Thailand is a wonderful country, full of cultural attractions, but also ideal for a relaxing holiday. Organize a trip to Thailand it is not difficult, but it is good to know all the information and advice so that the trip goes well.
If you are planning a trip to Thailand and you have doubts and questions, I am sure that in this guide you will find the answers you are looking for.
Organizing a Trip to Thailand: Tips and Information
What do you really need to know before leaving for Thailand? For example, when is the best time to go to Thailand? Do I need a Visa? Are there mandatory vaccines? Let's see in detail all the tips for organizing a tour of Thailand and discovering this wonderful country.
When to go to Thailand
Knowing when to go to Thailand is key to choosing the perfect itinerary.
The beauty of Thailand is that you can go there throughout the year, thanks to the different microclimate of the various tourist resorts, just choose the right area according to the period.
There are two seasons: the wet one between May and October and the dry one between November and April. Usually March and May are the hottest months of the year.
The best time to visit much of Thailand is from November to February, in the cooler, dry and less humid months, with usually sunny days.
In this period, the islands of the Gulf of Thailand are to be avoided, which on the contrary are perfect if you plan to reach the country during our summer.
Having said that, I would add that it is increasingly difficult to predict what the climate will be like in a given area, given the continuous climate change.
How to get around Thailand
There are several ways to get around Thailand at very advantageous prices, just choose according to your preferences and budget.
The train is one of the most used means of getting around Thailand, you can choose between first, second and third class and buy tickets directly at the station. For longer journeys and in high season it is preferable to book train tickets in advance, which can be purchased from 60 days in advance, even online.
The bus is the least comfortable but cheaper choice, better, however, to opt for government buses, safer especially if you travel at night. But remember to bring a sweatshirt and long pants, as the buses have air conditioning.
The plane is obviously the most comfortable and fastest solution. The national airline is Thai Airways, but an excellent low cost airline is Air Asia.
To move between the various islands of Thailand there are several ferry companies that cover the main routes.
To get around the city there are the typical tuk-tuk or taxis. Then there is the possibility to rent a moped, especially to move around the islands.
Currency
The Thai currency is the baht (THB) issued by the Bank of Thailand.
Withdrawing or exchanging money in Thailand?
If we talk about convenience, the best thing is to bring cash, in particular the 100 and 500 banknotes have a more favorable exchange rate.
The best exchange offices in Thailand are i Super Rich, there is also an agency at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Keep in mind that on the islands the exchange is less advantageous.
If, on the other hand, you don't want to leave with a lot of cash, the best thing is to withdraw directly from ATMs, which are found almost everywhere. The problem is that the fees are very high, over € 5 per withdrawal.
In any case, always warn your bank so as not to risk blocking your cards and to know in detail the costs and commissions.
How much does it cost to organize a trip to Thailand
Thailand is famous for being an affordable country, accessible on any budget.
The higher cost is that of the flight, but thanks to the offers of the companies and in some periods (for example in November) it is possible to find low cost flights even starting from € 300.
To find the best offers I suggest you do a search on Skyscanner.
For accommodation there are different solutions, let's say that with about € 20/30 per person in a double room there are excellent facilities in central areas. And if the budget allows it with less than € 100 per person, you can stay in a dream hotel, perfect for a honeymoon, for example.
Food is also very cheap, of course it depends on where and what you eat. For example, street food is super cheap, a plate of noddle costs less than € 1.
Health Insurance in Thailand
Many are wondering if they need to take out health insurance for a trip to Thailand. The answer to this question is yes. In Thailand the best health facilities are private, so it is preferable to spend a few more money to avoid any inconvenience, and travel safely.
Visa for Thailand
A visa is not required to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 30 days. You must have a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and fill in the forms that are delivered to you on board the plane.
What to see in Thailand
Thailand is one of the most famous destinations in South East Asia, full of attractions, including temples, natural parks and dream beaches. The most difficult thing is to establish a travel itinerary and decide where to go and what to do. The most popular destinations are Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and the wonderful islands.
To help you choose, I wrote an article where I explain how to choose what to do and see in Thailand.
Internet and connections in Thailand
Most hotels, restaurants and cafes in Thailand offer free wifi to their customers. But to be connected to the network at any time, the best thing is to buy a local sim card, with which you can also make phone calls.
It is possible to buy the Sim card directly at the Bangkok airport, where there are several points of sale, in the telephone shops of the shopping centers or in the 7eleven.
There are various telephone companies in Thailand, the main ones are Ais, Dtac and True, have greater coverage and each offers its own tariff plan.
Where to sleep in Thailand
As we have already seen, sleeping in Thailand can be very cheap, there are accommodations such as guesthouses, hostels or small hotels that cost very little and allow you to travel low budget.
But Thailand offers a wide choice of hotels, there are also luxury hotels ideal for a holiday of pure relaxation.
The important thing to make the most of your holiday is to choose the right area to stay, for this you will find my articles with all the information on the following destinations:
- Bangkok
- Phuket
- Phi Phi Island
- Koh Samui
- Koh Tao
Vaccines
Thailand from a health point of view is considered a safe country and there are no mandatory vaccinations, those against hepatitis A and B are recommended and it is preferable to ask your doctor for more information about 2 months before leaving.
Electricity
In Thailand the electric voltage is 220 volts as in Spain, the 2-pole sockets (for example the phone battery charger) are fine, while the 3-pin plugs need a universal adapter, or you can buy a special one in Bangkok with a few baht.
Travel to Thailand: What to Pack
Whatever time of year you decide to travel to Thailand, I recommend that you bring light clothing.
Bring long pants only to visit the temples or if you decide to travel by bus, in this case a long-sleeved t-shirt or sweatshirt is also better, as the air conditioning as I have already said is very cold.
Remember to bring a hat to protect you from the sun, comfortable hiking shoes and a good repellent for tropical insects. Keep in mind, however, that even if you forget something, you will have no difficulty in finding it in Bangkok, especially in shopping malls.
I seem to have listed everything you need to know to organize a trip to Thailand, if you have any other questions, write them to me in the comments or consult the other articles I have written about this incredible country.
Tips, practical information, itineraries, ideas and maps to organize a trip to Thailand
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