Preparing for a holiday is an exciting time. Knowing it won’t be long until you are on the plane to relaxation is one of the best feelings.

Thailand has long been a popular destination for all types of travellers. Golden beaches, stunning temples and exciting cuisine tempt holidaymakers every year. There are some things you need to know before travelling to Thailand, though. Here are some tips to make planning your trip as smooth as possible.

Understanding Travel Requirements

Like many countries, there is paperwork to complete for entry across the border. Thailand has several Visa options, but if you are a UK citizen, you can enter under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme. This allows 60 days of visitation for tourism purposes.

You must complete a TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) before entering the country. This can be done online and requires information such as your name, flight details, passport number and accommodation address.

Choosing Where To Go & When

Thailand holidays are full of diverse destinations, so you are spoiled for choice. If you are a sun- seeker, beach resort islands such as Phuket or the Gulf Coast will be heaven. For holidaymakers who prefer a city break, there is nowhere better than Bangkok. If you are struggling to decide, make the most of your trip and travel around, visiting multiple places.

It is worth remembering that the weather in Thailand is not like UK weather. Visiting between December and March is usually the best time, with temperatures hovering around 32 degrees. November and April are usually warm, but there is an increase in humidity and rain. Monsoon season is typically from the end of April to October, when you can expect high winds, downpours and potential travel disruption.

Budgeting, Accommodation & Getting Around

The cost of living in Thailand is cheaper than in the UK, but budgeting is still important. Flights from the UK to Thailand are around 14 hours long and cost on average £1420 for a return. However, if you are patient, you can take advantage of cheaper flights. Use comparison sites to snag a deal and be flexible with departure airports if you can.

Accommodation is where you can make significant savings if you are willing to think outside the box. Some of the cheapest options cost around £2, but you don’t get any of the luxury. If you want a bit more comfort, you can get a villa in some parts for around £80 per night. Assess what is important to you and work from here.

Tuk-tuks, songthaews, longtails and moto-taxis are all fun ways to travel and are available almost everywhere. Overnight buses and trains are also a good option if you are planning on moving between destinations.

Staying Safe & Being Culturally Respectful

As with all countries, there are different cultural aspects to be mindful of. For example, if you are visiting temples, dress appropriately by covering your knees and shoulders. Be prepared to remove your shoes when entering, too, as they are sacred sites.

One law to be clear about in Thailand surrounds drugs. There is zero tolerance for any sort of illicit substance, so steer clear, or you could find yourself in serious legal trouble. The same goes for drinking if you are under 20 – although it does happen, Thai police do conduct sweeps, and anyone caught drinking who is under 20 could face penalties.