|
|
 |
--FLIGHTS-- |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
| TIPS - Travelling In Thailand |
|
Site Map
Culture Holidays Area Information Thai Culture Living In Thailand The Visa Run / Border Crossings Other Pages Flights Marriage dating & Visas FORUM ( Free )
|
Before you Leave
1) Mobile Phones - If you are going to spend more than a few days in Thailand, are travelling as a group or couple it well worth considering buying Thai sim cards. Firstly there is no charge for incoming calls so friends colleagues and family can contact you without coming back to a huge phone bill on your return. Contacting the UK can be as cheap as 12 pence a minute !! To ring your Thai phone number from the UK can be as cheap as 1p a minute using 0844 access numbers ! You will need to make certain that your phone is unlocked or unlatched to accept another sim card. Top up vouchers are easily available all over Thailand BUY A SIM CARD HERE. To unlock your phone get best advice here
2) Money Exchange - DON'T BOTHER !! By far the best rate of return is to exchange your money at the airport terminals at Bangkok ( arrivals, departures, airside and landside ) Exchange in the UK and you will lose up to 10% !
3) Clothing - Pack lightweight clothing only - you won't need a over-jacket, heavy shoes or anything like that however a lightweight mac may be useful because the weather can change quickly, especially during monsoon periods
4) Travel Insurance - The importance of travel insurance cannot be over emphasized. Get a quote for good quality insurance here. We recommend an annual policy if you travel overseas over 2 times a year. Single trip insurance is a rip off in my opinion
BOOK YOUR CAR HIRE HERE
In Thailand
1) Culture - This is a going to be a long paragraph...... Firstly Monarchy, religion and to a lesser extent politics. Saying something disparaging against the Thai Monarchy could get you into serious trouble. His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth King of the Chakri dynasty and the longest reigning in Thai history. Ascended to the throne in 1946 and is the worlds longest reigning monarch having ruled nearly 60 years. Likewise religion is equally important in Thai culture. Approximately 95% of Thai's are Buddhists, 4% follow Islam and the remainder Hindu's Christian's and Taoist's. Respect should be shown at religious sites especially in terms of dress - Shorts and sleeveless shirts are considered impolite and inappropriate, and shoes need to be removed in certain parts of the temple complex. Monks in Thailand are not supposed to touch or be touched by women. If a woman wants to give something to a monk, the article would normally be placed on a piece of cloth presented by the monk, or put within his reach.
Shoes - shoes are not worn inside homes not in some shops or guesthouses. There is normally a pile of shoes outside to act as a reminder to respect this custom before entry.
Head and Feet - Feet are the lowest part of the body both physically and spiritually so Thai's find it impolite to use your feet for pointing or putting on a table to rest them. Never touch anybody with your feet in Thailand, if you do apologise immediately. Likewise it is unacceptable to touch someone's head, as this is considered the highest and most spiritual part of the body.
Losing Your Temper ! - Keep Cool because losing your temper means losing the argument. Losing your head means losing face for everyone present.
2) Scams and Annoyances - Thailand is generally a safeplace to travel but as with a visit to any country caution needs to be exercised. Incidents like the recently publicised case regarding a particular high profile rape and murder case with an English girl are thankfully few and far between. Most scams will involve greed - your greed - if something sounds too good to be true...it probably is especially regarding gems and gold. If in doubt take advice from your tour guide, he will have seen it all before and probably be able to tell you countless amusing stories. We try to encourage our guests to shop and visit places unaccompanied sometimes, this is part of the cultural immersion process, but be assured we will prepare you and help to teach how to negotiate ( in thai ) to get the best prices.
3) Drugs and drugging - drugs need to avoided at all costs - some prescription drugs could get you into trouble too, in particular any drug that contains amphetamines ( ritalin, dexadrine for example ). Drug offences in Thailand can put you in prison for a long time. If you are caught with 100 grammes of heroin this can be punished by life imprisonment or execution !
If travelling alone it has been reported that some tourists have been drugged and robbed, mainly those visiting bars in red light districts.
|
|
   |
