Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The country’s rich culture and traditions is what attract millions of visitors every year from all across the globe. However, upon my last visit to Thailand, I came across or perhaps learned from my own experiences certain things that every visitor should know before putting a foot in Thailand.

This blog compiles the list of 10 tips that will help you enjoy the best of Thailand explaining the things you should watch out for during your stay. So let’s get into the details!

10 Things to Remember During Your Visit to Thailand

Before getting started, know that these are not any hardcore rules laid out by the higher authorities but rather just basic or I may say logical things to remember to get the best travel experience. 

1. Avoid Visiting During Thailand’s Winter Season 

In recent years, Thailand has badly been trapped under air pollution due to the burning season which is most prevalent during the winter season i.e., December and January. Back in the time, this used to be the best time for traveling in Thailand, but today with the high amount of PM 2.5 particles, it’s no longer the same.

In Bangkok, the smog starts taking over the place in December and only gets worse until April when heavy rains start to drive away the smog. Hence, if you are planning your trip to Thailand anywhere between December to March, make sure to carry a PM 2.5-certified face mask and wear it whenever you step out. 

2. Dress Appropriately During Temple Visit

Temples are where Buddhists go to pray and perform various religious ceremonies. Hence, just like any other religious place, it is important to dress appropriately when visiting the temple. 

In Thailand, you’ll find many beautiful temples each with unique interiors but the same peaceful vibes. I personally liked The Grand Palace in Bangkok, but let me tell you that it has the strictest dress code compared to any other temple. You must wear clothes covering your shoulders and knees. No shorts, crop/tank tops, or see-through dresses are allowed. Talking of the other temples, the rules are a bit easy when it comes to clothing. However, you must still ensure covering your shoulders with a scarf or jacket when entering the temple premises.

3. Be Wary of Taxi Drivers and Scammers 

Know that wherever there are tourists, there will be fraudsters eyeing to scam those clueless visitors. And yes I have been the one who fell prey to such fraudsters and this is what I learned. 

Never believe in anything that seems too good to be true (because it’s actually false).

For instance, if a tuk-tuk driver offers you a day trip around Bangkok for just 40 THB, then take a step back. Reason? They will take you to their affiliated shops and lead you to buy stuff from them.

And you know what’s more? The taxi drivers (especially in Bangkok), try to charge you a fixed charge claiming that the meter is not working. But let me tell you, that’s never the case. This is just a tactic to rip you off by charging much higher prices than usual. Hence, keep a check on such practices.

4. Avoid Taking the Elephant Rides 

Elephants are no doubt, one of the most beautiful and intelligent creatures who have been among the Thai culture for generations now. However, with the rising number of tourists wanting to interact with these huge animals, many local agencies have taken it up as a business opportunity and have started offering elephant rides to foreign visitors.

But here’s the harsh truth!

Elephant rides require these creatures to be tamed and kept enclosed in chains for the majority of their lives which is quite unethical.

Hence, I personally would not recommend you to take elephant rides. There are many other ethical ways in which you can interact with these beautiful creatures without harming them or putting them through the practice of taming and torturing them. For this, you can choose to visit the Elephant Nature Park situated in Chiang Mai where you can find elephants roaming freely.  

5. Invest in An Insect Repellent 

As soon as you reach Thailand, visit a 7-11 store and buy an insect repellent. You can invest in any good repellent but I personally prefer Soffel. It comes in this pink-colored spray bottle and helps keep all those tons of mosquitoes away. So, remember, whenever stepping out (at night especially), shower yourself with Soffel first otherwise the mosquitoes in Thailand are not going to spare you at any cost.

6. Don’t Plan on Too Much During Your Travel Days 

One thing that you should learn about Thai culture is that there is no such thing as on-time or scheduled timings when it comes to traveling. Reason? 

The vans and buses only leave once they are full and packed with passengers. So, don’t expect anything on time especially when you are traveling via public transport. Also, keep the entire day for traveling and avoid planning anything else on a similar date as you will be quite tired by the time you reach your destination. 

7. Always Wear a Helmet While Riding 

If the above-mentioned tip stresses you a bit, then this one can offer a bit of relief.

The best way to travel in Thailand is via scooter but only if you know how to ride. You can rent a scooter and explore different locations at your own leisure. 

