Thailand Travel Basics: Safety, Internet, Transport, and more

There are so many reasons to visit Thailand since the country has numerous destinations to explore. Though Thailand is generally a safe country to travel and stay, it is always better to guarantee that you know the Thailand travel basics in advance. These are basic information and some tips when traveling to Thailand.

Basic Information

1. Safety

Make sure you know emergency contact numbers and suitable hospitals. Also, it is always necessary to buy travelers’ insurance to be covered later just in case you get medical services, and so on.

1) Emergency Contact Numbers

If you have an emergency while traveling in Thailand, please do not hesitate to ask for help!

Organization	Contact number
Tourist police (English service)	1155
Police & General emergency	191
Emergency medical services	1669
Fire emergency	199
National Disaster	1860
General Crimes	1195
Rescue & Ambulance	1554
Bangkok tourist assistance center	02-281-5051

2) Hospitals

Below are major hospitals by region, and you may have fewer problems communicating with medical teams in English. Always buy travelers’ insurance before you leave for Thailand because medical expenses can be high. Also, do not forget to take your passport and credit card when visiting the Thai hospitals.

Region	Name	Contact number	Address
Bangkok	Thai Travel Clinic	02 354 9100	Ratchawithi Rd, Khwaeng Thung Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400
Pattaya	Pattaya International Hospital	038 428 374	255/4 หมู่ที่ 9 ถนน พัทยากลาง Soi Phatthaya Klang 4, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150
Chiang Mai	Ram Hospital	053 920 300	8 Bunrueang Rit Rd, Si Phum Sub-district, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200
Phuket	Siriroj International Hospital	076 361 888	44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd Tambon Wichit, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000
Krabi	Krabi Nakharin International Hospital	075 626 555	1 Pisanpop Rd Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000
Phi Phi Island	WORLDMED Hospital	080 428 4444	125/131-133 M, Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000
Hua Hin	Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin	032 616 800	888 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Hua Hin, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

2. Internet

Things you need for being connected to the internet and have phone calls in other countries are pocket wifi or a sim card. Do not forget to book in advance as you do not need to buy in the confusion after you arrive in Thailand. With this sim card, you can use unlimited data further even after you consume all of the original 4G max speed data. If you prefer portable pocket wifi, take advantage of the unlimited 4G LTE data anywhere within Thailand with this pocket wifi.

*Internet speed: According to the Speedtest Global Index which ranks mobile and fixed broadband speeds from around the world on a monthly basis, Thailand ranked 94th in the world for mobile speeds and 30th for fixed broadband speeds during July 2019.

3. Transport

Transport is the most tricky one you have to bear in mind when traveling in unfamiliar places. Sometimes you will travel by public transportation or walk, and sometimes you will join the bus or taxi tours. For travelers to Thailand, below are some of the transportation to use as occasion demands, and blog posts to refer according to your destinations.

1) Public Transportation

Each public transportation systems of major cities in Thailand vary. However, these are common means of transport.

Bus: It is No.1 transportation for long-distance trips in Thailand. The network is very large and dense.

Bangkok ↔ Pattaya Transfer – Shared Coach & Van

Ferry: There are numerous beautiful islands in Thailand, and except Koh Samui and Phuket which have their own airport, you should choose to take among ferries, or boats to get there.

Songthaew: It is a local bus that around 20 people can board on. Bus stops are not designated, which means pick up & drop off depends on passengers’ requests.

2) Private Transportation

Tuk-tuk: It is a small vehicle that accommodates around 2-3 people. Its merits are handiness and speed for short distances. There are tuk-tuk tours where you will take a tuk-tuk and go sightseeing easily and conveniently.

Taxi: In suitable moments, taking a taxi will save your energy.

Airport taxi/van: With heavy luggage, it is exhausting to find how to arrive at your accommodation for the first time. Booking an airport transfer service is convenient.

For more information about how to get around in Thailand, refer to our blog posts:

Helpful Thai Phrases

English	Thai
Hello.	Sawatdii.
Thank you.	Khop kun.
I’m sorry.	Khot hort.
Goodbye.	Bai.
How much?	Taorai?
I want this one.	Ao annii.
Do you use the meter? (In taxi)	Chai meter mai?
Please go straight.	Chûai Dtrong bpai.
Please stop.	Chûai Yut.

Things to Prepare

1. Luggage

Have your luggage as light as possible to visit all the best destinations in Bangkok. Buy those available in Thailand, such as disposables.

1) Long bottoms :

To show respect, wearing long bottoms is required when entering temples, monasteries, and palaces. Even though you can borrow long fabrics or skirts in front of some temples, it is better to wear appropriate ones before you visit the temples in case there are not ones you can have. Shorts or tank tops are fine for males whereas pants or skirts that cover knees are fine for females. Flip flops or backless shoes are not allowed. For stricter temples like the Wat Phra Kaew, wearing short sleeves, torn or tight pants might not allow you to enter.

2) Comfortable shoes:

You will walk a lot as a backpacker because Bangkok is a city full of tourist destinations. In palaces or temples, it is likely to put on and take off your shoes frequently, so wear something comfortable.

3) Umbrella or raincoat:

The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February. During these months, the weather will be warm and dry. However, Thailand has a tropical monsoon climate with a rainy season from May to the end of October. So, not to get soaked by intensive raining, prepare umbrellas or raincoats.

4) Adapter:

In Thailand, people use 220V for electronic devices. If your electronics do not fit with the Thai’s, pack an adapter.

5) Mosquitocide:

Bangkok is hot and humid almost all year-round. So, prepare for mosquitoes. You can also buy mosquitocides in local stores.

6) Others:

Prepare basic things you need wherever you go, such as passport, copies of passport, local currency(Baht for Thailand), sim cards or pocket wifi, and medicine.

Besides, how to get around is important for backpackers. BTS 1 Day Pass is useful if you plan to go around here and there of Bangkok. Appropriately joining a tour is also a good way to lighten your burden and get the essence of the city.

Finally, luggage storage and delivery services will come in handy on some occasions.

2. Smartphone Application

If you want to enjoy more convenient and smooth travel, download apps below to your smartphone in advance.

1) Grab or Uber: Though sometimes it may take a longer time due to traffic jams, fees for a taxi in Thailand is cheap. Download Grab which people use in Thailand or Uber.

2) Eatigo: You can get discounts for hotels or restaurants, rates being up to 50%. Reserve a table for famous restaurants and get a discount by the time.

3) Google Maps: Not to mention a must application to find maps and routes.

4) Bangkok Metro Transit Map: You can refer to line maps of BTS Skytrain, MRT, Airport Rail Link(ARL), and Bus Rapid Transit(BRT) which are parts of public transportation in Bangkok.

Read our blog posts to better understand Thailand and help your travel:

With these Thailand travel basics, we hope you enjoy traveling to Thailand to the fullest. For further information and activities, visit Trazy.com, Asia’s #1 Travel Shop!