2023 was the year I finally travelled to Thailand, the country that had been on my travel wishlist since 2000 but which I’d somehow never quite managed to visit. In this post, I am rounding up my overall experience: my itinerary and how it worked out, what I did, where I stayed, how I got around and my advice and practical tips.
NEED TO KNOW
If you’re looking for Thailand packing tips, check out my recommendations of tried-and-tested products for travel.
Electricity
Thailand uses multiple plug socket types. All the hotels I stayed in had sockets that could be used with either Type A (USA) or Type C (European) plugs, at least, but it’s worth bringing a universal adapter with USB ports.
Language
The language of Thailand is Thai, which has its own script, although most street signs include an English translation. Many people, especially those working in hospitality or tourism, speak some English but try to learn a few key phrases. Most crucially, kob kuhn ka [kobb koon kaah] means ‘thank you’, sawasdee ka [the second ‘s’ seems silent: sah-wah-dee kaah] means ‘hello’ and aroi [arroy] means ‘delicious’.
Money
The Thai currency is the Thai baht (THB) and at the time of writing, the exchange rate is about 44 THB to the British pound or about 35 THB to the US dollar. Cash is king throughout Thailand and although I used my credit card about 60% of the time in Bangkok, cash was essential for most public transport, street food and smaller shops and eateries. In Chiang Mai, I couldn’t pay by credit card very often and on Ko Lanta, credit cards were accepted almost nowhere apart from at my resorts — there’s often a 10% surcharge applied too. There is a 220 THB (£5) charge for each ATM withdrawal in Thailand. It can be hard to know how many of the more expensive purchases (excursions, spa treatments, etc) you’ll make, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and either get your baht before you travel or withdraw larger amounts at a time.
Wifi & mobile data
Read my other Thailand guides: Bangkok city guide, Bangkok speciality coffee guide, Chiang Mai city guide, Chiang Mai speciality coffee guide and Ko Lanta travel guide.
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