FAQ Thailand & Laos

Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your planned departure from Thailand. You can find out more information on entry requirements our Visa, Passport and Money Advice page.

If you’re a British passport holder, you’ll receive a free standard 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Thailand, as long as your passport is valid for six months after your intended departure date from Thailand. If you want to stay longer, you can contact the Thai Embassy in London to arrange a visa in advance. It’s also common for Thai immigration officials to ask for proof of onward travel (such as a airline reservation).

In Laos, as long as you have a valid UK passport, you can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for around US$35. Just ensure that you have two passport photos with you and that your passport is valid for six months after your intended departure date from Laos. Visa conditions change regularly, so to keep on top of it, you should contact the nearest Laos Embassy located in Paris.

Yes, we would always recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling, especially overseas, that is suitable for your requirements and needs.

With a hot, humid climate we would advise loose clothing made of natural materials like cotton and linen to keep you cool. Swimsuits are essential for a cooling dip in the pool or sea. The majority of the population in Thailand and Laos are Buddhist so we would advise to dress more conservatively than you would in Europe, and covering shoulders and knees is essential when visiting religious sites.

It is always best to get the advice of a GP or travel nurse before travelling overseas to check which vaccinations you might need or if any boosters are required. The Fit for Travel website provides a comprehensive guide on all the vaccinations you should consider.

We know heading off on holiday is always a little bit stressful, especially on the day you leave, so we would advise doing these things before you depart:

• Check you have all your necessary documentation, including your passport!
• Take a photo of your documents and email it to yourself and travelling partners. Having a copy on your phone always comes in handy too.
• Ensure you have all your chargers and converters for any phones, cameras, tablets you are taking. A portable battery pack is a handy item to have in your hand luggage.
• Take snacks and a big bottle of water for your flight.
• Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, we advise arriving 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
• Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and take a photo of your checked bag in case it goes missing en route.
• Sit back and relax knowing we have your holiday sorted!

Thai is the most commonly used language in Thailand and English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Here are some key phrases to remember:

Hello/goodbye: Sa-wat-dee krap (masculine)/ka (feminine)
Yes: Chai/krap/ka
No: (Mai) Chai
Please: Ga-ru-nah
Thank you: korp khun krap (masculine)/ka (feminine)
I’m lost: Chan/phom-long-tang
How much is this?: An-nee-tao-rai
No problem: Mai-mee-pan-ha

In Laos, Laotian is the official language – here are a few key phrases to help you along the way:

Hello: Saibaidee
Goodbye: La Gon
Yes: Doi or Men
No: Baw
Excuse me: Khaw Toot
Thank you: Khop Jai

You’ve likely had some form of Thai food before travelling there, as dishes like Pad Thai and Thai Green Curry are popular in Europe. You can expect fresh ingredients, plenty of rice and noodles and a varying degree of spice depending on the dish.

Chicken, pork, seafood and vegetarian dishes are widely available throughout the country. In Bangkok and touristy areas you easily find Western food options like pizza and pasta if you fancy a change.

In Laos, you can expect similar ingredients but lower levels of spice generally. Sticky rice is the staple food in Laos and noodle soups in hot broth are a typical breakfast.

Both Thailand and Laos are traditional and fairly conservative countries. Here are few things to be aware of during your travels:

• Locals don’t generally shake hands but instead put their hands together and bow their head.
• It is seen as rude to raise your voice as people largely regard it as intimidating or threatening, politeness and a calm demenour will get you a lot further.
• Thai nationals have a massive respect for their monarchy, so make sure you don’t insult the royal family as this is a serious offence in Thailand and can even lead to imprisonment.
• If you are visiting temples make sure you dress modestly – make sure you cover your shoulders, back, legs and stomach as much as possible.
• As a way of showing politeness and to abide by local customs, remember to remove your shoes before entering a person’s home, sometimes you will see a collection of shoes outside a shop or restaurant so follow suit.
• If you are away with your partner be aware of public shows of affection, depending where you are in the country it may cause offence to local people.
• Try not to point your finger as this could be seen as rude gesture and if beckoning someone do it with your palm facing down.
• It is very important not to touch anyone on their head as this is the most sacred part of the body in Thai and Laotian culture.
• As feet are seen as dirty, don’t point the soles of your feet at another person or a Buddha statue, avoid stepping over people or food and don’t stand on seats.

Thailand and Laos are considered very safe countries to travel to, with a well set up infrastructure and tourist routes. As you would anywhere, keep your belongings in sight when out and about especially in cities.

We are contactable in the UK during office hours and our local partners in the destination are available 24/7 for any support or help you might need. They are in the best position as they will be on the same timezone, they should be your first contact in a case of emergency.

The Thai currency is the Baht. The exchange rate does fluctuate so its worth checking the most up to date rates when you’re planning your holiday. The UK pound is accepted in almost every money exchange office and you can also change money in the smaller currency exchange shops and hotels when the banks are closed. Money, passports and extra cash are best left in the hotel safe and we also advise you not to carry all your valuables with you when you go out in the evening.

In general, tipping is not expected in Thailand, with the exception of the loose change from a restaurant bill. More expensive hotels and restaurants might add a 10% service charge but you are not expected to tip on top of this. During treks, it’s common to tip your guide at the end, but this is of course discretionary.