It is on the list of favorite destinations of many Israelis, and for good reason. In Thailand you will find almost everything - a long-standing tradition and a local culture that is hard not to admire, thousands of years old temples, colorful markets, wild nature, breathtaking beaches and also a big city and a few more, which bring modernization to the people and to the crowds of tourists who come to them every year. Thailand It is a big country and travelers tend to focus on it in some areas of it. It is very important to properly plan the trip and learn about it in depth before the trip, if only to enjoy all the abundance it offers. Just before you go there, here is a guide to Thailand for beginners, which will provide you with all the necessary information, which you should know before you board the flight.
Weather
Since Thailand is divided into different regions, where each region is characterized by different weather conditions, it is very important to take this parameter into account when planning the trip and based on which to decide which sites to stop at and how long to stay in each place. In general, Thailand's "hottest" season, meaning the most touristic, begins in November and ends in February. In these months, the weather, in most of its areas, is comfortable and pleasant and you can take advantage of everything it offers. In the northern part of Thailand, the dry season occurs between the months of November and May, when between June and October heavy rains fall and between the months of October and January it is usually cool. The southern part of Thailand is divided into two: the wet season on the west coast of southern Thailand begins in April and ends in October, while on the east coast it begins in September and ends in December (the east coast of southern Thailand "suffers" from very large amounts of rain). During the rest of the year the weather is dry and very pleasant. This means that you can visit Thailand throughout the year, although it should be taken into account that the accessibility to the rural areas in the wet season is not easy, which can make it a little difficult for those who plan to reach them during this period.
You can read more about it in the article on The weather in Thailand.
Currency and money
The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. It comes in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 100 baht notes, as well as 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht coins. The small money, the coins, is useful as payment for taxis and as tips and also at the food stalls, where it is very important to pay accurately, since many times they will not be able to return the excess. You can find ATMs throughout Thailand, from which you can withdraw money (you can withdraw up to 20,000 baht in one withdrawal) when a fee must be added (the amount of the fee varies between banks and credit companies). It is highly recommended to arrive in Thailand with cash, enough for the first few days, as well as with an international credit card with which you can pay in many places. It is possible to convert dollars and also euros in Thailand itself (it is not possible to convert shekels into the local currency), with priority given to the winning dollars for a better exchange rate.
You can read more about costs and dealing with money in the article on How much does a trip to Thailand cost?.
Visa (residence visa) - yes or no?
Holders of an Israeli passport automatically receive a residence visa upon landing in Thailand. This visa is valid for a period of 30 days. An exit card must be presented in order to be accepted, a card with an exit date that is within the 30 days of the visa. At the same time, many choose to travel in Thailand for a longer period of time, exceeding a month. In such cases, you must take care to issue a relevant visa in advance, a visa for a period of 60 days, counted from the day of entry. This visa can be obtained at the Thai Embassy in Israel, which is located in Herzliya Pituach (3 Meschit Street). The visa is paid and as part of it, along with a 60-day stay in Thailand, it is also possible to enter and leave the country - 3 times. Visa holders for a period of 30 days, who wish to extend, are required to do so through the immigration offices located in Bangkok, the capital city. These offices also exist in other cities in Thailand, and you should check this in advance. The full details can be read in our guide on Issuance of a visa to Thailand.
How do you fly to Thailand?
Flights to Thailand depart from Ben Gurion Airport, Israel, to Bangkok Mostly, direct flights that are operated by different airlines, including the Israeli El Al. These direct flights take nearly 11 hours (slightly less) and they land at Bangkok's major airport, which serves as a transit point for many travelers. Another option is to board flights with layovers of several hours. This can be relevant for those who want to reduce flight costs (flights with intermediate stops are considered cheaper) or to combine a stop of a few days (or more) at additional destinations on the way.
You can read about all the possibilities to get to Thailand from Israel in the article on Flights to Thailand.
Culture and food
Thailand is located in Southeast Asia and is known as a kingdom. Thailand has a border with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar (Burma), which has quite an impact on the local culture there and the various signs that take part in it. The dominant religion in Thailand is Buddhism, which is reflected in the many temples that can be found there (when Chiang Mai It is perhaps the "capital of the temples", with masses of such in it and its immediate surroundings) and entrusted with the preservation of the religious tradition. The Buddhist monks are highly respected in Thailand and you can see them in the various monasteries and temples scattered throughout the country. Thailand, as mentioned, is a kingdom, and as such is ruled by a king and queen, whose palaces a visit is an experience in itself.
