Travel Insurance for Thailand
Thailand is a vibrant country with stunning beaches, tall temples, and the best street food. It’s no wonder over 11 million tourists come here every year. So that you’re prepared for your dream vacation in Thailand, here is some important travel information and things you can expect to see and do there.
Emergency Contact Information
To get in touch with the tourist police, travellers should call 1155. Calling 1669 will put you through to emergency medical services and you can reach the fire brigade at 199. Thailand’s general emergency services number is 191. If you need an emergency passport or other consular services, you can reach out to the British Embassy in Bangkok.
Travel Safety Tips
There is a high amount of theft and pickpocketing in Thailand, so tourists should avoid displaying their personal property, money, and valuables in public. Travellers should also wear crossbody bags to deter bag snatchers. Tourists should be aware of scams, such as being pressured to purchase overpriced jewellery. If anything happens while on your trip to Thailand and you need to make a claim on your travel insurance, make sure you have a police report reference number to give to your travel insurance provider.
If you’re planning on going to bars and clubs, keep an eye on your drinks and never accept drinks from strangers. Always walk in groups and in well-lit areas and when travelling alone at night.
Thailand’s laws are much stricter than the UK’s. Anyone caught possessing e-cigarettes or criticising Thai monarchy may face a prison sentence. Drugs are illegal in Thailand and anyone in possession of Class A drugs may face the death penalty.
Travellers are required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Thailand and they must carry their passport with them in case the police ask to see it. Tourists who wish to drive a car or motorbike in Thailand will need a 1968 international driving permit, though the roads can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Thailand can have unpredictable weather, such as earthquakes, and many tourists don’t travel during the rainy season to avoid the storms and flash flooding.
The FCDO advise against travelling to Pattani province, Yala province, Narathiwat province, Southern Songkhla province, and on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line. For further travel advice and updates, check the FCDO travel advice for Thailand.
Places to Visit in Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular countries in Southeast Asia. Many people find themselves returning again and again to recapture the excitement and tranquillity of their first visit. If you’ve never been to Thailand and are looking for a new adventure, here are our top cities to visit.
Bangkok
Many visitors flock to Thailand just to visit its capital city, Bangkok. The Grand Palace is the first place to visit on many people’s lists. It was once the home of the Kings of Siam, and while it’s still used for state events, you can get a tour of the palace and its grounds. The most visited museums in Bangkok are the Museum Siam, the National Museum Bangkok, and the Jim Thompson House. Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country and there are over 400 wats (temples) in Bangkok, the three most popular being Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Arun (the Temple of the Dawn), and Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha).
Lumphini Park is Thailand’s first public park. It’s a pleasant place to spend the afternoon and may people like to cycle through it or rent a boat on the lake. The best places to shop in Bangkok are Siam Paragon, Chatuchak Weekend Market, and the Khaosan Road street market. River City and Warehouse 30 are the best places to look at and purchase art.
Chiang Mai
Like many other cities in Thailand, you’ll find lots of ancient temples, such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Pan Sao, Wat Chedi Luang. Learn about the history of the region at The National Museum of Chiang Mai and the Chiang Mai Cultural and Artistic Center. Stop by the Chang Klan Road night market for some interesting souvenirs to take home and try a bowl of pad Thai, khao soi, or other delicious street food. If you’re feeling especially brave, you may want to consider munching on a scorpion or a grasshopper. Other popular tourist spots are the Elephant Nature Park and Bai Orchid and Butterfly farm. Travel a little further outside of the city to see the Mae Ya Waterfall and go hiking and mountain biking in Doi Inthanon National Park.
Krabi
Many people travel to Krabi to get the chance to go to Phra nang Cave Beach and Railay Beach. They’re the best places to swim, kayak, and snorkel. The Songprak River is where everyone goes for a day of white-water rafting. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, you could hop into the Emerald Pool at the Khlong Thom Hot Springs in Thung Teao Forest Natural Park.
While you’re in the city, get a photo with the Mud Crabs Sculpture on Pak Nam River Boardwalk. Climb over a thousand steps to see the mountain-top Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple). Soak up the views at the Khao Ngon Nak (Dragon Crest Mountain) viewpoint and go to Khao Khanap Nam to see the caves and wander the mangrove walkway. Krabi is the perfect place in Thailand to go island hopping, and you can take a boat ride to the Phi Phi Islands or to Ko Kai (Chicken Island).
Phuket
The city of Phuket is on Phuket Island, just 2 hours from Krabi. The city is the hub of the island, and if you want to get anywhere, you won’t need to spend more than 30 minutes in the car. It’s a short drive to Kamal Beach and Pa Tong beach, and you can hope on a boat to Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island). If you want to shop, head to the Phuket Indy Night Market and Naka Weekend Market. There is also a market on Phuket Walking Street in Phuket Old Town. To see the most beautiful parts of Phuket, go to the Khao Rang Viewpoint, Saphan Hin park, and Toe Sae Hill.
