How do I travel to Thailand for the first time?
Thailand is arguably Southeast Asia’s sweetheart travel destination. For years, it has been a hub for first-time travellers to immerse in a different kind of adventure. Thailand is a seasoned travel destination and fairly safe. You can find ample amenities there, but if you are a first-timer, things can get a little confusing. This article is a brief guide for first-timers.
Image via Anantara Golden Triangle
Where to go in Thailand?
Thailand is vast and diverse. If you are visiting for a short holiday, it makes sense to pick the regions to visit ahead of time and create an itinerary in pencil. Check out accommodation in advance. For example, if you plan on exploring the golden triangle in Chiang Rai do some research into luxury hotels in Chiang Rai. Some places like Anantara Golden Triangle offer deals to early birds. If you plan on exploring the hilly Chiang Mai, plan for a few days. You can keep Bangkok for the last lap of your journey.
How to pack for Thailand?
You need to pack for hot, humid weather. Pack breathable cotton or linen short pants, t-shirts, sleeveless tops, bathing suits, light summer dresses etc. You should pack a couple of long-sleeved tops and long pants to wear to the temples. Bring a pashmina or a light jacket for long bus rides in air-conditioned buses. A pair of rain boots, a hat and sunglasses will make your life much easier. Bring your prescription medication and a travel medical kit. Pack some sunscreen, bug spray and a refillable bottle.
How to handle money in Thailand?
Thai vendors still prefer cash payments to the card or cashless transactions. When you visit street markets and local restaurants expect to pay in local Thai Baht. You can get better rates at money exchange booths than in your home country for money exchange. It is better to avoid the booths at the airport. You’ll find plenty of ATMs across Thailand in popular areas but prepare for a withdrawal fee. Remember to alert your bank before coming on the trip to avoid confusion. Scams are not unheard of in Thailand. You should always check the legitimacy of any programme, hotel, or guest house before you book and make the payment.
How to eat and drink in Thailand?
Thai street food is flavourful and satisfying. A good rule of thumb to remember is to always choose vendors who are popular with Thai people. A lot of popular restaurants have English-language menus. You can visit food courts at shopping malls to eat authentic Thai dishes. This is where you can eat comfortably in air-conditioned surroundings without spending too much on the amenities cost. It is better not to drink tap water. You can fill your bottle at the hotel for the day or buy bottled water when you run out. Ice on the other hand is hygienically produced, and you can safely add these to your drinks.
How to stay healthy in Thailand?
You won’t find any compulsory vaccination (apart from COVID–19 vaccinations) for Thailand. You’ll find buzzing mosquitoes in Thailand but there is no threat of malaria. It is however better to take bug spray along. If mossies get to you, buy some balm from a 7-Eleven. You can bring prescribed drugs to Thailand but bring the prescription along for added assurance. Drink water and wear sunscreen. Eat the plentiful fresh fruit and wear hiking boots or trails.
What precautions to take when exploring Thailand?
Always keep your eyes open for potential scams, even though most people have wonderful trips to Thailand with no incidents. Road safety is not Thailand’s best trait. Travel insurance policies tend not to cover motorbike accidents. It is better to avoid renting a motorbike if you are not an experienced rider. And remember vaping as well as e-cigarettes are illegal in this country.
