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THAILAND - TRAVEL GUIDE

With this travel guide I try to gather in one place the main information you need to travel more and better.

It aims to prepare you to reach this new destination, knowing everything you need to have a smooth, safe trip and avoid the vast majority of problems that every traveler faces.

With this information you will be able to make the best decisions, transforming your vision as if it were a place.

Here you’ll find the top places to visit, what the costs are, a great way to save, recommendations for places to stay, restaurants, transport tips and safety advice.

Even with different ways of traveling, from backpacking, family vacations, cruises, two-week vacations, around the world.

Here you will find everything you need to travel more, better, longer and cheaper.

If you cannot find any information, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to respond.

about thailand

Where it is?

Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia.

It borders Malaysia to the south, Myanmar (Burma) to the west, Laos to the northeast, and Cambodia to the east.

The east of Thailand has a stretch of coastline on the Gulf of Thailand and a small stretch of coastline on the Andaman Sea to the west.

Its capital and largest city is Bangkok.

Climate

Its climate is tropical, with regional variations due to its territorial extension.

The climate is generally warm throughout the year, with high temperatures and high humidity.

There are three main seasons in Thailand:

Dry season (November to February):

It is considered the best time to visit the country, as temperatures are milder, with sunny days and little rain. Temperatures can range from 20°C to 30°C depending on the region.

Warm season (March to May):

During this season, temperatures can be very high, especially in April, with averages reaching 35°C or even higher in some areas. It is a time of intense heat and low humidity.

The rainy season (June to October):

During this season, Thailand receives most of its rainfall. Precipitation is more intense, mainly from June to September, with the possibility of tropical storms and occasional typhoons in the southern region. Temperatures during the rainy season vary between 25°C and 30°C.

Time zone

The country follows the Indochina Time (ICT) time zone, which is equivalent to UTC+7.

This means that Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). For example, if in Brasília it is Saturday at 08:00 am, in Thailand it will be Friday at 22:00.

Brazil is 10 hours ahead of Bangkok.

Thailand does not follow Daylight Saving Time, so there are no time zone changes throughout the year.

Money

The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB), which is made up of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Baht notes.

Coins are available in 1, 2, 5, and 10 Bahts, as well as smaller 25 and 50 satang coins, although these satang coins are not widely used.

The Baht is the only legally accepted currency in the country and is widely used in all commercial transactions.

Currency exchange:

Because Bath is not a widely traded currency, exchanging in your home country is often the worst option.

The second worst is to change at the airport. I usually change only what I need to get to the city at the airport, as foreign currencies are not accepted in Thailand on a daily basis.

Bank exchange kiosks:

They are available at airports and in all tourist areas in Thailand.

The exchange rate is higher than if you go directly to the bank.

Using banks directly will give you better exchange rates than using an ATM.

ATM (ATM):

ATMs are the obvious choice for withdrawing cash.

However, ATMs do charge some fees, so you need to factor in your bank’s charges.

I usually first check with my bank which ATM brands they have an agreement with.

Then, if there isn’t one in place, I start the transaction and see what the rate is and choose the lowest value.

While not the best in terms of risk, bringing cash to exchange is the most favorable option.

And exchanging that money at an independent kiosk often works best.

You just have to pay attention to the reliability of the place.

Independent kiosks:

Currency exchange kiosks offer better rates than banks and can save you over 90% on exchange fees and cost as little as 0.05% of the transaction amount.

When exchanging USD for Baht, the best rate is given for $50 or $100 bills. Smaller notes get slightly lower rates.

Generally speaking, the condition of the banknotes does not have to be perfect. Some countries are very strict about this, but in Thailand, a few creases here, and there are no problems.

Below is a list of money exchange kiosks in Thailand.

Among independent kiosks the difference in fees is small and your choice is usually one of convenience.

However, Super Rich tends to offer the best rate and has become very popular in recent years. They have several kiosks in malls and stations in Bangkok.

