17 things I wish I knew BEFORE visiting THAILAND in 2024

Summary

This video offers essential tips for first-time travelers to Thailand, highlighting the country's appeal as a backpacker and solo traveler destination. The host shares personal experiences from a two-month journey, emphasizing the importance of knowing about the 45-day free visa for select countries, the delicious and affordable Thai cuisine, and the necessity of an international driving license for renting scooters. The video also covers accommodation advice, the famous Full Moon Party, and the best time to visit for weather and cost considerations. It warns about common scams, recommends staying connected with affordable SIM cards, and suggests a travel itinerary that starts in the south and moves northward. The host praises the Thai people's kindness and hospitality, advises on respectful behavior in temples, and discusses budgeting, with tips on avoiding ATM fees. The ease of travel within Thailand, the convenience of 7-Eleven stores, and the need for electrical adapters are also mentioned. The video concludes with a warning about the risks of 'Bangkok Belly' and a reminder to be mindful of ethical animal tourism.

Takeaways

• 📅 Visa Information: From October 1st, a 45-day free visa is available for 65 selected countries, including the UK and the USA, until March 31st, 2023. Otherwise, you get a regular 30-day free visa.
• 🍜 Thai Cuisine: Thai food is highly recommended, especially street food and night markets, which offer delicious and affordable options.
• 🛵 Scooter Rental: Renting a scooter is a great way to explore, but ensure you have an international driving license and be cautious in certain conditions.
• 🏨 Accommodation: Use booking websites like Booking.com and agoda.com to find the cheapest options with good ratings.
• 🎉 Full Moon Party: A must-attend event if your travel aligns with it, but book in advance to avoid high prices and distance from the beach.
• 🌦 Seasons: Thailand has a dry season from November to March, which is busier and more expensive. The wet season offers cheaper prices and fewer tourists.
• 🚔 Scams: Be aware of common scams like the scooter scam in Phuket and the tuk-tuk scam in Bangkok.
• 📱 Connectivity: SIM cards are affordable, with good data plans available for as low as 16 USD.
• 📍 Itinerary: Suggests flying into the south (like Phuket) and traveling north to avoid extra flights and costs.
• 🌴 Must-Visit Places: Highlights include Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga, Koh Panyang, and Chiang Mai for its night markets and elephant sanctuaries.
• 🙏 Thai Etiquette: Thai people are kind and hospitable. When visiting temples, dress modestly and show respect.
• 💰 Budget: Budget travelers can get by on under 20 GBP a day, but costs can vary depending on comfort levels and activities.
• 🏧 ATM Fees: Be mindful of ATM fees, which are typically 220 baht. Withdrawing from a bank can sometimes avoid these fees.
• ✈️ Transportation: Travel agencies and hotel/hostel staff can assist with booking transport. For short distances, use the Grab and Bolt apps.
• 🏪 Convenience: 7-Eleven stores are ubiquitous and offer a wide variety of affordable food and drinks.
• 🔌 Electricity: Thailand uses US-style plug sockets, so bring an adapter if you're from the UK or EU.
• 🦍 Ethical Tourism: Visit ethical elephant sanctuaries instead of places that offer elephant riding, which can be harmful to the animals.
• 🍽️ Food Safety: Be cautious with certain raw vegetables washed in local water to avoid 'Bangkok Belly'. Ice in drinks is generally safe, but avoid iced drinks from untrustworthy sources.

Q & A

What is the current visa policy for visitors from selected countries to Thailand?

From October 1st, visitors from selected countries including the UK and the USA can obtain a 45-day free visa, which is valid until the end of March 31st, 2023. Outside this period, the regular 30-day free visa applies.

Why is Thai food recommended for visitors?

Thai food is highly recommended because it is not only the speaker's favorite cuisine but also very affordable, especially when compared to Western cuisines. Street food and night markets are suggested for the best and cheapest options.

What is the importance of having an international driving license when renting a scooter in Thailand?

In Thailand, it is important to have an international driving license when renting a scooter, as it is required by law and authorities often ask for it. Without it, one could be driving illegally.

Which websites are suggested for booking accommodations in Thailand?

Booking.com and agoda.com are recommended for booking accommodations, with the suggestion to search by the lowest price and choose options with an acceptable rating.

Why is it advised to book in advance for the Full Moon Party in Thailand?

Booking in advance for the Full Moon Party is advised because it is a popular event with limited accommodation options. Prices can become very expensive if one waits to book closer to the event.

What are the two main seasons in Thailand and how do they affect travel costs?

Thailand has a dry season from November to March and a wet season. The dry season is busier and more expensive due to better weather, while the wet season offers cheaper prices and fewer tourists.

What common scams should visitors be aware of in Thailand?

Two common scams mentioned are the scooter scam in Phuket, where police may stop and fine tourists for minor infractions, and the tuk-tuk scam in Bangkok, where drivers may overcharge for incomplete tours.

How much does a SIM card with an unlimited data plan typically cost in Thailand?

A SIM card with an unlimited data plan in Thailand can cost around 14 pounds or approximately 16 US dollars.

What is the recommended travel route when visiting Thailand?

It is suggested to fly into the south, such as Phuket, and then travel northward to Bangkok and further up to save time and money, avoiding the need for multiple flights.

What is the speaker's opinion about the Thai people?

The speaker finds Thai people to be genuinely lovely, kind, and hospitable, noting their continued welcoming nature despite the large number of tourists visiting their country.

What is the recommended daily budget for a backpacker in Thailand?

For a budget-conscious backpacker, traveling on under 20 pounds a day is possible, while 30 pounds a day allows for more comfort.

What is the advice regarding withdrawing money from ATMs in Thailand?

To avoid ATM fees, which are typically around 220 baht, it is suggested to withdraw money inside a bank using a passport and a card, which may waive the fee. Also, remember to take your card after withdrawing cash.

How can one easily get around in Thailand?

For long-distance travel, using tour agencies to book transport like minibuses or ferries is recommended. For short distances, using the Grab and Bolt app is suggested as it is convenient and avoids the need to bargain with taxi drivers.

What is the significance of 7-Eleven in Thailand?

7-Eleven stores are ubiquitous in Thailand, especially in cities like Bangkok, offering a wide variety of affordable food and drinks, including iced coffees and microwave meals, which are popular and convenient for travelers.

What are some quick facts needed for traveling in Thailand?

Travelers need to know that Thailand uses US-style plug sockets, drives on the left-hand side like the UK, and it's important to respect the local culture by not mentioning the king in a negative context.

What is the advice regarding animal tourism in Thailand?

The speaker advises against participating in elephant riding as it's not ethical. Instead, they recommend visiting sanctuaries that treat elephants well, such as the one they visited in Chiang Mai.

What is the warning about 'Bangkok Belly' and food safety?

Travelers are advised to be cautious with certain raw vegetables washed in local water to avoid food poisoning, commonly referred to as 'Bangkok Belly.' It is also suggested to be careful with iced drinks, especially in less reputable establishments.