Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
This guide is not for those traveling on a super tight budget or those that like to follow everyone else.
Having spent the last 5 years in and out of Thailand (more in than out I should add), along with a recent 6 week trip touring around Bangkok, Southern Thailand and a touch of the North East with a buddy of mine, I thought I would jot down some notes and advice that will hopefully help you get more out of your visit to Thailand.
I haven’t gone into the food, transport, temples etc., as this info has been re-written thousands of times already. If this is the kind of information you need, I have added a “Further reading” section at the end of this post that lists some great resources that should help you with the basics of traveling in Thailand.
My aim here is to walk you through my most recent trip around Thailand, highlighting how I prefer to travel. I’ve also made an effort to cover areas that most travel guides miss, offer a local perspective on things and my thoughts on areas of Travel that not only apply to Thailand, but travel and Asia in general.
Our 6 week tour of Thailand
Over the last 6 weeks I’ve been traveling around Thailand with my buddy Owen (that’s him being super weird in the image above), meeting up with lots of cool people along the way. This was he’s first trip to Thailand and although he didn’t get to see everything worth seeing here, he no doubt walked away with heaps of knowledge, tones of great experiences and enough adventure to make him want to get back to Thailand as quickly as possible.
The trip started with a few days in Bangkok, followed by a week in Phuket where we had a few nights out in wild Patong. We then went over to Koh Phi Phi and hired a boat to take us around the area – one of the highlights of the trip.
We then proceeded over to sleepy Koh Lanta, making our way over to Krabi where we explored Railey beach – a stunning beach that can only be reached by a long-tail boat. While in Krabi Owen got lost in a Thai National Park on the only day Krabi celebrates the Songkran festival, so instead of joining in with the fun I was with a search team trying to hunt him down. What a plonker he is!
We hired a car for a few days driving up to Champorn and Hue Hin, which was a lot of fun. The roads in Thailand are great, so if there’s a few of you, it’s probably cheaper to split the car hire bill, get to see more of Thailand, that it would cost for 4 flights. Here’s a list of Car hire companies in Bangkok.
After a few days in Bangkok, our trip then bought us up to Mukdahan in North East Thailand. A day trip over to Savannakhet in Laos was in order to renew Owen’s visa, where we hooked up with a local fisherman and got him to take us up and down the Mekong river on he’s long-tail boat. Before returning to Bangkok for Owen’s return flight home, a few friends were gathered for another road trip over to Khon Kaen, where we spent the weekend partying hard.
All in all, it was an amazing trip and made for an excellent route for someone on their first trip to Thailand.
Hotels in Thailand
Our hotel room in Nai Harn, Phuket
We didn’t skimp (i.e stay in hostels) however we didn’t really splurge either. Our requirements stayed the same and as long as we had a room that was clean, was in a good location, had internet access, a balcony and air-con, we were happy bunnies. Most of the hotels we stayed in in Southern Thailand and Bangkok were around 1,000 a night (some were 800, while others cost 1,200), which split between 2 was easily affordable.
As soon as we got to Isaan, prices for the same standard of rooms dropped to 300 and we had the luxury of having our own rooms.
If you want luxury while traveling around Thailand, the sky is the limit (especially in Southern Thailand and Bangkok). However if your on a budget, forget about air-con, TV and internet access.
How I book hotels in Thailand
We never booked a single hotel room in advance on our 6 week trip. Here’s why…
Nothing beats seeing the room yourself and trying to get a bit of a deal. If your planning on staying in similar digs as described above, it’s best to have a mate look out for the bags in a coffee shop in the area you want to stay in, while you go and check out a few hotels. Haggle a little, pick the best one and your sorted.
The hotel room above was found by driving around and checking out hotels while we were in Phuket. The rack rate was 1,800 however we got the room for 1,200 after a bit of haggling (It helps to show your teeth with a nice smile when your haggling in Thailand).
It may sound like a bit of a chore, but I actually enjoy doing it as it gives me an opportunity to explore the area and chat with the locals. Give it a go, if it isn’t for you, the next best option would be to use Twitter. Connect with a few people who are based in Thailand before you arrive, and ask for recommendations. You’ll be pleasantly surprised (as I was) at how helpful people are on Twitter.
Staying in Bangkok
If your visiting Bangkok for the first time, I would save the hassle of walking around trying to dodge all sorts of things that will come in your path and book somewhere in advance.