Some kiosks in Bangkok.

Super Rich
Twelve Victory Exchange
MT Exchange
SIA Exchange
Vasu Exchange
K79 Exchange
jag exchange

Summary:

Carrying cash into the country and exchanging it at a kiosk like Super Rich will give you the best exchange.
Bring dollars in $100 bills if possible.
You must declare anything over $20,000 when entering the country.
The exchange at bank branches instead of their kiosks offers a moderately better exchange.
ATMs are for emergencies or if your bank has a good arrangement
Exchange only what you need for the next few days.
Spend or exchange any extra money for US$, as Bath is not accepted outside Thailand.

Value restrictions:

When entering or leaving Thailand, amounts greater than US$20,000 or equivalent in other currencies must be declared to customs.

This rule applies to any means of payment such as currency, checks, etc.

More information at Thai customs.

A little of history

Thailand’s history is rich and complex, stretching back thousands of years.

Prehistoric Period:

Thailand was inhabited by prehistoric peoples such as hunter-gatherers. Traces of ancient settlements have been found in various regions of the country.

The Dvaravati and Srivijaya Kingdoms:

Between the 6th and 13th centuries, the Buddhist kingdoms of Dvaravati and Srivijaya were influential in the region, introducing Buddhism and developing centers of commerce and culture.

Kingdom of Sukhothai:

In the 13th century, the Kingdom of Sukhothai was founded and considered the first independent Thai kingdom. Under the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng, Theravada Buddhism spread, and Sukhothai flourished as a cultural and political center.

Kingdom of Ayutthaya:

In the 14th century, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya emerged as one of the most powerful in the region. Ayutthaya became an important trading center, attracting foreign influences and becoming a wealthy kingdom.

However, Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.

Kingdom of Thonburi and Chakri Dynasty:

After the fall of Ayutthaya, General Taksin established the Thonburi Kingdom, which lasted from 1767 to 1782. After Taksin’s death, the Chakri dynasty began, with Rama I establishing the new capital at Bangkok in 1782. The Chakri kings ruled Thailand since then, and the constitutional monarchy remains an important part of Thai society.

European Colonization and modernization:

In the 19th century, Thailand faced pressures from European colonization but managed to maintain its independence. The country underwent a process of modernization and opening to the West under the reigns of Rama IV and Rama V.

20th century:

Thailand has undergone significant political changes, including periods of military rule. The country was involved in World War II and the Vietnam War, as well as undergoing economic and social reforms.

Contemporary Thailand:

For the past few decades, Thailand has been a democracy with alternating civilian and military governments. Tourism has become a vital industry for the country’s economy, and Thailand maintains an important position in regional and international politics.

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Culture

Spoken language:

The official and predominant language spoken in Thailand is Thai.

Thai is a tonal language, which means that the intonation of the tone when pronouncing a word can change its meaning. It is a complex language with its own writing system known as “Thai writing”.

Although Thai is the main language, there are also a variety of regional languages and dialects spoken in different parts of the country, especially in rural areas and among minority ethnic groups. Some examples of these languages include Lao, Khmer, and Southern Malay.

However, in the tourism sector and in more developed urban areas, it is common to find people who speak English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist places.

However, in some remote areas, English is limited.

Religion:

The predominant religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism has a significant influence on the culture, society and daily lives of the Thai people. About 95% of Thailand’s population identifies as Buddhist.

Theravada Buddhism is a traditional form of Buddhism, following the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
Thais often participate in Buddhist practices such as making offerings at temples, praying, meditating, and observing Buddhist precepts. Temples, known as “wat”, are sacred places where Thai people go to worship and receive spiritual guidance.

See my trip to Thailand here.

A minority religion is Islam, which is mainly practiced by the Muslim population in the southern regions of Thailand. There are also Christian, Hindu, and other minority religious communities scattered across the country.

Gastronomy:

Thai cuisine is known to be one of the tastiest and most varied in the world.

