Helpful Tips for Traveling to Thailand

Ask any world-traveler which destinations top their “Favorites” list, and chances are nearly all of them will mention Thailand. With mouth-watering cuisine, unfathomable scenery, lively culture, and welcoming people, it’s no wonder why this gem of Southeast Asia is one of the most frequented. If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, check out this list of helpful tips for traveling to Thailand that will help make your trip one of epic proportions.

1. Getting there

Air travel to Thailand isn’t cheap. In fact, chances are it will be one of the most costly aspects of your trip. However, there are several measures you can take to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. First, try to fly in and out of Bangkok on a Tuesday and, if plans allow, stick to traveling in spring and fall months, as you’ll avoid the seasonal rush which often bumps airline prices significantly.

2. Don’t drive

Thailand has the second highest number of traffic fatalities in the world. Avoid adding to this statistic by walking to your destinations (especially in metropolitan areas) as often as possible and only travel by car or taxi when absolutely necessary. Local buses, the Metro, and Skytrain are also safe, affordable travel options.

3. Slow down

Thailand’s rich history, vibrant culture, and seemingly endless attractions make it easy to go overboard when planning your travel itinerary. Instead of rushing from city to city or site to site, take a few days to soak in everything that the unique Thai communities have to offer. Take a day or two in Bangkok before heading to your next destination and leave room in your itinerary for unexpected activities that other travelers might suggest.

4. Wet your whistle… with caution

More than likely, most of the food you’ll eat will be better than you’d ever imagine. And while local menus, street food, and market fare all offer a vast array of flavors, spices, and textures that will have you in a heavenly daze, there are a few specialties that don’t always sit well with foreigners. Kai Yiew Ma, for example, is eggs preserved in horse urine; order Goong Ten and you’ll find yourself eating a salad of live shrimp.

5. Pack smart

With thousands of attractions to visit, dozens of different villages and cities to explore, and various methods of transportation to take, the last thing you’ll want to do is haul around bulky, overstuffed luggage that contains a mere fraction of the things you actually need. Packing smart is one of the key tips for travel to Thailand. First and foremost, make sure you have a durable, functional bag that can withstand the demands of Thailand travel. The Travel Bag by NOMATIC isn’t just made with quality materials or designed for epic adventures, but it’s also brilliantly designed to fit all of the necessities you’ll need for a trip to Thailand. Be sure to visit NOMATIC to get your Thailand travel bag.

Second, make sure you heed the following packing advice:

• Be respectful of the culture by leaving any potentially offensive clothing items at home (i.e. garments with religious or inappropriate themes).
• Bring at least one warm item for chilly bus trips and train rides.
• Stiletto pumps and penny loafers can be left at home. Stick to the Rule of Three with a pair of flip-flops/sandals, athletic shoes, lightweight close-toed shoes (if you plan on attending a pretentious night club).
• Because the climate is so warm, try packing only lightweight, quick-drying clothes that can be easily packed and unpacked.
• Laundry is cheap. Pack only what you’ll need for a few days and do laundry when needed.

With your bag neatly packed and your itinerary primed for adventure, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience exploring Thailand!