20 things you should know before traveling to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Budget: 15k - 20k (excluding airfare) is sufficient
20 Things to Know Before Traveling to Saudi Arabia on Your Own
First time in the Middle East at #Riyadh, a UNESCO World Heritage city in the desert. The weather is cool and pleasant at the end of the year and the beginning of the year. Traveling to Saudi Arabia is not as expensive as you might think. It's a country that never sleeps, where you can shop and explore until 3 AM. In this review, I'll share tips for traveling to Saudi Arabia independently. It's one of the easiest countries to travel on your own, and you can manage your budget well. If you go with friends and split costs, it becomes even cheaper. Read until the end for a budget summary.
📍20 Things to Know Before Traveling to Saudi Arabia
1. Thai citizens need a visa, which can be applied for via e-visa. The process is very simple and doesn't require much information. It takes only 10 minutes to get approved. The cost is 402 SAR (approximately 3,500 THB) for a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year.
2. It's now more convenient as Thai AirAsia X offers direct flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with up to 4 flights per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday). The flights use large aircraft, are comfortable, and reasonably priced. During my trip, the round-trip ticket cost just over 10,000 THB.
3. The flight duration is about 8 hours. Saudi Arabia's time zone is 4 hours behind Thailand.
4. For traveling in Riyadh, if you're in a group of 3-4 people, renting a car is recommended (an international driving license is required). Rental starts at 1,000 THB per day, and fuel is cheap, costing less than 20 THB per liter.
5. The main modes of transportation are Uber and Careem (a local ride-hailing app).
6. The metro is very affordable. I used it to visit several places, and each trip cost just a few dozen baht. The longest trip I took was two stops to the airport, which cost only 30 THB.
7. Metro trains have separate carriages: Single (for men only), Family, and First Class. Make sure to check before boarding.
8. The country operates on a late schedule; mornings are for sleeping, and everything comes alive in the afternoon until late at night. Shopping malls and cafes are open until 2-3 AM.
9. The food is delicious, and there are many great cafes. Local dishes are also very tasty.
10. For popular attractions like camel riding or visiting the Edge of the World, it's convenient to book a day trip tour. These places are more impressive than expected and worth seeing at least once. Must-visit attractions include Diriyah, Edge of the World, Al Masmak Fortress, Bujairi Terrace, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), and Kingdom Centre.
11. Accommodations are mostly serviced apartments, which are affordable and of high quality. If you rent a car, you can choose to stay anywhere.
12. The country has a consistent brown tone, making it easy to dress in black and white. However, attire should be modest.
13. Many tourist spots do not allow large cameras, but mobile phones are fine.
14. The weather at the end of the year and the beginning of the year is excellent, with temperatures dropping to as low as 9°C in December.
15. The locals are friendly, despite their stern appearance. They smile and communicate well in English.
16. The currency is Saudi Riyal (SAR), with 1 SAR equaling 8-9 THB. I didn't use cash at all during my trip; everything was paid via credit card or travel card.
17. Taking photos of others without permission is prohibited, especially local women.
18. Riyadh is very safe, with an extremely low crime rate. Women can travel alone without worry.
19. If you want to experience the Middle East, Riyadh is a great choice.
⭐️Budget Summary for 4 Days 3 Nights
1. Visa: 3,500 THB
2. Accommodation: 3,000 THB
3. Transportation + Tours: 5,000 THB
4. Food: 4,000 THB
Total: 15,500 THB + airfare (approximately 15,000 - 18,000 THB)
With such a great budget, it's a must-go!
#FlyAirAsia #SaudiArabia