First trip to Thailand: practical tips for a successful stay

Thailand is a dream destination, with heavenly beaches, majestic temples and delicious cuisine... A destination full of change of scenery and easy when you go with your family.

To fully enjoy your first trip, here are some practical tips to avoid any hassle and have an unforgettable experience!

Currency: the bath

At the time of writing this article 1€ = 35.09 Baht. To make it simple, when you see a price in baht, divide it by 35 and you will have the price in euros.

• Memo: 35baths = 10€ / 350baths = 100€

In Thailand, you pay almost everything in cash. Always take cash with you. Withdrawing money is easy, there are ATMs everywhere. Be careful of the charges though.

• tip : withdraw with a deferred debit card to avoid taxes.

Where to go in Thailand depending on the season?

The best time to visit Thailand is during the dry season, from November to February . The weather varies by region:

• October to December: Dry season, ideal for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the southern islands in the Andaman Sea. (Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta)
• January to May : The paradise islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. (Ideal January to mid-March)
• May to October : Rainy season, but some islands like Koh Samui remain pleasant.

Have a cheap local SIM card

As soon as you arrive, buy a prepaid SIM card to avoid extra costs. You can find SIM cards at the airport or in 7-Elevens. But the best value for money and ease is to get an e-SIM on an app like GoMoworld . You can buy it in France before you leave. To activate it, you need wifi so activate it before you leave Europe.

• Recommended plan : 8 to 15 days of unlimited Internet for around €10-15. If you are going for more than 15 days, take the 30-day plan for €20.

• Tip : Activate an eSIM before you leave via apps like GoMoworld

Understanding Transportation in Thailand

Transportation in Thailand is varied, during your trip you will certainly take taxi, boat, train. Unlike some countries, I do not advise you to rent a car, especially for a first stay. Taxis are cheap and you will be safe. Here is what you need to know:

🚕 Taxis and motorcycle taxi (Bolt, Grab)

• Use Grab or Bolt , the equivalent of Uber, to avoid price negotiations and unpleasant surprises.

• We pay directly on the app and keep our cash.
• Economical for the family

🏍 Tuk-tuks

• Fun experience but always negotiate before getting in.
• We always pay in cash! 🤑
• Tuk tuks in Bangkok are really expensive. The drivers are used to "picking up" newly arrived tourists, and don't hesitate to charge you double for a ride!
• Tip : Calculate your trip on Grab or Ubber, to get an idea of ​​the price then negotiate with your tuktuk driver.

Public transportation in Bangkok:

The metro's schedule is generally from 6:00 a.m. to midnight , with a frequency of 5 minutes during peak hours. Tickets are purchased from the vending machines located in each station.

🚇 Subway (MRT)

• Fast and air-conditioned, ideal for avoiding traffic jams in Bangkok.
• Buy an MRT Card for the metro. Fares vary depending on the distance travelled, ranging from 17 to 45 baht (0.50 and 1.50€) per trip on the blue line.

🚇 Skytrain (BTS)

• Buy a Rabbit Card for BTS
• Single ticket prices range from 17 to 62 baht , depending on distance.
• The unlimited day pass is available for 140 baht (€4).

🛶 Chao Phraya River Waterbus

• An authentic and inexpensive way to discover Bangkok.
• Prefer the orange boats (fixed rate of around €0.50).

The essential applications

• Grab / Bolt : Order a taxi without getting scammed.
• Google Maps : Essential for navigation.
• Whatsapp : The local messaging app, for organizing excursions.
• Get your guide or Tripadvisor : Book excursions. (even if most of the time there are ticket offices on site)

7-Eleven: your best ally

7 -Elevens are everywhere in Thailand and open 24/7. You can find one every 30 meters, it's the equivalent of our Lidl in Europe. My daughters wanted to try all the cakes on offer! There are often little children's gifts in the boxes, the packaging is so cute, the formats are small and really cheap.

In 7/eleven you will find:

• Snacks and hot meals at low prices. Don't hesitate to try lots of things.
• SIM cards and phone top-ups.
• Everyday and beauty products. Face masks are crazy.

🚨 If there is only one thing to try, it is this Chocolate Lava Cake . A fondant with a runny center for less than 1 euro. Once at the checkout, you will be offered to heat it. A delight 🍫🍫🍫

Treat yourself to this croque-monsieur for less than 1 euro. As with the fondant, the person at the checkout will heat it up for you in the toaster.

How to behave in temples?

Respecting the traditions of the country you are visiting is an integral part of traveling. You must explain these things to your children and strictly respect them.

• Wear covering clothing (cover shoulders and knees).
• Take off your shoes before entering .
• Do not turn your back on Buddha statues for a photo.
• Speak softly and avoid noisy behavior within temple grounds.
• Bells can be rung in temples but without touching the bell.

According to belief in Thailand, ringing the gong 3 times brings good luck and ringing the bells purifies the soul of evil spirits, brings joy, blessing and long life .

By following these tips, your first trip to Thailand will be a smooth and rewarding experience. Enjoy your trip!