Thailand Travel & Health Tips

Thailand is an open country with a well-developed infrastructure, well-maintained roads and excellent public transport facilities. Be it by bus, train, minivan, or plane, you will never struggle to reach any province within Thailand. Thai people are frequent travellers themselves and will happily travel long distances to visit their relatives or to visit temples in regions hundreds of km away.

Travelling by train or bus is considerably cheaper than flying; however, the journey will be substantially longer. Going from the Northernmost part of Thailand to the southernmost part on a bus or train will take around 24 hours of non-stop travel. Make the same journey by plane, and it will take 1-2 hours; however, the cost of the flight can be 2-3 times the cost of the bus or train.  

There are very cheap buses that don't have air conditioning, and these are typically crowded. I recommend booking a first-class bus or even a VIP bus so that you have a toilet and air conditioning throughout the journey. Some bus companies also give you a snack box and a cold towel to wipe yourself down with, and they stop halfway through the ride and provide you with a coupon to eat some food and drink some water all included in the ticket price.   

Taxis are found only in large provinces, they are always very brightly coloured and have fare price meters. If you ever get in a cab and the driver doesn't turn on the meter, politely ask them to switch it on and if they refuse to ask to stop and get out. If you book a taxi through a hotel there can be an extra charge added, it can be more convenient but also more expensive. Sometimes going outside the hotel to hail a cab can save you $10 (USD); however, you then need to explain to the driver where you want to go, whereas the hotel receptionist will take care of all of that for you!

Tuk-Tuks are an 'Icon' of Thailand and can be found in many provinces, especially tourist spots. Tuk-Tuks are motorized tricycles and have a roof but no windows. They are very loud and are open to the weather, exhaust smoke and insects, however, they can be a lot of fun. Many Tuk-Tuk drivers decorate there rides with lights and decorative items to attract more customers. Tuk-Tuks do not have meters, and you will have to haggle the price, ensure to set the price before you get in and set off with the driver.   

In the central areas of Bangkok, there is a Sky train (BTS) and an Underground (MRT), the system is very vast and quite cheap. They are clean and safe and a great alternative to using taxis or a tuk-tuk.

Hiring a car is possible throughout the tourist spots; however, many people find it quite a hair-raising experience to drive themselves in Thailand. Note that driving is the same as the UK on the left with the steering wheel on the right. There is a highway code in Thailand, and many of the rules of the road are similar to that of other nations; however, it is relatively easy to get a driving license in Thailand and many drivers seem to completely ignore the rules of the road. The roads are well maintained, and there are even tollways for the Bangkok area, which allow for faster travel times. Petrol is very cheap in Thailand compared to other nations it is only slightly taxed, making long journeys by car very economical.   

Renting a scooter/motorbike is a possibility in Thailand as well as hiring a motorcycle taxi which you sit on the back and get taken to the destination of your choosing. However, as mentioned above, be careful on the roads; it is usually very hectic, and people can tend to drive very erratically. Always wear a helmet and if possible some protective and reflective clothing. If you are involved in an accident, try not to get involved in discussions and wait for the police to arrive. In Thailand, it is not advisable to display anger or get involved in heated debates, or get involved in yelling matches! Getting irritated, and even presenting legitimate & logical rationalization about the accident will only make matters worse, as detailed in my informative blog Introduction to Thailand Part 4-Stay Calm, Be Considerate & Smile.

Trains in Thailand are safe, clean and very cheap. They are not fast trains so for long distances expect longer journey times and even sleeping on an overnight long-distance journey in either a first-class cabin or a second class bunk bed. The Thai government has pondered building a fast train network for many years, however, as of yet, nothing has come into fruition.  

In the Bangkok area, you can utilize the many waterways that spread out across the bustling capital city. There are frequent ferry services across the city, and they can be a lot of fun and much faster than travelling by road. Ferries also allow you to see the capital from a different perspective and make for some exciting snapshots to upload to Instagram.  

Walking in Thailand is not really an option. It is sporadic to see Thai people walking due to the heat and the pollution in the capital city. Even in the provinces, people rarely walk, and pavements are not yet provided in many places. If you do walk around you will have dodge, bob & weave past food stalls and electric poles and be especially vigilant and zebra crossings, because in Thailand drivers won't stop. If you come to a zebra and other pedestrian crossings you will have to wait until it is clear before taking a step out into the road.   

If flying is your thing and you are blessed with the funds, then you will be pleased to know that many of the provinces have airports. Many airports across the nation have even become international airports. There are low local low-cost airlines as well as some boutiques services to suit every type of traveller. Flight times across the nation are rapid; however, most provinces fly to Bangkok and then you have to switch flights to your next destination. Bangkok airports are used as hubs to get to all other areas in Thailand. 

Thailand is a very safe country to travel in and crimes against foreigners are relatively low. Thailand is no worse than any other country when it comes to crime. However, Do not be lulled into a false sense of security always keep an eye on your luggage and be mindful of pickpockets, especially in the tourist spots. 

Thai people really want foreign tourists to leave Thailand with a good impression of their country, so crime against foreigners is taken very seriously, and tourist police are on hand in all provinces.   

On the health side of things, if you behave sensibly, you can avoid illness. There is malaria and dengue fever in Thailand, however, cases are relatively low. To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and other bugs at night, use sprays and repellents, and cover your arms and legs. 

There are no mandatory vaccinations for Thailand unless coming from nations that are known affected areas, however, always discuss with your doctor before departing to see what they recommend. 

Be mindful of how much time you spend in the sun as it is scorching and easy to get sunstroke, ensure to use plenty of sunscreens when staying outside for prolonged periods., and it is advised to wear a hat and sunglasses and sit in the shade where possible. 

Drink a lot of water as you will become dehydrate, but be careful what you drink. The tap water in Thailand is reported to be safe for consumption; however, many people avoid it and choose instead to drink bottled water. Food poisoning is rare in Thailand as most food is stir-fried at high temperatures, however, be cautious of buffets where food sits for long periods under heat lamps.

If you do feel ill seeking medical attention is very easy, either go to a pharmacy which you will find dotted all over every town and city, most speak English, and you can tell them your symptoms. Many medicines are available over the counter in Thailand, including antibiotics, which is very different from other nations. If you know what medication you require, you may find that you do not need to consult a doctor before purchasing it.

If you feel your illness is more serious, go to a doctors clinic or hospital. There are doctors clinics in every town and city, and each one specializes in a different field of medicine. Most doctors speak fantastic English as they study medicine in English at university.

If you need to go to the hospital, know that government hospitals are bustling places, but they are very cheap in comparison with international private hospitals. The level of care at a government hospital is not drastically different from that of a private hospital; however, the cleanliness, the price and the privacy are areas where you may encounter a difference.

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