Blog about Thailand
In Thailand , only hilly or forested areas are endemic. There is no malaria transmission in urban areas. Most cases are from the borders especially Thai – Myanmar and Thai – Cambodia borders. There is no risk in municipal areas or major tourist resorts such as Bangkok, Chiangmai, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui.
Thailand is a malaria region. The nurse or pharmacist will assess whether you need malaria tablets based on your travel itinerary. You need to practise insect bite avoidance in all areas. The recommended malaria tablets for travellers going to risk areas in Thailand are Malarone and Doxycycline.
You have NO risk if you travel only in Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui island, Phuket and the urban area. You may have some risk if you travel in the forested area or in the border area. Please see malaria map in Thailand below; Mosquito that bring malaria usually active in the night time especially in dusk and dawn.
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Thailand : hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Shot lasts 2 years.
How far in advance should travelers be immunized against Hepatitis A? Ideally, a traveler should receive the vaccine more than two weeks before departure. However, it will provide some protection even if it is given less than two weeks before departure.
Anyone requiring injections for Thailand should visit their GP six to eight weeks before they leave. They should also check for any medical updates on the official government website opens in new window.
The basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees (both sexes), and ideally you’d cover your ankles too. On the bottom, wear longer shorts, capris, pants/trousers or a knee-length-or-longer skirt. On top, choose any shirt that fully covers your shoulders. A T-shirt, blouse or polo is fine, while a tank top is not.
How Much Do You Need to Travel Thailand? You don’t need to spend a lot of money in Thailand. If you’re backpacking Thailand, plan to budget between 825–1150 BHT ($25– 35 USD ) per day.
Don’t travel to the four most southern provinces of the Thailand -Malaysia border: Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla. These areas experience frequent violence and bombings. If you’re there , consider leaving. Sexual assault, assault, robbery and drink spiking can happen to tourists.
Risk is present throughout the country, excluding urban areas, risk present at all altitudes: There is no risk in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and other urban areas. Persons flying into cities and making only daytime excursions to rural areas do not need to take malaria suppressive medication.
Water in Phuket . The tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink . Drink only bottled water or from a flask supplied from the hotel. Most street kitchen use tank water , this is good for Thais who are used to the bakteria but not for the turist.
None in the islands of Krabi Province (Koh Phi Phi , Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Ko Lanta) and Pattaya City.
What to Wear : Everyday Outfits DO : Short skirts and shorts are ok to wear . DON’T : Although short skirts and shorts are totally acceptable to wear , you shouldn’t be able to see your butt cheeks! DON’T : Wearing a spaghetti strap shirt and/or going barefoot are not appropriate choices.
8 Things to Avoid in Thailand (and What to Do Instead) Places for backpackers to stay. Avoid : Khao San Road. Taking taxis. Avoid : Bargaining a flat rate with a taxi driver. Thai entertainment. Avoid : Ping Pong Shows. What to do in Pattaya. Avoid : Seedy areas of Pattaya. Shopping the markets. What to do in Phuket. Elephant tourist attractions. Tours and sightseeing.
Tap water in Bangkok is as safe in theory as the tap water in any developed city worldwide. This means that there’s no need to boil or treat it before drinking . Bangkok’s tap water is certified safe for brushing teeth, showering or making a cup of coffee etc.