Things you should know before traveling to Thailand

Arabia Weather - Thailand has an excellent reputation as one of the easiest places to travel in Asia. There's plenty to see, hassle is limited, English signs and menus are common, and you can easily navigate at any time of the day or night. However, there are some things every traveler should know. Here are our best tips for enjoying your trip.

The rainy season in Thailand varies depending on the region

The rainy season from June to October brings heavy rains and regular storms to northern, central and southwestern Thailand, creating dangerous conditions for travel by sea. The East Coast and Gulf of Thailand get wet a little later, from October to December.

Traveling during the rainy season means lower prices and less crowding, but some accommodation closes and many island ferries stop, including services to the Tarutau Archipelago. If this is the period you decide to visit, you'll definitely want to pack some wet weather gear.

Check recommended vaccinations before visiting Thailand

You may have already been vaccinated against COVID-19, but most doctors also recommend getting vaccinated against tetanus and hepatitis A. It is also recommended to get a rabies vaccination – dogs, cats and monkeys can all carry this viral disease. Malaria is found along the borders with Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia. If you visit these areas, use antimalarial prophylaxis such as atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline.

Travelers to Thailand book in advance

If you have a craving for a particular cruise, train ride, boating excursion, tour, or luxury hotel stay, book well in advance during the busy tourist season from November to March or during any religious holiday. During the rainy season, call or email in advance to check if places are open.

Follow local etiquette when meeting Thai people

When meeting locals in Thailand, the standard greeting is wai – a respectful bow of the head with hands clasped in front of the chest. Do not shake hands unless the other person initiates the handshake. If you are invited to a Thai home, remove your shoes before entering and avoid pointing the soles of your feet toward another person.

Dress modestly

Thai women and men usually avoid revealing outfits that reveal too much skin. A swimsuit is appropriate at the beach, but away from the sand, sarongs or fisherman's pants are fine, as well as something that covers the shoulders if you visit religious sites.

Know what to expect at the dining table

When eating in Thailand, everything is served at the same time at the table, usually placed in the middle of the table to be shared by everyone. Thailand abandoned the use of sticks in the 19th century. You'll get a spoon and fork but no knife – but most dishes come in bite-sized pieces, so you won't need a knife. Glutinous rice is usually gathered into balls and eaten with the fingers.

Health risks include food poisoning, mosquito bites and rabies

The most common problem that travelers face in Thailand is gastrointestinal illnesses that disrupt the journey. Don't drink tap water, give your hands a wash before eating, stay out of crowded restaurants and be careful of ice, unwashed or unpeeled fruits and uncooked vegetables. If you become unhealthy, look for private hospitals in big cities rather than public hospitals.

Mosquito bites can easily become infected in Thailand's tropical climate. Bring a mosquito repeller and use mosquito nets (or bring your own). There is also the danger of bitches - always seek medical attention if you are bitten by a dog, cat or monkey.

Prices may be inflated for tourists

In general, Thailand is hassle-free, but tourists are often charged inflated prices for tuk-tuk rides and metered taxi rides – ask a local how much the rides cost and use that as a benchmark to set a fair price.

The main tourist sites are popular sites for taxi drivers and touts who will try to direct you towards questionable shops, fake tourist offices and second-class accommodation, where you will almost certainly pay more to cover their commission. Book transportation directly with operators to avoid shady deals from dishonest travel agents.

Be very careful when riding motorcycles

Thousands of travelers rent a motorbike in Thailand, but make sure your driver's license covers you for any vehicle you rent, and carry your passport (or a copy of your ID pages) in case you're asked to do so by the police.

Wear a helmet, approach with caution and make sure the rental bike comes with liability insurance – every year, hundreds of tourists are injured in motorcycle and scooter accidents in Thailand. Always give priority to larger vehicles, and be aware of animals on the road, potholes and other hazards.

Follow local advice if a natural disaster occurs

Thailand is vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as floods, landslides and cyclones during the rainy season. Listen to official advice in the event of a natural disaster, and contact your embassy for updated information on evacuation procedures.

Source: lonelyplanet