Backpacking Guide for Indians visiting Thailand
The beauty of a place is in the finer details. The lovely sunsets and beautiful streams, the delectable food, and the pure air, are a part of your experience. The soul-fulfilling sights of Thailand will elevate your mood and give you the memories of a lifetime. One of the best ways to experience the full spectrum of what Thailand has to offer is to go backpacking!
Also read: Say yes to new adventures – Thailand Islands
Backpacking is a little different from taking a luxury trip. Backpacking involves travelling with just a bag on your back. The bag should fit all your travel essentials. It involves a lower budget, more research, and maximum fun. The pristine beaches, the fun-filled shopping sprees, and picturesque spots are the highlights of Thailand. The best part about this place is, no matter what your budget is, or your type of trip, you are sure to see the magic in everything you do.
Things to prepare while backpacking to Thailand
- Get International Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance was not a mandatory feature to travel to Thailand but that has changed post-COVID. Thailand has made it compulsory for foreign tourists to have insurance of minimum coverage of USD 50,000.
Getting travel insurance is of utmost importance, especially since it covers medical emergencies. Travel insurance covers loss of baggage, flights rescheduling, loss of passport, and other such things that may end up being expensive and troublesome. The purpose of travel insurance is to protect you in a difficult situation in a foreign land.
Prepare a Detailed Itinerary:
There are many places that offer private rooms for cheap and a hearty meal for a reasonable price. The best way to make the most of your time and money is to do extensive research and prepare an itinerary to accommodate all that you wish to do and the recommended places as well.
If you are looking for options to move around Thailand, then there is the bus, train, metro, tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis and SkyTrain. However, Motorbike taxis are available all over the country.
The best time to visit Thailand is during their winters, which is between the months of November and February. These are the coolest and the driest months. Preparing an exhaustive itinerary gives you an idea of where to go, what to do, where to stay, and how to travel.
Also read: Cheap Travel Insurance
- Check the COVID Protocols for International Tourists:
Thailand has changed the COVID protocols from the 1st of November 2021. International tourists will be allowed to enter Thailand based on whether they are vaccinated or not (vaccination should be done at least 14 days prior to the date of landing in Thailand) and which country they are coming from.
There is a list of eligible countries stated by them and travellers from these countries can be exempted from quarantine. India is included in this list. The RT-PCR test is to be done on landing in Thailand and the traveller is to wait in a hotel for a night or till the result comes negative. There should be a report of a negative RT-PCR test done prior to landing and within 72 hours of landing in Thailand.
- Apply for Visa in Prior:
The rules and regulations of Thailand visa for Indians have not changed after the crisis of COVID. Indians need a visa to enter Thailand, and this is how it’s always been. If you are entering Thailand for the purpose of tourism, you can avail visa on arrival.
The Thai Bureau allows Indians to stay in the country for 30 days. If you need a visa extension, you can visit the local immigration office in Thailand and apply for an extension. The limit of extension has been pushed to 60 days due to COVID.
Also read: Foreign Travel Vaccinations
Save Money By Opting for a Low-Budget Trip:
The cost of travelling, accommodation, and food in Thailand is low. However, there are some big items to watch out for. The best way to save money is to go local. Experience the flavour of the local cuisine and travel as locals do. Eat street food and avoid going to fancy joints. Take advantage of the happy hours and you can save a lot on alcohol too. If you are planning to visit an island or go on organized tours, then it is best you book these when you come to Thailand instead of booking them online. That way you can negotiate and get a better price!
Also read: 8 Mishaps That Can Affect Your Travel Insurance Claims
Book Flight Tickets & Stay in Advance:
If you are backpacking then you may not wish to book accommodations in advance. However, there may be some places where you might want to spend a day or two in the lap of luxury. It is important to identify the places where you might not find other accommodation or might have to stick to hotels and resorts. Apart from this, it is essential to make the bookings for flights in advance as last-minute bookings mean price surges.
Also read:
Backpacking can be a riveting experience when done right and responsibly. Although Thailand is known to be a safe place for travellers, it is better to be safe and enjoy the sights Thailand has to offer without risking your safety.