However, always make sure to wear a helmet. This is not just for the rules but to underline the fact that Thai roads are quite dangerous and the drivers here are not the kindest. I’d go even further suggesting you wear a full-sleeve jacket and trousers while driving so that if any accident happens (they mostly do), you are not left with wounds all over your body. Because let me tell you, I’ve seen many tourists covered with bandages all over their bodies due to accidents. These could have been rather prevented if they were not driving wearing those shorts and tank tops. 

8. Don’t Play with Anyone’s Head 

Well, this is not any play of words, but a fact.

In Thailand, everyone’s head is considered sacred and no one except their parents are allowed to play with it.  So, even though it may look like an act of fun and playfulness, never (I repeat never) play with a Thai’s head. They consider it disrespectful, and in some (but rare) cases, you may even get to experience some harsh consequences.

9. Learn the Skill of Negotiation 

If you’re out buying something at a flea market, always make sure to negotiate prices. To some, it may look unethical, but let me tell you that negotiating prices is a way of life in most Asian countries. So, don’t hesitate.

Let me teach you. If you’re buying a souvenir, ask for its price first and then negotiate. If they don’t agree on the price you are willing to pay, go to the next store and repeat the same thing. Check a few stores following the same, and should be able to find the one offering the cheapest price possible. 

While at it, know that negotiation is a skill and takes practice to master. So keep practicing at different regions and locales.

10. Don’t Buy Buddha Statues to Take Along as Souvenirs

Were you already planning to buy Buddha images or statues as souvenirs for your family and friends? Well, better drop that idea.

Buddha images are considered sacred in Thailand. Hence, it is always disappointing for Thai people to see Buddha statues and images being used as gifts or decoration pieces. 

And the situation has amped up to the extent that if they find any Buddha image or statue in your luggage bags on your way back from Thailand, they’ll cease it if you don’t have an export license or permit to validate it. 

More so, if you go down the road from Bangkok to the Suvarnabhumi Airport, you’ll observe huge board signs denouncing the practice of buying Buddha images or statues for decorative purposes.

Hence, in order to respect the country’s cultural and religious sentiments, make sure to not buy Buddha images on your way back home. You can easily find many other souvenirs to take along with you, all you gotta do is look around.

Also Read : A Guide to the Best Places to Visit in April USA

Takeaway

So, this was all about Thailand. I hope these tips help you make the most of your visit to this beautiful country. Towards the end, I would only like to suggest you respect everything and everyone you come across down the road. More so, never hesitate to ask for help as people here are kind enough to lend you a hand in case of any problem or inconvenience. 

That’s all, hope you have a great trip!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

Q. What should I prepare for a trip to Thailand?

A. Make sure to keep the following documents ready before commencing your Thailand trip:

• Passport with a validity of at least six months.
• Visa
• Buy a Thailand Travel Insurance (optional)
• Your Boarding Pass
• Hotel Booking confirmation

Q. Is Thailand good for first-time travelers?

A. Yes, Thailand is considered one of the safest and easiest places to travel in Asia. There are a whole lot of places to explore, limited to no hassles, signs, and menus are provided in the English language which makes it much easier for you to get around any place. 

Q. Is 50000 enough for a Thailand trip?

A. Yes, 50,000 INR is enough for a Thailand trip if you are traveling solo. 

Q. What are the don’ts in Thailand?

A. Here are a few don’t in Thailand:

• Don’t take everything too seriously
• Don’t point toward anything with your feet
• Don’t raise your voice pitch 
• Don’t behave rudely

Q. How much rupees is enough for a Thailand trip?

A. For a 3-day trip to Thailand, Rs. 45,000 – 50,000 per person would be enough. This is inclusive of all the costs right from accommodation (at a good 4-star hotel), food, travel, and sightseeing

Q. How many days in Thailand is enough?

A. To get the best travel experience, you’ll need at least 12 days to go around and get the most out of Thailand. After all, the country is as big as of the size of Spain and has got a whole lot of things to explore and experience. 

Q. What can I buy from Thailand?

A. Here’s a list of some of the best things you can buy from Thailand:

• Thai Jewelry
• Elephant-themed Souvenirs
• Spices and Sauces
• Handicraft items
• Traditional clothing wear
• Paintings and other artworks
• Spa Products

Q. What is Thailand cheap for?

A. Thailand is cheap for almost everything right from food, clothing, accommodation, and rentals. More so, the tour packages are also quite reasonable compared to any other region.

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