Thailand Travel Tips
For those looking for a different cultural experience, or even just a great holiday destination, then adding Thailand to your travel list will not disappoint. A Thailand holiday can be a relaxed resort style getaway on one of the islands such as Koh Pi Pi or Koh Samed, bargain shopping and sight-seeing in the capital Bangkok, or perhaps a combination of both to let you experience the diversity of this amazing country.
For first time travelers to Thailand, there are several tips that will make your holiday less stressful and infinitely more enjoyable, such as:
Check Health Warnings
Before leaving for Thailand visit your family doctor to check health warnings for the area you intend to visit. If you intend to do any hiking or rainforest walks then you will need to start taking malaria tablets a week before your departure. Your family doctor will be able to advise any other precautions or medications that you need.
Airport Transfers
The cheapest way to get from the airport into the capital is via the taxi stand outside the departure area. You may have to wait 20 or 30 minutes before getting a taxi, but they should use the meter and will take you to your hotel
Your other option is to get hire a minivan from the many booths that line the corridor. Ask if you will be riding in the van alone or with passengers. Using for hire transportation will normally take around one hour by comparison and cost two to four times as much. However, there’s the added convenience of immediately getting your transfer.
Taxi Fares
Always ask how much the fare will be to get to your destination before getting into the taxi. Taxi fares in Thailand are for the most part quite reasonable when using the taxi’s meter. However, at times a naive traveler can be easy pickings, especially on a return trip from an outlying area, so be sure to ask for ‘meter’ or the cost of the fare beforehand. If it seems too high then you can usually find another taxi to get a better deal. The exception to this, however, is during peak hours in Bangkok, when you will occasionally pay more because of traffic delays. Sometimes taxi drivers will refuse to take you downtown because they wont be able to get out of the massive traffic jam that envelopes the city every night.
Your hotel concierge can advise you on what the busiest traffic times are likely to be. Planning your movements around the capital outside of these times will save you money if you're on a tight budget.
Don't drink the tap water
To reduce your chances of having your holiday ruined by stomach upsets, it is wise not to consume the local tap water.
However, Thailand’s water system is much safer than the surrounding countries, and you can feel safe brushing your teeth and using ice cubes.
Buy personal items from a supermarket
Make purchases of personal care items such as sunscreen, toothpaste or bottled water from a local supermarket instead of the resort or hotel where you are staying. Although the prices of these items may not seem too expensive, you will normally find a supermarket or small convenience store somewhere close to the resort where these items are up to a third of the price that you will pay at the resort. Any money you save on these purchases can be used for souvenir shopping instead.
Restaurants
When you're staying in regional areas and choosing somewhere to eat keep in mind that you are no longer in a western country. Thailand is a not extremely rich country, which is more evident in outlying areas than it is in the capital. While in your home country a restaurant in a run down looking building could indicate a possible health risk. This is not the case in regional areas of Thailand and Bangkok, as many of the buildings are old because of the general poverty of the population. The best guide for choosing a restaurant is if the local people are happy eating there, then it is a good indication that the food is safe and delicious.
Keep valuables concealed
In tourist areas, always keep wallets, purses, mobile phones etc in your pockets or backpack to avoid the attention of pickpockets, especially in larger cities like Bangkok. Although not a major problem, any large population has its share of thieving so it is best to keep your valuables secure. It is also wise to carry your backpack on the front of your body in certain areas such as the china town markets or the weekend market (called JJ market). It can be quite crowded, giving pickpockets a chance to access valuables within the outer compartments of a backpack.
Thailand is a great holiday destination with excellent shopping, friendly people, wonderful scenery, and delicious food and by following these simple tips you'll have such a memorable time you'll want to return again and again.
- If its the train, the plane or the bus check our recommendations so that you can know before you go.
- While Thailand abounds with must see destinations, take a minute to see what we think you shouldn't miss while you are "in the neighborhood."
