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How can New Zealander Travelers apply for Thailand visa? When is the best time to visit the country? How to find the best flight to Thailand? Where to visit? or which tour packages will suit you most? Everything can be found below.

Thailand TRAVEL TIPS FOR "NEW ZEALANDER TRAVELERS"

Best time to visit Thailand

Although the climate varies throughout Thailand, you can visit all year round. The best time to travel is during the cool and dry season between November and early April.

In the south, the climate differs between the eastern and western coasts. The west coast is more favorable during the winter months, when diving and snorkeling will be at its best. The weather on the east coast is good for most of the year, with the lowest rainfall in January and February and the highest in November.

You can check the detailed guide to know exactly where and when to go in Thailand throughout the year.

Thailand Tourist Visa Policy for New Zealander Travelers

As one of Countries listed for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival, New Zealand Passport Holders are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. (15-day stays if arriving by land-crossing). The period of stay may not be extended.

  • Upon arrival, those entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption scheme may be required to show the documents below at the port of entry:
  • Proof of adequate finances for the duration of stay in Thailand i.e. traveler’s cheque or cash equivalent to 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family.
  • Proof of onward travel (confirmed air, train, bus or boat tickets) to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date.

New Zealand Passport Holders who are planning to stay in Thailand as tourists for a longer period specified above must obtain a tourist visa before entering Thailand. Travelers entering Thailand for purposes other than tourism need to apply for visa of the specific type.

NOTICE: Travelers are also advised to check if he/she would need to carry International Health Certificate for Yellow Fever Vaccination to enter Thailand

Plan a longer journey? Check out the guide for Thailand tourist visa policy

How much does it cost to travel to Thailand from New Zealand?

For the flight cost, check the information below in this article (Getting to Thailand from New Zealand)

Our recommended spending for your journey in Thailand is about $120-150/person/day (group of 2 people). Of course, you can either spend less at about $90-100/person/day (even $30-40/day - backpacker style) or you can spend much higher depending on the services you expect on spot.

Here is our detailed guide for Budget & Currency for travelling in Thailand

Getting to Thailand from New Zealand

From New Zealand, you can get the flight to Thailand from some popular cities such as Auckland, Blenheim, Christchurch.

As most international flights arrive in Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, travellers should be aware that there are two international airports near the city, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport.

Low-cost airlines such as AirAsia operate mainly to and from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport (DMK), connecting the country's capital to domestic airports throughout Thailand. For this reason, it can sometimes be cheaper to fly into Bangkok first before travelling to your final destination.

Flight FAQs

Q. When is the best time to book flights to Thailand?

Aim to have your flight tickets secured at least four months in advance to give yourself a chance of finding the cheapest flights to Thailand. If you can then book them even further ahead, especially if your dates coincide with a major event or the peak season. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your destination by choosing a city, usually either Bangkok or Chiang Mai, you’ll be able to figure out what dates offer the cheapest flights to Thailand and go from there. 

Flexibility is the key to securing discounted flight tickets so if you’re not governed by a particular set of weeks or to a specific location then you’ll give yourself the best chances of finding the cheapest flights to Thailand. 

Don’t worry too much about which side of the plane to sit on as each has their benefits and offer equally impressive view through your flight.

Q. How long is the flight to Thailand?

Non-stop flight time from Auckland to Bangkok is around 12 hours .

Fastest one-stop flight between Auckland and Bangkok takes close to 15 hours . However, some airlines could take as long as 37 hours based on the stopover destination and waiting duration.

Apparantly, connecting flights and direct flights with stopover take longer time than non-stop flights. In such cases, Auckland - Bangkok flight time depend on the layover destination specified by your airline or the one you choose while booking your ticket.

Waiting time at intermediate airports could be anywhere between 55 mins to 24 hrs .

Distance from Auckland to Bangkok is approximately 9560 kilometers.

Q. Where should I fly to in Thailand if I’d like to visit the northern part of the country?

If you want to skip Bangkok and visit Thailand's north, including the "Golden Triangle" region near the borders with Laos and Myanmar, consider flying into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). 

However, it can be expensive to fly to Chiang Mai, so many tourists travelling on a budget fly into Bangkok and take another budget domestic flight to Chiang Mai.

Q. Where should I fly if I’m visiting Phuket beaches and Thailand’s islands?

Non-Stop flight duration from Singapore to Phuket is 1 hour 40 minutes (Operated by Singapore Airlines)

Quickest one-stop flight takes close to 4 hours. However, some airlines could take as long as 31 hours based on the stopover destination and waiting duration.

