that it rains so heavily that everything floods. Moving around is tricky.
16 – HOW MUCH DOES A TRIP TO THAILAND COST?
The cost of a trip to Thailand varies depending on various factors such as the duration of the trip, travel style, and activities planned. As a rough estimate, flights can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500 or more, accommodation can range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts costing hundreds of dollars per night, and daily expenses such as food, transportation, and activities can add up to $50 to $100 per day. Overall, a two-week trip to Thailand can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more per person, depending on your preferences.
17 – HOW TO TRAVEL TO THAILAND ON A LOW BUDGET?
To travel to Thailand on a low budget, consider the following tips:
- Choose budget accommodation such as hostels, guesthouses, or homestays.
- Eat local food from street vendors and small restaurants.
- Use public transportation such as buses, trains, and tuk-tuks.
- Visit free or low-cost attractions such as temples, markets, and parks.
- Avoid tourist traps and negotiate prices when possible.
- Consider traveling during the low season when prices are lower.
- Book in advance and compare prices online for flights, accommodation, and activities.
18 – IS IT WORTH BUYING A TRAVEL PACKAGE TO THAILAND?
Whether it is worth buying a travel package to Thailand depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style. Travel packages can offer convenience and cost savings by bundling flights, accommodation, and activities, but they may also limit your flexibility and personalization options. A travel package may be a good choice if you prefer a structured itinerary with pre-arranged tours and activities. However, if you prefer to plan your own itinerary and explore at your own pace, it may be more cost-effective to book your flights, accommodation, and activities separately.
19 – WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF THAILAND?
The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). It is divided into 100 satangs. Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Baht, while coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 Baht, as well as 25 and 50 satang coins. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, and most major credit and debit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
20 – WHAT CURRENCY TO TAKE ON A TRIP TO THAILAND?
It is generally recommended to take Thai Baht (THB) on a trip to Thailand as it is the local currency and widely accepted throughout the country. While some tourist areas may accept US dollars or other major currencies, it is often at a less favorable exchange rate. ATMs are widely available in Thailand, so it is easy to withdraw cash in Thai Baht upon arrival. Major credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in larger businesses and tourist areas.
21 – HOW TO TRAVEL TO THAILAND?
There are several ways to travel to Thailand:
- By air: Thailand has several international airports, including Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, making it easy to fly from major cities worldwide.
- By train: Train travel is a popular option for traveling from neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Laos.
- By bus: Bus travel is a budget-friendly option for traveling within Southeast Asia, with several bus companies offering routes to and from Thailand.
- By boat: Traveling by boat is another option, with ferries and cruises available to various islands and neighboring countries.
22 – WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN THAILAND?
Thailand is a diverse country with many beautiful and interesting places to visit. Here are some of the best places to travel in Thailand:
- Bangkok, the vibrant capital city
- Chiang Mai, the cultural center of the north
- Phuket, a popular beach destination
- Krabi, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and beaches
- Koh Samui, a tropical island paradise
- Ayutthaya, the ancient capital with historical ruins
- Pai, a charming town in the mountains with a hippie vibe.
23 – DO I NEED TO HIRE THE TOURS FOR THE TRIP TO THAILAND IN ADVANCE?
It’s not always necessary to hire tours in advance for a trip to Thailand. For popular attractions, such as temple tours and island-hopping, it’s possible to book tours or activities on the day or a day before at local tour operators. However, for less popular destinations or if you have a specific itinerary in mind, it may be advisable to book in advance to ensure availability. It’s also possible to book some tours and activities online before your trip.
24 – HOW TO GET AROUND IN THAILAND?
There are several ways to get around in Thailand:
- Tuk-tuks and taxis are available in most cities and can be flagged down on the street.
- Public transportation such as buses, trains, and subways are available in major cities.
- Motorcycle taxis and songthaews (shared taxis) are popular in smaller towns.
- Renting a car or motorcycle is a popular option, but be aware of traffic and driving conditions.
- Domestic flights are available to travel between major cities and popular tourist destinations.
25 – IS THERE UBER IN THAILAND?
No, but there’s an app that’s like Uber. It’s Grab . It’s fairly simple to use and functions similarly to Uber. The benefit is that you may choose to see everything in English.
You may also write a note to the driver in English, which Grab will translate into Thai. Similarly, the driver can write in Thai, and the software will instantly translate his message into English.
However, we were only allowed to utilise Grab on our trip to Thailand since we had a cell phone chip acquired in the country (one of those prepaid ones, ideal for foreign tourists).
26 – IS IT EASY TO DRIVE DURING A TRIP TO THAILAND?
No, even if they have an international driving licence, foreigners are not permitted to drive in Thailand.
According to the Embassy in Bangkok, only Thai driver’s licences are accepted in the nation. Car rental firms in Thailand, according to the embassy, even hire automobiles to foreigners. In the event of an accident, the vehicle’s insurance may be terminated, and the driver may be prosecuted for reckless driving.
27 – DO YOU NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THAILAND?
Yes, it is recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Thailand. While Thailand is a relatively safe destination for travelers, unexpected situations such as accidents, illnesses, or natural disasters can occur, and having travel insurance can provide important financial protection and peace of mind.
28 – DOES THAILAND HAVE A KING?
Yes, Thailand has a king. As of my knowledge, the cutoff date of September 2021, the current king of Thailand is King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as King Rama X. He ascended to the throne in 2016 after the passing of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Thai monarchy has a long and important history in the country’s cultural and political landscape.
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