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TripFactory explains the most important things to know before planning trip to Thailand.
Whether you are a first-time traveller to Thailand or a frequent visitor, this Place will always find a way to surprise you. From golden temples and bustling street markets to dreamy beaches and rich cultural traditions, Thailand is a destination that never disappoints.
If you’re traveling to Thailand, here are 10 things you should know before you go. In this article by TripFactory, we’ve covered everything from visas and currency to the best time to visit, food, and safety tips.
Topics covered
Before booking your Thailand trip from India, it’s Important to understand the current Thailand visa requirements. Entry policies can vary based on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. Knowing the right Thailand visa options will help you avoid any mistakes at immigration.
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival for Indian passport holders:
Online e-Visa on Arrival for the Indian option is also available (faster). Indian citizens can now apply for a Thailand e-Visa before travelling. This will help avoid any hassle at the airport during immigration. You can apply for e-Visa through: Official Thai e-Visa website (https://www.thaievisa.go.th/), and it will processed within 3-7 working days (apply at least 15 days before the departure).
The currency used in Thailand is the Baht (THB), where approximately 1 THB is around 2.5 Indian Rupees, though it may vary.
Tips To Avoid Scams:
Observing and respecting local culture will certainly enhance your experience in Thailand. Thailand is a deeply Buddhist country where people respect and believe in their kings and culture. It comes under strict laws not to show any disrespect to the Thai King, and clicking any Buddha Images, speaking against Buddha, or the monarchy can lead to arrest. Always be respectful around temples and images.
Temple Rules
Social Behavior
Thailand’s cuisine is generally celebrated, but it often comes with unexpected spice levels and may incorporate seafood for most Indian Travellers as which may not be appropriate for Indian taste buds. Still, Thailand offers a variety of foods that Indian travellers can enjoy according to their taste.
Before going to any Thai restaurant looking for vegetarian food options, you should know how to ask for it. Say “Mai gin nua sat” (vegetarian) at Thai restaurants. It means you are a vegetarian and want to eat only veg options.
While your trip to Thailand, you must try these dishes:
Mango Sticky Rice is always vegetarian and made with sweet glutinous rice, ripe mango slices, and coconut milk, though you should request no fish sauce or meat for a fully vegetarian option.
Fried Rice (Khao Pad) is a basic Thai fried rice made with jasmine rice, vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, and spring onions, and while it usually includes meat and egg, it can be made vegetarian by asking for “Khao Pad Jay” with no egg and no fish sauce.
Pad Thai, typically cooked with egg, shrimp, and fish sauce, uses rice noodles, peanuts, vegetables, and a light tamarind sauce; for a vegetarian version, request “Pad Thai Jay,” no egg or fish sauce, and extra vegetables.
Tom Yum Soup is a spicy-sour broth with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms, chilies, and lime, and since it is commonly served with shrimp or chicken, you can order “Tom Yum Jay” with no fish sauce and tofu instead of meat.
Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan) is a fragrant coconut curry with green curry paste, bamboo shoots, eggplant, and basil, and can be made vegetarian by asking for “Gaeng Keow Wan Jay” with tofu.
Som Tum (Papaya Salad) is a spicy, fresh salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chilies, and peanuts, and can be turned vegetarian by ordering “Som Tum Jay” with no fish sauce.
Pad See Ew features flat rice noodles stir-fried with broccoli, soy sauce, and garlic, but since it typically includes meat and egg, you can request “Pad See Ew Jay” with no egg or meat. Massaman Curry is a mild, rich curry prepared with coconut milk, potatoes, onions, and peanuts, and can be enjoyed vegetarian by asking for “Massaman Curry Jay” with tofu instead of meat.
Understanding the local transport system is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip. In Thailand transport system is relatively straightforward:
For safe and reliable transportation, use the Grab App, which is similar to Uber and also the fares of the Grab App are more competitive than the local Taxi fares, Also, there is a chance that local drivers can charge extra fares to tourist people. It’s a great way to avoid being scammed or overcharged, especially in cities like Bangkok or Phuket.
Grab App availability: It operates in major Thai cities, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Tips:
Tuk-Tuks: Tuk-tuks provide a fun experience, but always negotiate the fare before starting your journey. These are colourful three-wheeled vehicles which are especially found in tourist-heavy places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Riding a tuk-tuk offers an experience you can’t get from a taxi or bus, also it is perfect for short-distance travelling and can easily enter through crowded markets and small alleys.
A short ride within city areas should cost around 40–100 baht, depending on the distance. Before Riding Tuk-Tuks, negotiate the Price. Unlike taxis, tuk-tuks don’t use meters, so you need to agree on the fare beforehand.
Bikes and Scooters: Renting a bike or scooter is an excellent way to explore Thailand on your terms. From the busy streets of Bangkok to the relaxed coastal roads of Koh Samui and Phuket, two-wheeled transport is popular among both locals and tourists.
But ride only if you have experience, and always wear helmets for safety.
Ferries and speedboats: If you’re going to explore an island, then Ferries and speedboats are the best option to travel across various Islands since there are many islands to explore, like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, or Krabi, ferry services are essential.
When you are travelling, packing wisely is the key to having a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you pack the right essentials for your adventure in Thailand.
For packing, bring light cotton clothes like T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and skirts, and avoid tight or synthetic fabrics.
Choose loose-fitting items for comfort in the heat, and stay away from anything too tight. Wear neutral or light colours such as white, beige, or pastels to stay cool, and avoid dark colours that absorb heat.
Make sure to pack sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, UV-protective sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and maybe a light umbrella so you don’t forget important sun protection. For the beach, bring comfortable swimwear, flip-flops or waterproof sandals, a waterproof beach bag, and a quick-dry towel, while avoiding heavy shoes.
If you visit cooler areas like Chiang Mai, pack a light jacket or sweater instead of heavy winter clothing. Also carry a power bank with at least 10,000mAh and an international adapter for plugs (Type A, B, and C), and don’t forget these essentials.
While travelling to other countries, staying connected is important for navigating through cities, booking rides, keeping in touch with friends and family, or finding the best local spots to visit. Fortunately, Thailand offers an excellent mobile and internet infrastructure, making it easy for travellers to access essential services like Google Maps, Grab rides, and even book accommodations online.
The best way to stay connected in Thailand is by purchasing a local SIM card. Major airports like Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok), Don Mueang (Bangkok), and Phuket International Airport have shops that sell SIM cards from AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove, the three leading mobile providers in Thailand.
Why Buy a Local SIM?
There are 3 reasons to buy a local SIM while your vacation in Thailand. First reason is Local Support, if you encounter any issues, customer service is readily available in both Thai and English, making it easy to resolve problems.
Then Affordable Rates, as local SIM cards are much cheaper than using international roaming services from India. And the last and final one is Convenience. If you’ve local Thailand SIM, you don’t need to worry about high roaming charges to use Google Maps, Grab, and other useful apps.
Travelling to Thailand can be a wildly enriching experience filled with culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. By respecting local customs, navigating transportation thoughtfully, timing your visit wisely, and savouring the delicious food, you can create memorable experiences that deepen your appreciation for this beautiful country.
Thailand is a warm, welcoming destination that is easy on the wallet. However, knowing a few essential things beforehand can enhance your experience significantly. Keep this checklist handy, and enjoy your adventure in the Land of Smiles with confidence.
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