If you are planning your first trip to Thailand, you have come to the right place, as we offer useful information for first-timers to ensure that your holiday is everything you imagined and some!
Visas
The first thing to do is check your visa status; some nations automatically receive a 30-day visa upon arrival, while others must apply for a tourist visa at the Thai Embassy in your home country. Google can take you to the Thai Embassy website where you will find all the information you need. In the event you wish to extend your visa, visit the nearest Thai Immigration office where you can extend 30 days for another 15 days for the sum of 1,900 Thai baht. If you apply for a TV (Tourist Visa) in your home country, it is valid for 60 days, which can be extended domestically for a further 30 and 15 days respectively, giving you a total of 105 days in the Royal Kingdom of Thailand. If you are staying at the luxury Novotel Hotel in Patong Phuket, you are not far from the Immigration office.
Prices
There are some situations when you can barter; markets, fairs and festivals are fair game, while convenience shops, supermarkets and regular retail stores are not. If you plan on withdrawing Thai baht from an ATM using your credit card, you will be charged 220 baht per transaction and that can add up. Travel cheques are a good idea, and if you like to charge stuff to your card, most places in Thailand accept major credit cards. Like any other country, you should keep your valuables in a safe place, although Thailand is one of the safest countries.
Buddhism
Thailand is a predominately Buddhist nation and as a foreign visitor, we should dress conservatively when visiting temples or other sacred areas. Women should cover their shoulders and wear long dress or trousers and the Thais remove their shoes before entering a home. Here are a few adventure holiday ideas to consider.
Driving on the left
Like the UK, Thailand drives on the left, which can be problematic for Americans and Europeans; remember when crossing the road to look right, as this is the direction the traffic is coming. Crossing the street can be challenging; do not assume that Thai drivers will slow down as you wait at a crossing, they generally do not.
Thai SIM
We recommend getting an unlimited data SIM at the airport, then you are online wherever you go and you can hotspot your laptop or tablet. The Thai ISPs include True Corporation, AIS, 3BBB and DTAC; speeds are high and rates are cheap. Thailand most certainly isn’t lacking regarding Internet connection, which is why many digital nomads relocate to this tropical paradise.
Plan you trip via the web and whether you are staying in Chiang Mai or Phuket, you will be enchanted by the Thai people.