Q. How much does it cost to fly to Thailand?

The price ticket ranges from $400 to $750 depending on your flight route and date. 

We recommend using some online ticket booking platform (Kayak, Cheapflights, or SkyScanner) to look for the cheapest flight possible according to your travel plan. They do have alert system when there is the price change on your travel date

Here is how to get the cheapest flight possible to Thailand

Getting around in Thailand

You’ll find a real gamut of transportation options in Thailand, from Bangkok’s modern Skytrain system to tuk-tuks, with plenty of options in between. While the traffic in Bangkok can be wretched, rural areas still offer generally good roads with zero snarl. So be flexible, and hop the tuk-tuk, subway, taxi, ferry, bus, train or plane that will best get you where you want to go. There’s plenty to explore!

Check How to get around in Thailand here

Other FAQs

1. Do I need vaccines for Thailand?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Thailand. 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

Here is the article for recommended vaccinations for Thailand.

2. How safe is Thailand?

Thailand is generally a safe country to visit, but it's smart to exercise caution, especially when it comes to dealing with strangers (both Thai and foreigners) and travelling alone.

  • Assault of travellers is relatively rare in Thailand, but it does happen.
  • Possession of drugs can result in a year or more of prison time. Drug smuggling carries considerably higher penalties, including execution.
  • Disregard all offers of free shopping or sightseeing help from strangers. These are scams that invariably take a commission from your purchases.

Here is our guide for Safety and Precautions in Thailand

3. Do I need a travel insurance for Thailand?

The answer is a very loud YES. Protect yourself against the cost of medical care, missed connections, lost or stolen items and other common travel annoyances.

Be sure that your policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home. Some policies specifically exclude ‘dangerous activities’, which can include scuba diving, motorcycling and even trekking. A locally acquired motorcycle licence is not valid under some policies. You may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later, make sure you keep all documentation.

Check the detailed article for Thailand travel insurance here

4. What should I take to Thailand?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Thailand:

  • Slip-on Shoes are best, especially if you’re planning to travel to many temples. You will need to take your shoes off quite frequently.
  • Bug spray to ward off mosquitoes that could be carrying disease.
  • Shops in Thailand have sunscreen, but your options are limited.
  • If you’re planning on visiting temples, buy clothing items that cover your shoulders, knees and ankles.

Here is the detailed guide for what to pack for Thailand

5. Are you supposed to tip in Thailand?

Tipping is NOT customary in Thailand, there is absolutely NO mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated. Unlike some other parts of the world, you will never see a Thai service provider with his hand out waiting for a tip.

Check out the Thailand tipping guide & other local etiquettes here

6. Do I need to buy a Thailand SIM Card? And where can I buy it?

It is recommended to buy a local SIM card why travelling in Thailand as it surely has a stable connection and also the cheaper price for calling & data usage.

You can buy the SIM Card almost everywhere in Thailand, especially inside the big cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket

Check out the detailed guide for Internet & phone in Thailand here

7. Do I need to bargain while shopping in Thailand?

Bargaining and haggling for a better deal is all part of the experience when shopping at markets in Bangkok. The first price offered is rarely the true price, especially in overly tourist areas like Khao San Road, Silom, Chatuchak Market, or the stalls around Nana BTS Station. 

Tips: 

  • Remember that while bargaining is common in markets, it is not accepted or possible in convenience stores like 7-Eleven or upscale shopping malls.
  • Look around and check with your guide to have the idea of what you are going to buy. 

Here is our guide for Buying and bargaining in Thailand

New Zealand Embassy in Thailand

It is good to know exactly where the New Zealand embassy or consulates are located when traveling. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.

New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand

  • ADDRESS: M Thai Tower, 14th Floor, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330, P.O. Box 2719, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
  • TELEPHONE: (+66) 2254 2530
  • FAX: (+66) 2253 9045
  • EMAIL: [email protected]
  • WEBSITE: www.nzembassy.com/thailand
  • OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday: 08:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:30

Thailand TOUR PACKAGES FOR "NEW ZEALANDER TRAVELERS"

2-week treasures of Thailand Tour 2-week treasures of Thailand Tour

- Thailand -

2-week treasures of Thailand Tour
Luxury Holiday / 14 days / fr. $4,200

Take a roundtrip of Thailand in 2 weeks from bustling Bangkok to the north and back covering all the iconic sites with a special touch of luxury. Be pampered with door to door... More

