Thailand – Land of Smiles & Adventure

Safety

Thailand is one of the most popular travel countries in the world and considered very safe for tourists, especially in hotspots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Koh Samui. Follow basic common sense, avoid flaunting valuables and be careful in traffic – particularly when renting scooters.

Best time to travel

The best time for most regions is the cool dry season between November and March. Weather is warm and rain probability low. But Thailand is large and climate varies:

• Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta): Dry season Nov–Apr is ideal.
• Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao): Monsoon hits Nov–Dec; best time Jan–Sep.

Upside: similar to the Philippines there is almost always a region with decent weather – making Thailand a year‑round destination.

Currency &Language

Currency is Thai Baht (THB). Cards widely accepted in hotels, malls and many restaurants but cash is essential for streetfood, markets and small shops. ATMs are everywhere. The official language is Thai; in tourist areas English is usually enough. A few Thai words like “Sawasdee” (hello) and “Kop Khun” (thanks) go a long way.

Visa & longer stays

Visa rules change – current quick overview:

• Up to 30 days (visa exemption): Many nationalities (e.g. Germany) receive a free 30‑day stamp on arrival.
• Extend to 60 days: Extend once at an immigration office for 1,900 THB.
• Tourist visa (TR) 60 days: Apply before travel, extendable onsite for another 30 (total 90 days).

SIM & Internet

Mobile internet is excellent and cheap. AIS (best coverage), DTAC and TrueMove H are the main providers.

Most beautiful beaches

Tiny selection of iconic spots:

• Railay Beach (Krabi) : Towering cliffs, only reachable by boat.
• Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi) : Famous from “The Beach” – now regulated for protection.
• Freedom Beach (Phuket) : White sand & turquoise water.
• Bottle Beach (Koh Phangan) : Remote, best via boat taxi.

Snorkeling & diving – another world

Underwater life is a treasure:

• Similan Islands : Among the best dive spots worldwide. Liveaboards Nov–May.
• Koh Tao : High chance to spot turtles & reef sharks.
• Surin Islands : Fantastic snorkeling and whale shark chances.

National parks & jungle adventures

Beyond beaches: kayak Khao Sok National Park , hike the seven tiers of Erawan Waterfalls near Kanchanaburi or climb Thailand’s highest peak in Doi Inthanon National Park .

Street Food – The Heart of Thai Cuisine

The real culinary experience is on the street. For €1–3 you get a full, freshly prepared meal.

• Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles, the national dish.
• Som Tam: A spicy, sour green papaya salad.
• Moo Ping: Marinated grilled pork skewers.
• Mango Sticky Rice: Sticky rice with mango — the best dessert in the world!

Restaurants & Famous Dishes

• Curries (Gaeng): Whether green, red, or mild Massaman — try them all.
• Tom Yum Goong: A hot-and-sour soup with shrimp.
• Khao Soi: A Northern Thai curry noodle soup.

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Drinks & What to Avoid

Avoid tap water. Definitely try Thai iced tea and the local beers Chang, Leo, and Singha.

🙏 Respect & smile – Thai etiquette

Thais are friendly & tolerant but a few rules matter: stay calm & keep smiling.

• King & royal family: Deeply revered – any disrespect can be punishable.
• Head & feet: Never touch a head, don’t point feet at people or statues.
• Temple visits: Shoulders & knees covered, shoes off inside buildings.

🕵️‍♀️ Common scams

Know the usual tricks:

• “Grand Palace is closed”: Ignore and go to official entrance.
• Tuk-tuk for 10 baht: Likely shopping detour.
• Jet-ski scam: Photograph damage before rental.

🛍️ Markets & alleys – real life

Markets are Thailand’s soul – loud, colorful, chaotic and fascinating.

From cooking class to national sport

• Thai cooking class: Fun way to take food knowledge home.
• Ethical elephant sanctuary: Feed & observe – no riding (e.g. Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai).
• Muay Thai: Watch a fight or try a class.
• Festivals:
  • Songkran (April): Giant nationwide water fight (Thai New Year).
  • Loi Krathong (Nov): Thousands of lanterns & floating offerings – magical.

🍸 Nights beyond party

Nightlife isn’t only noisy bars. Hunt unique experiences.