Travel to Bangkok is a true delight for tourists. Bangkok is a vibrant city, full of sensory stimulation every time a tourist decides to visit one of its landmarks. Even just stepping onto the streets of Bangkok and strolling through its neighborhoods is an exciting experience that satisfies curiosity and fills the soul with joy.
Because Bangkok is a large, sprawling city filled with landmarks, destinations, and experiences, it is essential for any tourist to have a set of important pieces of information that will benefit them when traveling there.
It is necessary to make the almatar website your constant companion for travel and hotel booking. Save the almatar app on your phone, as it is available on all mobile app stores.
What kind of information do you need when traveling to Bangkok?
For the Arab tourist residing in Middle Eastern countries, heading to a country in East Asia means that many of the characteristics and contexts of that country might be unfamiliar. Thailand is a country similar to its nearby neighbors like Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and others. Its people have customs, rituals, traditions, clothing, and religions that are also present in this Southeast Asian region.
Therefore, it is important to review topics such as the weather, suitable clothing, currency, local culture, and the items a tourist needs to pack when traveling there.
Key aspects to consider when traveling to Bangkok
What do you need in your travel bag?
In addition to clothing and footwear—which we will discuss separately—you need several other items in your bag, the most important of which are:
Medications: Bring enough of your medications to last your entire stay in Bangkok.
Personal hygiene supplies, such as hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes, which you might need in some public places.
Electronic accessories, such as phone and tablet charging cables and a portable power bank to use outside the hotel.
Backpack: Preferably water-resistant due to Bangkok’s weather, which can turn rainy at times, to protect your belongings and devices while moving through streets and neighborhoods.
What about Bangkok’s weather and temperatures?
Bangkok is a tropical city, and its weather is hot and humid with temperatures that remain high throughout the year.
April is considered the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching up to 36°C.
The rainy season in Bangkok runs from May to October, with September being the rainiest month.
The weather tends to be milder during the months of November, December, January, and February. This period is considered the ideal time to visit and explore Bangkok.
In any case, Bangkok’s hotels and facilities are equipped with ventilation and cooling systems, and tourists can visit at any time of the year depending on their holidays and opportunities.
How do you deal with Thai currency?
When traveling to Thailand, understanding how to deal with the local currency is essential for a smooth, comfortable, and safe experience. Below are some tips and guidelines for handling the Thai baht:
Official currency:
The Thai baht (THB) is the official currency of Thailand and consists of 100 satang. Banknotes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 baht, and coins come in 1, 2, 5, and 10 baht, in addition to 25 and 50 satang.
Currency exchange:
It is preferable to exchange a small amount into Thai baht before travel to cover initial expenses upon arrival, such as transportation or snacks.
Inside Thailand, currency exchange offices in major cities and tourist areas offer competitive exchange rates. Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels, as their rates tend to be less favorable.
Using bank cards:
International credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in major stores, restaurants, and hotels. However, currency conversion fees or international transaction charges may apply, so check with your bank before traveling.
ATMs:
ATMs are widespread throughout Thailand, especially in tourist areas. When using a foreign card, fees may be charged for each withdrawal.
Do you need a visa to travel to Bangkok?
The Thai authorities have decided to allow Saudi citizens to enter the Kingdom of Thailand without a prior visa for stays of up to 30 days for tourism purposes.
Entry requirements for Saudi citizens:
Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to Thailand.
Return or onward ticket: To prove intent to leave before the permitted stay period ends.
Financial proof: You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover your stay in Thailand.
Hotel booking or proof of accommodation: To show where you will stay during your visit.
As for residents in Saudi Arabia of other nationalities:
Visa requirements vary depending on the resident’s nationality. Some nationalities may be eligible for a visa on arrival or be exempt for a limited period, while others must apply for a visa in advance. It is recommended to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality through the Thai embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia.
What kind of clothing is suitable for a city like Bangkok?
When visiting Bangkok, it is advisable to wear light and comfortable clothing suited to its hot and humid tropical climate.
Men are recommended to wear cotton shirts with short or long sleeves and lightweight cotton or linen trousers with good ventilation. When visiting temples, modest clothing is strongly advised.
It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, such as sandals or lightweight sneakers. When visiting temples, you are expected to remove your shoes before entering, so choose easy-to-remove footwear.
During the rainy season (May to October), it is best to carry a light waterproof jacket or a small umbrella.
To protect yourself from the sun, regularly use sunscreen, especially when walking outdoors.
What about the local culture and customs in Bangkok?
Travel is an opportunity to discover human societies and engage with new experiences and traditions that enrich the tourist’s personal journey.
When visiting Bangkok, it is important to respect the local culture. It is recommended to use the traditional “wai” greeting, which involves placing both hands together with a slight bow of the head. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so avoid touching it, while the feet are considered the lowest, so do not use them to point or touch things. When visiting temples, wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering.
The Thai royal family is held in high regard, so avoid any comments that could be interpreted as disrespectful.
In restaurants, it is preferable to use a spoon and fork when eating, with the spoon used to bring food to the mouth.
Finally, the smile is a distinct feature of Thai culture and is used to express friendliness and avoid conflict.
What are the most important travel documents you need to carry with you to Bangkok?
It is essential to prepare a set of documents to ensure a smooth trip and legal entry into Thailand. Here is a list of the most important documents you should carry:
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Thailand.
Entry visa: For countries whose citizens are required to obtain one.
Copy of your round-trip flight ticket.
Hotel booking confirmation for the entire stay.
Financial proof: A recent bank statement showing the ability to cover your stay expenses.
Travel insurance: It is advisable to have insurance covering your stay in Thailand to protect against emergencies.
International driving permit: If you plan to rent and drive a car in Bangkok.