04Nov 25

How to Complete Thailand Digital Arrival Card (Step-by-Step Guide)

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an online form that replaces the traditional paper arrival card, simplifying the entry process for travelers arriving by air, land, or sea. The digital system helps improve border security, speeds up immigration procedures, and supports public health monitoring, providing a smoother experience for visitors to Thailand.

IMPORTANT: The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is not a visa! Currently, passport holders from the USA, Australia, the UK, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland do not need a visa for a visit of up to 30 days in Thailand. If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel.

Who needs to complete it?

All travelers who are not Thai citizens must fill out the TDAC online before entering the country. This requirement applies to international visitors arriving by air, land, or sea.

When should you fill it out?

Travelers should submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours (3 days) before their scheduled arrival in Thailand. Completing the form in advance helps ensure a smooth immigration process and allows authorities to efficiently process your entry information.

What do I need?

To fill out the TDAC, you’ll need the following:

A valid passport
Your personal information
Your arrival details (i.e. flight information)
Accommodation details
Your health information

If you’re on a Globe Drifters trip, we’ll send you the accommodation details approximately 2 weeks before your trip start date via email in the pre-departure notes.

Step-by-step guide to completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Step 1: Visit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card homepage. Then, click “Arrival Card”. (If you need to change the language, just click the flag icon in the top right corner to select your preferred language.)

IMPORTANT: This is the official Thai government website and it is free! Be aware of others out there that may charge you a fee to do this.

Step 2: Enter your passport and personal information. It is very important that the information you enter matches that in your passport, wherever applicable! You are only required to fill out fields with a red asterisk* next to them. Click “Continue” when you’ve completed this section.

IMPORTANT: You can only fill out this form within 72 hours of your arrival in Thailand!

Step 3: Enter your trip and accommodation information. If you are on a Globe Drifters Thailand trip, please refer to your flight itinerary for your arrival/departure information and pre-departure notes for your accommodation information. Once you’ve filled out all required* fields, click “Continue”.

Trip information

Accommodation information

Step 4: Enter your health information. Select the country/countries you have stayed in within 2 weeks before arrival in Thailand. Click “Preview”.

Step 5: Review the information you entered. Make sure all is correct and matches your passport and flight reservation. Enter your email address. Check the box indicating you’ve read and accepted the terms and conditions. Click “Submit”.

Step 6: Confirm your email address and download your Thailand Digital Arrival Card.

Step 7: Check your email. You will receive an email with the subject line “Thailand Digital Arrival Card Submission”. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your spam/other folders. This email will have an attachment, which you should save a copy of to your phone and have it on hand when you arrive in Thailand. You should have it ready for when you pass through immigration and passport control. We also recommend printing out a paper copy in case you have any issues with your phone on arrival.

Here is the site where you can update your digital arrival card. If you update your arrival card, don’t forget to check your email again and download the updated attachment!

By completing your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before your trip, you’ll save time at the airport and enjoy a smoother start to your adventure in the Land of Smiles. Check out our blog about how to get from the Bangkok airport to your hotel in the city if you’d like more information about arrival in Thailand. Happy travels!

23Sep 15

How to get from Bangkok Airport to your Hotel

By globedrifters Thailand

How to get from Bangkok Airport to your Hotel

Getting from the Bangkok airport to your hotel in the city is easy enough and your best, fastest option is by taxi. There are two airports in Bangkok. One is called Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the international flight hub. The other is Don Mueang Airport (DMK) for domestic flights and some flights to and from neighboring countries. Both airports are about equal distance from the city center of Bangkok. For our 15-day Thailand for Lantern Festival trip you will usually fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and airport pick-up is not included. We’ll help you get your adventure in Thailand started with these 2 ways of getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to your hotel in the city center.

Arriving at Hanoi Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

To get started, you’ll need to deplane and go through immigration. Look for the signs that say “Immigration” and they will point you in the right direction.

Follow the “Immigration” signs.

