Thailand is a legendary solo destination and has been from the 1970s when the first intrepid backpackers came to these shores. Thailand has definitely matured into a massively popular destination attracting everyone from the very wealthy from the Middle East to shoestring backpackers from China and other Asian countries.
Is Thailand still cheap?
Thailand may have matured as a destination but it’s still affordable, providing you steer clear of the resort areas like Samui and Phuket. That being said, there are even pockets of affordability on these islands too, but you won’t be finding a cheap single room overlooking the beach anymore!
The Thai currency has been one of the strongest currencies in the world for a number of years, so it’s not quite the bargain place it was.
Is it too expensive for a solo traveler?
Every tourist town and beach destination has hostels which are probably going to be your best bet if you are traveling to Thailand alone, but there are still cheap rooms that can be had, even in places like Bangkok.
And what can I do in Thailand traveling on a budget?
In Thailand there are many things you can do either for free or at a very low cost. For example, there are many bars in Thailand where you can order something to drink for free or at a very low cost and enjoy live music. And if you want to taste something local, ask for some local beer like Leo or Singha, or dare with the local rum, very popular among the locals in Thailand and not “for its flavor”.
Thailand is also very famous for its markets, an ideal place to buy clothes or travel items at very low prices. In addition, these markets are also a good place to eat cheaply and in a varied way since the dishes change depending on the area of Thailand in which they are located. Finally, the entrance to the temples is normally free and a good place to spend a few hours.
What is the best time to travel to Thailand?
Due to its tropical climate, Bangkok and Thailand is a fairly hot and humid country throughout the year. However, if you are doubting when to travel to Thailand depending on the weather, you should know that the best time is from November to February , during which the temperatures are somewhat milder.
Many travelers wonder if going on vacation to Thailand in August or September is recommended. We would say that these months are not the best time to make your route through Thailand, since the monsoons extend from May to October, with the rains concentrated depending on the area: mainly in September and October in the central and northern areas of the country, from May to October on the west coast, and from October to December on the east and south coast. On the other hand, making a trip to Thailand between the months of March and May is less advisable, as temperatures are higher, especially in the north.
Is a visa necessary to travel to Thailand?
No, to go on a trip to Thailand as a tourist , a visa is not required for most citizens from western countries, as long as the stay does not exceed 30 days. Yes, a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country is necessary.
If once in Thailand you decide to extend your stay, it is possible to do so for 30 more days by going to the immigration offices.
Is Thailand a safe country?
In general, Thailand is a country that respects tourists, since it is an important source of income. Even so, find out in the media, local authorities and in the Embassy about the changes in the political situation, which has happened in the last three years for a coup d’etat and for the succession of a new king, in order to know possible risk situations.
The year of official mourning for the death of the previous monarch has affected tourism in certain aspects: extreme respect has been due to the deceased, avoiding jokes in the street or on social networks and wearing muted colors. Recently this period has ended, the buildings of interest linked to the crown such as the Grand Royal Palace in Bangkok or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha should function normally.
As in any other destination, it is important to monitor our belongings, wallets and bags, taking care of pickpockets and those who practice pulls from motorcycles, especially in places crowded by tourists, leisure areas, shopping centers and very crowded transport.
In order to be able to be identified in emergencies or to carry out administrative procedures, it is convenient to always be documented with your passport and a paper or cloud copy.
Among other rules, it is important to know that the export of images and representations of Buddha , a religious object to which he is due, is subject to restrictions. Bets are illegal , also internet.
Before traveling to Thailand, check which areas to avoid and other safety recommendations on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of certain countries.
To make it easy for you to locate yourself if necessary, register with the Travelers Registry and inform your family about your plans, hotels and travel within the country.
What health issues should be monitored in Thailand?
As for vaccines to travel to Thailand , today, the only mandatory is that of yellow fever if you have recently traveled to a country where there is a risk of suffering from this disease. However, find out in your International Vaccination Center about mandatory or recommended vaccines (typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, etc.) depending on the type of trip you are going to take and your physical condition. In general, in Asia it is important to protect against mosquito bites
, especially in rural and coastal areas, since these insects can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue or Zika virus. Ask your doctor for information and protect yourself from bites with clothes that cover your entire body, repellents and mosquito nets. When you return from your trip to Thailand it is recommended that you have a medical exam if you feel unwell or have a fever. The Thai food is known for being one of the best in the world. However, in order to avoid food poisoning
, we must take special care with the water and food that we will consume during the trip, whose quality can be affected by heat and lack of hygiene depending on which establishments. Eat freshly cooked and hot food, avoid ice cream, salads and fresh vegetables, and peel the fruits. As for drinks, they should be taken without ice and water, always bottled.
Protect yourself from the sun with creams with a high protection factor and drink fluids frequently, especially on the hottest days.
If you are going to practice sports in nature, these in Thailand do not contemplate the same safety standards as in Europe. Therefore, take precautions, examine equipment well and avoid doing activities without medical or rescue coverage of travel insurance .
Is insurance necessary to travel to Thailand?
During a vacation in Thailand, the main incidents are related to emergency consultations and hospitalizations due to illness and accident, and lost and stolen luggage.
In order to receive medical assistance, you should know that Thailand has an efficient health service, although its costs are usually high. In some cases, hospitals only accept patients with a guarantee of payment. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase travel insurance before leaving for Thailand that includes a wide coverage of health benefits and has a high limit of medical expenses , in addition to repatriation and 24-hour assistance.