It combines a unique blend of flavors, aromas, and textures, resulting in delicious and vibrant dishes.
Thai food makes a balanced combination of flavors: sweet, spicy, sour, salty, and sometimes bitter.

It also has fresh ingredients as the basis of Thai cuisine. Herbs, spices, vegetables, fruits, and meats are used abundantly.
Some key ingredients include lime, lemongrass, coriander, ginger, garlic, chilli, fish sauce, and coconut milk.

Main dishes:

Pad Thai (fried rice noodles with vegetables, shrimp or chicken),

I like it a lot and it was my main order.

Tom Yum (spicy and sour soup with shrimp or chicken), I didn’t like it very much

Green Curry (green curry with coconut milk, vegetables and meat)

Massaman Curry (Spiced curry with meat and potatoes).

famous som tam

(spicy green papaya salad).

Khao Pad (fried rice)., be careful with the peppers, they are quite spicy.

Usually the cheapest dish.

Street Food:

Thailand is known for its rich street food culture. Across the country, you can find stalls and street vendors offering an incredible variety of dishes and tasty snacks, such as chicken skewers (Satay), fried noodles (Pad See Ew), and prawn dumplings (Hoy Tod).

Desserts:

Sweetness is also an important part of Thai cuisine. Desserts like Mango Sticky Rice (mango with sticky rice cooked in coconut milk) and Thai Iced Tea (Thai iced tea with condensed milk) are quite popular.

OBS: Be very careful when eating on the street, as you don’t always have the necessary hygiene.

I’ve always been very careful about where I eat and I haven’t had any problems, but I certainly haven’t eaten anywhere.

I take into account hygiene, how fresh the food is and especially if there are a lot of people eating, not that this is an indication of good food, but that it is the freshest.

And of course eat everything cooked, avoiding food poisoning.

What to do in thailand

Thailand offers a wide range of experiences and attractions for visitors. From idyllic beaches, stunning islands, and mountain trekking, to visiting ethnic elephant sanctuaries, river boat trips, and much more

Explore Bangkok:

The capital, Bangkok, is a vibrant city with a mix of tradition and modernity. Visit the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), and the floating markets.

Stroll through lively street markets, sample delicious street food, and enjoy the bustling nightlife.

The beaches and islands:

Thailand is known for its beaches and paradise islands. Explore popular destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Phi Phi Islands.
Relax on the white sandy beaches, go diving or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, and soak up the sun.

My trip to Thailand – trip around the world.

Visit Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand:

Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand known for its impressive temples, rich culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Explore historic temples, take Thai cooking classes, visit ethnic hill tribes, and attend the Yi Peng Lantern Festival if the season is right.

And of course, try Thai cuisine:

Take the opportunity to explore the rich and delicious Thai cuisine.
Take a food tour, take a cooking class or simply sample the many local dishes at restaurants and street food stalls.

When to go to Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand depends on your interests and the regions you plan to explore.

However, generally, the most recommended time is during the dry season, which runs from November to February.

During this period, the climate is milder and more pleasant throughout the country, with lower temperatures and less humidity. It’s a great time to visit beaches, enjoy outdoor activities and explore cities without facing extreme heat or heavy rain.

However, it is important to note that this is the peak tourist season, especially between December and January. Major destinations can get more crowded, and prices can be a little higher at this time.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and want a more relaxed experience, the time just after the rainy season, from March to May, can also be a good option. However, be prepared for higher temperatures and higher humidity.

I was there in May and it was really good.

The rainy season runs from June to October and can vary in intensity depending on the region. This time can be more economical to travel with fewer tourists, but it’s important to be aware that there can be frequent showers and occasional tropical storms.

How to get

We do not have direct flights between Brazil and Thailand.

There are several routes and airlines that offer flights between Brazil and Thailand, we have to go to Europe or the Middle East, such as Dubai. Doha.

As I was doing my round-the-world trip I entered Thailand by boat coming from Langkawi (Malaysia) to Satun (Thailand).