Pass through immigration

Follow the “Foreign passport” signs and be prepared to wait as there are usually a lot of people standing in line. The lines typically move relatively quickly but you could be there for a while.

Follow the “Foreign passport” immigration lines.

Collect your luggage and exchange/withdraw money

After passing through immigration, make your way to the baggage claim area. Take a look at the monitors to find your flight number to see what baggage claim carousel your luggage can be found at.

Once you collect your bags, you may want to exchange some money at the exchange counter. These counters are located generously outside of the baggage claim area.

You can exchange money after exiting the baggage claim area.

Remember that the airport currency exchange counters do not usually offer very good exchange rates. We recommend exchanging a small amount of cash, around $50 USD or so. Alternatively, you might select to withdraw cash from the ATM. Even if withdrawing from an ATM, it’s a good idea to bring some cash to exchange just in case your bank puts a stop on your card. If pulling from an ATM, we suggest taking out a relatively larger amount as withdrawal fees are usually 220 baht ($6) per withdrawal plus whatever fees your home bank charges you, usually around $5 per transaction. We suggest pulling out the maximum, usually 20,000 baht (approximately $565 USD), depending on the machine.

Thai baht (THB).

Now, you’re ready to catch your transportation and start your adventure in Bangkok!

Option 1: Pre-booked airport pick-up

One way to get from the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to your hotel in the city center is to pre-book airport pick-up before arrival with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups. This is one of the slightly faster and more expensive options. It will take you approximately 45 minutes to an hour to get to the city center. You can find other transfer companies by searching travel websites such as TripAdvisor. The cost will vary depending on the company.

If you’ve pre-booked your airport pick-up, you’ll usually find a driver waiting for you after luggage claim in the public arrivals area. He’ll typically have a sign with your name on it. It’s best to ask your transfer company for specific instructions and what/who to look for.

For those on the 15-day Thailand for Lantern Festival trip, we will put you in touch with one another before the trip starts so you can share flight arrival times and coordinate pre-booked airport pick-up if you so wish.

It’s important to have WhatsApp downloaded and set up on your phone before you arrive so you can be in touch with the transfer company and/or driver. There is free Wifi at the Suvarnabhumi Airport but if you can’t connect, you can turn on data roaming.

*IMPORTANT: Globe Drifters does not vouch for any transfer companies you may find online. It’s important to do your research, read reviews, and contact the company to make sure that it is indeed a trustworthy, legitimate company.

Option 2: Take a taxi

Find the public taxi computer kiosks

One of our favorite things about Bangkok airport is there is almost zero or very limited harassment from taxi drivers like you may have seen in other airports around the world. This means you won’t be swarmed by taxi drivers trying to make a quick buck as soon as you step outside. All you need to do is follow the “Public Taxi” signs to catch your ride to your hotel.

Follow the “Public Taxi” signs.

Go down one floor and continue following the signs that say “Public Taxi” (see below).

Keep following the “Public Taxi” signs!

You will eventually arrive at a line of public taxis. You will also find some small computer kiosks there. There are usually two attendants standing by if you need help. Watch the video below to help you find the public taxi kiosks.

Push the only button in the middle of the computer screen and you will receive a number between 1 and 25. Locate the illuminated lane number that corresponds with your ticket and go to the car in that lane.

Look at your ticket # and find the corresponding taxi lane.

The taxi driver will help you with your luggage. These are all metered taxis so don’t worry about getting ripped off.

Give the driver the name of your hotel and the address written in Thai from the pre-departure notes and you’ll be on your way!

Taking the highway and paying the tolls

Your taxi driver may ask if you want to take the ‘highway/toll’. The answer is yes! The highway/toll road has much less traffic and is considerably quicker. You will arrive at the first toll and it will cost 25 baht (approximately $0.75 USD). The taxi driver will usually ask you for the money for the toll. The toll roads provide change so don’t worry about only having large bills. The driver might give you back all of your change or keep 50 baht from the change as there will be another toll to pay in about 5 minutes which costs 50 baht (approximately $1.50 USD) to pass through. He will more than likely just ask for 75 baht at the first toll and use the leftovers to pay for the 2nd toll. In any case, the total amount for the two tolls is 75 baht (approximately $2.00 USD).

