Yeah, kind of thought that was self-explanatory, which is why I didn't respond to that post.
Off to Thailand for 3 weeks... share your tips and advice please!
- Thread starter Richdog
- Start date
Yeah, kind of thought that was self-explanatory, which is why I didn't respond to that post.
Don't insult/bad mouth the king (20 Years Jail Time)
Stay away from drugs (Jail for you again, or more likely a HUGE pay off to the corrupt officer)
The Police Force is mostly corrupt, no matter what anyone tells you. If you get caught for anything expect to be paying very large amounts of money.
Regarding rain. You are going to islands. Weather on Thai islands does not follow the mainland. In wet season it could be blissfully dry and sunny for a week. It could rain non-stop for a week also. I had some of the best weather in the wet season and saw more rain in the high season on some Thai islands so take whatever weather reports you have seen with a pinch of salt as they are often (always) wrong.
Wear mosquito repellent after 5pm as this is when the little gits start coming out. Consider wearing long lightweight trousers instead of shorts if bites bother you.
If you are doing full moon/beach parties do NOT go skipping in the flaming chains, it will end in tears.
Make sure you have the relevant jabs. Hep A/B, Typhoid at minimum. You do not need rabies however if you do get bit get to a hospital ASAP and get an accelerated course. Rabies risk differs throughout the region.
Taxi drivers cannot be trusted, especially when being ferried to business. Fully expect to be taken to somewhere different to your chosen destination as the driver might be on commission to bring tourists there instead. Make sure you agree a price BEFORE leaving and absolutely re-enforce your destination. Don't be a douche though as most Thai's are exceptionally friendly and I am sure you could even joke with them about taking you to the wrong place and have a laugh.
If you are buying toiletries double read the labels. Thai's are super hot on skin whitening and many deodorants etc contain skin whitening bleaches.
Jet skis, avoid. Most are mafia run and you will end up paying large sums of money for damage you never caused. Or end up in jail through a corrupt police officer in mafia pockets because you refused to pay. This is not an over exaggeration, I have seen it happen first hand.
If I think of any more I'll update post!
Stay away from drugs (Jail for you again, or more likely a HUGE pay off to the corrupt officer)
The Police Force is mostly corrupt, no matter what anyone tells you. If you get caught for anything expect to be paying very large amounts of money.
Regarding rain. You are going to islands. Weather on Thai islands does not follow the mainland. In wet season it could be blissfully dry and sunny for a week. It could rain non-stop for a week also. I had some of the best weather in the wet season and saw more rain in the high season on some Thai islands so take whatever weather reports you have seen with a pinch of salt as they are often (always) wrong.
Wear mosquito repellent after 5pm as this is when the little gits start coming out. Consider wearing long lightweight trousers instead of shorts if bites bother you.
If you are doing full moon/beach parties do NOT go skipping in the flaming chains, it will end in tears.
Make sure you have the relevant jabs. Hep A/B, Typhoid at minimum. You do not need rabies however if you do get bit get to a hospital ASAP and get an accelerated course. Rabies risk differs throughout the region.
Taxi drivers cannot be trusted, especially when being ferried to business. Fully expect to be taken to somewhere different to your chosen destination as the driver might be on commission to bring tourists there instead. Make sure you agree a price BEFORE leaving and absolutely re-enforce your destination. Don't be a douche though as most Thai's are exceptionally friendly and I am sure you could even joke with them about taking you to the wrong place and have a laugh.
If you are buying toiletries double read the labels. Thai's are super hot on skin whitening and many deodorants etc contain skin whitening bleaches.
Jet skis, avoid. Most are mafia run and you will end up paying large sums of money for damage you never caused. Or end up in jail through a corrupt police officer in mafia pockets because you refused to pay. This is not an over exaggeration, I have seen it happen first hand.
If I think of any more I'll update post!
