Dreaming of exploring the “Land of Smiles”, popularly known as Thailand, this magical corner of Southeast Asia is not just a destination. It is a vibrant, pulse-racing experience, along with arguably the world’s most stunning beaches. A trip to Thailand promises an incredible experience, but first-time travelers need key insights before departure. This Thailand travel guide is your essential companion packed with top travel tips to help you navigate, explore and truly embrace the magic of this remarkable destination. From street food adventures to cultural etiquette, we will ensure you are fully prepared to make the most of your Thai journey.
Essential Travel Tips for Thailand: Expert Advice for Visitors
Here is a list of all the travel tips which you should consider if you are planning your Thailand travel. This advice will help you to enjoy your trip without any hurdles.
Visa Requirements for Thailand
If you are planning a Thailand travel then you should have an understanding of visa regulations for Indian passport holders. Currently, Indian travelers have multiple entry options depending on their trip duration and purpose. For short tourist visits, Thailand offers a convenient Visa on Arrival (VOA), which lasts up to 15 days and can be directly obtained at international airports. This option requires you to demonstrate financial stability by showing approximately THB 10,000 or INR 25,000 per person or THB 20,000 or INR 53,000 per family in their account, a return ticket and a passport valid for more than 6 months.
If you are looking to stay for a longer period, then apply for a Tourist visa through the Royal Thai Embassy. This visa typically allows you a 60-day stay in Thailand. You need documentation like a valid passport, completed application form, recent photographs, bank statements proving financial stability, etc. The cost for processing these visas ranges from THB 2,000 (INR 4,700) to THB 1,900 (around INR 4,500), depending on your requirements.
Currency Exchange
Navigating currency exchange is a critical aspect of Thailand travel that can significantly impact your overall trip experience. For Indian travelers, the current exchange rate is around 1 INR to 0.42 Thai Baht, through which you can get INR 10,000, approximately 4,000 THB. When it comes to exchanging money, avoid airport and hotel exchanges, which can often charge exorbitant rates. Instead, you can focus on authorized financial channels like Kasikornbank and Bangkok Bank, as you will get more competitive rates.
There are a few things that you need to keep in mind: inform your bank about travel dates to prevent card blockages and carry cards from different banks as a backup. Also, make sure to withdraw larger amounts from ATMs to minimize transaction fees. Moreover, digital payment options are expanding in Thailand. Apps like TrueMoney and local digital wallets are becoming increasingly popular, offering convenient alternatives. However, cash still remains the king in many local markets and street food stalls.
Local Transportation
Your guide to travel Thailand is not complete without mastering the art of local transportation. Bangkok’s transportation network is a marble of efficiency and excitement, and SkyTrain stands out as a traveler’s dream. For those craving a more traditional travel experience, tuk-tuks and taxis offer a must-have Thai adventure. Pro Tip: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid any surprises. If you are someone who loves to hop islands and is on budget travel, then you will love “Songthaew”. It is a traditional local transport which converts trucks with bench seats and is incredibly affordable.
Moreover, you can also download apps like Grab, which is basically Uber for Thailand. On the island of Koh Samui, you can use NaviGo, which is exactly the same. If you can rent motorbikes in Thailand, then go for it, as it saves lots of local transportation hassle.
Things to Be Cautious About
Traveling in Thailand demands a little bit of awareness, especially for families and first-time visitors. Certain areas require extra caution, such as Khao San Road in Bangkok. This is famous among backpackers but not family-friendly. Families should opt for more serene districts like Sukhumvit or areas near family-oriented attractions. Another thing that you need to be aware of is insisting on turning taxi meters on to avoid inflated fares. To avoid this, you can download ride-sharing apps like Grab as a safer alternative at tourist attractions. Also, please avoid going to massage parlors with signs saying ‘Nice Girls’ or ‘Happy Girls’.
Dress codes in temples are non-negotiable. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and shoes must be worn before entering sacred spaces. We recommend that you always verify credentials, research thoroughly, and book through reputable sources.
Learn Basic Thai Words
- The most commonly spoken language in Thailand is Thai; however, major tourist attractions use English as well. But to explore the local markets, it is recommended to learn some words of the Thai language to communicate with locals easily. Here is the list of the words that you can learn for your first trip to Thailand –
- Sawa dee – Hello
- Kop kun – Thank you
- Chai – Yes
- Mai – No
- Tao rai? – How much?
- Vegetarian? – Mangswirati?
Learning these words will definitely help you to make communication easy and will also recommend you to keep the Google translator handy to read the local signs or menus at street stalls.
