At the heart of South Asia, Thailand is known for its breathtaking beaches and islands. It is nicknamed ‘The Land of Smiles’ because of its welcoming citizens. The Southeast Asian country is also a preferred destination due to its budget offerings from cheap flight options to affordable accommodation and tours. And so, how could you say no to an affordable trip to Thailand, with its tropical rainforests, historical ruins, and rice-paddy hills?
Are you worried about exploring the unknown land solo? Don’t worry; here is a Thailand travel guide with tips, perfect for those visiting Thailand for the first time. These tips will also benefit pro travellers!
Best time to visit Tropical Thailand: Battling Tropical Rains
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No one enjoys a rain shower in Thailand while sunbathing at the stunning beaches. The best way to avoid having to walk around with umbrellas and dealing with flooding is to plan your trip between November and February. If you’re exploring the Gulf of Thailand on the East with a Thailand tour package, you should visit in the dry season between April and September.
There is not much difference in the temperatures during the monsoon and summer seasons unless you explore north Thailand. Hop on a cheap India to Thailand flight and go to Sakon Nakhon if the temperatures are too much for you to bear, as it is the coldest region.
Also read: Seven facts about Thailand you didn’t know!
Getting from one spot to the other in Thailand
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Whether you’re looking to reach your destination quickly or take the scenic route, Thailand has public transport to cater to all your requests! The quickest transport mode in the country to travel between cities is the Coach AC bus, costing around TBH 617 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Book buses online in advance. For a more scenic route, hop on a day train costing below TBH 100 between any city!
You might be tempted to hop into the tuk-tuks, similar to the rickshaws in India, but remember that they don’t charge by meter and are much more expensive than a taxi. You can book a car or taxi using the app Grab for convenient travel with luggage. If you’re travelling with a bigger budget, you can also take a flight from any city to the next!
Short on cash? Look for ATMs
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Recently, Visa, a provider of digital payment services, conducted a study of Thailand and declared that it is moving towards becoming a 100% cashless society by 2028! This news is excellent for Indian tourists, as you can pay for anything with a simple credit card swipe. However, you must remember that we’re still in 2024, so one of the best Thailand travel tips is to keep some cash on hand.
You can exchange currency online before you get to the country or the Airport, which may have higher exchange rates. Tourists can easily find ATMs all over the country. One of the less-known Thailand travel tips is to use the Aeon and Krungsri Bank ATMs. The exchange rate charged is lower, and you can withdraw more money than other banks allow.
Also read: What is a forex card and how does it work?
Packing Light for Your Trip
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When we say pack light for your trip, we also mean lightweight and bright-coloured clothing! The temperatures in Thailand can go up to 40°C in the summers and get unbearable when wearing dark colours or heavy fabrics. Also, carry an umbrella or raincoat from home so you’re always prepared for a sudden shower! Remember to pack sunscreen. Every country has its unique baggage restrictions. Here is a list of some items to avoid packing as per Thailand travel requirements:
- Liquids: 1-litre limitation in total, with each of 100 ml quantity.
- Lithium batteries: Over 160 Wh
- Powdered items from the US: Only 350 ml allowed
- Weapons: No sharp or blunt instruments that could harm people.
- Self-balancing devices: Hoverboards, Air boards, etc
- Flammable substances: Petrol, oxygen, etc.
When planning a trip to Thailand, you must apply for a Thailand visa online, which comes as an E-Visa or Stamp Visa, having a validity of one or three months. A Thai Visa on arrival is also available for Indian citizens.
Also read: Types of Thailand Visa: The Most Important Categories.
Learn Thai: English Only for Popular Spots
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In most Asian countries, tourists don’t usually have much problem as citizens understand English well. However, it’s not the same in Thailand, as only locals in cities like Bangkok speak a bit of English. If you’re exploring the smaller towns, one of the best Thailand travel tips is to brush up on your Thai. If it’s your first time travelling to the country, here are a few phrases that will help you navigate well:
- Hello: Sawatdee
- Goodbye: Lah gon
- Thank you: Khop Khun
- How are you: Sabai dee maa?
- What is your name: Khun cheu arai?
- Delicious: Aroy
- Help me: Chuai Duai
- Yes: Chai
- No: my Chai
- Mai-Ped: No spicy (We’re certain this phrase will save you a lot of tears)
It’s also one of the recommended travel tips to Thailand that you learn the pronunciation of numbers in Thai to ensure you’re conversant with money matters.
Now that you know some basic Thailand travel tips, here is a list of the dos and don’ts that will make your trip a success or ruin your image entirely!
Do: Wear Conservative Clothing
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One of the things to know before going to Thailand or any Asian country is that the locals will give you the side eye if you’re wearing revealing clothes. Go for comfort over fashion to dispel the sweltering heat. You can wear 3/4th pants and sleeveless clothing in bigger cities but avoid such attire in smaller towns.
The Thai people follow a modest dress code when entering Buddhist temples or other sacred spaces. Ensure your knees and shoulders are covered. One of the most useful Thailand travel tips 2024 is to keep a cardigan in your bag in case of a sudden temple visit.