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for 3 weeks i would stay on the east and just do the 3 islands.
samui = big, touristy, have a quick look
phangan = smaller, party island, lots of nice beaches up north
tao = cheap to learn diving, very small island, friendly and chilled
they are all one hour (approx) away from each other by boat
bangkok for a few days shopping
if you go to full moon party (which have become a bit commercial now) go the next morning to the backyard club. its at the top of a mountain and starts the morning after full moon party and goes on all day and night
like anywhere that you go, use common sense.
always be polite and friendly
and last but most important, have a good time
edit:
i always take a netbook or small laptop. all the resorts have wifi and its great to stay in touch/watch movies/music etc but a smart phone would do just as well
samui = big, touristy, have a quick look
phangan = smaller, party island, lots of nice beaches up north
tao = cheap to learn diving, very small island, friendly and chilled
they are all one hour (approx) away from each other by boat
bangkok for a few days shopping
if you go to full moon party (which have become a bit commercial now) go the next morning to the backyard club. its at the top of a mountain and starts the morning after full moon party and goes on all day and night
like anywhere that you go, use common sense.
always be polite and friendly
and last but most important, have a good time
edit:
i always take a netbook or small laptop. all the resorts have wifi and its great to stay in touch/watch movies/music etc but a smart phone would do just as well
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Awesome post Sin, thanks!
Do you think its too late to get jabs 8 days before I go though?
for 3 weeks i would stay on the east and just do the 3 islands.
samui = big, touristy, have a quick look
phangan = smaller, party island, lots of nice beaches up north
tao = cheap to learn diving, very small island, friendly and chilled
they are all one hour (approx) away from each other by boat
bangkok for a few days shopping
if you go to full moon party (which have become a bit commercial now) go the next morning to the backyard club. its at the top of a mountain and starts the morning after full moon party and goes on all day and night
like anywhere that you go, use common sense.
always be polite and friendly
and last but most important, have a good time
Thanks also, good advice.
Awesome post Sin, thanks!
Do you think its too late to get jabs 8 days before I go though?
Nope. But I would get them. You likely already have Hep A/B and may just require boosters. Typhoid you will probably need if you have never travelled to a destination where it is advisable to have prior.
Oh, also. DO go to a ping pong show. They are absolutely comical and an experience you MUST have while in Thailand
Do ladies do anything nasty in that
?
Vaccines are essential even though the risk is low http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/asia.htm#3rdb
Get them done ASAP!
As for the mosquitos, we found them active 24/7 and yet the area we were in was low risk we all used protection, I personally found Picaridin much much better then DEET and way safer to use too. I didnt need much to keep them away and i'm serious mozi-tasty too.
We went in nov 2011 and found it rained daily, it was generally early morning and early evening but only lasted an hour or so and was quite pleasant as it was swealteringly hot at times.
Get them done ASAP!
As for the mosquitos, we found them active 24/7 and yet the area we were in was low risk we all used protection, I personally found Picaridin much much better then DEET and way safer to use too. I didnt need much to keep them away and i'm serious mozi-tasty too.
We went in nov 2011 and found it rained daily, it was generally early morning and early evening but only lasted an hour or so and was quite pleasant as it was swealteringly hot at times.
Sort out some anti-malarials such as Doxycyclene or Malarone, the former being the cheapest but you have to take it daily as opposed to weekly. You will get strange dreams from whatever you take so be warned!
As mentioned above, ditch Bangkok asap and check out Chiang Mai and also Pai if possible which is 3 hours north of Mai iirc. If you're island hopping the definitely check of Phi Phi as from there you can visit Phi Phi Leh which is where 'The Beach' was filmed.
Try as much street food as possible, you can get a decent meal for 40p though quality and spiciness will vary from place to place. If in doubt, grab a cheese and ham toasty from a 7/11
Always haggle when buying things from markets.
As mentioned above, ditch Bangkok asap and check out Chiang Mai and also Pai if possible which is 3 hours north of Mai iirc. If you're island hopping the definitely check of Phi Phi as from there you can visit Phi Phi Leh which is where 'The Beach' was filmed.
Try as much street food as possible, you can get a decent meal for 40p though quality and spiciness will vary from place to place. If in doubt, grab a cheese and ham toasty from a 7/11
Always haggle when buying things from markets.The risk of malaria in Bankgkok and other built up areas of Thailand is exceptionally low and there is no need to take malaria medication.
Only really needed in the very rural areas of Thailand which I assume the OP will not be visiting based on his plan thus far.
I have been to Phi Phi and Maya Bay (Where the Beach was filmed) and neither are worth a visit. Phi Phi is HIGHLY over-rated (And filthy) and Maya Bay is very small and very very over-crowded.
