Thailand is one of the most popular traveling hubs in Southeast Asia. The country, known for its amazing beaches and lush green jungles, is approached by thousands of travelers from across the world every year. The cheap cost of living, amazing food, and friendly people are some of the other reasons why Thailand continues to remain a popular tourist hotspot in Asia.

Apart from its scenic locations and attractions, Thailand is also famous for offering affordable and world-class medical treatment. The best hospitals in Thailand offer the highest quality of medical services at reasonable prices. The country is especially known for its cardiac treatment and cosmetic procedures.

This is the reason why people looking forward to undergoing treatment in Thailand decide to take help from a medical tourism facilitator to couple their treatment with a visit to popular tourism spots. There are certain things, however, that people must bear in mind as they embark on their journey to Thailand for the very first time.

What to expect?

• Accommodation: Thailand is really very cheap when it comes to accommodation. Northern Thailand is cheaper than Bangkok and the southern islands. Tourists can easily find a guest house in prices as low as $10 per night in the cities and within a $6 budget in the countryside. Travellers planning to stay in Bangkok may have to spend around $15 per night for accommodation at a good quality hotel or guest house.
• Food: Food is as cheap as accommodation in Thailand. A filling local food meal may cost anywhere from $1 to $3 per meal. If you prefer to eat Western cuisine food, it may cost anywhere between $5 and $10 per meal.
• Transportation: Transportation, like every other service in Thailand, is cheap and easily available. From local buses to tuk-tuks and metro rides to metered taxis and Skytrain, there is nothing that is not available for tourists to make their journey easy and comfortable. Coach buses, day trains, and night trains are cheap and super convenient for tourists traveling for the first time.

Considering all types of services and charges for them, you can expect to spend around $25 to $30 dollars per day during your stay in Thailand.

Special Guidelines for Medical Tourists

• Street food in Thailand is safe to eat and in fact, is safer than what you get in the restaurants at a far greater cost. Therefore, you can comfortably enjoy street food as per your preference and choice.
• Prefer not to book for any additional services such as jungle trekking and zip-lining before your arrival into the country. There are many travel agencies that arrange for such stuff and short notice.
• Negotiate for everything and anything that you are interested in.
• Plan a relaxing getaway, preferably to one of the many beautiful tropical islands in Thailand. It’ll help you relax and speed up recovery.
• Seek approval from your doctor or surgeon in-charge before planning your leisure getaway.
• Make sure to keep all your important medicines handy and with you during your trip.

Do’s

• Say “Wai” to greet or thank a Thai.
• Dress conservatively while visiting temples.
• Respect all Buddhist figures and images.
• Eat with a spoon.
• Eat with someone or in a group.
• Lower your body while passing in front of people.
• Remove shoes while visiting a spiritual place or someone’s home.
• Keep calm and smile a lot.
• Try to bring a present when visiting someone.

Don’ts

• Do not eat alone.
• Do not use a fork to eat rice.
• Avoid crossing legs in the presence of a monk.
• Avoid public display of affection.
• Do not accept any bag from people you do not know.
• Taking Buddha images out of the country is strictly prohibited.
• Sunbathing nude is considered disrespectful and not allowed at any of the beaches.

 

Get complete information about popular tourist destinations in Thailand

From ancient Buddhist temples to exotic beaches and national parks, there is a lot that you can do in Thailand during your stay.  

Must Visit Places in Thailand

Some of the best attractions in Thailand include the following:

• Tham Lot Caves in Pai
• Backpacking and trekking in Kanchanaburi Province
• Floating markets in Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi, and the Taling Chan Weekend Floating Market
• Maya Bay and Monkey Beach in Ko Phi Phi islands
• Ko Lipe islands
• Patong Beach in Phuket
• The Golden Triangle Park
• Buddhist Temples in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
• Khmer Temples in Isaan
• Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
• Khao Yai National Park
• Grand Palace and Wat Pho
• Similan Islands

Thailand Culture and Food

The Thai food and the spices, herbs, and condiments used to prepare it forms an integral part of the country’s identity. The food is celebrated in the country and is a social occasion in itself.

Unlike Western culture, there are no three-course meals in Thailand and no meal is uniquely served for just one person. The Thai diners prefer to eat in groups and order a meal for every person in the group but the meal is shared by all.

The Thai food comprises of all the four flavors – the salty, spicy, sweet, and sour. A dish not containing all the four flavors is considered as incomplete. Typically, a soup, a noodle dish, vegetables, and a meat or a fish dish form a complete meal for a Thai. There are plenty of other things that you can order to satisfy your taste buds.

People in Thailand are friendly and show great acceptance towards tourists. Thai culture is a combination of Indian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese etiquettes and attitude. The values of Buddhism play the main role in the daily life of Thais as almost 95 percent of them are Theravada Buddhist.

Activities and Night Life in Thailand

Nightlife in Thailand is quite happening, especially on the day of the Full Moon Party. It is a giant party that resembles a festival and there is an unlimited number of bars serving drinks. You can dance until the dawn breaks. Pattaya is especially known for its amazing nightlife that offers a different vibe and attractions altogether. From a range of discos and clubs to international DJs and live bands, you can surely look forward to spending some great nights in Thailand.

Some of the other activities that you can indulge in during your stay in Thailand include the following:

• Trekking
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Camping
• Jungle Safari
• Visit floating markets
• Elephant rides
• Motorbike tour