A trip to Thailand ignited my passion to change my life, and I believe it is a trip that your family needs to take in the next three years. The land of smiles offers so much and is safe. Your family will eat scorpions in Bangkok, island-hop and sail in the Southern islands, and swim with elephants in Chaing Mai. This is Live Beyond The Click's official Thailand travel guide.
How long does it take to get to Thailand from the United States: Thailand is approximately a 24-hour flight from the United States. It is worth it, do not let this scare you. The first time we went we flew from Oklahoma to Atlanta, Atlanta to South Korea, South Korea to Bangkok. The second time we flew Oklahoma to Los Angeles, Los Angles to Shanghai, Shanghai to Bangkok.
What is the Bangkok airport like: When you arrive your heart is pumping so hard and you immediately feel excited and nervous. I promise you the airports in Thailand are easy to navigate, almost everyone speaks English and they have signs in English. There are two airports in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Donmueang. If you are flying into Bangkok from an international flight more than likely you will and in Suvarnabhumi. Then when you hop on a plane to fly to islands or Chaing Mai you will fly out of Donmueang.
When is the best time to visit Thailand: I would say there is never a bad time, that is how much I love Thailand. I would suggest for your first visit to Thailand to go during dry season, November to April. We have visited in February and the weather was perfect! The only issue with visiting during the dry season is it is peak tourist season, which means higher prices and more people. If you want to avoid the crowds and get the most bang for your buck visit between May and October, it may rain a bit, but you will get lower prices and fewer people.
Is the language barrier hard in Thailand: You will be delighted to know that almost everyone speaks multiple languages, except us Americans. You will find many people who speak English. I have never had an issue with communicating.
Cash/ Credit Card how does currency work in Thailand? I was so stressed and it is actually super easy. At the airport just exchange a little bit of money because you will get a better rate on the streets in an exchange office. I would suggest exchanging $50 USD at the airport. You can use your ATM/ credit card in Thailand. Make sure to tell your bank that you are traveling so they do not flag it as a fraud. I always carry a backup card just in case I lose my main card.
Is Thailand safe? Yes! I consider it to be safer than lots of US cities. On our first trip, I was scared, we had a serious plan. I quickly realized that I needed to relax. I let Dmitri walk to 7-Eleven in Bangkok by himself. I have walked to all kinds of places by myself. Thailand is safe! The only thing you have to watch out for his petty theft and scams.
Thailand is a dream holiday and I am going to give you all the details!