Thailand: travel tips

Thailand is home to some of the most welcoming people in the world, but you need to be trip savvy to enjoy ‘the land of smiles’. Here’s our essential tips:

Customs:

Be respectful of Thai culture – don’t:
  • point at a Buddha statue or a monk, especially their feet
  • take a photo with your back to a Buddha
  • disrespect the King, or Royal Family, Thailand’s lèse-majesté law can land you in prison
  • touch a Thai’s adult or child’s head, as it is insulting. 

Street Food:

The most delicious and cheapest food is often at street stalls.  Stay safe and only buy from the busiest stalls, for turnover, and those the locals go to – as they are in the know. 

The weather:

Research the weather before you go and plan round it. Thailand has two monsoon seasons which hit opposite sides of the country at different times.

  • the South-West Monsoon hits the West Coast from May to October effecting Phuket, Krabi, Phi-Phi, the Similan Islands and Koh Kood.
  • the North-East Monsoon hits the East Coast from November to March effecting Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

Transport:

Safety standards are variable and beware scams:

Tuk-tuks – check prices with your hostel or hotel and then agree your price first and haggle. Beware of drivers insisting you visit a ‘friend’s” shop. 

Taxis – as above, find out the going price in advance and haggle. In tourist areas like Phuket it can be worth organising your journey through your accommodation to get the best price. 

Scooters – they look cool and sound practical, but remember the accident rate is lethally high. Plus, most insurance won’t cover you if you are in an accident. 

Scams:

  • fake gems are sold in many markets and beware locals offering to take you to “genuine” stores, often owned by a “relation”. 
  • jet-ski scam where you can be blamed for pre-existing damage. It’s worth filming the exterior of the jet ski before you use it. 
  • scooter scam – operates in the same way as the jet ski scam. Record any scrapes and dents on your scooter before you use it. 

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