The Land of Smiles is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and there are many reasons why; the rich culture, the tranquillity of a Buddhist land and the clear blue ocean waters are just some of the attractions that await the foreign tourist. If this is your first time in Thailand, here are a few tips to make your holiday a memorable experience.
• Learn to speak basic Thai – Thai people are warm and friendly when they meet foreigners and even more so when you try to communicate in their language. Imagine that you are staying at the amazing Mövenpick Myth Hotel Phuket and you can’t remember how to get back to your hotel. If you know some basic Thai, you can ask locals for directions. There are free online lessons for beginner Thai speakers and you can do this prior to your arrival, which is ideal.
• Health insurance – No one knows the future and without health insurance, an emergency medical issue could wipe out your savings. You can compare premiums using Google and a secure online payment activates your cover. The provider offers a wide range of health & travel insurance health packages, so there will be one that works for you.
• Do some online research – Let’s say you are planning to stay at a top-rated hotel in Phuket, search Facebook groups of expats living in Phuket and you will get the answers to all your questions. Many retiree expats have time on their hands and love nothing more than helping holidaymakers via social media groups. Find out about hidden attractions that are not on the tourism map and you’ll be glad you did! Click here for how to stay healthy while travelling.
• Use mosquito spray/cream – The Thais light mosquito coils that deter the blood-suckers, yet we think covering exposed skin in mosquito cream/spray is a better way to ensure you don’t get Malaria or Dengue Fever. It is especially important at dawn and dusk when the mozzies are out in force and this repellent will last a few hours before you need to reapply. We don’t advise taking anti-malaria medication, as it usually makes you sick for a week.
• Understand the seasons – Thailand has a tropical climate; the high season is the Thai winter, which runs from November to February, when you can expect slightly lower temperatures (20C- 35C), then comes the Thai summer in March April and May; temperatures can reach 45C in April. The monsoon season runs from the middle of May to the end of October, which lasts an extra 4-6 weeks in the south of Thailand.
Thailand is the land of plenty and the people are service-minded and welcome foreigners; one thing is for sure, you will be returning to the Land of Smiles at some point in the future. Whether the stunning beaches of Phuket or the mountainous beauty of Chiang Mai, Thailand will capture your heart.
