Thailand’s prowess has grown exponentially in the last couple decades. Now the setting of many movies, tv shows, and other facets of pop culture, Thailand has become a global hub. Nicknamed the Land of Smiles, Thailand is known to make you grin, giggle, and gasp.
Certain vaccinations are required for entry into Thailand. The U.S. CDC recommends additional vaccines in conjunction with the required selections, including Hepatitis A and Typhoid. These inoculations protect you from the foreign bacteria in Thailand and keep you on the streets instead of in the hospital.
Thailand is home to millions of species of insects. While most are harmless, it is always better to be safer than sorrier. Thai insects have been known to carry various illnesses such as Dengue Fever and Zika Virus. Bring bug spray to prevent these critters from finding a home on your body. It is also in your best interest to wear long-sleeved clothes to protect from potential bites. Thailand is a warm country, so make sure your long-sleeved garments are light and breezy so you don’t overheat.
Whatever you do, do not drink water from a faucet. Even local Thai people know to drink only bottled water. The diseases mentioned above can be contracted by drinking non-potable water. Water bottles can be purchased at any convenience store.
Many tourist destinations in Thailand lie amongst the natural habitats of the native monkeys. As Thailand has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, monkeys have become accustomed to “gifts” from travelers. Many bestow snacks or drinks to the monkeys because, well, because they’re so cute! Do not be fooled. These monkeys are ruthless and will do anything in their power to obtain your snacks and drinks. They have now associated people with food and behave inappropriately when travelers don’t relinquish their to-go bags. Go ahead and get out of the car to take a picture, but don’t bring anything with you (especially anything valuable).
In many of the previous articles, Voyagu/BCC recommends travelers to join locals in driving mopeds. We do not recommend this in Thailand, especially Bangkok. This country has the world’s second most dangerous roads based on death per capita. Most accidents involve motorbikes. Don’t ruin your trip (and perhaps the rest of your life) by trying to drive Thai streets. It’s not worth it.
Bangkok is a city built on water, much like Venice. One of tourists’ favorite activities is booking a boat tour. Leap off the street and into a narrowboat that will steer you throughout the streets of Bangkok. The tour guide steering the boat will likely offer fun factoids about buildings you pass. This is a great way to see the city without doing too much walking.
Thailand is famous for its ornate palaces dedicated to the ever-loved monarchy. (Be sure not to bad mouth the Monarchy, it’s illegal and you can be fined and/or imprisoned if you are caught by an official.) The Grand Palace can be found in the heart of Bangkok. Once the official residence of the Kings of Siam, it is now the most visited tourist destination of all Thailand. While there, you have the opportunity to feast your eyes upon a 151-foot-long Buddha known as Wat Pho or Reclining Buddha. You can also gaze upon the Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakon, The Emerald Buddha. This 66-centimeter-tall Buddha, made of jade, changes outfits with the seasons.
Patpong Road is the infamous red-light district that brings Thailand fame. While sex work is officially illegal in Thailand, it is practiced openly in Bangkok. Streets are lined with bikini’d women, strip clubs, and hotels. Dancers put on shows and sex workers perform tricks that will make your jaw drop to the floor. There is a reason Bangkok is the setting of many movies, books, and stories throughout the years. If you’re interested in seeing what Bangkok has to offer but you’re not fully prepared for the deviance of Patpong road, check out Soi Cowboy. Nicknamed Bangkok’s “yellow district,” this area has much of what Patpong road has, but less intense. Soi Cowboy is the place for people who wish to dip their toes into the Thai waters instead of diving in.
There are six main international airports in Thailand. All offer business class travel.
Sweaty season in Thailand ranges from March until June. Crowds are most suffocating during the summer months as that’s when most people have the time to make a trip. To experience the best weather and best crowd-control, Voyagu/BCC suggests you visit Thailand over Christmas holidays. Don’t be fooled by the winter season; temperatures won’t drop below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flight times from LA are not much different than flights from NY. Both take roughly 20 hours, with one layover included. There are business class flights with options of: nonstop flights, one-stop flights, and multiple-stop flights.
Voyagu does not rank its valued airline partners, but we provide a list of airlines that offer both discounted business class airfare and last-minute business class deals to Thailand. Some of these may not have direct flights while instead arranging comforting connections:
Cheap business class to Asia
See more flights to Asia by city