Remember to take your shoes off when visiting any religious space!
Do: Bow When You Meet Someone New. No Hugs!
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One of the friendliest things to do in Thailand when you meet someone new is to bow while joining both hands. This practice is called ‘Wai’ and is similar to a Namaste. Can’t I hug them? No! The Thai locals prefer their personal space, so unless someone puts their hand out, you shouldn’t even go in for a handshake.
Do: Follow Alcohol Restrictions
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Are you making a reservation at one of the best hotels in Bangkok to celebrate your anniversary or have a birthday bash abroad? The nightlife in Thailand is wild, but you must consider the strict time restrictions on alcohol. You can purchase drinks only from 11 am to 2 pm in the afternoon and 5 pm to 12 am. However, if you’re looking for a pick-me-up during afternoon hours, you might find bars in Pattaya.
Do: Wrap Gifts only with Red Coloured Paper
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Do you want to gift your local friends before you return home? You should certainly avoid the black, blue, and green wrapping colours. These are considered inauspicious funeral colours and are not great for gifting. Red is the only appropriate wrapping paper colour, and every parcel should be packed with great care. One of the best Thailand travel tips to follow when gifting older people is to go for fruits or homemade food instead of materialistic gifts.
Don’t: Put your Feet up on a Stool or Point them at People
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One of the most disrespectful things to avoid in Thailand is to point the soles of your feet directly at anyone. You must ensure your feet are kept as far as possible from one’s head, so lay head-to-head in a yoga class or any other shared space.
Never place your raised feet on a stool or desk. Also, pay attention to where your foot sole points when you sit cross-legged. If a local is sitting on the floor, especially in a temple, avoid walking in front of them. One of the main Thailand travel tips when visiting is to never touch any object with your foot, be it the door, fallen change, or stray animal to move them out of the way.
Don’t: Use your Left Hand to Give Things
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It is taboo to pass over cash or any other items with your left hand in Thailand, mainly because this hand is connected with maintaining washroom hygiene. Indian citizens can abide by this unspoken social etiquette rule quite well, as it is one of the most well-known Thailand travel tips, followed in all Asian countries.
Don’t: Take Statues or Pictures of Buddha Home
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A must do in Bangkok is to visit the night and day markets to purchase delicious food and souvenirs. When buying souvenirs, remember that no matter how much you love the carved and decorated Buddha statues, you cannot take them home. Monks are the only ones crafting these items, hence seen as sacred and illegal to take out of the country.
Don’t: Engage or Take Photos with Wild Animals. Yes, even in Zoos
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This travel tip to Thailand is necessary for all nature-loving visitors. When exploring Thailand, you’re bound to come across men offering a ride on the backs of Elephants. Such activities are not illegal; however, as the number of elephants in Thailand is reducing, one should avoid encouraging the usage of these gentle animals in this manner.
Some zoos in Thailand allow you to get close to tigers to take photos. You might think the tigers are friendly, but people suspect they’re under the influence of calming drugs instead. If you truly love animals, you’ll avoid such tourist attractions.
Also read: World Elephant Day: International Destinations for Amazing Elephant Sanctuaries.
When are you planning your next trip to test these Thailand travel tips and tricks in action? If you’re a seasoned traveller, why not leave some more tips below to help beginners feel more confident? Let us know more about your experience in the comments once you get back!
FAQs- Thailand Travel Tips
What to consider when traveling to Thailand?
Before you get on a flight to Thailand, you must have your Visa, return ticket, hotel booking details, and passport with six months validity.
Do and don’ts in Thailand?
Some things you should do in Thailand are to follow alcohol restriction timings bow when you meet someone, wear conservative clothing, and wrap gifts only in red paper. Avoid using your left hand to give things and pointing the soles of your feet at people and sacred items.
Is 1 lakh enough for Thailand trip?
1 lakh is great for a trip to Thailand if you budget well.
Is 7 days enough to visit Thailand?
If you plan to visit the famous cities of Bangkok, Krabi, etc, a 7-day trip is good enough to see the attractions. A 10-day trip will give you time to discover the unexplored areas of Thailand.
Should I go to Bangkok or Phuket?
Phuket is a quiet place; great for introverts to marvel at the landscapes away from the bustling crowd. However, Thailand’s true heart and lifestyle can only be explored in Bangkok.
What is better, Thailand or Bali?
Bali is affordable and can be explored in a day, while you’ll need at least 10 days in Thailand. However, if you’re looking to explore diverse cultures, exciting nightlife, and beautiful attractions; Thailand is the best for you.
Is Thailand cheap to visit?
Thailand is affordable for Indian citizens, as 1 Thai Baht is ₹2.49 INR.
What is the best time to visit Thailand?
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February. If you’re exploring the Gulf of Thailand, visit between April and October.
Is Phuket cheaper than Bali?
Bali is cheaper than Phuket.
If you like this, you’ll also love:
- Top 10 Fascinating Experiences to Enjoy when you visit Thailand
- The 5 Best Budget Hotels in Thailand
- 6 Best Shopping Malls in Thailand for an Ultimate Shopping Experience
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