10 Tips for safe travel around Thailand – Know your way through the ‘Land of Smiles’

It is crucial that you have proper travel documentation as this will aid you along the way regardless of where in Thailand you end up at. The rule is that your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months before your departure.

The above does not apply across the nation but in the event, you are contemplating a visit to a local temple or 'Wat' then it is mandatory to be attired in a way that reveals no skin for most parts. A sarong can be used as a shawl or a long skirt before you set foot inside a place of religious worship or cultural monument.

A common sight on any restaurant's table would be the fork and spoon which are the preferred utensils when having meals here. Although chopsticks are resorted to when consuming noodle dishes such as Pad Thai, it is the aforementioned combination that is accepted and relied upon.

If you've always wanted to snack on flavoursome fare prepared right before your eyes, then Thailand's exciting and absorbing street food culture would be the perfect treat. Made up of spicy creations, broths, noodle-based dishes and sticky sensations to name a few, your taste buds will surely be in their elements from start to finish.

For a memorable ride through the streets of Thailand, why not invest in a tuk-tuk or three-wheeler? For starters, it will be thrilling in every sense of the word as you will see yourself snaking through rush hour traffic almost effortlessly. However, agree on a price before hopping in.

With a few clicks on your phone and you will soon have the luxury to book cabs via the Grab Taxi application for trouble-free travel. Commuting within leading cities such as Bangkok and other neighbouring regions can be done so easily with a Grab Taxi which is safer and in turn, does not require any bargaining with the driver.

Unless of course, you possess sufficient experience in riding a motor scooter, do stay well clear of this form of transport as road rules are a far cry from the local streets. Therefore, it is prudent to always rely on being driven to your chosen destinations and tourist sites.

The name of Thailand's former monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej must never be mentioned during conversing with Thais, even casually. To do so will see you landing in hot water and on the wrong side of the law with jail terms a likely outcome. Even when commenting on the royal family, it is best that you leave out the name of the departed king who is revered amongst the locals.

The last thing you need to be grappling with is a high fever or disease that can seriously hamper your progress in the country. Thus, it is recommended that you carry with you plenty of mosquitoes or insect repellants for that matter which will do its bit to keep you safe. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and cotton pants is another means of guarding against such pests.

Enlisting in a scuba diving course in Thailand is both cheap and safe as you will readily have access to professional expertise at all times and during the stages of your underwater adventure. Learning the 'ins and outs' of a sport you've not attempted under watchful eyes is your best bet. If in Ao Nang, things to do such as diving can be easily had and for this purpose, a stay at Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort may be thought of where travellers will have access to such services.