First up, stay somewhere that isn’t full of tourists. You’ll get to see what Bangkok is really like for the locals, and you’ll reduce the risk of touts trying to rip you off. I’m a huge fan of staying in Silom as it’s within a short taxi or sky train journey away from everything, is reasonably clean and organised, and has tones of great eating options available 24 hours a day.
Don’t stay on Khao San Road!
It seems that every travel blogger out there recommends staying on Khao San Road, which I completely disagree with. It’s a shit hole and is filled to the brim of the worst locals and tourists in town. Personally, I can’t stand the place, which explains why I have only visited 3 times in the last 6 years.
If you are a little insecure or want to be surrounded by familiarity, then you’ll find thousands of other westerners and western food on KSR to keep you happy. However, if you want to experience Bangkok for what it is, to learn how the locals live and go about their everyday lives, have a chance to learn the culture by interacting with the locals, then KSR is not for you.
Case in point;
While chatting to a bunch of Thai friends one day, discussing where they like to hang-out in Bangkok, they commented that “Khao San Road have many farang kee-nok”. This translates to “foreigner bird shit”, or “undesirable foreigners”.
Lesson learned
During the first few days we were in Bangkok, a couple of friend’s from the UK landed in Thailand for the first time. We didn’t get a chance to chat before they arrived, and it ended up being they had booked a hotel on Khao San Road. We met up with them 2 days later and they were gob-smacked at the improvement of the area we were staying in. They commented that Khao San Road is not like all the other areas in Bangkok, how much they hated the touts and the low life scum that occupy the area and that they would never stay there again.
What to pack?
First up, let’s talk about the correct bag to buy and travel with.
Take my advice; unless you are planning a 2 week walking tour in the Thai jungle, forget about traveling with a traditional travel back-pack.
Travel back-packs are uncomfortable, hard to get things out off and make your clothes look like they just come out of a bench press. Seriously, I don’t know why these back-packs are still popular. They were made for early 19th century travel when taxi’s were rare, travelers walked for miles, roads and foot paths were uneven and lifts were not invented yet. None of this is true today!
My advice doesn’t just go for Thailand, but everywhere I’ve traveled in Asia; get yourself a small quality 4 wheeled suitcase (like the one in the image above)!
While you pass the traditional traveler on their way to Khao San Road with their heavy back-pack strapped to their back causing them back damage and discomfort, you can whiz past the clueless while pushing your little trolley along with your little finger :)
Anyway, here is what I sent to Owen (unedited) before he arrived. He ignored everything I had written and I took great pleasure knowing he regretted it. It was spot on.
Basically, treat Thailand as if you were going over to Spain or France for the week. If you would take your notebook with you there, then bring it over here. Everyone I know who travels in Thailand has a notebook, and we’ll no doubt just chill out every now again working/catching up with email.
Long gone are the days of backpacks with shoes tied to the handles. Bangkok is a metropolitan city… so bring at least 1 pair of jeans and smart trainers or a pair of shoes.
Like I mentioned above, pack as if you were visiting Spain for a week – and don’t bother buying a backpack – I’d take a suit case with 4 wheels over a backpack any day (and have done since I have been traveling non stop for the last 15 months).
Many new travelers have this image of going into the jungle with a back-pack – but the reality is you’ll leave the back-pack at the hotel and just carry what you need for 1/2 nights in a smaller bag.
My suggestions on what to bring:
5 to 10 T-Shirts/vests (can buy in Thailand very cheaply)
5 to 10 Shorts (can buy in Thailand very cheaply)
Decent pair of Flip flops (same price)
1 x jeans (bring from home, as there guaranteed to fit properly)
2 x tops for going out at night
1 x shoes/smart trainers
Decent pair of sunglasses
ipod
Notebook
Camera
Where to go?
Driving to Khon Kaen from Mukdahan in North East Thailand.
Below is the email I sent to Owen before he arrived. He originally wanted to visit Thailand, Vietnam and Laos within 6 weeks, which I thought was too much and suggested visiting 2 countries instead. Looking back, Owen didn’t even see half of what’s worth seeing in Thailand, so it just goes to show that you always need more time than you’ll think you need.
Here is what I sent him:
So your in Asia for 43 days! Wow! For someone on their first trip to Asia, you should be able to have a blast!
