Widely referred to as the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand is personified as a welcoming and hospitable place. Indeed the friendly demeanour of its people offers a comforting reassurance that the country is largely a safe and relaxed destination.

Thailand is steeped in natural beauty, exoticism, history and culture, making it a memorable package for most its visitors. The main tourist hubs on the south coast and in central and northern Thailand are easy to get around and you’ll find that many locals you come into contact with will speak English. Medical facilities, particularly in the major cities, are excellent and tourist police are on hand to offer help and advice.

A well-established tourist infrastructure, burgeoning expat community and modern facilities all help place visitors at ease. But there is some important cultural etiquette worth noting if you wish to avoid frustrations or misunderstandings. It pays to be patient and calm, since Thais hate losing face or dealing with hotheaded people. If you leave the beaten track, you will find some of Thailand’s most beautiful scenery and friendliest people, but it is important to remember that English is not widely spoken outside the main cities and hospitals in rural areas have limited facilities.

There are few health concerns for tourists when visiting the kingdom. Malaria is not a threat in most tourist areas, and while the tap water is not potable, it is clean enough to wash and brush teeth with. It is advisable to ensure you are up to date with all standard vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis A before leaving home. Other vaccines to consider, but not essential, are rabies and hepatitis B. HIV/AIDS is prevalent in the country due to an entrenched sex industry.

Should you have any minor health concerns while on holiday, the country’s pharmacies offer trained pharmacists who can offer advice in English. Although medical treatment in Thailand is generally of an international standard and not expensive, travel insurance is highly recommended due to increased negligence risk, such as motoring or adventure activities.

While most people’s visits to Thailand are problem free, it is important to remember some basic safety precautions. Always take care of your belongings and never flash cash around in public. While most Thai people will go out of their way to help you, pickpockets and the like are present in cities and on public transport. Typically, it is the heavily touristed areas that attract dodgy characters, but on the whole it is merely persistent taxi drivers and salesman who are annoying. A favorite trick is to take you off on a shopping trip under the guise of a free taxi ride, while others still fall for the perennial gem sale scam. iTrek programes ensure you are kept well away from these.

The deep south of Thailand is plagued by militant extremists and as such there have been bombings, shootings and fighting. Fortunately the conflict is largely contained in this single area, with the rest of the country unaffected. Tourists are rarely involved in the trouble although travelling in this area is best avoided as an extra precaution. iTrek does not have any tours in this region.

Occasionally this passive Buddhist country does flare up with political differences, particularly in the wake of the 2006 Coup and Thaksin Shinawatra era. The 2008 seige of the airport caused inconvenience to travelers but left the rest of the country untouched. These incidents of protest can generate terrible negative publicity in the press but are mostly kept away from tourist areas and rarely compromise the safety of Thailand’s guests. During such situations iTrek keeps its travelers fully and prudently informed of the risks or developments, and there is generally no need to abruptly cancel plans.

Travelling by air, road or rail is safe in Thailand with the latter two providing a great way to see the country. Flight connections are numerous and generally convenient, while our transfers by road uphold the highest safety precautions to counter any reckless motorists.

Trekking, climbing, bike riding and other physical pursuits are popular in Thailand, largely due to the varied terrain. However, it is important that you have a good level of fitness. Any physical activity you are used to back home may be harder in Thailand due to the heat.