Nowadays, more and more people have the capability to travel and discover new places, both in the land of their birth and in a foreign territory. In the same manner, more and more countries are opening their doors to local and foreign tourists alike, such as Thailand.

Planning Your Very First Vacation to Thailand

Thailand is one of the best tourist destinations in Asia because apart from being home to diverse marine life, it is also a popular party place. Additionally, it is also rich in culture and the arts. Come to think of it, Thailand has so much to offer, both for first time visitors and returning tourists, such that Bangkok is regarded as the most visited city in the world.

If you are planning your very first vacation to Thailand, the tips below would definitely be of great help.

Planning Your Very First Vacation to Thailand

What you need to know

• Before planning a trip to Thailand, get vaccinated for Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. This is just a precaution because it is better to be safe than regret later on. The biggest outbreak there is in Thailand and other Southeast Asian destinations is Dengue fever, and sadly, there is no vaccination for this yet. Thus, it is best to carry with you mosquito repellent lotion or oil just to be on the safe side. Other than that, there is really no other serious threat in Thailand.
• The best time to visit is between the months of November to April, when the weather is not too humid, and at the same time, this time frame is considered the driest months. However, you may want to schedule your visit on one of the months where there is a big festival such as the Loi Krathong, or the festival of lights and fire, in November, or the Songkran, which is Thailand’s New Year and water festival, in April.
• It is best to pack light and just shop in Thailand because they have the most inexpensive deals when it comes to what to wear and other items. Thereby, make sure to leave some room in your luggage for your unique finds.

Planning Your Very First Vacation to Thailand

Travel budget

You will be surprised to know that a thousand dollars is generally all you need to get by for a month in Thailand as a backpacking traveler. Needless to say, you might need a little bit of an extra if you are planning on a luxury trip.

• To save on flight costs, you may opt to book flights between different carriers that offer the cheapest fare. For instance, book a domestic carrier to get yourself from Los Angeles to New York before booking a separate international carrier from New York to Thailand. If you have some time to spare to sit in between layovers, splitting your booking between carriers offering the cheapest fares can save you a hundred dollars.
• Thailand is very much developed to accommodate both local and foreign tourists. Depending on your budget, you can opt to book a beach accommodation for $10 a night or a five star beach resort for $200 a night. If you want to party in the city, there is even a Bangkok hostel that you can book for only $10 with free cocktail shots every night. Most establishments providing accommodation in Thailand also offer a packaged tour for their guests, with some offering a walking tour, and others offering a shuttle that can take you the major tourist destinations.
• Although you can use your credit card for purchases in major establishments in the city, it is also a good practice to carry some cash. Your cards will surely be helpful, but identity theft is an ever growing problem in the city so it is much advisable to pay with cash to reduce this risk. There are several ATMs in the city, but the fees every time you decide to withdraw money has skyrocketed over the years. Thereby, it is best to withdraw the maximum amount each time to minimize the fees you pay for getting some cash. Additionally, haggling is widely accepted in Thailand and this can save you hundreds when you shop for your souvenirs. Even in shopping malls, prices can vary depending on how good you are at haggling. However, avoid haggling for food and drinks, and other items with standard prices. Also, just keep in mind that tipping is not customary.

Where to go

Bangkok is the usually the gateway of foreign travelers in the country. But apart from this city, there are several other tourist destinations in Thailand that you would not want to miss. For one, there are several Thai Islands that you can hop into, such as Phuket, the largest island in Thailand. Nevertheless, here are other destinations in Thailand that may spark your interest.

• Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northern capital. Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a city that is more laid back and relaxed. But just like Bangkok, you will surely delight in good food and outdoor markets, and even grab $5 massages. You can get to Chiang Mai via a domestic flight or a train.
• Pai is even farther north of Chiang Mai and just recently, it has opened its doors to tourists. It is a haven for nature wanderers because it is surrounded by gentle rolling hills with a riverside charm. It is also a perfect place for solace and meditation, making it a hub for yoga and other holistic workshops.
• Still on the north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya can be reached via train. It has been Thailand’s former capital and it still houses ancient temple ruins. Ayutthaya is a great place for historians, as well as tourists who want to discover the ancient Thailand.

Visiting a certain country, such as Thailand, for the first time may both feel exciting and daunting. It is definitely exciting to uncover new discoveries, taste new cuisines, and experience a new culture, which may be totally different from your own. At the same time, it may be daunting to be unsure of what to expect during your stay even with thorough planning. Nevertheless, Thailand is a very open country, so much so that your excitement will surely drown out your fears.