Thailand has a deserved reputation as one of the easiest places to travel in Asia. There’s an amazing amount to see, hassles are limited, English-language signs and menus are commonplace, and you can get around easily at almost any time of day or night.
However, there are a few things every traveler should know. Here are our top tips for making the most of your trip.
1. Rainy season varies by geography
The June to October rainy season brings heavy showers and regular storms to northern, central and southwestern Thailand, which creates dangerous conditions for travel by sea. The southeast coast and the Gulf of Thailand get soaked slightly later, from October to December. If you do visit at this time, you’ll definitely want to pack some kind of wet weather gear.
Rainy-season travel means lower prices and smaller crowds, but some accommodations close and many island ferries stop running, including services to the Tarutao archipelago.
2. Get the recommended vaccinations
Most doctors recommend getting vaccinations against tetanus and hepatitis A. Also consider a rabies shot – dogs, cats and monkeys can all carry the viral disease. Malaria is present along the borders with Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia. If you visit these regions, you can use anti-malarial prophylaxis such as atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline (or do your best not to get bitten by a mosquito).
3. Book must-do activities before you go
If you have your heart set on a particular boat journey, train trip, trek, tour or boutique stay, book ahead for the busy tourist season from November to March or during any religious holiday.
During the rainy season, call or email ahead to check if places are actually open.
4. Know the etiquette when greeting people
When meeting locals in Thailand, the standard greeting is the wai – a respectful dip of the head with the hands held palms together in front of the chest. Don’t shake hands unless the other person initiates the handshake. If you get invited into a Thai home, remove your shoes before you enter and avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards another person.
5. Be respectful of Buddhism
Some 95% of Thais are Buddhist, and the national religion weaves through every aspect of life. To show proper respect, remove footwear…
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