This is what one of the toll booths looks like.

Below you can see toll receipt tickets that you’ll receive: One for 25 baht and the other for 50 baht. The total for all toll roads comes to 75 baht.

You will need to pay 2 tolls, one for 25 baht and another for 50 baht.

Once you arrive at the hotel, you will pay the amount on the meter plus 45 baht for the airport surcharge. The driver might ask you for a tip and 50 baht is sufficient. The most common way to tip is to just round up your tab. For example, if you owe 445 baht, just give the driver 500 baht.

It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to get to the hotel depending on the traffic. The cost of the taxi is usually around 350 ~ 500 THB.

Both options above have their pros and cons and the 2 mentioned above have worked in the past for our travelers. You may find another option that works better for you. If you’re on one of our Thailand trips, get settled, relax at the hotel’s pool, or explore the surroundings as the hotel is centrally located. Happy travels!

09Sep 14

Festivals in Asia Worth Planning Your Trip Around

By globedrifters Thailand

After living and traveling in Asia for many years, I’ve learned one thing: this part of the world loves festivals. There’s a full moon festival, a harvest festival, the washing hair festival, a camel festival, a weaving festival—the list goes on. Many are fun, but what festivals are worth planning your trip around?

Loy Krathong Festival: Thailand’s Festival of Lights

Let’s start in Thailand with one of the most beautiful festivals in Asia: Loy Krathong. Known as the “festival of lights,” it takes place every November under the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. The name “krathong” means a small basket made from banana leaves. During this festival, people fill the basket with flowers, incense, and candles before setting it afloat on rivers, bays, or canals.

Once you set your basket adrift you make a wish and some people believe that the longer your candle stays lit the more likely your wish will come to fruition.

The candle also signifies longevity and the washing away of sins. The sight of thousands of glowing krathongs floating on the water is pure magic. Some even look like ice cream cones! People write wishes on them, hoping the lantern flies high and doesn’t burn out—a sign that their wish will come true.

You’ll also spot floating lanterns in balloon form drifting into the sky. People write their wishes on them, hoping the flame doesn’t go out—another good omen. We once wrote our company name on one of those lanterns, and guess what? It stayed up. So maybe it works! 😄

The tradition has carried to the west and you see many of these lantern balloons at weddings and parties. While Loy Krathong is celebrated throughout Thailand, one of the most magical places to experience it is in Chiang Mai. If you’re curious to see more, you can check out our pictures from our last trips to Thailand for the Loy Krathong festival.

Songkran Festival: Thailand’s Ultimate Water Fight

Ever wanted to throw buckets of water at strangers or roam around with a Super Soaker? Here’s your chance! Songkran is one of the wildest festivals in Asia, marking the Thai New Year every April.

Traditionally, Songkran involved pouring scented water over Buddha statues and gently sprinkling elders as a sign of respect. People cleaned their homes and made New Year’s resolutions.

These days, Songkran has evolved into a three-day nationwide water fight. Buckets, water guns, icy water—even elephants—are fair game. Locals and tourists alike join in, especially since April is one of Thailand’s hottest months, with temps often soaring above 100º F.

Of course, there are rules. Monks and pregnant women are off-limits. You do not splash water in restaurants, hotels, or people’s homes. And after sunset, the city calls a ceasefire so people can change into dry clothes.

Songkran used to be celebrated only in Northern Thailand, but now it’s nationwide. Similar festivals in Asia happen around the same time in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China’s Yunnan province.

If you want to find out the dates of Songkran, check out Thailand’s official tourism website for more info and tips.