Cost

3 styles and their costs

Backpacker:

Staying in hostels (hostels) using shared dorms, doing your own food and/or local and cheap restaurants, using local transport, exploring the city on foot, and taking tours for free or cheaper.

Daily Spend: From $20.00 to $40.00 per day

Intermediary:

staying in hostels/economical hotels in private rooms, eating in an average restaurant, going to the main paid attractions, and using some taxis and Uber.

Daily spend: US$50.00 to US$80.00 per day.

Luxurious:

Staying in the best hotels, going to all the attractions, hiring more sophisticated packages such as using a helicopter, etc.

Daily Expenses: $150.00 and above per day.

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Total freedom of choice.
Lower cost because you do not have to pay anyone to do it for you.
You can change your plans at any time and for any reason.
You can cancel, change and simply do not pay fines or penalties.

Getting around

Airplane:

If you need to travel between distant cities, flying is a convenient and fast option.

Thailand has a network of domestic airports, and local airlines offer flights to many cities and popular tourist destinations.

Train:

The Thai rail system is an economical and scenic option for traveling around the country. There are train routes that connect several major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and Surat Thani (near Koh Samui). Night trains are also popular for longer journeys, offering sleeping accommodations.

I used train transport a lot, mainly in the most distant cities

Bus:

Buses are widely used in Thailand and offer an affordable option for moving between cities and tourist destinations. There are different types of buses available, from air-conditioned express buses to simpler local buses. The main bus stations are located in cities and are starting points for different routes.

Buses were my second choice of transportation, as they are cheaper and offer more options between cities.

Tuk tuk taxi:

Taxis and tuk-tuks are common in Thailand’s urban and tourist areas. Taxis are usually metered, while tuk-tuks usually require price negotiation before the trip.

The tuk-tuks are much cheaper and to avoid scams, I always used the ones hired with the help of the hostel.

Public transportation:

In big cities like Bangkok, there is a well-developed public transport system. The Skytrain (BTS), subway (MRT) and public buses are all convenient options for getting around the city. Public transport boats are also used to cross the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

I’ve used the subway a lot in Bangkok and it’s very easy and cheap and efficient.

Car or motorcycle rental:

For greater flexibility and independence, it is possible to rent a car or motorbike in Thailand. However, please be aware of local traffic rules, Thai driving style and road conditions.

Motorbike rental is very popular, especially in small towns, but it is very dangerous and has many scams.

I had contact with many tourists who had accidents and with that ended the trip, in addition to many scams.

See my trip through Thailand.

How to communicate

To communicate in Thailand, it is important to note that cell phone coverage and internet quality can vary in remote areas and outlying islands.

In rural areas, internet connection may be more limited. Therefore, it is advisable to check the coverage and availability of communication services before traveling to these regions.

The best option is the Local SIM Chip: There are several operators, such as AIS, Dtac, and TrueMove, that offer prepaid plans with mobile data and calling minutes.

You can buy a SIM card from phone shops, operator kiosks, or at the airport.

The three main cellular service providers in Thailand offer ‘pay as you go’ deals for short and long-term travelers and have 3g/4g capability.

Popular plans include daily, weekly, and monthly deals that fit just about any traveler’s schedule.

Check out the best deals for each service below:

AIS: daily unlimited internet, unlimited weekly data for varying speeds, and monthly data – from US$8 to US$20.00
Truemove: daily unlimited internet, unlimited weekly data for varying speeds, and monthly data – from $2 to $18.00
DTAC: unlimited one or two weekly data for speeds from $8 to $18.00.

Wi-Fi:

Most hotels, restaurants, cafes, and malls in Thailand offer free Wi-Fi. Check if the place where you are staying has Wi-Fi and ask for the access password.

In addition, many public spaces have free Wi-Fi zones, such as airports and main squares.

Public phone locations:

In some areas, you can find public phone booths where you can make international calls using prepaid phone cards. These cabins are usually located in tourist areas.

