A Step By Step Guide To Planning A Trip To Thailand

Thinking of travelling to Thailand?

From the very first time I stepped off the plane in Bangkok in 2012, to the many times that followed over the years, Thailand still always has me in awe whenever I visit. No matter if you decide to go for just one week or three weeks, there is just so much diversity you can experience during a trip to Thailand.

The north offers stunning mountains, flowing rivers and lush rice terraces and then there is the south, with its deep blue and turquoise waters that are perfect for island hopping, snorkelling and scuba diving.

So how do you prepare for a trip to Thailand? Here is everything you need to know to help you plan an amazing trip to the Land of Smiles.

Step 1: Know The Best Time To Visit Thailand

With an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (86° Fahrenheit), you can visit Thailand all year round really.

If you want to travel comfortably without too much sweating and without too much rain, the best time to visit is during the dry, cool season between November and early April (winter months).

The climate actually varies between the north and the south of Thailand. It also varies between the eastern and western coasts. The winter months of November, December and January are great on the west coast around Phuket, especially if you come to Thailand for diving and snorkelling, as conditions are favourable then.

On the east coast, around Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, the weather is good for most of the year. The lowest rainfall here is in February and March, and the highest occurs in October and November.

If you are on a budget, you should visit Thailand between March and September, because everything is cheaper and you can save real money as it is rainy season. But, even then, you will experience sunny days. It usually only rains for a few hours in the afternoon. The wettest months in Thailand are generally August to October.

Step 2: Decide If You Want To Travel In A Group Or Independently

I often get asked if I would recommend travelling to Thailand independently, or whether it’s better as part of a group. Well the answer is, it very much depends on you. Thailand is a wonderfully easy country to travel by yourself, with your partner or a travel buddy.

The country is very used to receiving visitors from all over the world, and many Thai people, especially those working in the tourism industry, speak good English.

In my opinion, organised tours are restricting and not flexible enough to explore the real Thailand. Some are also very expensive, even though Thailand is such a great, affordable country for all age groups, from backpackers to retirees.

I would only recommend joining an organised tour if you feel especially nervous about travelling independently, or if it’s a custom tour focussed upon a particular theme, like scuba diving or foodie adventures, where you will only discover the best spots with a knowledgeable local guide.

Step 3: Research The Visa You Need

To travel to Thailand, you may be able to take advantage of the visa exemption rule. Currently, Thailand grants passport holders of various countries (including the US, Australia, UK, Germany and New Zealand) to enter the country for 30 days without applying for a visa ahead of time, and if you are coming on a holiday and for tourism purposes only.

If you are planning a holiday to Thailand, check the eligible countries ahead of time and see if your passport qualifies.

Also, note that not all immigration checkpoints are created equally. Generally, when entering Thailand by plane you shouldn’t have any trouble entering if you have a return or onward ticket. If you are coming by land from any of the neighbouring countries, or in a bus or boat, the border checkpoint may operate differently, and you may only get a shorter stay of 15 days.

If you are planning to stay in Thailand for longer, there are a variety of options, such as getting a 60-day visa in advance or extending your 30 days at an immigration Office.

Step 4: Know How To Access Your Money In Thailand

Thailand uses the Thai baht, and 1 AUD currently buys you roughly 22 Thai baht. To check current rates, I like using XE currency converter. They also have a good mobile app, which is handy to use on the go, and while travelling through Thailand.

Credit cards like Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted throughout the country at hotels, restaurants and bigger malls. Make sure you let your bank know beforehand that you will be travelling to Thailand, as some banks may deny or block unexpected charges from overseas.

It is handy to keep some cash for bargaining at local markets and buying street stall food. ATMs to get cash out are all over Thailand and are usually easy to find and use. The language on ATM menus can be changed to English.

Withdrawals may incur a fee of 150-200 baht, depending on the machine and provider. Sometimes your financial institution at home may take an additional fee too, so just check with them ahead of time.

