Travel in Thailand

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A Thailand Travel Guide For Complete Beginners

Reviewed by Kathleen Peddicord

Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.


Thailand is quickly becoming one of the hottest tourist and retirement destinations in Southeast Asia. Highly regarded internationally for its cuisine, nightlife, and hospitality, it’s extremely rare for any tourist to have an unsatisfactory trip to Thailand.

In this little “Thailand travel advisory” article, you’ll learn how to travel to Thailand like a pro. Even if this is your first voyage to the “Land of Smiles,” you’ll be able to plan an awesome Thai vacation after having read this article.

Best Time To Travel To Thailand

Thailand attracts numerous tourists each year due to its tropical climate. The mean annual temperature in Thailand is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot season generally lasts from March to May, the cool season lasts from November to February, and the rainy season begins in June and ends in October.

Most travelers recommend visiting Thailand between the months of November and March for the best weather and the best local festivals. This is also when tourism peaks in Thailand, so you will have to deal with increased crowds of tourists.

Off-seasons for tourists tend to be from April to June and from September to October.

Top Travel Destinations In Thailand

– Bangkok

The top tourist draw in all of Thailand is without a doubt the capital city of Bangkok. Although it’s perhaps best known for its naughty nightlife, this cosmopolitan city is full of important religious and governmental buildings such as Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace. There are tons of restaurants, clubs, bars, and historical treasures to take in here, so be sure to spend at least two days in this stunning capital.

– Chiang Mai

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, why not plan a trip to Chiang Mai? Located in northern Thailand, this city has earned the title “The Rose Of The North” for its glorious natural scenery. Many people who visit this city go straight to the various elephant sanctuaries to take pictures and rides on Thailand’s mighty elephants. People who love the outdoors will absolutely love Chiang Mai’s gardens, waterfalls, and old city areas.

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– Phuket

Looking for an island adventure in Thailand? Look no further than the island of Phuket. Located in Southern Thailand, this island is well-known to tourists for its white sand beaches, rich forests, and charming fishing villages. Millions of tourists flock to this island each year to take in some of the most relaxing beaches in the nation.

– Hua Hin

This seaside resort area is relatively small, but it boasts a large community of expats. Located near Bangkok, Hua Hin also attracts numerous Thais for holiday and/or weekend retreats. The main attraction here is, of course, Hua Hin Beach. However, there are numerous nature parks, temples, and even a palace here well worth exploring. While this may not be as popular as other locations in this article, Hua Hin is a lovely spot for those who just want to relax without a ton of tourist crowds.

Travel Thailand Packing Guide

Many travel experts who have been to Thailand a number of times have compiled lists of the best items to pack when visiting this ancient nation. In addition to your toiletries, shorts, and shirts, here are a few essentials to consider putting in your luggage:

  • Slip on shoes
  • Bug spray
  • Re-fillable water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain jacket
  • Bathing suit
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Converter
  • Towel

Cost Of Traveling In Thailand

The Thai currency is known as a baht (Thai: บาท or บ) and is depicted using the symbol ฿. The current rate of exchange is about 34 baht for 1 USD. Since Thailand has grown in popularity over the years, prices have gone up at some of the more touristy areas. Believe it or not, Bangkok is almost as expensive as Singapore. If you are backpacking through

Thailand and staying in modest places, however, you can probably get by for around 1,000 baht per day. People willing to spend around 5,000 baht daily can have quite a luxurious trip anywhere they go in Thailand.

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Is It Safe To Travel To Thailand?

While Thailand is extremely popular with tourists from around the world, that doesn’t mean everything is coconut milk and gorgeous sunsets. There are a few things tourists should be aware of when visiting Thailand to stay safe.

First off, the leading cause of accidental death in Thailand is motorbike collisions. If you are going to drive a motorbike (which we don’t recommend for first-time visitors) you must wear a helmet and drive cautiously. If you can, avoid night travel altogether, and be extremely careful walking across any streets. Most of the fatal accidents occur on underdeveloped roads in Samui and Phuket.

If you are traveling to Thailand alone and are a foreigner, you should never get involved in a fight with Thais. Thais watch each others’ backs and you can be outnumbered. Instead, a smile and joking off troubles can go a long way.

Rates of HIV/AIDS and STDs are quite high in Thailand. Also, a noticeable amount of women there weren’t born that way. If you are going to engage in intimacy, be sure to take all safety precautions.

It’s a smart idea to have your passport (or at least a photocopy of your passport) with you at all times. Also, be aware that there are many scammers by touristy sights in Thailand. Just one popular scam involves young Thai men dressing up as Theravada monks and asking tourists for money. Real Theravada monks in Thailand only go on alms round in the morning and they never ask for money.

Thailand, A Land Of Possibilities

People who travel to Thailand generally fall in love with its scenery, cuisine, history, and people. Interestingly, this country has become well-known for two very different traits in modern times.

Thailand offers mischievous travelers a steamy nightlife experience in places like Phuket and Bangkok.

On the other hand, Thailand has attracted numerous saintly men and women interested in renouncing the world and becoming Theravada monks. No matter what you’re looking for in a tropical adventure, you can be sure to find it here in Thailand.

Many people traveling to Thailand for just a few days find themselves so enamored with the country that they decide to spend the rest of their lives there. Could you find your own slice of paradise in this great Southeast Asian nation? The only way to find out is to travel to Thailand for yourself.

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