Thailand: Essential information
Find the most important tips for your tour of this beautiful country in our Thailand travel guide.
Thailand offers something for everyone! Imagine lounging on an idyllic sun-drenched beach one day, exploring ancient ruins the next, gyrating to music at one of the many nightclubs the following day, trekking through tribal hill villages yet the next day and another day spent being pampered at luxury or beach-side spas.
Thailand boasts a strong cultural heritage, where traditions and customs are handed down through generations and the progressive society finds its roots in ancient wisdom. National sensibilities are closely interwoven with Buddhist religious sentiments. As a tourist destination, Thailand is a fascinating mix of glittering temples, incredible festivals, beautiful tropical islands and delicious cuisine.
On your Thailand tour, discover a rapidly growing economy that has long since progressed from being another developing nation, even as it has preserved its rich heritage and culture.
Along with the helpful information given here, our experts have also put together a guide on Thailand’s weather, which can help you decide on the best time to visit this lovely country.
Health information
The WHO highly recommends certain vaccinations when visiting Thailand, such as Adult Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR), Typhoid and Varicella. For visitors staying over 30 days, vaccinations like Influenza, Japanese B Encephalitis, Rabies and Tuberculosis are recommended. HIV is rife in Thailand and caution needs to be exercised. Visitors are also advised to check with their doctor (or a medical clinic which specializes in overseas travel) about prudent health precautions before going. Tourists should always carry/use bottled water.
Pasteurized, homogenized, and powdered milk are safe. Stick to meat and fish that are well cooked, and avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit. Also, beverages containing ice can be unsafe and are best avoided. It is also a good idea to carry some form of prescriptive drug or antibiotic to treat diarrhea.
Most large cities in Thailand now have clinics catering specifically to travelers and expats, and although these can be costlier than local facilities, they offer a superior standard of care. The capital city Bangkok is a major center for medical care, with some large private hospitals providing modern facilities. Those needing prescription drugs should bring renewal prescriptions if considered necessary.
Currency and cards
Carrying plenty of cash for tipping and purchases in local markets and shops is recommended. ATMs are commonly available everywhere in Thailand and are generally the best option for withdrawing Thai Baht during your trip. Credit cards are generally accepted at most hotels, restaurants and larger stores.
In Thailand, while tips are not expected, they are gladly accepted. Tips generally amount to about 10 – 20% of the bill.
As is the case when traveling anywhere, it is prudent to take certain basic precautions to safeguard yourself and your money. Our experts have listed some tips, such as having a purse that can be worn close to your body as one of your travel essentials for Thailand.
Language and communication
The official language in Thailand is, naturally, ‘Thai’, however, there are regional variations. In addition to ‘Thai’, several minority languages such as Laotian (dialect of Isan), Yawi (dialect of Malay) and Teochew (dialect of Chinese), are spoken in Thailand. English is a mandatory subject in schools and is considered the language of the elite, but it is less frequently spoken outside the cities.
Local customs in Thailand
Thai people are generally relaxed, polite and tolerant. Nevertheless, it is advisable to acquaint yourself with the culture and social norms before you travel. About 90% of the people follow Theravada Buddhism (a subgroup of Himayana Buddhism), and Buddhist influence is felt in every aspect of Thai culture. Muslims are the second largest community in Thailand, followed by Christians, Hindus and people from other faiths.
Thai people generally do not shake hands with one another but fold their palms together in greeting when they meet. While in Thailand, avoid touching others heads. Touching people or objects with your foot is considered rude in Thailand. When you enter a private residence, be sure to take off your shoes. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
Shopping
Do not miss the country’s largest market, the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok where you could very well polish your bargaining skills while sporting a big smile on your face. Bangkok is also famous for its ‘after dark shopping’ which makes shopping more fun even after a long day of sightseeing. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the colorful Pak Khlong Talad Flower Market, which is famous for its unbeatable variety of fresh flowers. For those who prefer the mall experience, MBK, Siam Paragon, Central World and The Emporium are some of the worth visiting malls in Thailand.
Our travel consultants are happy to share more Thailand travel tips and help you plan your personalized, private tour. Contact us for your obligation-free itinerary.
Popular Trips to Thailand
Dig into the culinary delights of Thailand on this immersive tour across the country’s top three destinations – the capital city of Bangkok, vibrant Chiang Mai in the north and the gorgeous beaches of Phuket in the south.
This enchanting journey that takes you to some of the most picturesque islands of Thailand. Begin your journey at Krabi and discover a seascape that is as dramatic as it is breathtaking. Island hopping is on the cards as you head to Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, and Phuket. Explore the alluring land and seascapes…
Uncover the incredible natural beauty of Thailand as you journey to some of its most alluring destinations. Discover Bangkok’s spiritual side on a guided tour of the city’s magnificent temples. Breathtaking landscapes, exquisite culinary experiences, and picture-perfect beaches await you in Krabi! Your next stop is Khao Sok, a nature reserve within a 160 million-year-old…
Take the road less traveled on a custom Thailand trip. From buzzing Bangkok, set out to explore the famed floating market of Damnoen Saduak and see the bustle of activity firsthand. Make your way westward to Kanchanaburi, to discover its WWII history, including the famed river from the Bridge on the River Kwai. Explore the…
From towering mountains to lush jungles and unspoiled beaches, experience the best of Asian landscapes on this tour of Bhutan and Thailand. Explore ‘shangri-la’ like towns and villages set amid the Himalayas, and visit iconic monasteries and cultural hotspots while you savor Asian hospitality at its finest. Wind down on the white sand beaches of…
Indulge your body, mind and soul at some of the best known wellness venues and resorts in Thailand! Enjoy complete cultural immersion at Bangkok and Chiang Mai, including insider tours, interactive culinary experiences, historical excursions, local market visits and more. Afterwards, savor an indulgent stay by the white sand beaches of Phuket while you rejuvenate…
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Best Places To Visit
Best Time To Visit
In general, the best time to travel to Thailand is the cooler season from November to February, but this varies from region to region. Read our guide for more information on the weather and when to go on luxury Thailand beaches and culture tours.
Things To Do
Paradise beaches, magnificent temples, lush jungles in the north, and Bangkok, the city of angels – Thailand is full of treasures! Follow this link for our list of the top ten things to do on your Thailand tour.
Safety
The level of safety and security you can expect in Thailand is the same as most other Southeast Asian tourist destinations. However, it is prudent to take steps to ensure your trip is stress-free. Here are some simple safety rules to follow when you visit Thailand.
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