4 Must-Read Tips For Your First Time Traveling In Thailand
Thailand is a perennially popular destination for backpackers. As a country steeped in culture, with beautiful landscapes and fantastic weather, it’s not hard to see why so many are drawn to this unique location.
No matter how many friends or relatives may have traveled before you, it is often difficult to know exactly what to expect when heading to a new destination.
We want you to take in all of the best bits whilst staying safe so that you have a fantastic time. So, to make sure you’re fully prepared for your trip to Thailand, we’ve compiled a few of our top tips.
Understand the culture
Thailand is known as ‘the land of smiles’. Spirituality and respect are a big part of Thai culture and this is reflected in the everyday life of the people here. You’re highly unlikely to come across any anger in Thailand!
When greeting locals in Thailand, it is customary to do so with the ‘Wai’. To perform the Wai, one should place the hands together and bow the head. The Wai can be performed when greeting others and is also used to show respect when passing religious sites.
As a Buddhist country, Temples form an important part of daily life to Thai people. There are over 40,000 ornate Buddhist temples in the country so you’re sure to come across a few on your trip.
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Enjoy The Food
Heading to the street food stalls is a great way to experience Thai life as a local. Having been drawn in by the enthusiastic vendors, you’ll get to see your food cooked right in front of you with a personal touch.
Thai cuisine is often made from a simple staple ingredients such as rice noodles. A curry paste is often added along with meat and vegetables. This simplicity enables food to be cooked quickly so it will always be wonderfully fresh.
With fewer overhead costs, street food is also pretty cheap – leaving you with more to spend on exploring the country.
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Visit The Beaches
With over 15,000 miles of coastline, Thailand has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Bask in the sun on the long white sandy stretches or head down to the turquoise waters with your snorkel.
Scuba diving is also popular, with Thailand hosting some incredible diving spots. The clear waters here are home to a wealth of marine life including sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and barracuda.
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Pack The Essentials
As with any trip, it’s important to carefully consider what you need to take with you. You may be surprised to learn that travel insurance is mandatory in Thailand, so be sure to have your documents with you.
The climate in Thailand is warm so of course you should pack for the weather but don’t bring anything too revealing. Swimwear is fine on the beach but it is expected that you cover up when heading into the towns.
In fact, items of clothing covering the shoulders and knees are an essential sign of respect if you plan to visit temples or other religious sites. Sunscreen, bug spray and warmer clothes for evenings should also be on your list.
Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash
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