My name is Lisanne, and I am a travel nurse at Vaccinatiecentrum.nl. After completing my internship at the Vaccination Center, I decided to take a longer trip to Thailand and other destinations together with my sister. I’d like to share some highlights from this special experience — and the health preparations we made before traveling.
This blog was published on July 31, 2025
Well prepared for the journey
Before departure, we thoroughly researched the health risks and recommended vaccinations for Thailand. Since we planned to travel for an extended period and our itinerary wasn’t fully fixed, we opted for comprehensive vaccinations including DTP, hepatitis A and B, and rabies. Hepatitis A and DTP are part of the standard advice for travelers to Thailand.
Because we planned to get a tattoo during the trip, hepatitis B vaccination was also recommended. We were advised to pay close attention to hygiene and sterile needles, and to only visit certified tattoo studios.
We chose rabies vaccination because we expected to spend time in areas with many stray dogs, cats, and monkeys. Since we wouldn’t always be near a major city, in case of a bite, scratch, or lick, we wanted to be sure treatment would be easier and faster. Fortunately, nothing happened during our trip, but it gave us peace of mind—especially since many animals didn’t look very healthy.
Exciting and special
Traveling outside Europe for the first time and heading straight to Thailand for a month was exciting. But what an unforgettable adventure it was! From bustling cities to spiritual temples, tropical beaches, and countless impressions — Thailand surprised and moved us.
First stop: Bangkok
Our journey began in the capital, Bangkok, where we were immediately struck by the contrast between tradition and modernity. Ancient temples stand side by side with hyper-modern malls and skyscrapers. We expected a more traditional city, but Bangkok sometimes felt almost futuristic.
One thing that immediately caught our attention was the many mosquitoes. Knowing that the tiger mosquito, which transmits dengue among other diseases, is active during the day, we regularly applied DEET. It didn’t prevent all bites, but definitely a large part. In the evenings, other mosquitoes appeared, which can carry diseases like malaria. So we remained vigilant and well protected both day and night.
Peace and culture in Chiang Mai
After a few days, we took a 12-hour train ride to the quieter northern city of Chiang Mai. There, we immediately felt the cultural shift. The highlight was meeting elephants at a sanctuary focused on animal welfare—no shows, just genuine care. A moving and emotional moment.
The Buddhist culture in Chiang Mai left a deep impression. The serene temples and respect for monks and elders gave the city a special atmosphere. Since the area is higher and cooler, there were thankfully fewer mosquitoes—definitely a relief after the itchy bites in Bangkok.
Street Food: a feast for the senses
Everywhere we went, we were tempted by the aroma of street food. In Thailand, people rarely cook at home; for just a few baht, you can grab a fresh meal on the street. From spicy curries to mango sticky rice, but Pad Thai was our favorite—freshly cooked on a scooter-mounted griddle, always with a line of waiting customers.
We also noticed the importance of good hygiene: make sure food is properly heated, freshly prepared, and that vendors have clean hands. This helps prevent classic traveler’s diarrhea.
Sun, sea, and relaxation in the south
From the north, we traveled south toward Phuket and Krabi. Here, it was all about sun, sea, and relaxation. We snorkeled in crystal-clear water among tropical fish and enjoyed the colorful longtail boats on the beach. Unlike peaceful Chiang Mai, Phuket was lively, with many tourists, nightlife, and activities.
A journey never to forget
Our trip through Thailand was unforgettable. We discovered beautiful places and learned how important it is to be well prepared for travel. One thing is certain: we will come back.
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