Travelling may be a pleasurable experience or a tiresome nightmare, depending on your planning and how effectively you handle unanticipated roadblocks. Whatever your destination, there are a few things you should know before going somewhere new. But, oh, how the world has changed in just a few (long) years, particularly in terms of worldwide travel in the aftermath of the pandemic. Despite changing travel restrictions, Thailand remains one of the greatest countries to visit. And, like everywhere else, there are problems in this famous holiday area. We want to assist you in preparing for the worst so that you can enjoy the finest of the Land of Smiles in 2022. Bangkok is one of those cities where you never get tired of visiting. You’ll always find something new and intriguing to see, do, and eat, no matter how many times you visit. It offers an unrivalled combination of food, culture, nightlife, shopping, and affordability in Southeast Asia. Such is the allure of the world’s most-visited city, which has held the title for the past four years. It makes no difference where you’re from or what you’re interested in. You’ll find something to your liking in Bangkok. If you’re going on a holiday to Thailand for the first time.
With all of the new visa and travel restrictions for entering Thailand in 2022, it’s critical that you stay up to date on the newest Thai government pronouncements. You don’t want to book your flights and arrive at the airport only to be denied entry because you neglected to book your quarantine hotel, your PCR test is invalid, or a portion of your application is missing. Visa requirements and travel limitations are, of course, only one component of trip preparation. You should also think about the weather and familiarize yourself with Thailand’s three seasons, which are likely to be rather different from those in your home country, especially if you’re coming from the northern or southern hemispheres (i.e. a non-tropical country). If you visit during the monsoon season, bring a poncho or umbrella with you. And, regardless of the season, make sure you have plenty of (non-chemical) sunscreen on hand.
Carefully select food suppliers. Fortunately, some of Thailand’s best features, such as its street cuisine, haven’t changed. Trying the world-famous Thai street food is still a must-do for any traveller. However, if you want to avoid the obvious, you must choose your food providers carefully. Restaurants with a large number of patrons are typically a good bet. If you notice a spot with a lot of locals, you know it’s a nice place to eat. Not only will it be beneficial, but it will also be better for sanitary reasons. Because of their high turnover rate, the majority of these establishments serve freshly cooked cuisine. Don’t eat anything that’s been sitting around for a while, even if it’s only been a few minutes. It’s understood that drinking straight from the tap is acceptable in the western world, but it should be avoided entirely in Thailand. You don’t want to contract any ailments or infections that aren’t required. Ice isn’t a problem because factories utilize water filters. Bottles of water can be purchased in a convenience store for around 6-10 baht each bottle, depending on the size and brand. The good news is that you can always buy a cold bottle of water to help you cool down. Ice is always a necessary part of existence.
Every year, Thailand will have to deal with dengue disease outbreaks. Covid-19 has been a problem in Thailand for over two years, but just because it’s garnered a lot of attention recently doesn’t mean the billion other ailments have vanished; they haven’t. We don’t want you to have the fever that a small mosquito bite might cause. At best, you’ll get flu-like symptoms from dengue fever, and at worst, you’ll have severe bone and muscular pain. As a result, it’s important to take precautions and purchase mosquito repellent from a nearby convenience store or supermarket. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, as the adage goes. Some of the things Thai people do may be counter to your own cultural norms. But keep in mind that you are a visitor to this country. Getting used to the local etiquette will help you avoid offending someone unintentionally and avoid a lot of confusion. You don’t want to come across as impolite or give Thais a negative view of outsiders. You don’t want to be “that guy” (or gal) who brings his country’s reputation into disrepute. When you travel abroad, you are automatically an ambassador. So take off one’s shoes when entering certain buildings, keep your hands to yourself when upset, don’t point your finger rudely, keep your feet off of tables/desks/chairs, don’t spit, wait in line, wear a mask indoors in public areas (current pandemic expectation), clean up your mess, dress appropriately, and always say “Khop Khun Krap.” You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.