Top Thailand travelling tips

Top Thailand travelling tips

Thailand is a very popular long-haul holiday destination and justifiably so; the landscape, the food, the people, the beaches, the water – everything about “the land of smiles” is glorious. Here are our top tips on how to get the best out of your time there.

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Best time to go to Thailand

When to visit Thailand

If you’re looking for guaranteed sun, the UK winter months are the ideal time to go to Thailand for the best weather. Between November and April, when it’s coldest and darkest in the UK, Thailand is neither too hot nor too rainy. During UK summer months, Thailand is experiencing its hot, humid and rainy season, but it is rarely raining all day and as “low season”, it has the added benefit of being quieter for tourists.

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What to do in Thailand

Best places to visit in Thailand

Thailand is the home of paradise beaches – with the warm, azure waters of the Andaman Sea on the east and the Gulf of Thailand on the west. Whether you’re looking for palm-fringed, hidden coves on which to sunbathe and snorkel, livelier beaches with bars and water sports or clear waters in which to learn to dive, there are hundreds of amazing destinations waiting to be discovered. Here’s our pick of the best:

Things to do in Thailand

Take a long-tail boat ride and island hop — for example if you are staying in Club Med Phuket explore the Phi Phi islands.
Visit the Grand Temple, a series of gold-tipped buildings and probably Bangkok’s most famous destination.
Have a massage: If you need to de-stress after your flight, Thailand is one of the best places to enjoy a reasonably priced massage.
Take a cooking class — Thai food is delicious, fresh and local cooking classes are commonplace and a fun memento of your holiday.
Ride a tuk tuk — if you haven’t been to Asia before, a tuk tuk ride is a must-do experience. Just be sure to know where you are going and be firm on the price with your driver.
Have some clothes made. Thailand is home to amazing tailors who can make suits, dresses and beautiful silk clothing in a matter of days.
The elephant is Thailand’s national symbol, but these beautiful creatures are so often abused and exploited by tourist touts so visit the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand — or another elephant sanctuary — to learn about protecting these majestic creatures.
Visit The Golden Triangle — the point where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River and where Thailand meets Laos and Burma/Myanmar.
Experience one of Thailand’s iconic floating markets. The most famous is Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi, 100km south-west of Bangkok.
Explore beyond the beaches and cities; visit Thailand’s ancient ruins and go hiking in national parks. Three of the best are Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak; Khao Yai National Park, one of Asia ’s largest monsoon forests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Phimai Historical Park, home to 12th Century Khmer ruins.

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Top Tips for Thailand

Get to grips with the money, and how to haggle

The official currency in Thailand is called Baht (pronounced ‘Baaaht’) or THB, with coins and notes in a huge variety of denominations. A good rule of thumb is that £1 is equivalent to just under 50THB, but check before you go on xe.com. In Thailand money goes a relatively long way – souvenirs, drinks and snacks outside the resort, boat travel to local islands or temple visits will all be inexpensive. ATMs are easily found and it’s a good idea to have small change in different pockets or places within your wallet so when paying for something, especially if you have haggled down the price – you don’t want to pull out a big wad of cash.

Haggling is an art in itself; most markets and stallholders are willing to do a deal, but ask with a smile and don’t be confrontational. Don’t expect to be able to barter in a shop (unless the item is very expensive, and you would consider bartering for the same piece in the UK) and when haggling, be reasonable. Remember how much you’d pay for that same item back home.

Respect the culture

Thailand is a deeply religious country, where almost the entire population is Theraveda Buddhist. This means Thai people are gentle and calm, display great self-control and are respectful and non-confrontational. So while it is extremely popular with tourists, even in the most ‘westernised’ areas it is important to respect local traditions and customs.

Top of the Thailand tourism tips must be to always remove your shoes when going into a private home or temple. Always ask for permission before you take photographs of people – and a smile will go a long way; smile and be friendly even if people stare at you.

When you’re not at the beach, and especially if you intend to visit a temple or local festival, dress modestly, which means covering your shoulders and wearing shorts or a skirt that falls to or below the knee. As anywhere in the world, don’t litter and respect the environment.

Keep smart

It’s important to avoid the inevitable Thailand “tourist traps” so do your research. Things like taxis with “broken meters”, pushy tuk tuk drivers and overly friendly, smartly dressed strangers asking too many questions are all to be avoided. If you’re using a taxi, only take one with a meter and be firm about your destination, and if you can, have an idea of the route; similarly with a tuktuk, don’t fall into the ‘flat day rate’ offer for a tour — the driver is likely to take you to gem stone dealers and tailor shops with which he is in cahoots, instead of a genuine sightseeing itinerary.

Elephant rides and animal cruelty is sadly rife in Thailand, even some animal “sanctuaries” exploit elephants and make them perform tricks. Instead learn about sustainable tourism and visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, one of the best-known elephant conservation projects in the country, and a home to dogs, cats and other rescued animals. Green Thailand offers more advice on how to travel this beautiful country in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.

Practical Tips

When you book your holiday to Thailand, pop in to your nearest chemist or travel clinic to ask a pharmacist what basic first-aid items you should carry, and what vaccinations are needed. You need to do this at least four, preferably six weeks, before travel. Mosquitos are prevalent (though few areas present a danger of malaria) so insect repellent is a must, as is sunscreen of a minimum SPF30 (SPR50 if you are travelling with children) – the sun is very, very strong. Only drink and clean your teeth in bottled water and eat foods that have been peeled or cooked first; salads might seem tempting but be extra careful. For more health information, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

Finally, to enter Thailand, you must have a minimum six months validity on your passport, and British travellers can spend 30 days in Thailand on a “visa exemption”. If you wish to stay longer you must get a visa before you travel. The Foreign Office website has more information on entry requirements and travelling in Thailand.

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Discover Club Med

Explore Thailand with Club Med

Visiting Thailand with Club Med offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Club Med Phuket , on Kata Beach, provides premium accommodations, gourmet dining, and diverse activities. Explore local culture, stunning landscapes, and enjoy world-class amenities. Ideal for families, couples, or adventure seekers, Club Med Phuket ensures an unforgettable getaway.