The Haitian culture is a very rich and ancient culture. At its center, a great deal of emphasis is placed on giving respect to adults and others, in general, obedience is an integral part of it and so is the peace of mind, which characterizes the Thais themselves (shouting or outbursts are considered disrespectful). Bargaining is an inseparable part of the local culture and is actually firmly rooted in it. Great respect is given to the merchants and also to the goods he offers and every first sale at the beginning of a day is considered good luck. The expression for this can be found in many things local markets, in the big cities and also in the towns and villages, where there are quite a few merchants offering their wares. As for sports, it also occupies a significant part of the culture, where Thai boxing, which is known throughout the world, is an integral part of this and is also considered a popular and appreciated sport.
As for holidays and special events in Thailand - you should take them into account, since quite a few are involved Colorful festivals and celebrations, which is recommended to take part in. The important dates to remember are: April 6, Chakri Day, which is celebrated in honor of the founder of the Chakri dynasty - Rama I; The Water Festival also falls in April and includes large festivals throughout the country, in which many Buddhists take part; May 5 which is the coronation day of the king and queen (who assumed the crown in 1950); July 12, which is a very important holiday for Buddhists - Asarnha Puja; August when the queen's birthday is celebrated and October 23 - the birthday of King Rama V; November 5 – Loy Krathong, a festival celebrated in Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai; End of November - the famous Festival of Lights and the Bridge Festival on the River Kwai which brings with it an amazing light and sound show, with various cultural shows.
And let's not forget the matter of food, the local cuisine. Thai food is known all over the world, including in Israel, and is very much loved by many "foodies". Its special seasoning, the various components in it and in general - the exotic flavors it brings with it make it one of the most appreciated and loved cuisines in the world. Bangkok, the capital, and the great city of Chiang Mai are prominent and very important culinary centers, where you can find a variety of Thai restaurants, some of which are considered successful gourmet restaurants. In the rest of the country you can find quite a few good places to eat, even in the small towns and villages, but these will usually be less "pretty" and also very authentic, and that is precisely their charm. The food stalls are an attraction in itself in Thailand and a great opportunity to get to know the real local cuisine. These stalls can be found almost everywhere, both in the big and dense cities and in the small and remote towns. The advantage of the local dishes is the fact that they can be prepared in just a few minutes, usually by jumping on a wok, so that a long wait is not required for those who are hungrier and in a short time you get the dish directly to the table or as a takeaway.
Thai cuisine is characterized by a combination of different flavors: sweet, salty, spicy and sour. These fit together perfectly and create a rich and good gift. As is the case with other Asian countries, also in Thailand each region has its own typical dishes. For example: in the southern part of Thailand, coconut milk and fresh turmeric star in dishes, while in the northeastern part of Thailand, lime juice and salt are given a place of honor. The Thai dishes have a variety of herbs and also different spices, rice and noodles of all kinds. The most well-known and well-known dishes in Thai cuisine are: Pad Thai (rice noodles with peanuts, chicken, egg, sometimes seafood and tofu, tom yum soup, tom ka gai soup (chicken with coconut milk), rad na (rice noodles with beef/pork /chicken), red curry, green curry and stew (roasted chicken or pork together with a cucumber salad seasoned with a rich peanut sauce).
And if all this was not enough, then get another guide on Food in Thailand.
Movement throughout the country
Thailand offers its visitors a wide variety of mobility options and, in general, a good system of highways, covering the entire country. Thailand has an extensive train network and also a network of buses, which reach many places in it, from the north to the south and of course ferries connecting the various islands to the mainland. One of the options to get around, and especially to overcome the traffic jams and congestion, is using Tuk Tuk. The tuk tuk is a small and narrow motorized tricycle, which is very popular even in the big cities. Courage is required from those who ride the tuk tuk, as the drivers tend to drive it very fast and do not always obey the traffic laws. Taxis They are another option, which is mostly accepted in the big cities, although not so cheap. Many travelers use taxis to get from the airport to the city or vice versa, and it provides a smooth and comfortable ride. With the trains you can reach various places throughout the country, including more distant places, such as the northern cities of Thailand. These are innovative and developed trains, with carriages, some of which are also equipped with sleeping beds. the ferries They are the only possibility to reach the islands from the land or to move between the islands themselves. There are different types of ferries (small, which can accommodate up to 30 passengers) or very large.
