Thailand is a country of mystery and exoticism that has intrigued and delighted travelers for years. It is a country of simpering Buddhas, steamy bowls of noodles and scintillating aromas, and a place where everyone – no matter how strange – can find a corner to themselves.

While civil unrest typically plagues the country every few years, as it has over the past couple of weeks, Thailand is generally a safe country for foreign tourists and offers a myriad of beautiful types of scenery to explore, from the urban jungle of Bangkok to the wild beaches of the Gulf islands. Here are our top Thailand travel tips for anyone considering a journey to this classic Asian locale.

Get there affordably. Cheap flights to Bangkok are available from most major international cities, and Bangkok Airport is one of the busiest and most modern centers for air travel in Asia.

Stay safe. Before making travel plans to Thailand, check travel warnings issued by major international governments to make sure that it is considered safe. The Thai government is typically very good about securing public places and, generally speaking, most tourists never find themselves in any kind of danger, but it’s best to make sure beforehand. While in Thailand, especially in crowded public areas, keep your belongings close and a watch over your wallet or purse, as pickpocketing has been known to occur.

If you have plans to visit Thailand now, it’s best to avoid Bangkok altogether with the recent violence plaguing the city. Instead, opt for the more scenic and relaxed destinations in the southern parts of the country, such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi.

Secure your visa. Visitors from most countries are offered entry to Thailand for tourism for 30 days, but its best to check with your local Thai embassy about visa requirements before you assume anything.

Pick the right time of year. The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, when the weather is most cool and dry. July to October is Thailand’s rainy season, when monsoons typically blow through on a daily basis, making the entire country a steamy mess. Being more or less equatorial, Thailand enjoys a tropical climate that is hot year-round, so even in January, it is possible to go beach-hopping there.

Don’t cause offense. Thais are traditional people with a reverence for the monarchy and royal family, as well as strong spirituality. It’s best not to speak ill of the Thai monarchy or the king. Also, when visiting Buddhist temples or private homes, shoes must always be removed. At most tourist temples, there are plenty of shoe racks outside where you can stow your treads for a few minutes while you visit.

Try bargaining. In most Thai markets and shops, you will find it necessary to bargain with the shopkeeper over the price of an item. This is a long-standing tradition in Thailand and a beloved art of Thais. The best way to begin is by knowing how much you want to pay for the item, driving a hard bargain, relenting on the price a little and coming to an agreement. For most Thais, this is a friendly practice, not an offensive one.

Beware of water. Water in Thailand is not safe for drinking, so be sure to buy bottled water or drink only water that has been boiled for several minutes.

Explore the culinary world. Thai food is renowned the world over for its fresh, spicy ingredients and delicious flavors. There are many types of Thai cuisine depending on which part of the country you’re visiting, and it’s worthwhile to try them all. Particularly nice items include fresh fish cooked on a barbecue, which is typical in the coastal areas and islands of Thailand. Pad Thai is also a popular style of Thai stir-fried noodles with peanuts, egg and shrimp, and this can be found all over the country.