1. Can I travel to Thailand right now?
Thailand has been open to tourists since January 2021, and as of December 2021, has allowed fully vaccinated travelers to enter the country without the mandatory quarantine restrictions.
However, as of July 2022, many of these restrictions have been lifted, making it even easier to get to Thailand on vacation now.
2. Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?
There are currently 64 countries for whom a visa is not required to enter Thailand, and those visa exemptions are being applied already after Thailand opened for tourism, allowing stays of between 14 days and 90 days, depending on your resident country.
19 countries are also eligible for the Thai Visa on Arrival for up to 15 days, for which the current fee is now 2,000 Thai baht (THB), to be paid on arrival and completion of the TM88 Visa-on-Arrival Form.
For everyone else, it is required to obtain the visa prior to departure from your resident country. Applications for Thai visas can be done online prior to travel or at an embassy.
The e-visa on arrival is a visa application you complete before departure for a visa issuance you get when you arrive in Thailand.
3. What are the COVID-19 travel restrictions for traveling to Thailand?
As per the Thai immigration department, as of 1 July 2022, there is no longer any requirement for the Thailand Pass registration, and travelers will only be required to show proof of either full vaccination (boosters are not required) or a negative COVID-19 test result completed within 72 hours before departure from the country of origin.
The COVID test may be an RT-PCR test or a professional ATK (RAT) antigen test and must be negative or non-reactive, and the test result document must state the name of the traveler, date and time of the test, and the type of test performed.
4. Is Thailand safe to travel? Especially for solo female travelers
In general, Thailand is considered to be one of the safest destinations in the world for solo female travelers. Thailand has a well-worn tourist industry, and is easy to travel around, even for women travelers.
Thailand has been a popular travel destination for a long time and has the complete infrastructure for backpackers, mid-range travelers, and luxury travelers alike. Nowhere is 100% safe, and Thailand does have its share of opportunistic crimes, such as pickpockets and scammers.
Thailand is also a strict Buddhist country, and while it may be less conservative in Bangkok, the rest of the country is still devout.
5. How long do I need to visit Thailand?
On average, most people traveling to Thailand spend around ten days to two weeks in the country, and this is ideal if you really want to see what the country has to offer. Especially since there is more to Thailand than Bangkok or Phuket.
A shorter trip of a week is possible, and you will be able to get to see some of the best highlights of the country.
A longer 14-day trip allows you to cover more of the country, and gives you the chance to travel north to Chiang Mai and down south all the way to Trang and Pattani.
6. Should I visit both north and south Thailand?
Without a doubt, if you want to experience the diversity of culture in Thailand, then a Thailand tour should include the northern mountain regions as well as the coastal beach paradises in the south.
Not only are the landscapes and cities very different from Chiang Mai to Phuket, but the actual Thai culture changes somewhat as you travel north into the mountain regions. But wherever you go, you can be assured of that renowned Thai hospitality.
7. What are the top things to do in Thailand?
Bangkok is a must-see for anyone heading to Thailand, even if it is just for a one-day sightseeing tour of this amazing and extravagant city, where high-rise skyscrapers sit beside ancient Buddhist temples.
The same can be said of the astounding city of Chiang Mai in the north, one of the most popular destinations for tourists and a flourishing base for backpackers and explorers. This mountain region is a must for anyone who likes to get out into the rural regions of the country.
A former capital that lies in the Chao Phraya River valley, Ayuthaya is well worth visiting, as the city sits on an island surrounded by the confluence of three different rivers.
And there is no doubt that everyone wants to spend at least a day or two relaxing on Thailand’s world-famous beaches.
8. How much does a trip to Thailand costs? Any budget travel tips?
The cost of a Thailand tour does actually depend on where you go.
The whole beach scene on the southern islands tends to be more expensive, and Bangkok is not the cheapest place to go.
But as you head further into the interior of Thailand, moving north and northeast, the costs become less and more easily affordable.
In the south, you can expect to pay around 40-80 dollars per day each, whereas in the north or northeast, the costs can be as low as 30-40 dollars per day each.
The best tip for Thailand traveling is to utilize the well-worn backpackers’ trail in the country, as the accommodation is cheap but well-kept and clean. And most places have free breakfast.
9. What are the do’s and don’ts in Thailand?
Thailand is another Buddhist country, so the usual “don’ts” apply, such as don’t touch the heads and feet of other people, don’t point your feet at statues and religious icons, don’t point with one finger (use your whole hand), don’t put your feet on things, don’t disrespect the Royal Family (this could get you arrested), and don’t disrespect the Buddha.
The list of “dos” is lighter, including Do take your shoes off when entering a house or temple, and even in some restaurants and shops; do dress properly, as too much skin is considered disrespectful; do respect the monks, and bow when you meet them; always return a “wai” or bowed greeting in Thailand, as this is how Thais traditionally greet each other formally; and do use a spoon, as the normal cutlery in Thailand is the spoon and fork. And finally, DO remember to smile, because this is known as the Land of Smiles.
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