Traveling Thailand is easier than you think as it caters to tourists, it's safe for solo travelers, and there is barely any language barrier since English is spoken in most places. However, just like any other place, there are things you should know before going to Thailand. Now, me being me, I didn't do much research going to Thailand since I like to wing it at times, but I definitely learned some things during my travel there that I'm sure will help you understand and adjust easily during your travels. So with that being said, let's get into these tips!
Get a SIM card on arrival If you have an unlocked phone buying SIM cards once you arrive at the airport is your cheapest option. You can get a SIM card for 400 Thai Baht ($13) for 7 days.
Avoid Airport Taxis
Chances are you will need to get an airport taxi to get to your hotel on arrival. Be aware that all the taxis charge airport fee on top of the meter fee. So know the airport fee before they hike it up. I would advise you completely avoid them and get a Grab.
Download Grab
Grab is an app similar to Uber that will come in handy, and save you some cash in Thailand. All you have to do is put your current location and destination on the app, and then you will be given all the drivers near you and how much they are charging. You then chose according to your preference. The cost is guaranteed to be cheaper than a taxi especially when you are heading to the airport. So, if you want to avoid getting overcharged and save some cash, make sure to download grab.
Use promo code 'grabcare' and get 50 Bhat off on your first ride!
Tuk Tuks
In case you never hear of a tuk-tuk before, it's a three-wheeled vehicle that is used widely across Thailand in cities for transportation. Tuk-tuks are very convenient, fun to ride, and much cheaper than taxis. Usually, tuk-tuks will try to overcharge you at first, but you can easily negotiate a price. Make sure to never hop into a tuk-tuk without negotiating a price, having the final price, and repeating the final price to the driver.
Songthaew - Red Pick Up Taxis
A Songthaew is a red pick up taxi you will mainly see in Chiang Mai, and it's another transportation method way cheaper than a Tuk-Tuk. They are 30 Bhat ( US $1) per person to get you to your destination and the price is already pasted on the side of the truck so you won't get scammed. However, if you use a songthaew to get to the airport the price will be 100 Bhat but you can always bargain.
Cheap Accommodation
There are so many fancy nice hotels/resorts/hostels in Thailand. It's cheap enough that you can splurge especially in the islands if you want to. Use Agoda to book cheap accommodation across Thailand.
Book Tours When You Arrive
Thailand is one of those countries where you definitely will need a tour, but don’t make the mistake of booking any tours in advance or at the airport on arrival. You’ll save more money by looking at many options once you get to the cities or islands. Your hotel can also hook you up. But you are better off asking the people that will help you with your luggage rather than the front desk people because they'll direct you to the expensive tours.
to see who I booked with.here If you are like me and hate the idea of tours, you can get a personal tour which is way more convenient and fun. Especially if you are a solo traveler. Click here to see who I booked with.
Beware of Spicy food
If you love spicy food, beware of spicy food in Thailand. Thai spicy food will have you in tears! If you ever try to order spicy food, and the server or any Thai person asks you multiple times or look at you crazy, take that as a warning and reconsider your options.
Bargain, Bargain, and Bargain Some More
Thai people might be the easiest people to bargain with since they usually tend to accept the offered price. So bargain, but don't be too cheap, you don’t want to push your luck.
Ladyboy
Thailand has a huge transgender population so you will hear the word "ladyboy" or "Kathoey" in Thai a lot. Even though, you will hear jokes about ladyboys, be respectful as they are a well known recognized subgroup that contributes to the Thai culture.
Pack Bug Repellent
Thailand Mosquitoes are malicious and annoying! Never go anywhere without your bug spray especially if you are going trekking, hiking, or going to the jungles. It is worse during the wet season, so make sure you have it on you even when you are going out in the evenings.
BKK vs DMK Airport
BKK Airport - mostly international flights
DMK Airport - mostly domestic flights due to cheap airlines
If you are flying internationally, chances are you will be flying in and out of Bangkok. Understand that Bangkok has two different airports and both are about an hour to two away from each other depending on traffic. However, there are free shuttle buses you can take to get you from one airport to the other, so don't take a taxi.
It' s really important to know that there are two airports since you will most likely be flying domestically to different places from Bangkok through DMK. Make sure that your domestic flight and international flight are from the same airport especially for same day flights. Many Asian Airlines are known to delay flights, so book your flights at least 6 to 8 hours apart for same day flights.
When I was leaving Phuket, my flight to Bangkok got delayed, so I ended up missing my international flight because my domestic flight arrived at DMK, but my international flight was taking off from BKK. Had I booked my flights from the same airport, I could've made it on time despite the delay. Fortunately for me, I already live in Asia, so booking another flight was inexpensive.
Waterproof gadgets
If you will be spending some time on the islands and you'll be spending time in the water whether that's surfing or snorkeling, it's best to have a waterproof camera for the most epic shots. But if you don't, no worries! You can easily buy a waterproof case there for your phone. They sell them everywhere and they are cheap.
Cover Up
Thai people aren't conservative but they are strict with their dress code when it comes to any sacred places or any temples. So if you plan on visiting temples, you will have to cover your shoulders, chest, and legs.
Pack your Flip Flops
Wearing flip-flops or sandals is very convenient because you will be taking them off a lot whether that's during temple hopping, island hopping, getting on and off a boat or simply walking around.
Beware of Stray Animals
Thailand has many stray animals, especially dogs! It can be tempting to wanting to pet them or feed them, but don't do it! Chances are, they are caring diseases because they are roaming around unattended and uncared-for.
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