Planning a trip to Thailand could feel daunting, especially if it is your first time. You need to have all things in order, including your tickets, stay bookings, travel insurance, meds, and a lot more. So, for first-time visitors, here are some essential Thailand travel tips.
Best Time to Visit Thailand
The best time to travel to Thailand is between November and March when the temperatures are not too high and the rain has stopped pouring. Thailand experiences very hot summers, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, and very heavy rainfall, making other months less favourable for travel.
But if you want to avoid the tourist crowd and make a budget trip to Thailand, try early June when the rainy season starts. The lush green mountains and cooler days will enhance your experience.
Book Tickets in Advance
If you have the dates of your Thailand trip fixed, then buy your plane tickets in advance. Flights are usually cheap when you purchase tickets 3 to 4 months in advance. Also, avoid travelling on the weekends to get better prices. Flights departing at night time are usually cheaper.
Know Your Thailand Visa Requirements
Keep up-to-date on the Thailand visa requirements according to your country. Thailand visa on arrival for Indians is easily available, but if you are travelling from some other country you might want to get it in advance.
You will need the following documents to get your Thailand visa on arrival for Indians:
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of arrival.
- Two colour passport-size photographs of 35mm x 45mm taken against a white background.
- Flight tickets for arrival and departure.
- A cover letter mentioning the name, address, and contact details of the person bearing the expenses of the trip.
- Confirmation of hotel bookings with names of all guests.
- If you intend to stay with relatives or friends, proof of accommodation, along with a copy of their IDs is required.
- Original currency exchange slips with the applicant's name.
- Bank statement of the last 6 months along with a bank seal. The same account should have a minimum balance of INR 20,000 per person.
- If you plan on using a credit card, a photocopy of the card along with statements of the last six months.
You will also need to submit a duly filled visa application form that will be provided upon arrival along with the above-mentioned Thailand visa requirements.
Buy an International Travel Insurance
International travel insurance is your safety net. In case you find yourselves in one of the following circumstances, the travel insurance will have you covered:
- Loss of baggage
- Theft
- Delay/cancellation of flights
- Requirement of emergency medical services
- Loss of important documents like passport
- Personal accidents
Good travel insurance will provide you with financial assistance in all these circumstances. It is important to buy travel insurance from trusted service providers like Future Generali who will deliver prompt services.
Learn Some Thai Words
Most people in Thailand don't know local Indian languages. They understand English, so that is your primary language of communication. But some of the local stall owners might not understand English either, so it's essential to know a few Thai words. Here's a list of Thai phrases that you can learn for your first Thailand trip:
- Sawa dee – Hello
- Kop kun – Thank you
- Chai – Yes
- Mai – No
- Tao rai? – How much?
- Vegetarian? – Mangswirati?
Learning these few words will not only make communication easy but it is also a sign of respect for the local customs and traditions. A few words go a long way.
Always Carry Cash
Most of the local markets in Thailand only accept cash. The system of QR codes is still not a thing there. Card machines are also available in fancy restaurants and malls. So, you need to carry cash with you.
Thailand doesn't have a lot of ATM machines. The major tourist spots do, but offbeat destinations might not have them. So, it's better to carry cash right from the airport. Exchange your currency at the airport to get the best price. Other vendors might charge you extra for service fees.
Use these tips, travel to Thailand. You can even use these tips as a checklist to ensure you have everything set. The most important part is to have the documents that you will need for the visa. Also, keep your insurance documents in print to check for terms and conditions even in areas where there's no internet access. Future Generali always gives prompt assistance to all your insurance-related queries. So, you can reach out to the helpline at any time of the day.
