How to get prepared for visiting Thailand

My vacation in Thailand

I visited Thailand a couple of years ago during the hottest season. For a Finn the experience was unique and memorable since Thailand is very different from Finland. Therefore, there are some things I wish I had taken into account before the vacation.

How to get prepared for Thailand

Remember to protect your skin and eyes from the sun. Buy clothes and accessories such as sunglasses and a hat beforehand so you don’t need to worry about finding suitable ones during the vacation. Sun lotion is very necessary. I forgot to use sun lotion when I arrived in Thailand and burned my skin during the first day. If you have already burned your skin, aloe vera is very effective for healing sunburns. You can find aloe vera very easily from most of the grocery shops in Thailand. However, Thailand has two seasons and therefore the rainy season may require different kind of preparation.

Asian cultures are very different from western cultures. Therefore it is good to know some basic things about Thai culture and their manners before visiting the country to avoid being disrespectful. I also want to mention that driving rules might be different than what you may be used to in your home country and vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road.

You may also want to avoid getting sick during your trip in Thailand. The food is overall very safe in Thailand. In my opinion, the most important things to stay healthy are to drink bottled water and protect yourself from too much sun and heat. Microbes and hygiene are different in Thailand and therefore it is not a good idea to drink tap water.

I stayed in Thailand for a week so I only have a few examples of how to get prepared for visiting Thailand. I still hope that these little tips are helpful to at least some of you!