Thailand is one of the greatest countries in the world for travelers. Whether you’re visiting on a luxury budget or backpacking around, you will love what the country has to offer. It’s a super friendly place, it’s relatively safe, and it’s full of amazing experiences for all types of travelers. Here are the dos and don’ts of traveling in Thailand:
DO: Visit the islands
When you fly into Thailand, you’ll probably arrive at Bangkok Airport. That means spending a couple of days in one of the busiest cities in Asia. There’s a lot to love about Bangkok - amazing food, great nightlife, lots of cultural sites. However, after a couple of days, you will want to leave. This is when you should visit the islands. From Koh Tao to Koh Chang, each island has something slightly different to offer. But on every island, you can expect beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and lots to do. The islands are the best thing about Thailand.
DON’T: Be disrespectful
Thailand is a very welcoming country. The locals are friendly, and the country is set up for travelers. However, that doesn’t mean you can be disrespectful. It’s important to learn about the Thai culture before visiting to make sure you don’t offend anyone. Here are a few quick rules to get you started:
- Don’t say anything bad about the Thai Royal Family.
- Don’t disrespect any Buddha statues or images.
- Bow to locals to say thank you.
- Don’t tell white lies (they consider it very rude).
- Don’t get too drunk.
DO: Visit the temples
Thailand is full of historic temples that you can visit. This is an amazing experience that will teach you a lot about the history of the country. Any temple in Thailand is worth a visit. However, don’t feel like you have to do them all. Many travelers will tell you ‘once you’ve seen one temple, you’ve seen them all.’
DON’T: Ask restaurants to make food ‘extra hot’
Feeling brave? Well, don’t even think about asking a restaurant to make you a Thai curry that’s extra hot. Spice has a completely different meaning in Asia, and you will probably end up with a bowl of food that is completely uneatable. Just let them serve you the normal strength stuff.
DO: Use the local transportation
Thailand is an easy place to travel internally. You might be tempted to fly from Bangkok to the islands, but it’s much cheaper to travel by bus or minivan. Be warned, though; the journey will be long and bumpy, so you’ll need something to distract yourself. You could read a good book or play at allslotscanada.com on your phone.
DON’T: Forget to book your accommodation
In Thailand, you can just walk into a hotel or hostel and book a room. This is what a lot of travelers do. However, if you want to guarantee yourself a good night’s sleep, you should definitely do some research beforehand. The best hotels and hostels are often booked up well in advance. Chance it, and you will end up in the worst accommodation.
DO: Be careful near roads
The driving culture in Asia is completely different from the West. Roads are busy, the rules are hard to follow, and there are more vehicles. You should always practice caution when you’re near a road in Thailand. Also, take note of how the locals cross the road. They don’t stand and wait for a gap; they walk into the road and make cars slow down for them.
