Showing all posts tagged "Chiang Rai"
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.
Posted on February 22nd, 2023
How to Plan a 7-day Trip to Thailand – Everything you should know
Thailand has gained international recognition as a backpackers’ paradise. However, the country is now visited by every type of traveller, including couples, families, and solo travellers looking to discover themselves. The country offers a plethora of attractions and things to do. Cultural and historical sites abound, and you also find many museums. As for shopping, there are plenty of street markets and shopping malls. Here’s how you can have fun for seven days in Thailand.
Best time to visit
The winter season, from November to April, is the best time to visit. The country is hot and humid throughout the year, but during the winter months, the temperatures come down to a bearable level, making tourist activities pleasant. However, one thing you need to remember about the weather in Thailand is that it’s unpredictable; there can be bouts of rain, so you should always be prepared with an umbrella and a raincoat.
Accommodation
Being one of the most visited destinations in the world, Thailand is home to a diverse range of accommodation options. The country is home to inexpensive accommodation, while you also have options like Anantara Golden Triangle. Mid-range accommodation is popular among tourists who want comfort at an affordable price. When choosing accommodation, you should consider the things you want to do here. If Chiang Mai attractions are at the top of your list, for instance, you should choose a hotel in Chiang Rai.
Seven days
You should spend the first three days exploring Bangkok and use the rest of your time to explore the other regions. There are so many things you can see and do to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and local life of Thailand.
Visit the Grand Palace
The residence of the royal family, the Grand Palace, is one of the must-visit places in Thailand. The place is home to the famous Emerald Buddha, and nearby is Wat Pho, with the largest reclining Buddha in the country. You should also visit the Temple of Dawn; visit in the morning to avoid crowds.
The Golden Triangle
The point where Thailand, Burma, and Laos converge is known as the Golden Triangle. From the riverbank in Thailand, you can view Laos and Burma; for a better look, you can hire a boat. You also find many shops selling a variety of elephant statues and Buddha statues. This area was once an opium-growing area.
Island hopping
If you can, sign up for an island-hopping tour; there are so many islands waiting to be explored. Limestone rocks and sandy beaches are symbolic of Thailand’s islands. You can also enjoy an array of water sports, including snorkelling, diving, parasailing, kayaking, and swimming. Some of the beaches are dotted with sunbeds where you can sunbathe while enjoying a delicious tropical drink.
Shopping
You cannot claim you’ve explored Thailand unless you do some shopping. Floating markets are one of the unique encounters you’ll find here. They sell a range of local produce and souvenirs. You should also visit the shopping malls to buy international brands as well as local brands at discounted prices. Don’t forget to add night markets to your itinerary; night markets provide an excellent insight into Thailand’s local life.
Things to know
Although highly touristy, Thailand is a conservative country with tradition and culture embedded in its core, so there are things you need to remember. When visiting Thai temples, for example, you need to wear modest clothes. You should never insult the royal family; Thai people will not take kindly to that. Also, before entering a Thai home, you should always remove your shoes and place them outside the house. With regard to your safety, you should never drink anything a stranger offers you; also, keep a tight grip on your wallet and don’t walk around with a lot of money – experiencing nightlife is one of the must-do things, but you should always be on your guard.
Posted on August 9th, 2022