Travel Tips for Thailand Travel Advice
The islands in Thailand are amazing! Enjoy the beauty of Hawaii or Fiji for way less money. Among the many Thai islands are places to party, places to relax, and even islands with no electricity where you can play Robinson Crusoe.
These tips for enjoying the islands in Thailand will help you get the most out of your visit.
Flights to Phuket (Click to read more)
Some visitor’s info for Phuket — the largest, most developed, and most visited island in Thailand.
Keep Your Passport Number Handy
Many guesthouses and hotels ask for your passport number when checking in. Either memorize it, or write it someplace handy so that you don’t have to dig through your money belt to find your passport.
Koh Lanta Long Beach
Long Beach – known locally as Pra Ae Beach – is the best beach on the island of Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta is large, but many beaches in the south are rocky and impossible to swim during low tide. Long Beach has a pleasant vibe.
Go to Sairee on Koh Tao
The ferry arrives in Mae Haad on Koh Tao. Mae Haad is the busiest port on the island; the beach and setting aren’t as nice. Don’t get talked into a guesthouse there, walk north (left) for 20 minutes to Sairee – a much nicer area of Koh Tao.
Bangkok Airport Bus Terminated (Click to read more)
The handy Airport Express bus from Bangkok Airport to Khao San Road was permanently terminated in 2011. Read details for getting to Khao San Road…
Thai National Anthem
The Thai national anthem is played every day at 5 p.m. in train stations, public buildings, and other places. Stand up when everyone does and stop moving or speaking to show respect. Just do what everyone else does!
The King’s Birthday
December 5 is the King’s Birthday in Thailand. Most businesses will be closed, alcohol sales stopped, and all of Bangkok will celebrate with candles, fireworks, and gatherings. The King’s Birthday is also Father’s Day in Thailand.
Watch Out for Bad Power
Many of the islands use generators for power, these can create power surges and sags on the line when they are started. Don’t charge your laptop or devices while you are away, you should be there to pull the plug if needed!
Surnames Are New in Thailand
Surnames were only introduced in Thailand in the 1920s when everyone had to choose a unique family name. Two people with the same last name have a higher chance of being directly related than typically seen in the West.
It’s Not Koh San Road
Khao San Road in Bangkok sounds like “Cow San Road” — not “Koh San Road.” Koh means “island” in Thai, so this is not correct, despite many backpackers saying in incorrectly. Khao San means “milled rice.”
Vaccinations for Thailand
Many people travel to Thailand without any vaccinations, however, a few basic immunizations are recommended. Read the longer article for Thailand vaccinations to decide for yourself.
Kanchanaburi Thailand
Looking for a quick escape from Bangkok’s hectic pace? Ask around about Kanchanaburi. The pleasant little town is about four hours by bus, and sits on the River Kwai. Stay in the Jolly Frog Guesthouse for a nice garden.
Transportation (Click to read more)
Read about the standard choices for transportation in Thailand. Trains, Tuk-Tuks, taxis, trucks…
Thailand Scams
Please check out the new, current list of Thailand scams for the latest ripoffs to avoid in Thailand.
Make Calls Home with Skype
The public payphones and calling cards in Thailand are crap. Use Skype instead in internet cafes to make cheap calls home from across the internet. Rates are around two cents a minute to call landlines.
Bungalows
Charming bungalows are a great part of staying in the Thai islands, however, not all are created equal. Concrete bungalows have less insects, but they get scorching hot. Choose a wooden bungalow with a mosquito net provided.
Watch for Viruses in Internet Cafes
Public internet cafes are often infected with viruses. You can get the virus on your iPod, camera SD card, or USB memory stick when you insert it into public computers.
Check Your Laundry Carefully
Check your laundry carefully for missing items – articles are regularly lost or swapped between customers. Beware of washing whites that you care about. The new T-shirts people purchase and wash often bleed onto other clothes.
Hitchhiking in Thailand
To hitchhike or stop a passing vehicle, point at the ground in front of you rather than putting your thumb up. Drivers will probably just smile and give you a thumbs up in return if you try hitchhiking the Western way!
The Meaning of Farang
The word “farang” is used in Thailand to describe foreigners. The word is not normally derogatory, unless used in a negative context. Even Asians who are not Thai can be described as farang.
Avoiding Adding Plastic Bottles
Plastic bottles are a problem in Thailand. If staying somewhere for a few days, purchase the 5-litre jugs of water and refill your small bottles. Also look for water refill machines; 1 baht gets you 1 litre of water.
Koh Lipe Thailand (Click to read more)
A complete travel guide to Koh Lipe – a tiny island on the west coast of Thailand. Everything you need to know about visiting beautiful Koh Lipe…
Places to Stay in Bangkok
If Khao San Road isn’t your thing, consider finding a more upscale place in either Sukhumvit or Silom – two slightly more expensive options to Khao San Road. A taxi from Khao San Road will cost around 100 baht.
Khao San Road (Click to read more)
Khao San Road in Bangkok is the budget travel backpacker ghetto of the world. Read about how to survive the Khao San Road circus!
Toilets in Thailand (Click to read more)
Ask for the toilet in Thailand with “hawng nam.” Don’t expect TP or soap. See these pictures of typical toilets in Thailand…
Accommodation in Thailand (Click to read more)
Hostel dorms are rare in Thailand, so enjoy your private room! This is a rundown of what to expect from accommodation in Thailand…
Best Time to Go to Thailand (Click to read more)
The best time to go to Thailand is during the dry season, before the weather turns too hot. Read about seasons and holidays in Thailand…
When to Go to Thailand
The best time to visit Thailand is during the drier season between November and April. See the best time to go to Thailand tip for more information.
Mai Pen Rai (Click to read more)
Mai pen rai is a famous Thai expression loosely meaning “no worries.” Read about the mai pen rai attitude to adopt in Thailand…