Holi Festival: India’s Festival of Colors and Love

Across the way in India, you’ll find one of the most famous festivals in Asia: Holi, the vibrant “festival of colors.” It’s celebrated each March and has become so popular that many Western cities now host their own versions.

The origins of Holi differ by region. In one legend, an evil king forced people to worship him. His son, loyal to Lord Vishnu, was punished for defying his father. The king’s sister, Holika, tricked the son into sitting with her on a pyre, thinking her protective cloak would shield her from flames. Instead, the cloak flew to the boy, saving him while Holika perished—symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Many kick off Holi with a bonfire called Holika Dahan.

Another story links Holi to Lord Krishna, who feared women wouldn’t love him because of his blue skin. His mother suggested he color the face of a girl he liked—Radha. It worked, and they fell in love. Today, Holi celebrates love, forgiveness, and fresh starts.

Although Holi is a Hindu festival, people of all faiths in India come out to hurl colors and water at each other. But be warned—it gets rowdy fast. Local men often drink bhang (a cannabis drink), making the crowds wilder. Women travelers should join the fun early in the day before things get too raucous.

For more pictures about Holi, check out the pictures from our last trips to India during Holi.

Pushkar Camel Fair: A Spectacle in India’s Desert

The Pushkar Camel fair in India is one of India’s most highly-rated travel experiences. It’s a spectacle on an epic scale that draws over 400,000 people and 11,000 camels, horses, and cattle for nearly 2 weeks in November.

The Pushkar Camel Fair feels like a step back in time. Traders set up desert tents and barter over livestock. Men show off elaborately decorated camels, compete in races, and even vie for the longest moustache. Meanwhile, women set up stalls filled with jewelry, textiles, and traditional crafts, while dance and music fill the air.

There are all kinds of competitions during the festival. You’ll see contests for the camel with the most intricate decorations, thrilling camel races, and even a longest-moustache competition! Locals and foreigners alike can place bets—or jump in and play in a lively game of cricket alongside the crowd.

It’s a time when men proudly show off their prized livestock and the skills of their camels, while women set up colorful stalls brimming with bracelets, clothes, and textiles, and join in vibrant dance performances.

The fair takes place every November during the Kartik Purnima full moon. For visitors, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the color, chaos, and carnival atmosphere of one of the last great traditional trading festivals—where livestock, farmers, traders, and villagers gather from all across Rajasthan.

If you travel in Asia long enough, you’re bound to stumble into one of these festivals in Asia—sometimes without even trying. Whether it’s floating lanterns in Thailand or camels in the desert, these celebrations offer glimpses into local life and culture that you just can’t get anywhere else.

So what about you? Have you been to any festivals that completely blew your mind? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your stories! Happy travels!

17Oct 19

Khao Sok National Park: Thailand’s Jungle Wonderland

By globedrifters Thailand

Khao Sok National Park: Thailand’s Jungle Wonderland

Khao Sok National Park isn’t exactly off the beaten path, but it often gets skipped on Thailand itineraries—and that’s a real loss. Just a two-hour drive from both the southern and eastern islands, it’s easy to reach, yet the jungle feels like a whole other world.

Staying in Jungle Treehouse

My favorite spot in Khao Sok is hands down staying in a jungle treehouse in Khao Sok. The jungle hotels are some of the very first eco-hotels before “eco” was even a thing, and they have such a warm, authentic vibe. On our trip to Thailand, it’s always a crowd favorite, and it’s easy to see why—there’s something about the rustic charm combined with the jungle setting that feels instantly relaxing.

The Ancient Rainforest

Khao Sok is one of the oldest jungles on the planet—over 160 million years old, making it the second oldest in the world. Walking through it is surreal. Towering trees, gibbons calling overhead, thick vines, and the constant soundtrack of the rainforest—it feels like stepping back in time. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite places ever.