Step 5: Organise Your Travel Insurance For Thailand

Of course, you'll have to get travel insurance for your trip to Thailand. I have never travelled without travel insurance – but I know people who have and some of them have ended up regretting their decision.

On one of my trips to Thailand, I caught a nasty eye-infection (don’t ask me how but I guess, as someone who wears contact lenses, I may be more prone to this) and I had to go to the hospital for various tests and expensive medicine. On top of that, the island I was staying on didn’t have a private hospital with the right equipment, so I had to take a bus and a boat to get to the neighbouring island. All expenses were covered by my insurance in the end, and my eyes were good again after a week.

Once you experience something like this, you will never board a plane without travel insurance. And really, travel policies are very affordable these days!

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) are experts in all things travel insurance. With over 35 years of experience, they provide travel insurance tailored to your needs, from a single trip to multiple trips throughout the year; they got you covered.

Whatever you do, make sure you choose the right policy and don’t forget to add motorbike insurance, because I know you’ll be giving it a go in Thailand! While I’ve not needed to pay additional cover for any previous medical history, I would always make sure to tell the insurance provider as you never know whether an old medical condition could flare up again.

Having travel insurance gives you peace of mind, you stop worrying about what could go wrong and just be free and explore. And that’s what a trip to Thailand should be like!

Now, let's talk vaccinations for Thailand.

There are no specific vaccinations needed for Thailand, but it doesn’t hurt to check when you were last immunised. Most common for international travellers are hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and Tdap for tetanus. These will protect you for years to come as well.

Dengue fever is the biggest risk in Thailand and, since there is no vaccination for Dengue currently, it's best to know how to avoid mosquito bites like covering up in the evening and using mosquito spray and nets.

Step 6: Choose Where To Go In Thailand

When it comes to the question, ‘What’s there to see in Thailand?’, the answer is ‘Plenty!'

Thailand boasts with rich culture, historic sights as well as scenic beauty from the mountains in the north to the beach in the south.

If you are a nature and animal lover, Northern Thailand is your place to be. Go trekking, visit local villages, stuff your face with amazing food at the colourful markets and visit an Elephant sanctuary.

If you're a beach bum and you want to be swimming and island hopping all day long, Southern Thailand needs to be on your list. You can also combine both parts and make it a two week trip, so you get a taste of all that Thailand has to offer.

A week to ten days is usually enough to see Bangkok for one or two nights, explore Chiang Mai and finally visit one beach in the south. Then, the only question is which island you should choose. Decisions, decisions!

Personally, I love spending some time in Bangkok with temple and market hopping and eating my way around all around the city. Bangkok has the greatest variety and best Thai food in all of Thailand. It also has some great hidden gems that not many travellers get to see.

I have also spent a lot of time in Chiang Mai and love the cooler climate of Northern Thailand. If beaches are not your thing, definitely take your time to explore all the amazing things that Northern Thailand has to offer.

Step 7: Pick What To Pack For Thailand

Due to its warm climate, packing for Thailand is actually quite easy and lightweight.

Generally, people in Thailand dress more conservatively, especially around the southern parts where Islam is prominent and locals with headscarfs are a common sight. Sure, you can wear your bikini to the beach, but please don't do it when shopping at the markets or mall.

I recommend you choose light colours and fabrics that breathe like linen or cotton. Quick-dry fabrics are always a plus on Thailand's hot and humid days.

Opt for longer dresses that cover your knees and shoulders when you visit temples and sacred places as well as sandals that are easy to slip on and take off as you will not be able to wear your shoes inside any temple grounds.

Add sunglasses, a good sunhat and reef-safe sunscreen and you are set for a holiday in the south.

If you're planning to head to Northern Thailand to do some trekking in the mountains, waterproof hiking shoes and a light but wind and waterproof jacket will do wonders.

Leave your valuables, jewellery and jeans at home, they truly don't belong with you on this trip of a lifetime!

I hope you are ready to plan your trip to Thailand. If you follow my little guide step by step, I know you will get to explore some amazing places, meet incredibly friendly locals and it will be nothing but an awesome trip.

Happy travels to Thailand!