Tips for Traveling in Thailand

Hello and Thank you

Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles”. The Thai people are exceedingly kind and gracious and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Their hospitality is among the top reasons I love to travel to Thailand. Most locals in the hospitality industry speak at least a bit of English. However, I have discovered that they are generally very appreciative of our use of a few Thai phrases such as greetings and thanks. They are also super patient and encouraging of our efforts. I have linked a useful video below for pronunciation.

·Sa-Wa-Dee Krup (if you are male) Hello

·Sa-Wa-Dee Ka (if you are female) Hello

·Kob-Khun Krup (if you are male) Thank you

·Kob-Khun Ka (if you are female) Thank you

 Click here for pronunciation  

Currency Exchange

Good news! You will be able to use your credit card at many merchant locations, resorts, and restaurants. You will however, need cash for taxis, tips, street food, and street markets. You will want to exchange a bit of currency at the airport exchange booth for a taxi to your next destination. You can do this with cash or a credit card. If you use a credit card, your credit card company may charge you a “cash advance” fee as well as an international fee. So make sure you check with them. Once out of the airport, there are many ATM machines, banks, and currency exchange booths. Sometimes you can find a better exchange rate outside of the airport—but I haven’t noticed a significant difference. Each place of exchange will have their rates and fees posted. Again, check with your bank or credit card company to determine additional fees. Withdrawing or exchanging money in relatively large quantities will help minimize fees and maximize exchange rate (about 31 baht to $1). Additionally, be sure to put a travel notice on your debit and credit cards before you leave so you won’t be stuck with a declined transaction. And finally, check out XE Currency App. Super handy to have quick access to this currency converter on your phone when trying to determine how much 2,000 baht is.

The Wai

You are going to love the Wai, a common and polite greeting which involves bowing one’s head and keeping one’s hands in a prayer gesture below the chin. Everyone you meet will greet you in this way, so try to return the gesture and smile as you do so.

Climate/Attire

Thailand climate is typically warm and muggy. Average temperatures range from 80 to 90 degrees. May through November is considered the rainy season, and monsoons can make for a soggy vacay. Late December through February are the high season—with milder temps, little rain, and a bit less humidity. Therefore, my recommendation is to pack light. Cool, lightweight clothes and a rain-resistant poncho or jacket. The Buddhist (and Muslim) culture tends to be conservative, and relatively modest attire is expected (and respectful) in public. I would also recommend that you refrain from extreme bathing-suit styles. Flip flops are a suitable shoe choice in Thailand because they are cool, comfortable and easy to slide on and off. Many establishments (and residences) require that you remove your shoes before entering. I would also suggest a light-weight, comfy pair of water shoes or sneakers with traction. When it rains, it pours—and roads quickly become slippery and muddy. They are also beneficial for exploring caves, trails, and lagoons with rocky bottoms. Take note that shoulders and knees must be covered to enter temples and palaces. Modesty police will be singling you out and directing you to cover up if you neglect the rules. Shawls and fishermen pants are often made available to rent for irreverent tourists.

Wi-Fi

Happiness is staying connected to friends and family back home (and of course posting an occasional picture). Fortunately, Wi-Fi is readily available throughout most of Thailand, including the islands. You are almost always able to connect in restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels, and resorts.

Insect Repellent/ Sun Block

Don’t be without these essentials. Mosquitos run rampant in Thailand year round—but particularly so after the rainy season. If you run out—or forget to pack it, don’t be dismayed you can pick up some “Off” at a 7-Eleven (but it can be a bit pricey). As for sun block—Thailand sits on a tropical latitude and therefore, one is at a higher risk of getting burned. Again, sunscreen is available for purchase in Thailand—but I am super picky about my sunblock so I always bring it with me. Additionally, sunblock in Thailand can be expensive and may contain “lighteners” or bleach—another good reason to bring your own.

7-Eleven/Pharmacies

You will be relieved to know that if you forgot your toothbrush or are just in need of a cold beverage—there are many 7-Elevens and local located throughout Thailand with all the conveniences of home.

Chang Beer

Chang Beer is Thailand’s favored beer. You’ll up your legitimacy as a seasoned traveler if you properly refer to it as “chong” and not “chaang”. Incidentally, chang is the Thai word for elephant.

Alcohol Sales

We learned this one the hard way. While beer sits alongside bottled water in almost every market, liquor sales can only officially be made between 11am-2pm, and from 5pm-midnight – so avoid provisioning your boat during those “off” hours.

Phones

Make sure you activate an international plan on your phone prior to your trip—otherwise you may have some exorbitant fees haunting you. Additionally, if you are traveling with a group you can purchase inexpensive Thai SIMM cards (at the airport or any convenience store) for your unlocked phones in order to stay connected.

Water

Don’t drink the tap water. Bottled water is readily available all throughout Thailand. I am always a sucker for an ice cold Diet-Coke (especially since it comes in a Thai stylized can). I learned from a restaurant owner that you can recognize commercially made purified ice cubes by the hole in the center of the cube, and they are totally safe to consume. So drink up.

Tiger Balm

Pick some up! Found in almost every convenience store and market, this stuff is the bomb. Literally. Not only will it ease headache pain (rub it on your temples, and the base of your scalp) it will relieve muscle tension and soreness. Fantastic after the 1237 stair hike to Tiger Temple. Now here’s the tip of the trip...gently rub it onto mosquito bites. Not only is Tiger Balm miraculous in its ability to ease itching—it also acts as an anti-inflammatory and will reduce the redness and swelling. You’re welcome.

Arrival/Departure Card

You wanna make sure that you get back out of the country— so hang onto those Departure Cards. You will be issued Arrival/Departure cards on the plane. Make sure you fill them out so that you don’t hold up the immigration line. The immigration agent will keep the arrival portion; but make sure you retain the departure card in your passport—you will need it on your way back out.