Thailand remains a gorgeous country that there are a lot of things you can even miss. You find a novice's guide to one of Asia's coolest and friendliest country below. The country is vast with a lot of destination varieties to offers its visitors. If this is your first time in the Land of Smiles, it's easy to get a mock-up of the greatest of each. Trail our top Thailand tourism tips.
Security
Thailand is chiefly safe for overseas visitors, even though the country is situated in an area with a higher risk of extremism. The Thai police have been principally operational in safeguarding the protection of their travellers.
Due to the on-going crisis in southern provinces of Thailand namely Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani, and Songkhla, travellers are warned not to visit these troubled areas or travel by land through the boundary of Malaysian and Thailand.
Don't attempt to fit in too much. You're virtually guaranteed to start in Bangkok, and we endorse that you don't hurry off. Alternatively, give room for a couple of days to soak up the lively capital's up-for-it weather, as well as another day on the eventful local floating marketplace, before heading out to the southern islands, or Thailand's second city Chiang Mai in the north. With perfect beaches, plush rainforests, moderate weather, fresh seafood, and superior nightlife, no wonder that Phuket has to turn into Thailand's most prominent beach terminus. 3.What to Do
Thailand is a kingdom of temples, from the superb to the minute, but try to visit all of them, and you'll soon find yourself exhausted. Slim it down to the big-hitters instead like Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Pho in Bangkok, and Ayutthaya's Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Remember that Thailand is much more than architectural magnificence, the life on the beach and street-life are all part of the experience.
This is a must see sight in Bangkok. The Grand Palace is without a doubt the city most remarkable landmark. Built 1782, it was for 150 years, the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the seat of government. The Grand Palace takes away your breath with its astounding architecture and precise detail. In modern times, the complex continues to be the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom; therefore, visitors are required to dress politely while visiting.
Phang Nga Bay is located northeast of Phuket, and features one of the most distinct sites in the world. Phang Nga Bay has a unique limestone cliff that extends vertically out of the emerald green water. A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour.
Bangkok's colorful floating markets are familiar to a lot of tourists because of its pictures, mostly present in tourist guide and travel books. The floating market features boats packed with tropical fruits and vegetables, freshly squeezed juice and local food cooked on floating restaurants located on the boat.
Phi Phi Island is some of the loveliest in the South Ocean. About 45 minutes of speedboats from Phuket Island, it offers a classic beach with incredible rock formation and water full of rich aquatic life. There are two islands Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi Don are the largest inhabited islands, attracting tourists to stay on its incredible coast.
Ayutthaya used to be a prosperous trade and political capital until it was ravaged and plundered by the Burmese army. Ayutthaya was a flourishing center for regional trade and a burgeoning metropolis where art and culture merged. Today, the temple and ruins of Ayutthaya serve as a reminder of the past glory of Siam, as well as a haunting memory of one of the darkest times in Thai history.
Thailand is best enjoyed between November and February, because of the northeast monsoon's calm, dry winds. Frosty nights – and sub-zero temperatures at high loftiness – are not ignored. From March to June, Thailand experiences its scorching, dry summers, with temperatures over 1040F (400C). Avoid travelling to Thailand during the summer – even the residents grumble at the hotness!
There are many restaurants in several towns across the country, and it would be amazing if you have a taste for each restaurant in each city. You can't avoid missing any of the palate (yummy)! Regrettably, that's not possible, and that is why I'm sharing with you the best Thai dishes you should not miss:
This is perhaps Thailand's most famous recipe regarding the striking aroma from the exclusive blend of chilli, lime juice, lemongrass, galangal shallot, and fish sauce gives this archetypal dish its renowned taste. Its stimulating sour-spicy palate will get you up and be recoiling on the table.
Som Tum or Spicy Green Papaya Salad
Som Tum is one of the most customarily eaten salads in Thailand. It originated from Isaan; this dish is entirely eccentric and distinctive in its taste. With shredded raw papaya, green beans, cherry tomatoes, chilies and garlic crushed and mixed in a mortar and pounder, the dish presents a sweet and sour-spicy flavor you will think of for a long time.
There are so many to be considered when planning a ideal trip. Booking an inclusive tour and trusting a professional consultant will save a lot of worry. The right way is to select a tailor-made tour. All your requirements will be taken into consideration and design an affordable customized tour only for you. See the following best-selling itinerary and requiry our private travel consultant now!
7 days Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Phuket
7 days | From $ 1699
14 days Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Phuket
14 days | From $ 2999
9 days Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai - Phuket
9 days | From $ 1959
The national currency of Thailand is Baht (THB), and it is separated into 100 satangs. Notes come in 10-baht, 20-baht, 50-baht, 100-baht and 1,000-baht denominations. Check the Baht/US Dollar exchange rate before you embark on your journey. Money can be changed into the local currency at the airport, hotels banks, and accredited bureau de change.
Although Diners Club, American Express, Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted, but not usually. Cheaper hotels and cafeterias do not take plastic.
ATMs are available in all (if not all) the cities and tourist zones, including Phuket, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Ko Chang, and Ko Phi Phi. Depending on the bank you are cashing from, and the withdrawal limit ranges between 20,000B and 100,000B.
Tipping
Tipping is not standard practiced in Thailand, so you're not mandatory to tip unless asked. All major hotels and restaurants collect a 10% service charge. Taxi drivers don't expect you to tip them but won't complain if you round the meter fare out to the next five or 10 baht.
In some countries, taxi services may be luxurious than bus riding is a much cheaper option if available. Meanwhile, taking a taxi is one of the economical ways of shuttling in Thailand. You may wonder what a Tuk-tuk is and where this vehicle can take you. You will confidently appreciate these auto-rickshaws, especially when you are in a hurry!
You can only enter Thailand with a valid least six months passport at your arrival, with enough pages for embarkation stamp upon arrival, and must show proof of adequate funds and headlong or return passage.
American, Canadian, and UK citizens do not need to obtain a visa for stays not lengthier than 30 days. For more information, kindly visit the Kingdom of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs page on entry requirements.
What to Carry Along
Along with regular stuff like t-shirts, shorts, beachwear, and sun-cream, I found out that it will be beneficial to have these specific items at arm's length – instead, you could buy most things in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, but it's nice not having to burnish the shops as soon as you arrive.
Wet weather gear: Certainly take a watertight and an umbrella, even if you're visiting outside the critical rainy season (i.e., May to October).
Mosquito repellent: Normally, Malaria isn't prevalent in Thailand (except in very inaccessible areas), but you can still try to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.
Dry sack: It is also recommended using a dry pocket inside your rucksack – it often rained without warning during exploration and, without a dry bag, your camera would be derelict.
Clothes to cover knees: You won't be allowed to enter most of the temples and palaces unless you dress decently in clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. So pack long shorts/skirts and trousers. Shoes also need to be detached, so take a pair you can slip on and off easily, like flip-flops or Crocs.