You can read about all the ways to get from one place to another in a centralized guide Transportation and mobility in Thailand.
More important tips before you set off
For some travelers in Thailand, this is the first trip, the big "after the army" trip. For others it is a trip of the experienced, of those who have experienced and visited other destinations. Be that as it may, since it is a large, very diverse country and also one that in part has been "throwing" us for quite a few years and coming back in time, proper preparation is the secret to a successful trip. Here are some important tips to remember before setting off, before setting out on a journey:
Take cash with you - It is true, international credit cards are accepted in quite a few places in Thailand, but it is likely that you will find yourself in many places throughout the country where it is appropriate, and even recommended, pay in cash. In the markets, for example, at the food stalls, for taxis and other local means of transport and even in various attractions They will prefer to receive cash from you and not a credit card (sometimes they will only accept cash). Be sure to carry bills and coins with you, especially if you plan to go to distant places (also, by the way, you can make purchases of low value).
Beware of scams and "tricks" by locals - As elsewhere in the world, and especially in very touristic places, you are likely to come across "tricks" and scams by locals. These can ruin a great day of vacation and cause a lot of heartache. Therefore, it is highly recommended to be careful and many times to refer with a limited guarantee to the sense of security that you feel and all the more to the smiles spread by the locals, which may seem suspicious to you. It is not meant here that you should be more careful than in other places, but it is important to take extra care in especially touristic places and also in the lively markets.
Scooter rental: yes or no - Many tourists drive rent a scooter, to get around the big cities or the smaller places, such as the islands. It is indeed a fast and efficient means of transportation, as it allows you to overcome the traffic jams and reach different places, but for those who are not experienced in riding a scooter, it is recommended to give up the pleasure and look for other transportation solutions. In addition, those who do not hold a driving license on a scooter will not be insured if, God forbid, they are involved in an accident while riding it.
The main thing is health - It is very easy to neglect your health when you are busy with the pleasures of the trip and the attention is given to the spaces and beauty that accompany the vacation. However, it is very important to take care of it, if only to avoid unpleasant situations and continue your vacation without diseases or unwanted health conditions. If you plan to spend time on the beach, on one of the islands, be sure to apply sunscreen to the sun, and if it's hot and sunny days, sit in the shade and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. The mosquitoes in Thailand can harass and disturb quite a bit, especially in the wet season. They can also transmit various diseases, which should be avoided. Be sure to take an anti-mosquito spray with you and spray it on yourself when you go out into nature and treks in the jungles. Long clothes can also help and save you the bites. Rabies is a very common disease in Thailand, therefore, even if you are a dog lover, avoid petting them, especially if it is in remote areas. Be sure to get all the required vaccinations and of course purchase travel insurance abroad before you fly. You are welcome to read more here Medical information for travelers to Thailand.
Take your time, why rush? - There is quite a lot to see and do in Thailand and it is likely that you won't do it all in one trip. You don't need to treat your trip or vacation as a To do list and mark V on all the sites and tourist points of interest in Thailand. Take your time, breathe deeply, and enjoy the moment. Try not to run from place to place and soak up the atmosphere. If your time in Thailand is limited, focus on specific areas and don't try to combine everything in one trip. If you have less than a month to travel, focus on Bangkok (three or four days will be enough) and northern or southern Thailand.
Because Thailand is a huge country and dominates several climate zones, it can be visited almost throughout the year, each time in a different part of it. You can read detailed recommendations on the website when you should go to each place.
If you are going to Thailand for more than 30 days (recommended!), it is necessary to issue a visa in advance. You will find on the website a detailed guide with all the steps on the way to obtaining a visa to Thailand.
The answer to this question of course depends on many factors - where in Thailand are you going? How long? Are you the type that likes to indulge or are you content with modest hospitality? Don't worry - you can find detailed answers to all these questions on the Simple Thailand website.
The Ministry of Health recommends taking several vaccinations before traveling, but they are not mandatory. The details of the recommendations and other essential medical information that you should know can be found on the website.