Must-Try Thai Food for Indian Travelers
Traveling in Thailand is like opening a treasure box of amazing flavors. If you love Indian food, then you will feel right at home with Thai cuisine. The spices, the bold tastes, and the cooking style will remind you of home but with a twist that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. For vegetarians, Thailand is a food paradise as Pad Thai can be made without meat and packed with tofu, fresh vegetables, and noodles. Another one is Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad), which is a must-try dish which is like a party in your mouth. If you have a sweet tooth, then don’t miss out on Mango Sticky rice, and this dessert will make you fall in love with Thai food.
When you are in Thailand, Coconut curries will be your new best friend. Green and red vegetable curries are lighter than Indian curries but just as delicious. They have a mix of flavors that will make you want to eat more and more. Some of the incredible street food markets that you cannot miss are – Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Khao San Road in Bangkok, Waking Street Market in Chiang Mai, and Phuket Weekend Market. You can also book our exclusive Thailand tour package to taste the local food efficiently.
Is it Safe to Drink Tap Water in Thailand?
When it comes to water while traveling in Thailand, here’s the golden rule: Never drink tap water! This is super important to note if you are planning your trip. You can buy the packaged bottles, which are available everywhere in Thailand and cost very little. Always buy sealed bottles from shops or stores and make sure the seal is not broken. Thailand is hot and humid, so drink lots of water. Carry a water bottle that you can refill with bottled water. Avoid having ice in your drink, as it might have been made with tap water.
Travel Insurance
Traveling in Thailand comes with incredible experiences, but savvy travelers know that peace of mind is the real treasure. Travel insurance is your superhero shield against unexpected surprises. For Indian travelers, choosing the right insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a major headache. What should your travel insurance cover? Think of it like a safety backpack with everything you might need. Look for plans that include medical emergencies, hospital stays, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage protection, theft or loss of essential documents like passport.
Make sure that you get your insurance before you leave India. Keep your digital and physical copies of Insurance documents and save emergency numbers like
- Police: 191
- Tourist Police: 1155
- Ambulance: 1669
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: 1672 on your phone number.
Also, make sure to check if your credit card offers travel insurance benefits. If you don’t want to do this much planning, you can simply book an exclusive JustWravel Thailand tour package for a hassle-free experience.
Packing And Weather
Thailand experiences a tropical climate majorly so pack lightweight and breathable clothes which are suitable for hot and humid weather conditions. Pack modest clothing for temples which cover your shoulders and knees, comfortable packing shoes, flip-flops or sandals, and one light jacket or sweater because sometimes Thailand weather can surprise especially if you are traveling from November to February. There are some extras that are mandatory to pack: high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, a basic medical kit, a portable charger, a universal travel adapter, reusable water bottles, and small backpacks that are perfect for day trips.
Some Handy Tips On Fingers:
- Best Time To Visit for Indians: November to February
- Local SIM Card: for better reachability in Thailand it is advisable to get a local eSIM. You can buy it through klook or at the airport as well.
- Tipping culture: Not mandatory
- Shopping: Bargain at street markets, but be respectful
- There are Elephant Sanctuaries, but please do not ride any elephants while you are here.
- Do not leave your passport with any tour operators or scooter rental companies, as they can be scammy. Always carry a copy of your passport and give that to them instead.
FAQs
What time zone is Thailand in?
Thailand operates on Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7. This time zone covers the entire country with no daylight-saving time variations. It is 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), meaning that when it’s midnight UTC, it is 7:00 a.m. in Thailand. This consistent time zone makes travel and communication planning simple. Major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket all share the same time, simplifying scheduling across different regions of the country.
What is the cheapest month to travel to Thailand?
May is typically the cheapest month to travel to Thailand, falling within the low season of May to October. During this period, tourism drops significantly due to heavy rainfall resulting in substantially low prices for accommodations, flights and tours. Budget travelers can expect discounts of 30-50% compared to the peak season rates. However, frequent rainfall can impact outdoor activities.
Is Thailand a suitable family holiday destination?
Thailand is an excellent family holiday destination, offering diverse experiences suitable for all ages. Family-friendly attractions include pristine beaches, interactive elephant sanctuaries, cultural theme parks, and kid-friendly resorts. Bangkok provides educational museums and exciting markets, while islands like Phuket offer safe and shallow water and activities around that.
How should I behave when visiting temples in Thailand?
When visiting Thai temples, dress modestly. Make sure to cover the shoulders and knees, wear closed-toe shoes and remove footwear before entering sacred spaces. Avoid touching religious artifacts or Buddha statues. Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor and ask permission before photographing monks or religious ceremonies.
Ready to transform these travel tips into an unforgettable journey? Book JustWravel’s expertly crafted Thailand tour packages and enjoy hassle-free travel.
