Thailand is one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations. With its tropical beaches, golden temples, and delectable cuisine, this Southeast Asian nation has something special for everyone.
No matter if you’re on a Thai backpacking trip or diving holiday, it’s essential to know the top tips for traveling in Thailand so you can have an enjoyable journey without any stress!
1. Wear a Helmet
Helmets are an essential piece of safety gear designed to shield your head from injury during a crash. They come in various materials such as plastic or foam, and should always be worn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Helmets are a mandatory requirement for all drivers in Thailand and should also be worn by passengers. Not only do they protect you from collision forces, but they can also shield you from flying debris and dust particles that could cause serious injuries.
Unfortunately, many motorcyclists in Thailand fail to wear helmets and often get hit by cars while riding. If you spot someone riding without a helmet, be sure to take note and avoid them as soon as possible.
Thailand conducts a number of roadside campaigns to promote helmet usage among motorcyclists and cyclists. These include roadside posters, stickers on vehicles, as well as occasional radio or TV programmes or spots.
Internews’ Road Safety Fellowship runs a campaign that trains Thai journalists to investigate and report traffic accidents in order to promote better adherence to the law. Through their research, journalists are able to hold local authorities accountable and raise road safety awareness among drivers.
Though enforcement of the law in Thailand can be challenging, wearing a helmet is an effective way to keep your head and brain safe when driving. A safety helmet will significantly reduce the likelihood of head trauma, brain injury or death in case you’re involved in an accident.
2. Don’t Drink Tap Water
When traveling in Thailand, it is imperative that you avoid drinking tap water. While this may seem like a simple tip to follow, it is one that should be kept in mind for your safety and health.
Thailand’s water may be safe to drink, but it may not be as clean as you are used to back home. Without proper precautions, however, drinking the tap water in Thailand could lead to various illnesses.
Traveler’s diarrhea is one of the potential risks from poor-quality water supplies, particularly in places with inadequate sanitation.
Another reason to avoid tap water is that it may contain chemicals or other hazardous elements. This could lead to illnesses such as cholera and other serious ailments.
That is why it is always wise to have bottled water on hand when you’re on the go. Additionally, using a water filter can make tap water safer for consumption.
Water fountains can be found in numerous public locations throughout the city, and many hotels provide filtered water free of charge. Furthermore, several local restaurants provide ice made from boiled water for free. If you want to be extra cautious, be sure to inspect the ice to confirm it was retrieved from a trusted source.
3. Be Prepared for Monkeys
While baby monkeys may seem cute and cuddly, there can be risks when petting or otherwise interacting with them. In Thailand alone, injuries caused by macaques require hospital care annually – so it’s essential to know how to protect yourself when encountering these curious creatures.
One of the primary concerns – and one which is especially prevalent in tourist areas – is that monkeys become so habituated to human contact that they could easily be taken advantage of or attacked while you feed them. If not careful, serious injury or even theft could ensue if not taken care of; so be prepared by adhering to our do’s and don’ts when around these wild creatures.
Owning a pet monkey is an enormous commitment that takes plenty of time, money and patience. If you can commit yourself fully to nurturing this intelligent and entertaining animal, it could be an amazing experience. But before making any commitments, do your research on what type of monkey best suits your lifestyle and its requirements for successful care.
4. Don’t Be Afraid of Ladyboys
Thailand’s vibrant transgender community is an integral part of society and an accepted part of daily life. Ladyboys (known as kathoeys in Thai) are among the most common transgender individuals you’ll come across while traveling here.
Ladyboys are a subset of transgender people that can be found throughout Thailand’s nightlife scene. It is essential to remember that these individuals are just normal people enjoying each other’s company; they pose no danger and should always be treated with dignity by those who come into contact with them.
Many tourist spots in Thailand have policies in place that require workers to register for a color-coded card, a practice common across many countries.
Patong, Phuket’s busiest area with millions of tourists, requires all employees to register. Nikorn Chuthong from Kathu police department said they started this registration campaign with ladyboys because they were responsible for a disproportionate number of crimes.
He further clarified that the policy was never meant to be discriminatory; rather, it was simply a matter of beginning with those who had committed the most violations.
Thailand’s Pattaya area is one of the best places to meet Thai ladyboys, with numerous bars and clubs tailored specifically to this population. Many establishments provide a large selection of ladyboys as well as staff who speak excellent English, making communication with foreigners much simpler.
5. Stay Connected
Internet access while traveling is essential for making the most of your experience abroad. Not only does it enable communication with family and friends back home, but it can also assist in planning activities such as sightseeing, dining out, and attractions. With reliable internet access while traveling, you’ll never be without information about attractions, restaurants, or activities nearby.
One of the traditional methods to stay connected while traveling is by purchasing a data roaming package. This will allow you to continue using your phone as usual and ensure that you never go without an internet connection. However, this can be expensive so it’s essential that you weigh all pros and cons before selecting a plan.
Another option is to invest in a portable WiFi device or SIM card with 4G data connection. These will give you access to the internet throughout most of Thailand.
Though these options can be useful, it’s essential to remember that they aren’t as reliable or convenient as a data plan. Furthermore, they may not work in areas with poor connectivity or remote locations.
If you’re searching for a secure and convenient way to stay connected while traveling in Thailand, investing in either a WiFi device or SIM card is highly recommended. These will enable you to stay connected while away, at much more affordable costs than using data roaming services.
6. Stay Safe
Thailand is a popular travel destination for backpackers and world travelers due to its affordable food, stunning beaches, and scuba diving spots. But be mindful of potential dangers when visiting this Southeast Asian nation.
Thailand’s roads and traffic, particularly in the south, pose one of the greatest hazards for drivers. With the second highest road fatality rate worldwide, it’s essential to stay safe when driving here.
Additionally, it’s essential to stay alert while walking or cycling on busy streets and avoid walking alone at night. Crime rates in some parts of the country are high and petty theft is a frequent occurrence.
Furthermore, it is essential to remember that terrorism remains a significant danger in Thailand – particularly the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla.
Aside from terrorism, Thailand also has other safety issues you should be aware of when traveling. For instance, it is advised to avoid traveling near the deep south near Malaysia’s border.
Due to its abundance of ethnic and racial conflict, this is not an area for tourists to get involved with.
Another potential risk is alcohol and drugs. These can make you less alert, making you more vulnerable to accidents, injuries and robberies.
Due to this, it’s essential to exercise restraint when drinking in Thailand. Furthermore, knowing your limit and maintaining contact with trusted people are both paramount for a secure trip.