Thailand is, beyond doubt, one of the most visited countries in the world. Over the last 11 years, I have occasionally found myself going back to this Land of Smiles – sometimes on longer breaks and sometimes a day – during a stopover. I also have had quite a few wonderful experiences here, particularly with food, people, massages, beach parties and Singha beer. In fact, I have spoken about many of those experiences in my first book ALMOST INTREPID.
I am writing this blog post for those who are planning to travel to Thailand soon. I will touch upon everything you might need to prep yourself for your travel ahead – like places to see, things to do, must try food, accommodation options, weather and safety issues.
(Thanks to everyone who contributed pictures for this article. Rakesh Kapadnis, Rahul Gavand, Prasad Np)
What you must know before you board your flight to Thailand
1. Visa
First things first – you need a passport with at least 6 months validity. Most nationalities get a visa on arrival that allows them 30 days of stay in the country. This duration of stay is valid whether you arrive by land or air. If you need to extend your stay, you may exit and re-enter by land (two land crossings a year). Overstay is an offence that can get you a fine (a few days of overstay) of up to USD16 per day.
If you intend to stay longer than 2 months, apply for a visa at your nearest embassy.
2. Know the weather
Any time is good time in Thailand, however if you land up in the midst of rainy season, you might find yourself restricted. Rainy season starts July till end of October. That does not mean you cannot travel – the rain showers are generally shorts and disappear quickly. The best time to travel is between December and April. Thailand has very pleasant weather all year round which is one of the main reasons to travel. But if you are gearing up for a day as beautiful as this (Thanks Rakesh Kapadnis for this pic), then plan your vacation around the weather.
3. Understand the Baht
Now, everyone loves Thailand and Thai Baht – simply because of the conversion rate. Do make sure to convert to the local currency as soon as you arrive. USD and Euro is generally accepted but you will naturally get the change in Baht and sometimes at much lower rates! ATMs are everywhere and so are exchange houses – use them.
4. Handy things to bring
If you are planning to go to backpacking in Thailand you basically don’t need much. The reason I say this is because you can find EVERYTHING here at very low prices. Unless you intend to use a very specific brand of sunscreen or soap, you are sorted. Travel adapter? No worries. Thailand was one of the first countries where I found the all-you-can-type of electric sockets where you can plug almost all electric devices from all over the world.
5. Is Thailand safe?
Absolutely! With millions of tourists arriving here every year, Thailand is a country that takes safety issues seriously. I have backpacked across the country solo – and have no unfortunate incidents to narrate! Of course, as in every other country you must exercise basic safety and watch out for scamsters, but other than that, you are not in any danger.
ON CULTURE AND TRADITION
6. Whatever be your reason to travel to Thailand, their culture should be a reason for you to travel. The combination of the Thai lifestyle, food, religion (this is a Buddhist country), the people, shopping, markets, gaiety, magical islands and temples make this country unique.
7. Follow local etiquette
Among the sacred things in Thai culture is the head. Even if you are overcome with emotions, DO NOT touch the head of a local. Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home or temples. If you happen to be dining at an authentic Thai restaurant, you might even be asked to leave your footwear outside!
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
8. Watch Muay Thai show
Include a Muay Thai show in your itinerary. Thai boxing is a huge draw and very inspiring to watch. If you have time on hands and determination, get a few lessons.
9. Explore local markets
Markets in Thailand are very much alive and bursting with goods – not to mention the fake brands of underwear, sunglasses, handbags, shoes…but that is the fun of shopping at these markets. They’ll tell you the goods are original, but naturally, but you know better. The fun is in bargaining baht by baht.
10. Massages
Now, how could I miss the Thai massage? No holiday is complete without getting your body pulped to jelly by some fierce masseuse! I am a huge fan of a Thai massage – it is not only cheap, but I always come away refreshed (although slightly pulpy). Warning – you will be touched in places you didn’t expect to be touched, but it is just, all-in-a-day’s work for them. If you are looking for the Happy Ending to your massage, well you know those massage houses look different.
11. Food
The one thing you can never tire of is Thai food. Who doesn’t like Thai food? The trip is doubly pleasurable thanks to the delicious and hot Thai food! Phad Thai to sticky sweet mango, red and green curries, port, glass noodles…the list is endless. Street food scene is BIG in Thailand and usually you can get a decent meal at half the price of a restaurant. Don’t be afraid to eat on street sides – be bold! There is always Chang or Singha beer at hand to down the fire. And oh, in Bangkok you’ll easily find a “moving bar” – grab your vodka shots as you walk along.
12. Chang or Singha
Singha is the oldest and most well-known beer in Thailand and together with Chang they rule the beer market. If you don’t really care what you drink or how much, try them both.
MUST ATTEND FESTIVALS
13. Songkran
Every year in the month of April, Thailand gears up for Songkran (Thai New Year). Be prepared to get wet (everyone throws water at each other which they believe washes off the sins of the year). Streets are closed for traffic and Bangkok becomes one big playground. Buy some goggles and a water pistol and feel like a kid again.
14. Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival
Thousands of lanterns go up in the air to release bad vibes so people can have a fresh start. The festival is held around mid-November, but varies every year. You may have to travel out of Bangkok for this.
15. Full moon party
Now, this alone can be your reason to visit Thailand. Everyone knows about the Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan – now, it definitely will take the wind out of you when the party is over, but it worth it. Imagine dancing (or pretending) among fifty thousand people on the sandy beaches right up to when the sun rises in the morning? Not for the faint hearted!
THE NIGHTLIFE
16. Nightlife in Thailand
They said what happens in Thailand (especially Pattaya), stays there! For the adventurous youngsters, Thailand’s nightlife is the reason to come here! Nights here are fast and fun, and very much alive. Bars and pubs stay open until late and if you are looking for a quick “distraction” on the side, all you do is ask. Chances are you’ll never be told off.
17. Night shows – Ladyboy or Pingpong or both
Let’s face it. No matter what we believe, there is a curiosity surrounding Thailand famed “Ladyboys” – so why not just watch a show which is hugely entertaining? It is advisable that you go with a group of friends. Another show that is mighty interesting is the pingpong show where ladies shoot pingpong balls at the audience in a very special way and of course where they work their magic in a rather curious way that men find attractive. Oh, I have seen one and was definitely amused.
BUDGET OR LUXURY
18. Easy place to travel
If you have not booked in advance, don’t worry. You can just as easily find a travel agency or tour desk on every street corner. Everyone is willing to help the tourists – genuinely. You can easily buy a boat ticket from the street side curio seller as well. Accommodation is cheap and plentiful – it is a haven for long-term budget backpackers and just as beautifully caters to the luxury traveller. Transportation is fantastic (from tuk tuks to trains) and is cheap.
If you are a luxury traveller, Thailand has the choice of hundreds of luxury properties with great offers (yes, there is always an offer here). Places like Koh Samui and Phuket are over-the-top expensive but otherwise, there is nothing to break your bank. Check out cheaper and historical places like Ayutthaya.
19. Shopping
Simply put – Thailand is a shopper’s paradise. Fake or original, there is everything to be had here. Markets, floating markets to glitzy shopping malls – Thailand has it all. Come prepared.
