Uniquely stunning and diverse landscapes, an endless menu of excellent foods to try, and thousands of years of history to dive into: anyone who has spent time in Thailand will understand why it’s such a popular destination for travellers.
However, with an ever increasing number of visitors to the Southeast Asian nation, and the associated growth of its tourism infrastructure, even the most well intended Thailand travel tips can become a list of Instagram-friendly boxes to tick as you head along a heavily trodden road of pad thais and tiger sanctuaries.
While we don’t agree with the sorts of travellers who think something is only worth doing if nobody else is there, there is something appealing about discarding an itinerary of well-worn experiences and focusing on a path less travelled. That’s not to say authenticity can only be found in remote regions devoid of farangs, but in a country as popular as Thailand, there are countless hidden gems and local experiences waiting to be unearthed — for those who are willing to be a little brave.
We at Contiki are anything but gatekeepers, so whether you’re headed to the bustle of Bangkok or the pristine beaches of Phuket, read on for our guide on how to travel like an insider in Thailand!
Image source: Contiki
What tourists get wrong about Thailand
Everyone travels in their own way, but we believe that unique local experiences are at the heart of what makes people fall in love with venturing into the unknown, whether it’s taking a slow boat across the border or sleeping on a jungle raft. Social media is a great way to do research, but following influencers instead of your gut can lead to missing out on hidden gems.
We love an organised tour (of course), and understand the importance of the feeling of safety and comfort that comes with having a solid itinerary, but we also believe spontaneity makes for the best memories. For that reason it’s also important to allow for down time, and the opportunity to stumble onto something that might not be on TikTok on Instagram, but will leave a lasting impression on you.
On the other hand, completely doing your own thing can also be an issue. There are many travellers who eschew things like guided tours as they feel ‘touristy’ or ‘inauthentic,’ despite the fact that these kinds of experiences will often provide more local colour than any aimless wander through a city. Tours run by locals are the best, like the Grand Palace Guided Tour on our Southern Thai highlights trip, which delivers fantastic knowledge of the opulent grounds and the Thai royals, adding more depth to an already unforgettable experience.
With that all said, the cardinal sin of travelling, especially in Thailand, is not interacting with the locals. The supreme tourist infrastructure and excellence of the hospitality sector in the country does lead some to treat Thai people as if they exist solely to enhance their experience, rather than as potential friends who can teach you more about their gorgeous country than any guide book. However, that means having to meet locals…
Where the Thai locals like to go
Image source: Contiki
Thai culture is unique, but people are the same all over the world: they want to do the things they love with the people they love. And in Thailand, there’s few things more beloved than karaoke.
There are remote villages in the rugged, mountainous north of the country which are home to just a scattering of homes, acres of farmland, and a singular karaoke bar. Singing is serious business here, even if the talent doesn’t often match the enthusiasm. Find a bar and belt out your favourite tune like nobody’s watching, and you’re sure to find a local to share a beer with.
Those who prefer sweating to singing should look into doing a few Muay Thai classes. The national sport of Thailand is popular up and down the nation, and people of all abilities take part in it. A class is the perfect way to meet locals and get a dose of adrenaline, all while engaging in something that’s been practiced here for centuries — which is why it’s such a popular add on to Contiki’s Northern Thai highlights tour.
While karaoke and Muay Thai are fantastic for meeting locals, nothing beats sharing food with them. Specifically, street food, which is a massive part of Thai culture and a key reason it’s such a desired destination. The best way to indulge is on a street food tour, like the one offered on the Thai Island Hopper West trip. With a guide, you’ll not only get the lowdown on the tastiest spots, but also get more understanding of just how vital food is to Thai culture.
Getting around like a local in Thailand
Thailand is big, and there is often the temptation to fly from one part to another, especially for those short on time. However, if there is some elasticity in your itinerary, travelling like a local is an excellent way of unearthing hidden gems and great local experiences.
The humble scooter powers this nation, and while we don’t recommend zooming through the streets unless you’re an experienced rider, you can get to grips with how locals travel with a nighttime Vespa tour, booked via Contiki.
For longer distances, buses are key. They may not be as rapid as flights, but as they weave up and down the country they allow you to get a glimpse of Thailand’s gorgeous and diverse landscape. Plus, there’s few better ways to get acquainted with local cuisine than eating at rest stops, which often offer surprisingly high quality meals.
Finally, taking advantage of the canals and waterways of Bangkok is an excellent, cost-efficient way of seeing the capital. The water bus system will take you all around the metropolis alongside locals, allowing you to get a glimpse of parts of Bangkok most tourists don’t see.
Cultural etiquette tips for Thailand
Your trip to Thailand should be about what you want, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore local customs and traditions. After all, the best experiences often come from embracing change, or a new way of being, even if it is just temporary.
Although Thailand is very tolerant in many ways, there are some things to keep in mind when exploring this stunning nation. The monarchy is deeply respected in public, and there is a lot of pride in the country, evidenced by the daily plays of the national anthem at set times of day in public spaces throughout the land.
Buddhism has also had an inalienable impact on Thai culture, which has brought with it notions of modesty in public, and especially in temples. While nobody is going to complain about swimsuits in the beachy south, while visiting religious and cultural sites it’s best to wear loose clothes that cover bare shoulders and knees.
Finally, the best Thailand travel tip we can give anyone wanting to travel like an insider is to show respect to the locals, and genuinely try to engage with them. It’s amazing how easily positive intentions and a desire to build a connection can triumph over a language barrier, and your trip will be all the richer for it.
Ready to go island hopping, befriend elephants, eat your body weight in paid thai and make new BFFS? Check out all of our Thailand trips right here.