Safety in thailand

Thailand is relatively safe to visit, although it has its dangers.

Petty thefts such as pickpocketing or purse snatching are more than common and you should expect them at every step.

Crime:

Violent crime has increased over the past two years, and assaults and robberies are not uncommon.

Transport:

Car rental has many completely new traffic rules for tourists, which they are not used to, which makes it difficult to integrate into the transport system.
Also avoid public transport, as this is where pickpockets operate, however with due care the metro and boats are safe.

Another danger, probably the most serious, in Thailand, and the main cause of death for visitors, are motorcycle accidents, which often occur on the narrow, mountainous, and winding roads of Phuket and Samui.

Scam risk:

Be prepared for the fact that most people who provide any kind of service to tourists in Thailand will probably try to rip you off.
Tuk-tuk drivers, fake police, and street vendors are possible scammers. Remember that ATMs are places where criminals try to steal PIN codes. Also, avoid drinking at local clubs and bars. There were many reports of tourists being drugged and then robbed.

Here are the 13 Travel Scams To Prepare You And Stay Safe.

Full Moon Party – Island of “Koh Phangan”

It is known that there has been frequent theft of passports, credit cards, and money during the Full Moon Party on the island of Koh Phangan. Thieves take advantage of the presence of tourists at the party and enter hotel and guesthouse rooms, perhaps with the help of employees from those establishments.

On the other hand, there are reports of gang attacks against tourists in Koh Phangan.

Possession and use of drugs, whatever the amount, are punished with great severity under Thai law.

Law of Lesa-Majesty in Thailand.

Disrespecting monarchs, the Royal Family, and their ancestors is punishable as a crime of Injury to the Majesty (art. 112 of the Penal Code), liable to imprisonment for a period ranging from 3 to 5 years.

The concept of disrespect adopted is comprehensive and also severely affects virtual environments.

Examples of criminalized conduct: not standing up when the Royal Anthem is played (sung before film screenings, concerts, shows, and sporting events); comic use of images, such as playful prints on clothing, or real names; open criticism of the monarchy.

Condemnations for Injury to Majesty remain in use and are not relaxed for foreigners.

The index ranks countries from 0 to 100, with 0 to 33 being the most dangerous, 33 to 66 being somewhat safe/dangerous, and 66 to 100 being the safest.

See more details here.

Documents and Vaccine

A visa is not required for Brazilians wishing to enter Thailand for tourism or business, with a stay in the country limited to 90 days.

I entered via Land en Satun and had no problem getting in.

A passport must be valid for at least six months

Brazilians are required to present the International Certificate of Vaccination (CIVP), issued by Anvisa, which contains valid immunization against yellow fever.

Driver’s license:

Under Thai law, drivers to drive in Thailand must have a Thai driver’s license.
Foreign driver’s licenses or international licenses are not accepted to drive in the country, not even in the case of passing tourists (except licenses issued by some neighboring countries of Thailand).
Car rental companies in Thailand sometimes rent a car to foreigners who only have a driver’s license from their home country, accompanied by an English translation, or an international license.
However, in the event of an accident, the fact that the driver was not carrying a valid driver’s license may result in the vehicle’s insurance policy being invalidated, and the driver may then have to pay high expenses and even be charged with illegal driving.

More details at the Thai embassy in Brasilia.

Planing your Travel? Tips and Tricks

Here are tips and tools to make the journey more enjoyable.

If you still have doubt.

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Book your accommodation.

If you prefer Hostel a great tool is Hostelwold, If you want besides hostels, other options use the Booking.com. I have used both very often and always find the best prices.

Travel insurance.

Insurance is what we never want to use, but it is traumatic if we need and not have it.
It will cover the costs of any eventuality of illness, injury, theft and / or ticket cancellations, etc. It is extremely important to have as you never know what can happen.
I have used the WorldNomads, which always have the insurance coverage that travelers need, in addition to having coverage worldwide.