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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your Thailand tour begins in the buzzing capital of Bangkok, before you head to the charming north. Discover local communities and stunning white temple of Chiang Rai. Venture onward to explore the cultural side of Thailand and discover ancient wonders for yourself!
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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.
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.
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.
Put on your traveling shoes and go exploring this winter because we have a list of warm and sunny destinations that are begging to be explored!
One of the most visited cities in the world — over 21 million people traveled here in 2016 — Bangkok is Asia’s cool new metropolis that seamlessly blends the traditional with the contemporary and allows travelers to re-imagine it every time.
Our pick of beaches will guarantee a relaxed trip, far away from the maddening crowds
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