Tips for An Amazing and Safe Trip to Thailand – Get Wild, But Safe..

Thailand is the land of beautiful beaches, water sports, Full moon parties, luxury resorts, delicious food and much more. It is a perfect melting pot of various activities, there is not even a single person on earth who have not liked his Thailand trip. All you need is a perfect list of Tips on Things to do and how to do in Thailand. In our next few blogs we are going to cover everything about Thailand. To begin with, here are few tips to follow for an amazing Thailand trip,

1. What To Pack for Thailand Trip

Apart from the regular packing stuff and clothes in which you look ultra cool pack the following too

• Your prescribed medicines – there is a chance you still might not get the one prescribed by your doctor.
• Scarves and stoles – for covering your head when visiting the temples.
• Sunscreen and beach hat – for times you will be visiting the beaches and enjoying watersports in Thailand.
• Trekking shoes, torchlight, re-hydration sachets and powerbank.

2. Currency and Documents for Thailand Trip

• Make sure that the passport has at least one blank page, and is valid for the coming six months.
• Carry at least 3,000 Baht per head in cash for visa and other local expenses to cover everything till you are out of the Thailand Airport.
• 2 passport size photographs are required for visa application. The background must be light colored, and there has to be 70 percent of face coverage.
• Along with original passport and flight tickets, keep hotel vouchers and agent’s contact details handy. (you may book hotels directly too from any website)
• Activate international calling in your SIM card or opt for local SIM cards sold in Bangkok and Phuket airports. Preferably take a local SIM.
• Ensure that your debit/credit card is international. The bank may charge some fee for transactions.
• If you use odd amounts to withdraw from ATM, you’ll be able to get change. There are fair chances that if you withdraw 6000 Baht, you’ll get the cash in 1000 denomination, which would be tougher to break. If you withdraw 5900 Baht, you’ll be able to get small change.
• Carry 200 – 500 Baht per person in cash when going for Four Island Tours, Phi Phi Islands etc. This amount is paid as compulsory National Park Fee to the Thailand Govt. The payment is to be done right there, and cannot be done in advance.
• Keep a scanned and hard copy of the travel documents. Hard copy of the hotel and other bookings come in handy in case there is no internet access for any reason.

3. On Arrival in Thailand

• Always be on time if you’re opting for SIC airport (Seat-in-coach) transfers. If you’re late, you’ll have to wait for another two hours to get the seat. In Bangkok. The service starts everyday at 8 am and takes place every 2 hours till 6 pm. In Phuket it starts at 8 am and continues till 5 pm.
• On reaching the destination, verify your vouchers with local guide to avoid any confusion or miscommunication. In case the vouchers and inclusions provided do not match-which is least likely-contact your travel agent.
• If you’re on a honeymoon in Krabi or any other Thai destination, inform your hotel staff. They’ll do their best to provide complimentary special services such as candle-light dinner, passes for an event, or room decoration. The services, however, differ from hotel to hotel.

4. Safety Tips for Thailand Trip

• If you’re traveling solo, avoid going to isolated beaches. This is one of the important Thailand tips as there are high chances of getting mugged.
• Nightlife in Krabi, Bangkok and Phuket is electrifying. But to keep safe, you need to adhere to general safety tips you’d adopt anywhere else; like not getting heavy drunk, avoiding dull-lit areas, and not leaving your drink unattended.
• In case you rent a car and the provider asks for your passport, look for another rental company that accepts other IDs.
• Keep your cash in different places.
• Always register yourself in your country’s embassy before going to Thailand or other foreign country. This will allow your country’s ministry of foreign affairs to rescue you easily in case of any disaster.

