If you have chosen Thailand as your next holiday destination, you certainly aren’t alone, as the Land of Smiles is one of the premier tourist destinations in the world. You are obviously excited about the coming adventure and to help you prepare for the holiday-of-a-lifetime, here is our checklist for a holiday in Thailand.
- Correct visa – It depends on your nationality as to how long you receive visa-free. Some countries receive 30 days on arrival, while others can only stay for 15 days. You can apply for a tourist visa from your local Thai Embassy, which gives you 60 days and you can extend for a further 30 days. Whatever happens, do not overstay your visa, as this can lead to deportation and a ban from returning to Thailand. If you are staying at a Pattaya beach hotel, they fill out the immigration forms on your behalf.
- Health insurance – We definitely do not recommend going abroad without health insurance; medical treatment can be very expensive in Thailand. Google can take you to an insurer’s website and you can activate the policy online.
- Medication – If you are on any medication, make sure you bring sufficient for the duration of your stay, as some drugs are not available in Thailand.
- Light clothing – No need to pack any cold weather clothing; you only need light cotton T-shirts, shorts and a few pairs of casual long pants. Many travellers arrive with nearly empty suitcases and they buy good quality clothes in Thailand and go home with full bags! Click here to find out why Bangkok is a top destination for digital entrepreneurs.
- Small first aid kit – You never know when you might need some iodine and plasters, so take a small first aid kit with you and you will probably need it at some point.
- Thai phrase book – Either that or make good use of Google Translate, which is an amazing tool. You will need to ask for directions and order in restaurants, so make sure you at least know numbers in Thai to help when buying things.
- Traveller’s cheques – The best way to travel with money is buy travellers cheques, which you can change at any exchange booth; if you wish to change dollars for Thai baht, don’t do it at the airport; there are exchange booths in Bangkok, such as Super Rich that offer the best rates.
- International Driving Permit – If you plan on renting a bike or car, you will need an IDP, which allows you to drive for 3 months; longer than that and you need to apply for a Thai driving licence.
- Mozzie repellent – Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can walk around in the evening and not get attacked by swarms of mosquitoes; the best solution is to take spray-on repellent and apply it before you go out in the early morning or evening.
We hope the above checklist helps you to prepare for the ultimate holiday in Thailand and it turns out to be a magical experience.