Floating Lake Houses: Camping with a View

One of the highlights has got to be staying in the floating lake houses inside the park. Sure, they’re a bit rustic, but the views make up for every little creak and simple amenity. Waking up to mist drifting over the water and the sound of jungle life all around—it’s like camping, but the scenery is next-level magical. This is what the floating hotel we stay at during our 15-day trip to Thailand looks like:

Adventure in Every Corner

Khao Sok is packed with things to do, and every day feels like a new adventure. You can:

Canoe or tube down jungle rivers
Soak in natural hot springs
Trek through the jungle during the day or at night for nocturnal wildlife
Explore waterfalls and hidden viewpoints

No matter what you pick, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re in a real-life adventure movie.

Why Khao Sok Stays With You

Between the floating lake houses, the ancient rainforest, and the wildlife encounters, Khao Sok leaves a mark. It’s a mix of adventure, relaxation, and pure nature magic. Whether it’s your first trip to Thailand or your tenth, Khao Sok National Park is a place that stays in your memory—and your heart. Check out the itinerary of our 15-day trip to Thailand for more inspiration!

21Jul 14

The Ethical Dilemma of Visiting a Long-Neck Village

By globedrifters Thailand

The Ethical Dilemma of Visiting a Long-Neck Village

Visiting a Karen long-neck village in Northern Thailand isn’t just another stop on a travel itinerary—it’s one of those experiences that stays with you, mostly because it raises more questions than answers. You hear the stories, you see the pictures, and you’re told it’s a “must-see.” But once you walk in, it’s impossible to ignore the complicated reality behind it: refugees turned into tourist attractions, culture intertwined with survival, and a whole lot of ethical grey area that doesn’t fit neatly into right or wrong.

That’s why I wanted to share my own experience—what I saw, what I learned, and what it felt like to meet the women behind the photos.

The Karen Long Neck Village in North Thailand

If you have ever visited the north of Thailand then you are well aware of one of the main tourist attractions, which is visiting a hill tribe village. The most popular hill tribe, the Padaung tribe—often referred to as the “Karen long neck village”—is indigenous to the Kayah state in Burma, not Thailand.

A Brief Background on Burma’s Ethnic Conflict

In Burma there are many different ethnic groups. These groups first fought for their independence in 1948 after British colonial rule ended. From my understanding, the lower and upper portions of Burma have been autonomous for much of history and only recently became part of Burma through colonization by the British.

The lower half of Burma has seen carnage with many tribal states fighting the Burmese government, most notably the Karen and Shan states. The fight has moved from political to ethnic, and now the Burmese government is trying to ethnically “cleanse” these areas. Considering that the government has pillaged, raped, tortured, terrorized, and murdered these people, you can understand why they are fleeing into Thailand.

Students take part in a rally demanding peace at the war-torn Kachin State in Yangon, Myanmar May 6, 2018. REUTERS/Ann Wang – RC19493F1880

Human Minesweepers and Forced Displacement

One of the most horrific accounts is that the Burmese military uses these people as human minesweepers. This scene is even depicted in the movie Rambo. In the movie, Rambo kills the soldiers forcing people into the minefields, and we all feel relief—but Rambo isn’t really in the jungles of Burma and nobody is saving them.

Burmese elections were rigged so the military would win, causing more clashes and more refugees fleeing into Thailand in 2010.

FILE – IN this Feb. 15, 2021, file photo, Rohingya refugees headed to the Bhasan Char island prepare to board navy vessels from the south eastern port city of Chattogram, Bangladesh. The United Nations said Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, that a group of Rohingya refugees is adrift in a boat in the Andaman Sea without food or water, and that their families are worried that many may have already died. (AP Photo, File)

The Creation of Thailand’s Tourism Villages

Upon entering Thailand, almost all Burmese refugees are placed in camps along the northwestern border. Foreigners and non-profits rarely get access. A very small subgroup, the Padaung tribe, also fled here. Some women in this tribe wear gold rings around their necks as part of their culture to signify beauty.

