» Check that your passports are valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand.
» Make the first reading of your travel insurance policy to familiarize yourself with the coverages you have and the procedure if necessary. Keep the phone number and contact email handy. Be aware of the limits of your policy. What travel insurance do you need?
» Make a paper copy of the main documentation.
» Have the emergency address and telephone number of your embassy in Bangkok or consulate on hand.
» Prepare travel money in cash and at least one credit card. Update the official exchange rate here.
» Have on hand the name and address of your first accommodation in the country, you will need it to fill in the immigration form.
» If you plan to purchase a Thai sim card to have Wi-Fi and be able to make/receive local calls, you can book it in advance and have it installed and activated as soon as you arrive at the airport. If you are interested, you can do it now. Book Thai Sim Card (not available yet).
» Backpack or suitcase? Both options are good, choose the one that is most comfortable for you. The smaller, the better and avoid exceed the weight you can move cosily. Keep in mind the possible limitations if you fly with low-cost companies and also if you plan to make purchases in the country.
» Include mosquito repellent, sunscreen and moisturizer cream. Sunglasses and caps or hats.
» Some analgesic–antipyretic, antidiarrheal and also a thermometer. Band-aids, scissors and an antiseptic. Remember that knives and scissors cannot go in hand luggage.
» If you are going to catch a ferry, take dizziness pills.
» Light clothing, which transpires well and comfortably. A good raincoat. For activities in the tropical forest or jungle, you can wear light long pants and cool long-sleeved shirts to protect yourself from insects.
» At least two pairs of shoes or sneakers that adapt well to the activities you are going to do.
» It may be interesting to wear a neckerchief or scarf to defend yourself from air conditioners and at least one sweater.
During the day, the temperature contrast when entering air-conditioned spaces in hotels and on the Bangkok Skytrain, for example, can be brutal. Entering with sweat is uncomfortable and also can be insane.
If you anticipate mountain activities, wear more warm clothes. In January it is usually cool at night in many destinations.
» If you are going to drive a car, do not forget to bring the international driving permit along with your national license.
» Transfers with airports can be done perfectly by yourself with the information we provide here (enjoythailand.fun).
However, there are travellers who prefer to make the reservation before leaving and not to have to solve it when they arrive in Bangkok tired after a long journey. If this is your case you can make the reservation here Booking Airport-Hotel Transfers.
» Include in the travel documentation the certificate of vaccination against yellow fever if you come from a country of Central/South America or sub-Saharan Africa. Check the list.
» The day before departure revise the weather forecast for the first days and if there is any weather warning. You can do so on the homepage of this guide.
» Remember to check-in for your flight online to save time at the airport. The trip will take many hours and long queues cause fatigue, especially for children.