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Personal Identification Documents for Thailand Travel
Passport
Minimum essential documents for your Thailand trip include a passport with at least 6 months of validity. If you don't have one, initiate the process early at the Immigration Department - Ministry of Public Security in the city.
The procedure is quick and straightforward, with a cost of around 200,000 VND. You'll receive your passport within 7-10 days from the application date, so plan your Thailand trip accordingly.
Thailand Travel Passport
Visa (for extended stays in Thailand)
If you plan to travel or stay in Thailand for an extended period, you'll need a visa, valid for a maximum stay of 60 days. This visa must be used within a 3-month period from the date of issuance, and extensions are possible if necessary.
Other personal identification documents
When in a foreign land, personal identification documents are crucial. In addition to your passport, it's advisable to carry your national identification card (ID) or driver's license, and even your party membership card if available. This ensures you have backups in case of any document loss.
Personal identification documents help establish your identity and citizenship. In case of any issues, providing personal information will facilitate assistance and support from the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand.
Securely storing your documents
Where to safely store your documents when traveling? Based on my numerous experiences in Thailand, it's advisable to keep your passport and national ID in separate locations to ensure you don't lose both at once.
A suggestion is to place your passport in the most secure zippered compartment of your bag, while your national ID can be stored in a compartment inside your suitcase, either at the hotel or even sent to the hotel reception if they operate professionally.
Things to consider when carrying money to Thailand
Exchanging Thai Baht
Thai Baht
Before traveling to Thailand, it's advisable to exchange Thai Baht for the best exchange rate and more convenience, rather than scrambling to find a currency exchange upon arrival.
A popular spot for currency exchange in Hanoi is Hanoi's Hà Trung street, lined with numerous gold shops and currency exchange booths. All along this street are well-established, reputable establishments.
In Ho Chi Minh City, you can exchange currency at gold shops on streets like Lê Thành Tôn (District 1), Nguyễn Đình Chiểu (District 3), Lê Văn Sỹ (District 3), or any bank. The approximate exchange rate for Baht to VND is 1 Baht = 700 VND.
>> Further reference: Thai Baht denominations and a guide on currency exchange
Some important considerations
Besides carrying a suitcase, to avoid lugging around bulky luggage throughout your trip, prepare a small shoulder bag with a long strap to hold your wallet or phone while exploring the city.
Ensure not to carry your bag behind your back but wear it in front to avoid pickpocketing.
Photo: Handle money with care
Regarding currency, it's best to carry both Thai Baht and Vietnamese Dong, along with a Visa card. Use Baht for expenses in Thailand and Dong as a backup on the journey from Thailand to Vietnam.
Credit cards will be very useful when you want to spend more than the cash you brought. Avoid keeping money concentrated in one place. Treat your Visa card like an essential item, always keeping it with you.
Split your money into two parts, keep one part where you store your Visa card, and the other in your pants pocket or a pouch worn on your person. Opt for pants with deep pockets as a precaution against theft.
Prepare luggage for coping with Thai weather
Umbrella to bring along
The peak tourist season in Thailand is from April to September, characterized by prolonged, scorching sunlight. Hence, don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunblock, and a hat to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
Additionally, sunglasses are a 'must-have' item not only to reduce glare but also to enhance your travel photos with a cool vibe.
Similar to the weather in Northern Vietnam, Thailand experiences rain, often heavy and persistent. Therefore, for your Thailand travel luggage, make sure to pack a raincoat and an umbrella for easy mobility. Additionally, nylon bags or waterproof covers will be handy to protect electronic devices from rain and potential damage.
When it comes to the question of what to wear when traveling in Thailand, based on my experience, the majority of your wardrobe should include shorts, T-shirts, or breathable tank tops to stay cool and comfortable.
As for footwear, bring along two pairs: one lightweight and comfortable pair of sneakers for walking around tourist spots, shopping centers, or general exploration, and another pair of sandals for exploring the stunning beaches in Thailand.
Apparel for visiting temples and palaces
Temples in Thailand
You might find it peculiar that clothing, already mentioned earlier, is reiterated specifically for attire when visiting temples and palaces in Thailand. However, this is crucial information; read on to avoid being prohibited from exploring the temples in the area.
Attire for visiting Thai palaces
Thailand is the land of golden temples and majestic palaces that everyone desires to visit, part of the renowned royal architectural ensemble in Thailand.
The summer palace Vimanmek Mansion is an opulent retreat built for King Rama V. To ensure solemnity, there are strict regulations, and you need to pay attention to attire preparation.
In general, tourists in Thailand often dress with less fabric due to the scorching weather. However, at this tourist spot, the requirement is to dress formally, with no exposure, and pants or skirts must be at least below the knees and not tight. Shirts must cover the neck and not expose the armpits.
When passing through the control gate, failure to adhere to the dress code will result in denial of entry to the palace, or you may be required to purchase a Thai sarong for around 100 baht.
Additionally, you will be required to remove shoes outside to enter the Thai Palace barefoot. To expedite this 'procedure,' it's advisable to wear slip-on shoes.
Attire when visiting Thai temples
Similar to the Palace, Thai temples also request visitors to dress modestly. If you happen to wear shorts or skirts, some temples provide cloths for you to borrow and cover up.
To be most proactive, pack a large thin cloth in your luggage when traveling to Thailand for visiting these solemn places.
Moreover, you don't need to bring a camera or a photo device when visiting temples to avoid bulky luggage since most temples prohibit photography inside for solemnity.
Essential items for shopping in Thailand
Fabric bag
Certainly, when traveling to Thailand, no one can resist the urge to shop: souvenirs, electronics, shampoo, Thai snacks... Many tourists have shopped beyond their budget, resorting to borrowing from tour guides, swiping their Visa cards, or exchanging more Baht.
Don't forget to bring a few sturdy fabric bags in case your suitcase lacks space for goods. Hotels in Thailand usually provide automatic luggage scales to help passengers balance their luggage within the allowed weight.
Therefore, while shopping, when receiving some change in Thai coins, remember to set aside or keep a few 5-baht coins.
>> Read more: Tips for buying souvenirs in Thailand
Items to bring when traveling alone
People often advise those passionate about exploration to travel alone at least once in their lifetime. Moreover, travel enthusiasts often choose nearby countries like Thailand for solo trips due to the close proximity, similar culture, and reasonable expenses.
You should carry a map of Thailand for easy planning of your itinerary, especially to visit closely located attractions. Another useful type of map is the transportation map of MRT and BTS in Thailand. You can easily download it online or get a copy at MRT and BTS stations upon arrival in the country.
BTS Skytrain map in Bangkok, Thailand
Next, bring pieces of paper with important phone numbers in case your phone runs out of battery or gets lost during the trip, allowing you to call family or seek assistance.
Place different pieces of paper in various locations: purse, suitcase, pocket. The papers should include the phone numbers of family members in Vietnam and the contact number for the Vietnamese embassy in Thailand.
When traveling solo, especially for female travelers, ensuring safety is paramount. Carry a small travel knife for emergency situations (note: knives/scissors should be in checked baggage, not in carry-on luggage when flying).
If you're not confident in solo travel, especially for female travelers, you can book a comprehensive tour to Thailand with Mytour to make your journey more convenient and hassle-free!
Hope that these tips for preparing luggage when traveling to Thailand will help make your trip smooth.
Dang
Photo: Internet
