Survival Tips
Generally, Thailand is a very friendly place to visit,
however a few precautions and a measure of common sense
can go a long way to making your experience smooth and
enjoyable. It is a good idea to carry a selection of change
such as 20 baht notes and coins as many people cannot
change large notes, especially in small towns and villages.
If you are stuck for change, buying an inexpensive item
at 7/11 or a similar shop usually does the trick. Touts
at airports and other tourist areas are there for one
reason only: to make money. Unfortunately, this usually
involves parting unwary travelers from their cash. You
should always question any offer that seems ‘too good’,
and get a good idea of average hotel prices before agreeing
to go with someone. Always use the meter in taxis or,
if taking a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi, makes sure you
agree the price before hopping on board. Young, fresh
coconuts are much more refreshing than water, great if
you are spending the day on the beach or suffering from
a hangover. Although the tap water is drinkable in large
cities, it is best to stick to bottled water. The larger
bottles of UV treated water are the cheapest, although
not the healthiest. It is worth paying a few baht more
for brands such as Singha or IO. In Bangkok, the entire
city becomes gridlocked during peak commuting hours of
8-10 am and 5-7 pm. It is best to try to avoid travelling
at these times. Essentials such as suntan lotion and mosquito
spray tend to be a little bit more expensive on the islands,
so it is a good idea to stock up before you go. Internet
access is often much more expensive as well. Guesthouse
owners a generally a good source of local information,
it is worth getting to know them. Make sure you check
the expiry date of your visa carefully as there is an
overstay fine of 500 baht per day. Many bathrooms do not
provide toilet tissue, so it is a good idea to carry some
with you. Remember to throw it into the bucket provided
rather than into the toilet. Sarongs are an essential
item as they dry much quicker than towels and can also
be used as a blanket, a privacy screen and an item of
clothing. Learning a few words in Thai can go a long way
to getting what you want and forming friendships. Compliments
and jokes are always effective. It is a good idea to carry
a photocopy of your passport, especially when going out
drinking as police perform random checks and may ask to
see it. It’s easy to become dehydrated, make sure you
carry water and drink small sips frequently. If you need
to get away from the heat for a while, cinemas, expensive
hotels and even 7/11 shops provide sanctuary. A small
dab of perfume or aftershave under your nose is a great
way to avoid suffering from bad smells.
Thailand
Northern Thailnd
Chiang Mai
| Chiang Rai
| Mae Hong Son | Sukhothai | Lumpang | Petchaboon | Phitsanulok
| Tak North
North Eastern Thailand
Khon Khen | Buriram | Loei | Nakhon Ratchasima | Nong
Khai | Nakhon Phanom | Ubon | Ratchthani |
Udon Thani | Uthai Thani
Eastern Thailand
Pattaya | Chonburi | Rayong | Trat
Central Thailand
Bangkok |
Ayutthaya | Sukothai | Kanchanaburi | Phetchaburi
| Prachuap | Khiri Khan | Lop Buri | Nakhon Nayok | Nakhon
Pathom | Ratchaburi | Samutprakarn
Southern Thailand
Koh Samet \ Phuket \ Krabi \ Phang-Nga Phuket \ Ranong
\ Songkhla \ Surat Thani \ Trang \ Chumphon \ Nakhon Si
Thammarat \ Narathiwat