5. Social Etiquette in Thailand

• Wai is a Thai gesture of holding both hands in prayer position, and bowing. This is an important part of their culture, used for greeting someone. Whenever someone greets you with a Wai, do the same with a smile.
• Do not talk about the king in disrespectful manner. He is dearly loved by the citizens, and they’re very sensitive when the conversation is about him.
• Never touch anyone’s head, or point/touch them with your feet. Head is considered the most sacred part of the body and the opposite goes for the feet.
• Take your shoes off before entering temples or someone’s place.
• When visiting sacred places, dress appropriately, and cover your head.
• When in Thailand, you’ll come across monks, and get chances to interact with them. The monks are generally friendly, but touching them is something that’s frowned upon; especially if you’re a woman.
• Everyday at 8am and 6pm, the national anthem is played in public areas. Everyone stops whatever they’re doing and stands still till the anthem is over. Show respect to their country by doing the same.
• Know about the festivals in Thailand in advance. Research about the events/festivals that’ll take place when you’ll be in Thailand.

6. Food Tips for Thailand Trip

• If you’re looking for cheaper food, go to the less touristy areas. Not only could they be cheaper, but also less crowded.
• Local food is often cheaper and tastier as compared to a global one.
• If you’re a vegetarian, notify the restaurant before placing the order.
• If you’re on a street food walk, choose the vendors who prepare the meal in front of you. This way you know, what is going in it.
• When trying new dishes, ask the waiter about the ingredients. If you are allergic to anything specific, tell them clearly beforehand.
• Eating with a fork is considered rude in Thailand. Fork is mainly used for pushing the food to the spoon.

7. Shopping Tips in Thailand

• For negotiating in the local markets of Thailand, learn a little of Thai. This Thailand tourist advice will go a long way if you’re a shopaholic as there is plenty of scope for bargaining here.
• Browse through the market first and then pick what you want. Chances are you might get a cheaper, better alternative.
• Make sure carry some cash as credit cards might not be accepted everywhere. E.g. Street vendors do not have any provision to take payment through card.

8. Nightlife Tips for tourists in Thailand

• If you’re planning to enjoy the nightlife of Bangkok and other Thai cities, get in touch with the staff to know the dress code, if any. Most prestigious clubs do not allow casuals, like flip flops and T – shirts.
• Nightlife in Thailand isn’t merely about parties. There are markets, night cruises, cabaret shows, night food-walk, and full moon parties in Thailand that you can indulge in. Do your research to explore the options.
• Do not get into drugs! This is among essential Thailand travel tips as many tourists think doing drugs here is okay. On the contrary, Thai laws against drugs are really strict. Many times there are undercover cops in the action.
• If you’re going for a party on any of the beaches of Thailand, wear shoes. There might be broken glass bottles in the sand that you’ll fail to see at night, and will of course get hurt if you step on it.

9. Transportation Tips for commuting within Thailand

• When traveling short distances, prefer bus over train. Some trains might get late, especially if Bangkok falls on route.
• Stay alert when buying bus tickets in Khao Sarn Road in Bangkok, the area is known for pick-pockets.
• If you want to reach somewhere quickly, don’t go for minivans.
• Always ask the price before getting on a Tuk Tuk. Else, you’ll be charged an unfair amount on deboarding.
• Don’t go for a Tuk Tuk driver who is standing in a group with other drivers. They decide upon a certain amount, that’s usually way higher than what’s fair. A Tuk Tuk driver already on road, or standing alone is a better alternative.
• Click a picture of your vehicle when renting. Present this as a proof, if the renting person accuses of damage.
• Once you’ve gotten on a taxi, take your phone and tell you’re mapping the route. This way the drivers will be conscious and not take you through longer route, for bigger fare.

10. Important Thai phrases to Learn

• Hello – Swasdi
• How are you? – Sabai dee ru
• Yes – Chai
• No – Mai chai
• Airport – Sanaam bin
• Thank you – Khob khun
• I can’t speak Thai – Pood Thai mai dai
• How much? – Nee tao rai
• Can you give a little discount – Lot noi dai mai
• I don’t understand – Mai kow jai
• Add Kha if the one you are speaking to is a girl and Krap if it’s a Boy.

These are simple tips but are very useful when on a trip to Thailand. It is a beautiful place much beyond beaches, Nightlife and Boom Boom.

Travel to Thailand, It is the best holiday destination in Asia, if not the world!