We've rounded up all of the basics you need to know about Thailand prior to your trip.
entry requirements/visas
Most countries are able to travel to Thailand for 30 days, without acquiring a visa. If you'd like to stay longer, you must apply for an extension during your visit at one of the immigration offices for an additional 1900THB.
CLIMATE
Thailand is a tropical country, and has 3 seasons - hot, rainy and cool.
Hot Season: March to May
Rainy Season: June to October
Cool Season: November to February
Avoid traveling to Chiang Mai from February-April, as this is their "burning season" and the air quality is horrible!
Hot Season: March to May
Rainy Season: June to October
Cool Season: November to February
Avoid traveling to Chiang Mai from February-April, as this is their "burning season" and the air quality is horrible!
currency
Thai Baht: $1CAD = 23.25THB / $1USD = 32.76THB - As of March 2020.
Check https://www.xe.com/ for up-to-date exchange rates, as well as downloading the app here (Android, iOS), to use while you're in Thailand, or traveling elsewhere.
Check https://www.xe.com/ for up-to-date exchange rates, as well as downloading the app here (Android, iOS), to use while you're in Thailand, or traveling elsewhere.
tipping
It is not mandatory to tip in Thailand. But that being said, small gratuities are very much appreciated.
language & phrases
We always, always, always recommend learning at least a few basic phrases prior to traveling to a new country to show your respect.
Thai is the official language in Thailand.
Hello = Sawadee - ka (female), kap (male)
How are you? = Sa bai dee?
Please = Pord
Thank you = Khop khun - ka (female), kap (male)
Yes = Chai
No = Mai
How much? = Tao rai?
Bathroom = Hongnum
Spicy = Pet
Not Spicy = Mai pet
Delicious = Aroy
Beer = Beiyr
We recommend downloading Google Translate (Android, iOS) prior to your trip and then downloading 'Indonesian'. Once that's done, you can translate words and phrases and offline download them, to use while you're traveling around Indonesia.
Thai is the official language in Thailand.
Hello = Sawadee - ka (female), kap (male)
How are you? = Sa bai dee?
Please = Pord
Thank you = Khop khun - ka (female), kap (male)
Yes = Chai
No = Mai
How much? = Tao rai?
Bathroom = Hongnum
Spicy = Pet
Not Spicy = Mai pet
Delicious = Aroy
Beer = Beiyr
We recommend downloading Google Translate (Android, iOS) prior to your trip and then downloading 'Indonesian'. Once that's done, you can translate words and phrases and offline download them, to use while you're traveling around Indonesia.
power plugs & sockets
In Thailand the power plugs and sockets are of type A, B, C, F and O. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Religion & culture
Buddhism is the main religion practiced throughout the country of Thailand. Always dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) while and conduct yourself appropriately when visiting temples and shrines.
festivals & holidays
Songkran: Thailand's New Year - April 13th-April 15th every year. Celebrated with a water fight in the streets!
Loi Krathong & Yi Peng: Also known as, 'Festival of Lights' - in November every year. Celebrated with lanterns in the sky, and candlelit 'boats' in the river.
Loi Krathong & Yi Peng: Also known as, 'Festival of Lights' - in November every year. Celebrated with lanterns in the sky, and candlelit 'boats' in the river.
Food & Bev
You can't go to Thailand without trying the Pad Thai - Thailand's staple. It is a stir fry noodle dish, and absolutely delicious. You can get with or without shrimp, or chicken. Most of the time it also comes with peanuts, and lime - always ask for extra, so good!
Another delicious dish is the Khao Soi, which you can only find in the north of Thailand. It is made with egg noodles, in a spicy curry sauce with coconut milk, typically with chicken, and topped with crispy noodles (Meagan's favourite).
There's also the Tom Yum soup, which is a sour seafood soup.
The local lagers in Thailand are Chang, and Singha.
Also, do not drink the tap water! Go ahead and purchase yourself a water bottle with a filter, and fill up at your accommodations.
Another delicious dish is the Khao Soi, which you can only find in the north of Thailand. It is made with egg noodles, in a spicy curry sauce with coconut milk, typically with chicken, and topped with crispy noodles (Meagan's favourite).
There's also the Tom Yum soup, which is a sour seafood soup.
The local lagers in Thailand are Chang, and Singha.
Also, do not drink the tap water! Go ahead and purchase yourself a water bottle with a filter, and fill up at your accommodations.
toilet paper
Do NOT flush it! Thailand's sewage system cannot handle it. Also, bring it out and about with you, as most public toilets do not have toilet paper. But then again, this could be your opportunity to get used to the 'bum gun', as this is more sanitary anyway!