Article By: Akash (akash.n@yatra.com, +91-9884425800)
Best Time to Visit Thailand.
When considering when to visit Thailand, don’t just think about the weather and the cost. Prices are significantly higher at certain times of year, including Christmas and Western New Year ( particularly for beaches). Famous Thai festivals and events will also bump up prices. Thailand is tropical, so it has just 2 seasons, the dry and the wet.
July to October is the wet, stormy monsoon season, The cool, dry season runs from November to March, after the monsoon.
Food in Thailand
Thai food is possibly the most delicious, light, fragrant and stunning on the planet. In my opinion no other country comes close. Neighboring countries in South East Asia, like Laos and Cambodia, have similar food but not as good. Indian and Vietnamese dishes are fantastic, but I think Thai wins hands down. With that in mind Chef and I put together this Beginners Guide to Thai Food.
Don’t be scared, Thai food is not as inferno-hot as you may have been lead to believe. In my experience we’re often asking for more chilies, not less.
Street food is an art form in Thailand and the Thai people eat out, it seems all the time. If a street stall is busy with locals you know it will be good.
Don’t be afraid to eat on the street, in all of our time in Thailand, none of us has had any major tummy upsets and we eat everywhere, with a little common sense. We do avoid some salads, ice cream where there is a freeze/thaw risk and anything on the street that shouldn’t be. You will see pre-prepared dishes everywhere ( like those above), at the roadside and in small cafes, this is some of the best food you will ever taste, don’t be scared to try. Prices will be insanely low too, but not so much in the tourist places.
Costs of Travel in Thailand.
There are huge variations in costs in Thailand. The big beach resort destinations can be expensive, yet the smaller islands, where only the backpackers go, will be cheaper. Bangkok is more expensive than many other towns and cities, yet Chiang Mai is really good value. On the whole, Thailand is very affordable for those of us packing dollars or pounds.
Costs depend on your travel style of course. You can spend big or get by on well under $50 a day, it totally depends on you and where in Thailand you are.
An absolute minimum guide would be:
Guest House, of a good standard $26 for a family of 4, with 4 beds.
A meal, eg. pad Thai, sitting down in a simple restaurant 40-50 Baht, under $2.
A meal from a street stall, upward of 30 Baht.
