How to Plan your Trip to Thailand
By: Lucifer Goodman
Tags: Travel, Vacation, Thailand, Travel Planning

Planning a trip to the land of smiles, that popular south Asian holiday destination you have heard so much about? Yes, Thailand is all that and more and can be quite overwhelming to first-timers. Which is why this article helps you simplify the planning process, do read on and start packing!

1. Check the Weather in Bangkok

The weather in Thailand is tropical, high temperatures and humidity are constant throughout the year. The northern and central regions, however, go through 3 seasons. The cool season between November and February, the hot season from March to May and the wet season from May to October; April is the hottest season and December to January the coolest. The south of Thailand experiences only two seasons which is the dry and wet season. The seasons do not affect both ends of the nation at the same time as the south is impacted by two monsoons, hence different islands experience varied weather patterns at different times of the year. So, the peak season for tourism in Thailand falls between November and February when the weather is cool and climates dry. Travelling at peak time means paying higher rates and facing large crowds, but you can avoid all this by alternating your travel period.

2. Choose Convenient and Comfy Accommodation

Accommodation varies across Thailand’s cities, the capital is the most popular and Bangkok hotel packages are perfect for scoring some good deals; like Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok, the city is home to a number of good chain hotels which you can use for easy transfers in case you plan to explore other regions. As mentioned above, hotel rates also change according to the season, with most deals and promotions being offered to off-season clients.

3. Check Up On Your Thai Visa

Thai visa is not hard to acquire, some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival which is valid for 30 days when arriving at the international airport while tourists arriving via land-border crossings may obtain a 15-day visa. Other nationalities are awarded a 15-day visa on arrival but if you plan to stay longer, you can apply for a tourist visa at the Thai consulate office in your home country. Please scour through the Thai Visa page for up-to-date details on your visa in order to be prepared.

4. The Currency Used in Thailand

The Thai Baht (THB) is the national currency. International withdrawals are a breeze with plenty of ATM’s located across the country; you will find the machines inside the airports and all popular tourist locations. Credit cards too are accepted at malls, restaurants, the tourist trade depots and even some of the smaller shops. However, it is wise to have a bit of cash — the Thai Baht, on hand to be used at small establishments, street vendors and markets as they do not accept credit cards.

5. Using Cell Phones and the Internet in Thailand

Short and long term travellers can benefit from the ‘pay as you go’ deals offered by Thailand’s 3 main cell phone networks; DTAC, AIS, and Truemove. All three provide 3G and 4G coverage in just about all parts of the country, save a few remote areas. On arrival in Thailand, you can head over to one of the service provider’s booths and get yourself a SIM card, make sure your phone is unlocked in order to facilitate a Thai SIM card. The service providers run kiosks at all arrivals lounges and the malls.

6. Plan your Transportation in Thailand

Thailand and Bangkok especially is well connected. You will find the BTS Skytrain offers easy connections to all top tourist locations with stations located close to your hotel in Bangkok. There is also the MRT or underground train which again provides easy links to areas of the city. There is also an excellent bus and train service providing you links to all parts of the nation while the water taxi service and the ferry are perfect for exploring the Chao Phraya River. You must savour a ride in a tuk-tuk for that authentic experience, while domestic airline services are ideal for quick transfers to other regions.

7. Get Updated on Thai Culture

As is the case, when visiting any foreign land, one must learn to respect the culture. Thailand is a Buddhist nation and the people are very traditional, hence one should know how to respect the age-old customs by dressing appropriately when visiting temples and showing respect to the clergy. The same principles apply to dine etiquette too and you should research these areas before travelling. Remember Thai’s are a very traditional and friendly lot of people, so, look forward to enjoying your time in the country without offending anyone.