Thailand Boutique Experience in 16-day tour Thailand Boutique Experience in 16-day tour

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Thailand Boutique Experience in 16-day tour
Unseen / 16 days / fr. $2,080

Venture away from the beaten path to discover a more authentic side of Thailand. Discover timeless traditions and historic monuments in Sukhothai and Lopburi, then head north to explore spectacular... More

12-day Essential Thailand Tour 12-day Essential Thailand Tour

- Thailand -

12-day Essential Thailand Tour
Must-see / 12 days / fr. $1,440

Welcome to Thailand- a land of rich history, incredible culture, friendly people, and some of the world’s best food. See the country’s iconic sites and experience deep-rooted traditions... More

2-week amazing Thailand tour 2-week amazing Thailand tour

- Thailand -

2-week amazing Thailand tour
Must-see / 14 days / fr. $1,820

Thailand offers many of the quintessential Southeast travel experiences such as spectacular scenery, rich culture & history, friendly population, and cuisine as rich in color and appearance as... More

10-day Thailand Family Experience Tour 10-day Thailand Family Experience Tour

- Thailand -

10-day Thailand Family Experience Tour
Family Vacation / 10 days / fr. $1,300

Be immersed in the rich fabric of Thai life on an unforgettable family holiday with a 10-day tour package. Venture through Bangkok’s colorful markets, meet e... More

9-day Fantastic Thailand Tour 9-day Fantastic Thailand Tour

- Thailand -

9-day Fantastic Thailand Tour
Family Vacation / 9 days / fr. $1,080

With this 9-day Fantastic Thailand Tour, you have chance to explore the wonderful land of smiles in style with a variety of marvelous cultural experiences. Start off with a visit t... More

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Check below our detailed tips & guide for every places to visit in Thailand, recommendation regarding the inclusion in each theme you prefer, and what you can do based on the time frame you have.

PLACES TO VISIT IN Thailand
Bangkok
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Chiang Mai
bee-white Chiang Mai

Phuket
bee-white Phuket

Hua Hin
bee-white Hua Hin

Chiang Rai
bee-white Chiang Rai

Koh Samui
bee-white Koh Samui

Thailand PLANS BY TRAVEL THEME
Must-see
bee-white Must-see

Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see

Luxury Holiday
bee-white Luxury Holiday

Unique experience combined with top-notch services

Wellness & Leisure
bee-white Wellness & Leisure

Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break

Honeymoon Vacation
bee-white Honeymoon Vacation

Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories

Family Vacation
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The combination of fun and educational activities

Trek & Hike
bee-white Trek & Hike

Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot

Unseen
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Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups

Cycling & Biking
bee-white Cycling & Biking

Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels

Cruise
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The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers

Thailand PLANS BY TIME FRAME
white-icon About 1 week
yellow-icon About 1 week
white-icon About 2 weeks
yellow-icon About 2 weeks
white-icon About 3 weeks
yellow-icon About 3 weeks
white-icon About 4 weeks
yellow-icon About 4 weeks
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Thailand BLOG ARTICLES

Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

...more

International travelers to Thailand will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results from October 1st, 2022 onward.

In a new move to attract travelers during peak season, Thailand is doing away with the requirement of needing vaccination certificates or Covid-19 negative results in the case of unvaccinated passengers. Additionally, those infected with Covid-19, but have mild symptoms don’t need to isolate from next month. The same applies to those who test positive but display no symptoms.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced these changes on Thursday after the National Communicable Diseases Committee (NCDC) had a meeting on Wednesday.

Instead of isolating those who have contracted the disease would be required to wear a mask, socially distance themselves from others and wash their hands frequently for the first five days. They also need to stay away from those who are immunocompromised and vulnerable.

Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn, deputy director-general of the Department of Disease Control, informed that since the present Covid-19 mutation doesn’t cause serious symptoms in most people, disease control measures can be relaxed.

National Security Council secretary-general Supoj Malaniyom added that the new measures are being put in place to help improve the economic conditions of the country.

“The primary aim will be to ensure the economy is back on track so people could earn their livelihoods once more,” he said.

...more

How long to spend in Thailand may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out. 

How long can you stay in Thailand? 

Well, as long as you like! From 10 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Thailand and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Thailand is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Thailand with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Thailand.

...more
CHECK OUT OTHER DESTINATIONS
Vietnam
bee-white Vietnam
A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling.
Cambodia
bee-white Cambodia
There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.
Myanmar
bee-white Myanmar
It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure.
Laos
bee-white Laos
Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous.
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