Have you booked your flights to Thailand? Raring to go? Check out this quick-start guide for a few essential travel tips in Thailand to have a safe and happy vacation of a lifetime.
Taking some time off from work is good not only for your health but also great for interactions as well. A vacation is usually the best option when it comes to relaxing. Thailand is one of the most incredible tourist destinations worth visiting. Just like any other trip, you will need some travel tips. The tips are convenient in guiding your interaction with other people. Travel tips in Thailand will not only help you enjoy your visit but also help you expand your business cycle.
Travel Tips in Thailand: Addressing Thai People
There are a number of these tips that can help you achieve that. The way to address people is one of the travel tips in Thailand that you will need to consider. It is important to preface people’s names with the word “Khun.” This is an equivalent of Mr., Miss, or Mrs. in English. Time is an essential aspect of everything. Hence, you should be able to know how the Thai people use and refer to their timings. There is a particular way to pass greetings.
Usually when greeting one another, the Thai people bow their heads with their hands together and fingers pointed up. There are specific words that are spoken during that moment. The mode of greetings is also pegged on age.
Travel Tips in Thailand: Thai Food Culture
Travel tips in Thailand revolve around the culture of the people. Since Thai people value their culture, it will be vital to respect that when you visit. Regarding food, when traveling to Thailand, you should be ready to embrace the hot spicy cuisines. However, as a foreigner, you may opt for less spicy food. You can politely ask for that.
This is one of the most incredible travel tips in Thailand, given that food is essential in life. There are also street foods, a prevalent aspect in Thailand. Nonetheless, it will be necessary only to eat what is cooked while you are physically there. This will assure you that the food is well cooked. Thailand is a populated country, and most tourists need to be prepared to go through lots of push on the streets. Thai people consider this normal. Hence, don’t feel devastated when you come across such situations.
Travel Tips in Thailand: Do’s and Don’ts
Traffic is heavy in Thailand; hence, choosing a comfortable ride when going sightseeing and the like is essential. Taxis are all overdriven by friendly drivers who are ready to offer any help in case you are unsure of the exact place. Thai people are very reserved about their king. Hence as a tip, avoid some remarks that could demean his stature and that of the royal family. As with any busy place, crime is sure to be. Therefore, as another of the many travel tips in Thailand, you should always be watchful of your belongings.
Thailand is very warm and humid year in and year out; hence, you should not pack your suitcase with heavy clothes when planning a visit. Also, carrying food stuff like chocolate should be avoided when visiting Thailand. This is because they will definitely melt, given the high humid temperatures. There are lots of travel tips in Thailand that are very much available online.
Travel Tips in Thailand: Read up Before You Go
Thailand is generally a safe and friendly place for travelers, with opportunist robberies being the most significant risk to most visitors. However, when traveling to a new country, it is important always to exercise caution and be aware of cultural differences.
Before you go, read up on the country – not just your travel guide, but news and current affairs. Being educated and aware of what is happening around you can sometimes be the difference between a terrific trip and a holiday from hell.
Travel Tips in Thailand: Important Considerations in Thailand
Tourists must carry their passports at all times by law. You may be arrested if you are stopped and cannot produce it.
Although the assault on travelers is rare, causing a Thai to ‘lose face’ in public may incite an extreme and violent reaction, unlike in western culture, where people often express anger through offensive or aggressive language. Keep your thoughts about a rude police officer or annoying street seller to yourself.
Thailand shares a border with four countries – Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Although border relations have improved enormously in recent years, tensions still arise, and particular routes are not advisable for travelers. In addition, the situation is changeable at any time – keep an eye on the news and research before planning a trip across the border.
Thailand is a Buddhist nation. Therefore, exercise respect for local and national religious rituals and behave appropriately when visiting temples or other places of worship.
Travel Tips in Thailand: Health Precautions in Thailand
Check out the World Health Organisation website for recommended vaccinations. You may have to think about these in advance, and the vaccinations you need will depend on your travel route. For example, on entry to Thailand, proof of a yellow fever vaccination is required if you have been in South America or Africa in the past six days.
If you require any prescription medications, it’s wise to bring extra since it could be challenging to find what you need in Thailand. Thai people are also susceptible to body odors, so ensure you wash with soap daily. See the Lonely Planet Thailand health information page for more information and a recommended medical checklist.
Travel Tips in Thailand: Be Wary of Scams
Scams targeting unaware tourists are common in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok. So be on the lookout and avoid letting anyone, regardless of nationality, lull you into a false sense of security.
Thai police are generally unconcerned with the grievances of unsuspecting tourists who have been ripped off. However, if you get into problems with consumer fraud or scams, contact the tourist police (tel: 1155).
Thailand has severe and strict penalties for drug possession and trafficking – these are not relaxed for foreigners. Drug smuggling – attempting to cross a border while carrying drugs – carries extremely hefty punishments, including execution.
Thailand is the first stop on the backpacker trail for many young travelers, and booking your flights to Thailand can often be the start of a life-changing adventure.
However, before you head off on your journey to paradise, it is essential to prepare yourself for the practicalities of your trip. Remember – holidays are supposed to be fun! So be smart and stay safe to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
