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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your questions

Are you going to Thailand soon? Then you might have some questions about vaccinations, the weather or something else. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

What is the best time to visit Thailand?

When asked what is the best time to take an individual tour of Thailand, we have a simple answer: anytime. After all, it is warm all year round and the sun shines most of the time.

There are three seasons:

  • The hot season in March, April and May.
  • Next is the rainy season in Thailand: from late March, early April to October.
  • And third is the dry season, broadly from November to the end of February.

The weather in Southern Thailand

It still does matter where in Thailand you are, as southern Thailand differs from this. Actually, they only have a wet and a dry season there. In Krabi and on Phuket, Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta on the western side by the Andaman Sea, showers can fall from May to the end of October (and especially in September and October). While on the east side (Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan) by the Gulf of Thailand, it really only rains between October and mid-December. June, July and August are dry and pleasant there.

What vaccinations do I need for Thailand?

Inform yourself well about any vaccinations as part of preparing for your Thailand trip. Recommended vaccinations for Thailand are:

  • DTP: diphtheria, tetanus and polio. You can catch it while travelling through contaminated water and food, street dirt or coughing, for example.
  • Hepatitus A. This is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver.

Before travelling, always check with a qualified doctor to see if any personal or travel-related vaccinations are needed.

What are the dress codes for temples in Thailand?

For temples, you should dress decently. That means never bare shoulders (this applies to men and women) and no overly bare legs. Long trousers or skirt/dress is better (no leggings), but shorts or skirts that come down to the knee are no problem.

An exception is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. There, visitors must wear long trousers, skirts or dresses anyway to enter. You can also bring a sarong, wrap skirt or large scarf to cover legs or shoulders on the spot.

thailand north thailand chiang mai doi suthep temple
Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai

Do I need to bring a travel plug?

The mains voltage in Thailand is 220 V and the frequency 50 Hz. Most sockets will fit European plugs. Should you unexpectedly come across an outlet where this is not the case, you can easily buy a travel plug at, for example, the 7-eleven, Tesco or Big C.

What local customs should I take into account in Thailand?

We have two important tips for you:

  • Getting angry is pointless. Thai manners are staunchly polite and respectful. That includes a smile and a muffled voice. You should also use these when you want to get something done. Getting angry means losing face and Thai people want to avoid that. Raising your voice will make most Thai retreat into their shell and nothing will happen.
  • Pay attention to head and feet. According to the Thai, the head is the home of the mind, so you treat that with respect. You can’t just touch someone’s head in Thailand, that’s inappropriate. Feet are considered low, so don’t point your feet in someone’s direction or put them on the table.

Can I rent a car or scooter there?

You can, but we advise against it because of the many accidents that happen there. If you do want to rent a scooter or car, you will need an international driving licence.

Is tipping customary in Thailand?

Many slightly more expensive restaurants now have a service charge on the bill, but in general, a tip is a welcome addition to the often meagre income of a waiter, chambermaid or taxi driver. 20 Thai baht is already a reasonable tip for a waitress or someone carrying your luggage. Thai do not tip taxi drivers very much. They round up the amount, provided the driver drives on the meter.

Is it safe to travel around?

Thailand is a safe and enjoyable country to travel independently, but you just have to keep paying attention just like at home. Most accidents happen in traffic. Watch carefully when crossing the road or getting off a bus. This is because mopeds pass on all sides and meander between everything. There are pedestrian crossings, but rarely will a driver actually stop. Also, don’t run to quickly cross when you see that the traffic light is still on green. As soon as no other people cross, everyone starts driving again, even if the light is still red.

Watch your belongings carefully and keep valuables (such as passport) in the hotel safe and take a copy of your passport with you. It’s also handy to always have some smaller denominations on hand so you can easily pay for something quickly (and pay cash).

thailand bangkok street food
Eating street food in Bangkok

Can I eat on the street there?

Definitely, and we highly recommend giving it a try. Keep your eyes peeled and rely on common sense. Has the meat been there for a long time? Are there a lot of Thai customers? Is it properly fried or deep-fried? You can eat great food in Thailand for very little money, so make sure you enjoy the pad krapao moo (fried pork mince with basil)!

Can I drink water from the tap in Thailand?

It is better not to. You can buy bottled water anywhere for little money.

What if I get sick?

Medical facilities in Thailand – especially in the somewhat larger cities – are excellent. The training of doctors and nurses, as well as the quality of hospitals, is at a very high level, especially the international hospitals in Bangkok. So should anything arise, you need not fear irresponsible medical and hygienic conditions. If you want to consult a doctor, go to a hospital.