Some tips for your first trip to Thailand

Thailand The best traveling spot in the world:

After quitting my work and deciding to travel around the world for three months, I flew halfway around the world and started a backpacking adventure in Southeast Asia. One of my first stops in the spot was Thailand where I had a budget of only $20 per day!

While Thailand’s beautiful islands, delicious street food made it an unforgettable trip, there are a few things that I wish I had known beforehand.

Here are some tips for your first trip to Thailand!

You Don’t Need a Visa

If you’re a US citizen traveling to Thailand, you don’t need to apply for a visa. You’ll get one on arrival as long as your passport is valid for at last six months and has two blank pages.

You get a free 30-day visa at the airport or from one of the overland borders. If that’s not enough for you, it’s possible to apply for a 60-day visa at any Thai embassy before you enter the country.

Check The Weather

Thailand has two distinct seasons that will greatly impact the cost of your travel and what you want to do. If you’re traveling to Thailand on a shoestring and you want to spend as little as possible, plan your travel between May and October.

It’s the country’s monsoon season and when it receives most of its yearly rainfall. The less than perfect weather means you  easily pick up excellent deals on flights, accommodation, and activities.

If you want picture best weather for island hopping adventures and excellent scuba diving conditions, book your vacation to Thailand during the dry season. From November to April, you can expect high visibility at dive sites, warm temperatures with lower humidity and Thailand’s massive water fight festival, Songkran.

The only footer side is that its high season. Airlines rises their prices for flights,hotels,hostels can book out, and there will be long crowds at the top attractions.

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

Thailand’s tap water is harmful to drink – unless you want Delhi belly. Instead, pack a reusable water bottle and fill up at your hotel or the water dispensers in the street.

It’s also a good idea to avoid eating fruits and vegetables that have been washed with tap water. It’s how a lot of public get sick during their trip.

Don’t Ride The Elephants

A few years ago, riding an elephant was on almost every people bucket list for Thailand. However, since multiple reports have come out on how cruelly these animals are treated, it’s an activity that must be avoided at all costs.

Luckily, there are an elephant sanctuaries in the north of Thailand that are rescuing these animals from the tourist camps and giving them a chance to lead a natural life. Do your research and travel a reputable sanctuary instead.

You can go your street knowing that your money has contributed to the conservation and well-being of these creatures and not towards an industry that physically and mentally torments them.

Go Island Hopping

Some of Thailand’s best destinations are the country’s islands in the south. Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Pha Ngan are some of the most famous spots to visit, but there are plenty of lesser-known gems to discover in between.

However, you’ll want to be strategic about your island hopping itinerary and wrap your head around the ferry system.

Buy a Sim Card

While it’s easy to find Wi-Fi at most bars, restaurants, shops,hostels and hotels in Thailand, it’s still the best idea to buy a local sim card once you arrive. You can get a travel package for 40 days that comes with 3 or 6 GB for between $15 – $25!

Try the Street Food

Thailand boasts some of the best street food in the world! It can costs a couple of dollars to fill your plate up with massive portions of Phad Thai, sticky rice and mango and Tom Yum Goong!

Paying between $1-3 for a food is what helped me stick to my $20 backpacking budget. But be warned – Thai food is many level of spicy! Play it safe and order your dishes mild.

Pack Mosquito Spray

Mosquitoes are everyplace in Thailand, especially during the wet season. Before you hop onto your flight, be sure to pack a repellent that is at least 52% deet.

Once you’ve arrived came, you can lessen your chances of being bitten by covering up between dusk and dawn. Pack a large-sleeved shirt and a pair of long pants that you can wear during the night.

Respect Thai Culture

In Thailand, the head is considered the most important part of the body. Don’t touch a Thai people on the head; it’s considered very rude and offensive.

Another thing to avoid is pointing with your feet towards a people or an image of Buddha or the King.

Keeping face is also an urgent part of Thai culture. Raising your voice and getting angry with the locals will get you nowhere.

It’s also against the law to speak negatively about the royal family. If you’re caught criticizing the monarchy, you can face serious jail time.

Pack Clothes for Temple Visits

If you’re planning on traveling any of Thailand’s beautiful temples, you’ll need to have the correct attire. It’s considered disrespectful to show up in clothes that show a lot of skin, and you won’t be allowed to enter.

When packing for your tour, be sure to pack an outfit that will cover your shoulders and knees for temple visits. I'd also recommend bringing along a scarf or a shawl that you keep in your bag in case you stumble across a temple that you really want to explore!

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