You're probably right there actually, I went to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as well when I went which is why I took Doxy.
As for Maya Bay yes it's overcrowded but if you're over that way anyway then why not. As for Phi Phi being overrated, horses for courses and I didn't find it any dirtier than the rest of Thailand.
Rain, July...potentially lots.
Mostly on the islands, especially Phuekt it is short lived and mostly in the evenings. Sometimes light showers, sometimes the road will turn into a river in 2 minutes flat.
It's hard to say but in rainy season I would plan for every night getting some water and to write off some days to rain. I say plan as it might not rain - It's totally hit and miss, you might get 7 days of glorious sunshine without a single drop of water.
Also, power cuts happen frequently and at times can last the whole day. Sucks if you are relying on air-con/fans or watching something on TV. You will also not have any hot water with the leccy down.
Mostly on the islands, especially Phuekt it is short lived and mostly in the evenings. Sometimes light showers, sometimes the road will turn into a river in 2 minutes flat.
It's hard to say but in rainy season I would plan for every night getting some water and to write off some days to rain. I say plan as it might not rain - It's totally hit and miss, you might get 7 days of glorious sunshine without a single drop of water.
Also, power cuts happen frequently and at times can last the whole day. Sucks if you are relying on air-con/fans or watching something on TV. You will also not have any hot water with the leccy down.
Soldato
- Joined
- 2 Jun 2004
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Shut up. Bangkok is fantastic if you actually bother to spend some time learning where is worth seeing.
Lumphini Park for example, which is often overlooked by the 2-3 day tourists.
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IF you go to a more secluded part, yes, otherwise expect no sleep at all if you're staying by Haad Rin beach!
Go to Angthong national park from Samui, really great trip.
EDIT: Also, see some thai kick boxing if you can, it's a bit of a shock watching the kids fight.
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Im off for 3 weeks on wednesday (can't wait)
will be second time over there. Chang Mai and Pai were the best places we went last year.
Pai has a large bar/club built over a rive, made out of bamboo. Whole place flex's with the weight of the people. great experience.
Will you be going to the full moon party ?
will be second time over there. Chang Mai and Pai were the best places we went last year.
Pai has a large bar/club built over a rive, made out of bamboo. Whole place flex's with the weight of the people. great experience.
Will you be going to the full moon party ?
I think we will go to the party yup, Chang Mai sounds awesome so will suggest that too!
Off to get some jabs today, should have done them earlier but better late than never I guess.
The train market is very cool
Very good tour guide
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293916-d1580840-Reviews-Tour_with_Tong-Bangkok.html
Flight of the gibbon is fun
http://www.treetopasia.com/
Very good tour guide
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293916-d1580840-Reviews-Tour_with_Tong-Bangkok.html
Flight of the gibbon is fun
http://www.treetopasia.com/
Awesome post Sin, thanks!
Do you think its too late to get jabs 8 days before I go though?
Yup, great post, even if it was a little scary. It's not that bad if you're careful.
Too late for jabs I think, my Doctor said 21days was pushing it
Also, Phi Phi is still epic, The beach on Koh Phi Phi Lay is busy and a bit average because of this, but Phi Phi Don where you stay is epic. Either do a resort on the East for perfect bliss, but I don't see the point. Stay on Long Beach for exactly the same, plus you get the better sunsets and can look over Phi Phi Lay. It's also a short Longboat ride into Tonsai for food and partying, or you can try trekking 25mins through some steep and epic hillside.
Railay is amazing, but maybe a little quiet for you. Last Bar on East Railay is epic, with the fire jugglers being easily the best I've seen or will ever see!
Mozzy repellent is a must near sunset and into the dark, literally coat yourself in it and make sure it has 50% DEET content.
On a happier note, I'm heading back to Thailand again this year for xmas an New Year, it was that good last year. We are also looking at doing the same places (Railay and Phi Phi as they are that good!) The gf went back again on a few shorter trips as she is based in KL/Shanghai and backs up the Railay/Phi Phi awesomeness in comparison to many of the other places.
Soldato
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I meant in relation to how much time he has in the whole country.
I went back to Bangkok 3 times in my trip, I loved it every time and found so many weird and wacky places. I just meant for the time he has, it's better spent seeing some of the actual beautiful countryside rather than a city.