Thailand is a popular tourist destination, especially its capital, Bangkok. However, if you haven’t been here before, you’ll need to do proper research and planning before buying a plane ticket. It’s very easy to get lost, stranded, or in trouble if you don’t know what you’re doing.
So, if you’re planning on visiting this vibrant country soon, consider these tips to get the most out of your trip.
1) Find Good Transportation
Depending on what part of Thailand you’ll be visiting and for how long, you’ll need to figure out transportation ahead of time. Larger cities like Bangkok will offer public transportation. However, you can also choose a car rental in Bangkok if you’re confident in your driving abilities. This is the easiest and fastest way to get around the city. You’ll spend less time waiting for city buses and more time exploring.
Like most cities, taxis are a common sight in Bangkok and are easy to spot in either bright pink, or a vibrant yellow and green. Just make sure your driver uses the meter for fares.
2) Drink Enough Water
Thailand has notoriously hot, humid weather, especially during the monsoon season. It’s very important to stay hydrated by drinking more water than you sweat out sincesevere dehydration can cut a trip short.
It’s recommended that you don’t drink tap water in an unfamiliar country. Stick to water purchased from a bottle or pouch, for which there are plenty of affordable vendors. Carry water with you at all times, and don’t ration it if you start to feel thirsty.
3) Practice Simple Conversation
Thai is the official language of Thailand and is the most widely spoken in the country by far. Knowing basic sentences to ask for directions, order food, and use polite greetings will go a long way and save you headaches down the line.
It can also help to write certain phrases down ahead of time, such as directions to the hotel you are staying at. That way, you can take a taxi back to your room with no hassle or miscommunication.
4) Carry Enough Cash
You’ll have a hard time using bank cards or credit cards in a foreign country. You could be on the hook for high fees if it even goes through. The solution to this is carrying cash for everything you will want or need to buy while abroad.
The currency of Thailand is the Baht. You can go to your local bank to get the exchange rate and withdraw the cash if available. You may need to check several banks to find one that can do the exchange.
Budget ahead of time, leaving room for emergencies, surprise purchases, and souvenirs.
5) Know Local Laws
Ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse in any part of the world, Thailand included. Take some time to brush up on the laws and customs of where you will be traveling so you don’t do something illegal by mistake.
Knowing the cultural aspects of where you will be staying will also be helpful. Being polite and courteous will go a long way in many situations, in the same way, that accidentally being impolite can cause extra trouble.
The Bottom Line
Any trip takes a lot of planning, but that shouldn’t deter you from going to the destination of your dreams. It may be worth it to pick up a couple of extra things like travel insurance, photocopies of your passport, and translated paper guides, just to be safe.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself; that’s why you’re there, after all.
Just be careful, do your research, and stay hydrated, and you’ll have a great time in Thailand.
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