In 1985 Thailand created tourism villages, with the Padaung women being the main attraction. These villages are completely fake and set up for tourists. Many people refer to them as “human zoos,” and they are, for the most part.

My Visit to a Long Neck Village

I also visited a Karen long neck village in Northern Thailand. I went independently. The one I visited was not popular—I was the only visitor for hours. It was 20 km east of Thaton. I paid the 200-baht entrance fee and went in. If going by scooter or motorcycle, the road is bumpy with lots of potholes, so be careful.

Once inside, I saw bamboo stalls on both sides with women selling crafts. Everyone comes here to take pictures but it felt weird to pull out my camera while they were going about daily life. They didn’t seem keen on having their photos taken when I walked in. I bought two scarves I didn’t really want and walked to the end of the alley.

Meeting a Young Woman From the Village

At the end, a young woman smiled at me. I asked how her day was, not sure if she spoke English. She responded in perfect English. We started talking and after a few minutes I sat next to her. She told me she speaks five languages—French, English, Thai, Burmese, and her native language. She learned most of these just by talking with tourists, which is extremely impressive considering I lived in Korea for four years and can barely make a coherent Korean sentence.

The Truth about Life Inside the Village

I asked about her daily life. She had lived in the long neck village since she was very young and didn’t remember living anywhere else. The only time they’re allowed to leave is when they’re sick and need a hospital. All villagers get white rice and, if I remember correctly, sugar cane for protein. That’s it.

When asked if most villagers want to return to Burma, she said no—they have a better life here. All the men work on farms. I don’t know if they get paid or get food as compensation.

Economic Refugees and “Prison Villages”

Technically these families are economic refugees. The Thai owners of these villages make a huge profit and don’t want them to leave. Entrance is $8–$16, which is expensive by Thai standards.

There have been reports of some women getting applications approved to be relocated to New Zealand, and the Thai owners stopped the relocation. These women only number a couple hundred, so Thailand is keen on keeping them in these “prison villages.”

Some Burmese women who don’t wear rings begin wearing them because they get paid more. If they take off their rings, they’re ostracized and told they won’t be paid. This whole tribe has been exploited to the point of no return.

The Sting of Western Guilt

Whenever I travel, I can’t help but feel the sting of Western guilt. Here is a woman who speaks five languages with no formal education, posing for tourists in a “village prison,” yet I’m the one with the money.

Bringing Supplies to the Village

After talking for hours, I thought it would be nice to bring food and amenities. I drove to a convenience store and bought 100 pad Thai, 50 ice creams, 30 milks, 50 toothbrushes, and 50 toothpastes—for only $70. I carried everything back on my scooter through mud and potholes. When I returned, the security guard let me through without questioning the bags. Two other ladies helped me carry everything. We gave the kids ice cream and I said goodbye. The only picture I took was of the children with ice cream. Taking pictures inside just felt wrong.

Should You Visit a Long Neck Village?

Many people go to tiger camps, elephant camps, hill tribe villages, and slum tours knowing the ethical issues but still go out of curiosity.

So the big question is: should you visit a long neck village?

I think it is the lesser of two evils. If these villages didn’t exist, these families would be in the camps with no income. At least here they can earn something. The camps do not sound like easy places to live.

In my opinion, if you want to go, you should. But I think you should follow some simple rules.

Guidelines for Visiting a Long Neck Village

If you want to take a picture, buy a handmade item first. Make sure it’s really handmade by the women.
Ask before taking pictures. Get to know them. You wouldn’t want someone taking pictures of you at your job without permission.
Bring items if you want. Pens, pencils, paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, food, books. Give them to one person—preferably an elder—to distribute later.

Visiting a Karen long neck village isn’t a simple yes-or-no decision. It sits in a grey area, shaped by culture, tourism, and real people’s lives. If you choose to go, go respectfully—buy something handmade, ask before taking photos, and take time to talk with the women. In the end, it’s a personal choice, and the best we can do as travelers is approach it with awareness and kindness.