Information about Thailand
Essential to remember
5 essential tips for your first trip to Thailand: visa exempt on arrival (30 days), avoid tap water (buy bottled or refill filter), respect temples (legs and shoulders covered), no drugs (very heavy penalties), travel insurance mandatory.
Thailand is a country I particularly like because the cost of living is low (that is to say a cheapest country in the world). You feel capable of doing anything, you are limitless!
For those who don’t know, I have already been to Thailand twice in 2011, first for 6 weeks then a second time for 4 weeks. I fell in love with this country just like with Australia!
I had memories that marked me and also other experiences that changed me! I also made classic mistakes and in this article, I will give you a list of tips for Thailand that are not exhaustive, these are backpacker tips for Thailand mistakes not to make when you arrive in Thailand!
To be honest, it was the first time in my life that I felt disoriented because I did not understand the language or I couldn’t find my way (to put it in context, I speak 4 languages “Chinese, German, English and French”). Thailand was also my first visit to a developing country. here are some
My experience
On my first trip to Thailand, I did not take health insurance. A friend from the same group broke his leg on a scooter in Koh Lipe. Medical repatriation: €8,000. His bank covered only €2,000. Since then, I never travel without dedicated insurance.
Did you know?
In Thailand, showing the soles of your feet to someone is extremely disrespectful, especially in a temple or in front of a Buddha statue. You must remove your shoes to enter most places of worship, and even some private homes.
Traveler advice for Thailand:
Advantages
- Safe country for tourism
- Very low cost of living
- Excellent cuisine
- English spoken in tourist areas
- Very friendly staff
Weak points
- Pickpockets in tourist areas
- Tuk-tuk scams
- Sometimes corrupt police
- Health risks (water, dengue)
- Monsoon from June to October
- Negotiate or set the price of the trip from the start when you take the Tuk Tuk.
- In big cities, always ask for the taxi meter or the meter.
- Do not drink tap water to avoid getting diarrhea, the same goes for not eating too many ice cubes !
- Negotiate hotel prices when you book several nights, the price of your purchases in general, try to start at half the price !
- When you take the bus, do not put valuables in your bag to avoid being robbed (I had my Blackberry stolen during my bus trip from Bangkok to Surat Thani).
- The same goes for transportation, always keep an eye on your luggage. A theft can happen quickly whether you are in Thailand or other countries !
- When you decide to take a means of transport, make sure to check several travel agencies, the price can vary from 50 to 200 Baht (1 to 5 euros), that’s always something saved !
- Be careful not to drink too much to avoid having your wallet stolen !
- Most of the items you will find are imitations, do not forget that there is a risk in bringing them back !
- The Thai eat very spicy food, do not tempt fate !
- Avoid the rainy season, it’s not very pleasant to be stuck in your hotel for several hours while it’s 30 degrees !
- Avoid any drugs, sellers are often in cahoots with the police (as in all Southeast Asian countries).
- Some temples do not allow wearing shorts or tank tops, avoid doing so and having to postpone your visit to another day !
- Protect yourself, wearing a condom is mandatory.
- Don’t forget to carry mosquito repellent solutions with you.
- Consider getting a Thai phone line, it costs nothing and they even help you install it in 10 minutes !
Be a backpacker in Thailand ! There are many other things but I leave you with this list for now !
The classic trap to avoid
Beware of the “nice tuk-tuk” drivers who offer you a tour of Bangkok for 50 baht (1.50€). They take you to jewelry stores or tailors to earn a commission. Politely refuse and use Grab or taxis with meters.
Some additional resources if this topic interests you: best-of the 10 to lay the foundations, FAQ on for practical aspects, and places to party to go further.
  ;Find other articles on Thailand in this section: travel tips Southeast Asia.
Is a visa required for Thailand?
No, 30 days exemption on arrival by plane. Possible extension to 60 days via embassy before departure.
Which vaccines for Thailand?
Hepatitis A and B recommended. DTP up to date. Hepatitis A effectively mandatory according to local hospitals.
Which travel insurance?
Chapka, ACS or April. Minimum health coverage €200,000. Medical repatriation included is essential.
| Advice | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa | Exempt 30 days by plane |
| Vaccines | Hepatitis A and B recommended |
| Money | Baht, ATM withdrawal |
| Water | Bottle or filter only |
| Phone | AIS or DTAC SIM card at the airport |
