Last Updated on April 26, 2020 by Tia
In this Thailand facts article, we talk about practicalities. The climate, currency, language, and everything in between. Expect to also find information about visas, vaccinations, and safety! Every initial Thailand planning must start right here!
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Table of Contents
Thailand Suggested Stay
Thailand Facts – Currency
Electricity Sockets
Thailand Facts – Visa
Vaccinations
Simple, cheap ways to save the planet whilst traveling
- Do you use cotton buds for your ears and/ or makeup? The world’s first plastic-free and reusable cotton swabs are here and I am beyond excited! Just ONE of these eco-friendly swabs replaces over 1000 cotton swabs that end up in our oceans! They come in gorgeous colors, are durable, and super easy to clean! Take the pledge today, I have received my order, and couldn’t be happier! This link here gives you 10% off your order!
- Are you a smoker? Cigarette butts are the single greatest source of ocean pollution, with more than 60 million collected over 32 years! To save our oceans, just carry a portable ashtray like this one in your backpack! This one is unisex, totally stylish and can be fastened to any backpack! With every puff, you are taking a huge step towards responsible tourism.
- Do you use plastic bottles and straws? A simple reusable cup and metal straw are the best, and contribute a lot to the solution; trust me! 100,000 marine creatures and 1million sea birds die from plastic entanglement in a year. I have tried paper straws and pasta straws too, but I really hate them! This stainless steel straw set comes with a handy pouch, and a brush to clean too! Adore!
More eco-friendly tips!
- Carry plastic-free shampoo and conditioner in your suitcase. There is no need to carry plastic bottles that you will later throw away. Not when you can get top-quality shampoo and conditioner in a bar! This conditioner bar is excellent – 100% vegan, not tested on animals, no palm oil, smells great, lasts for AGES and keeps hair safe from the humidity of exotic countries! There is also a shampoo and conditioner set available, let me know what you think of it, as I purchased mine individually as above.
- Recycle. Save your plastic for the recycle bins and for the love of God please STOP throwing trash in the ocean!
- Eat local food, and carry a takeaway box to take back any leftovers! Local food is most often delicious, and you are also supporting the local food vendors!
Thailand Facts – Flight Duration
Your flights will be the most expensive part of your trip, especially if you are traveling from Cyprus.
Your trip will be split in 2 or 3 flights depending on which part of Thailand you are starting with. If you are worried about jet lag, then read this guide with tips on how to NEVER get jet-lagged anymore!
Approximate duration of flights: 12 hrs.
Approximate travel duration including transit and airport times: 18 hrs.
Language
Thai People like to pretend that English is widely spoken in all areas of the world.
Spoiler Alert- it isn’t.
You will find Thai people who speak a ton of English, and others who don’t speak a word. Put on your best smile, arm yourself with patience and prepare to use your hands- a lot.
If you ask me, it’s one of my favorite things about traveling!
Thailand Facts – Weather
Thailand is a tropical island – with tropical weather. It is divided by three seasons; hot, cool and wet.
The hot season runs from March through to June, with April and May the hottest months of the year.
The monsoon season usually is accompanied by heavy rain and will normally have rough seas.
The rain isn’t constant in the early months of the period as it will rain for one or two hours, and then dry out.
However, when it does rain the rain is sudden and heavy1 Be aware that late in a monsoon season is when the rains are at their heaviest and most persistent, and flash floodings can occur.
Carry an umbrella or raincoat, or head inside for shopping or a massage until it passes.
P.s I was in Thailand for the whole of July and it probably only rained for 5 times! #ThankYouKarma
The cool season normally runs from November- February and will still feel hot to most visitors.
Whenever you’re visiting be sure to bring plenty of breathable and light clothes, and a lot of good sunscreens.
The sun can be quite intense, unless you are Cypriot, and you are totally used to it #islandchild
Dress Code
Thailand and islands like Phuket, Bangkok, Phi Phi, Samui, Krabi are all crawling with tourism, therefore, anything goes.
But please bear in mind that Thai people themselves are modest people. When you visit any temple, you must have your shoulders, chest, and legs covered. A sarong is the most convenient to always have in your bag!
I would also advise not to wander around the streets in your bikini as it is quite disrespectful. You might think it is a given that you wouldn’t waltz around town naked…but I live in Cyprus and my eyes have seen A LOT! If you are wondering what to pack, this Thailand Packing List is perfect for you!
Thailand Facts – Safety
In my entire month in Thailand, I never once felt threatened, nor did I have anything stolen.
Generally speaking, it is a very safe country! That’s not to say you should ever leave the house without good travel insurance especially if you are renting a scooter or car while you are there. (recommended).
Motorcycle accidents are the most common in Thailand, and many are lethal. (i should know, I lost control of my scooter, and dove headfirst into the Thai jungle!)
Always wear a helmet, never drink and drive and get a travel insurance
Transportation in Thailand
Transportation is pretty easy in Thailand and the means are endless. You can either fly, take a train or an overnight bus -although domestic flights are very cheap.
Inland, you can drive a car or a scooter, take a tuk-tuk or a taxi.
Places to visit in Thailand
For the love of God, do not base your trip solely around Phuket and Bangkok. Yes, there are incredible Phuket Activities. There are also fantastic beaches in Phuket, as well as excellent restaurants and nightlife.
But Thailand has many other jewels like Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi islands that deserve a minimum of 2-5 days each! Please go see them all!
Thailand Budget
Thailand caters to all budgets. It really depends on how you like to live and spend your money!
I almost always stay in 3-4* hotels- with the odd 5* here and there. Additionally, I like to combine fancy restaurants with street food and other local eateries. I feel like this helps me get a true and authentic local experience!
Accommodation (Per Night)
Food
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