What is the currency of Thailand and how is it usually paid?
The official currency of Thailand is the baht. At the date of completion of this article, USD 1 equals THB 35.85 . It is possible to exchange euros and US dollars in cash in Thailand.
Most establishments in cities accept all types of credit cards . There is also a wide network of ATMs , from which it is possible to withdraw cash, with foreign cards. However, it is advisable to be careful when paying with credit cards and make sure that the concept and charge on the tickets correspond exactly to the purchase made.
Where should a Solo Traveler go in Thailand?
It is obvious that you will have to adapt the amount of things to do in Thailand to the number of days that your trip lasts. In order to make the most of your route through Thailand, try to focus on some islands or regions of the country and avoid traveling through very distant destinations. Otherwise, you will spend much of your trip on domestic flights, ferries or ground transportation.
Stay in Bangkok and see the Royal Palace, which houses the famous Emerald Buddha Temple, tour the Chinatown, take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River and shop at its shopping centers and markets, such as the Amphawa floating market.
Less than 100 km The city of Ayuthaya is located in Bangkok , whose tourist attraction is the historical park that houses ruins of fabulous temples. Another city in which to make a route of the temples is Sukhothai , whose historical park is also a World Heritage Site.
Visit Chiang Mai : This walled city known as the Northern Rose is a must on your route through Thailand if you want to enjoy its Buddhist temples and natural parks.
Enjoy nature in Kanchanaburi , where you can visit the bridge over the Kwai River and the Erawan Waterfalls.
Go hiking, canoe, or go on a safari in Khao Sok National Park , which will allow you to cross an ancient tropical forest where gibbons, deer and wild boars live.
Visit the White Temple , in Chiang Rai . This province, crossed by the Mekhong River, offers beautiful landscapes and villages.
Go to Phanom Rung , an ancient Khmer-style Hindu sanctuary complex built on top of a volcano. In April it hosts the Phanom Rung Historical Park Festival.
Did you already miss the islands and beaches of Thailand? Undoubtedly, among the plans to do in Thailand should be visiting some of these destinations.
- The island of Phuket , the largest in Thailand, is ideal for relaxing a few days during your trip. It is one of the most complete beach destinations, as it allows excursions to other smaller islands, partying or water sports such as kitesurfing in Chalong Bay.
- The small island of Koh Samet , the nearest Bangkok, hosts beautiful beaches, which are usually the least affected by the monsoons.
- A few hours from Bangkok, Koh Chang or the quieter elephant island, it is ideal for nature sports such as trekking, or to escape on beaches such as Lonely Beach or White Sands Beach.
- If one of your purposes in your trip to Thailand for free is to enjoy the Full Moon Party , you must go to the island of Koh Phangan, specifically to Haad Rin beach . The festival is celebrated every month on a full moon, although others are also celebrated.
- Speaking of festivals, one of the most famous in the country is the Floating Lanterns Festival or Yi Peng, which is celebrated in Chiang Mai coinciding with Loy Krathong, the full moon night of the twelfth month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar, which in The western calendar usually coincides with that of the month of November.
- Another beach destination in Thailand with great beauty is the island of Krabi . In fact, it is in this destination where Koh Phi Phi is located, where the movie “The Beach” was filmed. Traveling to Krabi will allow you to enjoy boating to smaller islands, to practice climbing or to visit natural parks.
- In Koh Li Pe , one of the most famous paradisiacal beaches in Thailand is located, such as Pattaya, which houses luxurious resorts, or Sunset Beach, ideal for watching the sunset.
- The quintessential destination for diving in Thailand is Koh Tao or Turtle Island, with wonderful bays on whose bottoms you can see sharks or green turtles. This island hosts schools that offer experiences and diving courses quite cheap.
Food : Thailand’s rich cuisine is reflected in its street food stalls and markets, where for 30-40 bahts (around € 1 ) you get generous and tasty dishes. The prices in the restaurants increase according to their sophistication, but in the most modest places the pad thai is around 60-80 bahts and the curries are 80-100, nothing exaggerated. Western food, easy to find in all tourist spots, is somewhat more expensive, but generally cheaper than in Europe. In short, your food budget will vary depending on the places and the type of food you choose.
Drink : Beer , that great friend. We have found the cheapest prices in Kanchanaburi or in less touristy places, with the large Chang around 50 bahts, the Leo about 55 and the Singha for about 65. In the rest of Thailand about 20-30 more expensive bahts and in places of glasses already shoot and usually range between 120-150 bahts. If you feel like drinking wine, prepare from 800 bahts the bottle …
How to call and connect to the Internet in Thailand?
Internet access in Thailand is generally good throughout the country. The Wi-Fi network is available in most hospitality, hotel and shopping centers at a good speed. If you wish to connect via mobile network, you can purchase a voucher with your current mobile company or purchase a SIM card at the establishments of some of the local companies (True, Ais, Dtac) and hire a prepaid subscription. The rates of these vary depending on the total amount of data you can consume, the speed and the connection time.
Make sure with your telephone company that you can make and receive calls during the trip and the cost of them. Remember that if you call from a Thai, fixed or mobile line, you must remove the national +66 prefix and include zero. Take your mobile phone, charger or portable battery, and write down the local emergency number, the Consulate number and the 24-hour assistance number of your insurance company.