Thailand is a great place to travel in Asia. hassles are limited, English-language signs are commonplace, and you can get around easily at almost any time of the day or night.
There are a few things travelers should know. Make the most of your trip with these tips.
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There are dangerous conditions for travel by sea during the rainy season in Thailand. From October to December, the southeast coast and the Gulf of Thailand gets a bit of a soaking.
Some accommodations close and ferry services to the Tarutao archipelago stop running during the rainy season, but it's still cheaper and less crowded. Pack some kind of wet weather gear if you decide to visit this time.
Most doctors recommend a vaccine against tetanus and hepatitis A. There is Malaria along the borders with Cambodia, Laotian, and other countries. If you go to these regions, use anti-malarials such as atovaquone.
You can book ahead for the busy tourist season from November to March if you have your heart set on a particular trip. You can call or email to find out if places are open.
The standard greeting in Thailand is a respectful dip of the head with the hands in front of the chest. The other person should initiate the handshake. If you are invited to a Thai home, you should remove your shoes before entering and avoid pointing the soles of your feet at someone else.
The national religion of Thailand weaves through every aspect of life. Before entering any Buddhist structure, remove footwear and wear clothes that cover the shoulders and upper arms.
Don't touch the Buddha statues on the head or the Buddhist image on the soles of your feet. Don't sit next to monks on public transport and walk on footpaths. Women are not allowed to touch a monk or their belongings.
Thai women and men don't wear revealing outfits. If you visit religious sites, wear a sarong or fisher's pants and cover your shoulders if you wear swimsuits. It is against the law to be topless or nude in public.
lse-majesté is a criminal offense in Thailand and the monarchy is respected very seriously. Don't disrespect the monarch or depictions of the royal family.
Everything arrives at the table at the same time, usually placed in the center of the table for everyone to share. In the 19th century, Thailand stopped using chopsticks. Most dishes are bite-sized so you won't need a knife. The sticky rice is eaten with the fingers.
In Thailand, fish sauce, oyster sauce and egg are used to cook. Indian-owned vegetarian and kin jay Buddhist restaurants are the best places to go if you don't want to eat fish or meat. If you're not sure if it's jay, ask the person making the food if it's a vegetarian meal.
Travelers face a lot of stomach bugs in Thailand. Don't drink tap water, wash your hands before eating, and be careful with fruit and vegetables that have not been washed. Private hospitals in larger cities are better for unwell people.
Thailand's tropical climate makes it easy for mosquitoes to transmit diseases. Bring a mosquito net or mosquito spray. If you get bitten by a dog, cat or monkey, seek medical attention.
Marijuana and cannabis were removed from Thailand's narcotics list. Smoking marijuana in public is not a good idea.
It is not worth the risk to cross borders with Class A drugs, even if you have small amounts. Smoking in public can get you fined. Before you go to Thailand, make sure that you take your prescription medicines.
Thailand is hassle-free, but tourists are often charged inflated prices for tuk-tuks and unmetered taxi rides.
Major tourist sites are popular stalking grounds for unscrupulous cab drivers and tsars who will try to steer you towards dubious souvenir shops, fake "tourist offices" and second-rate places to stay, where you'll inevitably pay more to cover their commission. It's a good idea to book transport directly with the operators.
Thailand's sex industry can find you either way. Single male travelers can expect to be approached by sex workers and so be prepared with a firm refusal.
Red or pink strip lights, skimpily dressed female staff and lots of foreign male customers are warning signs that a bar or restaurant is a front for sex work.
There can be many protests in Thailand. Tensions between the government and opposition can lead to blockades and sometimes violence. Local news sites such as the Nation can be used to get information on political troubles.
The far south of Thailand, along the Malaysian border, has been wracked by an insurgency for the past 70 years. Foreign governments advise against travel to the districts of Yala and Pattani.
If you're going to Thailand to rent a scooter or motorcycle, make sure you have a valid home driving license and a copy of your ID with you.
Hundreds of tourists are injured in motorcycle and scooter accidents in Thailand every year, so it's important to wear a helmet and ride cautiously. You should always give way to larger vehicles on the road because of the dangers.
Thailand is prone to earthquakes and floods during the rainy season. In the event of a natural disaster, you should contact your embassy for up-to-the-minute information on how to evacuate.
The article was updated in November.
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