Thai cuisine has captivated palates worldwide with its distinctive tangy and sweet flavors. While many are familiar with its global appeal, a trip to Thailand reveals an unparalleled culinary experience. From rich roasted duck red curry and succulent grilled pork to an array of dumplings and comforting soups, Thai food in its homeland is simply sublime. The exquisite use of spices and fresh seafood creates dishes unlike anything found elsewhere, guaranteeing to win your heart whether you're dining in a humble shack or a grand restaurant.

Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง): This dish showcases the Central Thai culinary strength in harmonizing spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. It’s both refreshing and intense, with a broth that’s aromatic and clear or optionally creamy with evaporated milk.

Pad Thai (ผัดไทย): A global ambassador of Thai food, Pad Thai is beloved for its balance of sweetness, acidity, and savory umami. It’s quick to make and deeply satisfying, reflecting the Central region's culinary creativity.

Som Tum (ส้มตำ): It's a flavor explosion—sweet, salty, sour, and fiery—and a staple at any Isan meal. Often served with sticky rice and grilled meat, it defines the region’s love for raw, zesty ingredients.

Khao Soi (ข้าวซอย): This Chiang Mai specialty combines rich, silky coconut broth with textures from crispy and soft noodles. It's influenced by Burmese and Yunnanese flavors and is the most iconic dish of Northern Thailand.

Khao Man Gai (ข้าวมันไก่): A comfort food classic, it’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. It reflects the Thai-Chinese influence of gentle flavors and rich textures.

In addition to being a top-notch beach destination, Thailand is also renowned for its vibrant night markets. These bustling markets offer tourists a unique glimpse into Thai nightlife and culture, along with the chance to shop for an array of fascinating items you won’t easily find back home. Exploring Thailand’s night markets promises an unforgettable experience, filled with lively energy and countless opportunities to discover trendy and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Chatuchak Weekend Market – Bangkok: Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is one of the world’s largest markets, featuring over 15,000 stalls. Open on weekends, it offers everything from clothes and art to plants and antiques. It’s a great place to find unique items and try local street food. Arriving early is recommended to avoid the heat and crowds while exploring the market's diverse sections.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – Chiang Mai: The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a popular evening market offering a wide range of local goods like handmade textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. Located in the city center, it’s perfect for browsing traditional crafts and sampling Thai street food. The lively atmosphere, combined with cultural performances and friendly vendors, makes it a must-visit spot in northern Thailand.

Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market) – Phuket: Phuket Weekend Market, also called Naka Market, is the island’s largest local market. It features a mix of clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and unique local snacks. Known for its vibrant vibe and affordable prices, it’s a great place to explore Thai street food and shop for budget-friendly items. Open on weekends, it offers a true taste of local Phuket culture.

Rot Fai Market (Train Market) – Bangkok (Ratchada): Rot Fai Market in Ratchada, Bangkok, is a trendy night market known for its retro vibe and vintage finds. From old-school collectibles to fashionable clothes and local food stalls, it offers a cool mix of shopping and entertainment. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it’s a great place to spend the evening exploring, eating, and enjoying live music.

Warorot Market – Chiang Mai: Warorot Market is a local favorite in Chiang Mai, offering Northern Thai specialties like sausages, dried fruits, and herbs. Located near the Ping River, it’s less touristy and more authentic, with stalls selling fresh produce, textiles, and snacks. Ideal for those seeking real local flavors and everyday Thai goods, it’s best visited during the day for full variety.

Indian travelers are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) when visiting Thailand. This visa permits a stay of up to 14 consecutive days. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll receive an immigration form from the Immigration Checkpoint, which must be filled out carefully. After disembarking, head to the Visa on Arrival counter to complete the visa application. Don’t forget to carry your airline boarding pass, as it is required during the visa process.

Processing time for the VoA can vary from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the airport and time of arrival. Some airports offer a fast-track service for an additional fee, which can speed up the process significantly. To avoid unnecessary delays, it’s a good idea to bring your own pen for filling out forms, have your documents neatly organized, and remain polite and patient with immigration officials.

• Visa on Arrival for 14 days (extendable)
• Fee: 2000 THB, payable in cash
• Required: Passport photo, return ticket, proof of stay
• Required: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival
• Required: Keep a copy of your confirmed hotel booking, as proof of accommodation is mandatory.
• Sufficient Funds: You may be asked to show proof of funds : 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family (or equivalent in your currency).

Thailand is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming destination for tourists. Most travelers have a trouble-free experience, especially when they follow standard travel precautions and avoid risky or extravagant behavior. However, like many popular tourist destinations, Thailand does have occasional incidents of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, particularly in crowded places like markets, public transport, or tourist hotspots. To stay safe, it’s important to keep your valuables close and avoid carrying all your cash or important documents with you at all times. Using a money belt or a secure travel pouch can help minimize risks. If you're heading to a night bazaar, a late-night event, or a beach party, it's wise to travel in a group rather than alone. Being with others not only enhances your safety but also helps deter any unwanted attention from opportunistic criminals. Staying aware of your surroundings and using common sense will go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip in Thailand.

• Emergency: 191
• Tourist Police: 1155
• Medical Emergency: 1669
• Fire: 199