Thailand is the most-visited country in southeast Asia and for a good reason: the country offers practically everything that tourists could want, from delicious food to sandy beaches.
Just like every other country in the world, Thailand is unique. Here’s how to prep correctly before you visit.
Book Your Trip For Spring
Being so close to the equator, Thailand’s seasonal patterns are very different from those in temperate regions. It doesn’t go through the usual spring, summer, autumn, winter rotation. Instead, it alternates between the rainy season and the rest of the year where conditions are relatively dry.
The rainy season in Thailand probably isn’t the best time to go if you want to enjoy the great outdoors. The rainy season officially begins in July and ends in October. Most people, therefore, book their trips in the spring to avoid a washout. With that said, if you want to see the spectacle of the monsoon, then the summer is the best time to go. Just remember to take your umbrella.
Get Your Hep A And B Vaccinations
While Thailand is tropical, the disease risk is comparatively low. People who travel to the country usually get their hepatitis A and B vaccinations, but there is minimal risk of other diseases. Malaria, for instance, is now almost non-existent. Yellow fever is also mostly absent.
Always Talk About The Late King Respectfully
Many local Thai people believe that their late king who died in 2016 was and is a god. For that reason, tourists need to be careful about what they say about him. Avoid any form of disrespect in public.
Book A Tour Of The Country’s Many Buddha Statues
Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country, home to some of the religion’s most impressive monuments anywhere in the world. Thailand tours take you to the best-known landmarks, allowing you to see the craftsmanship that went into these statues yourself.
Plan Festival Trips In Advance
Thailand is home to some popular festivals you might want to take part in during your trip.
If you love beach parties, then make sure that you check out the Full Moon festival in Koh Phangan. The festival runs monthly in the city and regularly attracts more than 40,000 people who spend all night on the beach partying.
The Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai is also another big draw. Held in November, attendees release Chinese lanterns into the air in their thousands to release bad vibes and give them good luck for the following year.
If you’re in Thailand in the middle of April, make sure that you head to Bangkok for the Songkran Thai New Year. Every year, the Thai authorities close off the streets to traffic, laying the way for processions and carnivals that make their way through the city. If you decide to attend this event, be prepared to get wet. People throw wet sponges at each other to symbolise the washing away of their sins.
Are you planning a trip to Thailand? If so, make sure that you prepare!