The one thing about building an itinerary is that it will go out the window when you get here. Best bet is to just to have an idea of what you want to do/where you want to go. and go from there. If you don’t like a place, move on. If you are keen on somewhere, stay a little longer. This is by far the best way to travel.
When I traveled to Japan last month, I only knew of one place I wanted to visit out of 5 cites I did end up going too. No plans were made (I went with a mate who has also traveled a lot and we both agreed this was the best route to take). Hence, just go with the flow!
This is what I’d suggest:
Bangkok – A few days
Most people on their first time to Bangkok don’t like it. It’s one crazy city and a bit over whelming. I’d see the Grand Palace, a few temples, sample some green curry and check out the nightlife scene.Islands in Southern Thailand – 10 to 20 days
There are 3 areas in Thailand where all the islands are located, with 2 of them being on either side of Southern Thailand. I’d pick 2 or 3 islands on one side and go from there. They are amazing, so I’d suggest sticking to one side so that you can experience them rather than wasting time traveling all over the place (you’ll be back, so do the other side next time!).On the side with the Andaman Sea you have a good mix of islands that are within short boat rides of each other. Party islands, small deserted islands and islands that are great for diving. The main islands are Phuket (very commercial – not really my thing, but ok for a day or two), Ko Phi Phi (where the beach was filmed), Ko Lanta and Krabi.
In the gulf of Thailand (other side) you got the main party islands: Samui and Kho Pan Ngan.
**I’m keen on checking out Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta as I’ve not been before.**
From here, there are 2 options I’d recommend based on flights via AirAsia.com from Phuket: Laos or Vietnam.
Option 1. Fly up to Chiang Mai where there is trekking/jungle (albeit a bit commercial), go up to Chiang Rai and into Laos. Then make your way over to Vientaine (will take a few days with stops, which is a lot of fun!) passing through Lam Prabung (which is absolutely beautiful), back into Thailand via Nong Kai and pass through the North East of Thailand (this is the only place in Thailand where you’ll find no tourists. Basically, you’ll get the real deal here). Then onto BKK for your flight home.
Option 2. Fly into HCMC in Vietnam and work your way up to Hanoi, passing through Hue, Nha Trang, Hoi Ann and then fly from Hanoi (where Haylong bay is) back to Bangkok.
Visit Isaan (North East Thailand)
A lake in Trakan, North East Thailand
I once read that less than 1% of Thailand’s tourists visit the North East, which is exactly why you should visit the region. Every friend of mine that has visited Isaan walks away promising they will be back.
There’s not much to do in terms of sights, however it’s the people who makes Isaan was it is. You’ll be invited into people’s homes, offered whiskey while just walking down the street and you’ll be making lot’s of new friends in no time.
It’s the cheapest area of Thailand to stay, the hotels are great and the pubs are even better. A night out in Ubon, Khon Kaen or Udon is guaranteed to be a night to remember (don’t forget to invite me hehe!).
Here are a few posts I’ve written covering Isaan:
- My Tour of Isaan on a Motorbike
- Wat That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom
- Phukradueng National Park
- Exploring rural Thai villages in Trakan, North East Thailand
- Indochine Market in Mukdahan
- Exploring a Fish Farm in Mukdahan, North East Thailand
How much money do you need?
Excellent Thai food from street vendors is very inexpensive
It’s simple; the more money you have, the more fun you’ll have.
Don’t get me wrong, you’ll stay have a great time on a budget, but let’s be honest here… most activities cost money.Hotels, laundry, local food and transport (car hire, trains, buses and no thrill airlines) are cheap, far cheaper than in the west. What quickly kills the budget is good western food and nights out on the town.
We had days where we took it easy and I budgeted on 1,000 for food and hotel, while on the other end of the spectrum I easily blew 10,000 on night’s out in Bangkok.
If you like a drink, want to take part in activities (cooking class, jet skiing etc.), stay in nice places and enjoy a good mix of western and Thai food, a budget of 2,500 to 5,000 baht a day would be ideal.
Try to hook up with locals
Locals provide the best knowledge!
Owen can now speak more Thai than most expats that have been living in Thailand for 2+ years. He got to see the best of Bangkok, got showed around Isaan, got to eat lot’s of foods he cannot even identify, was introduced to tones of locals and now has a deep understanding of Thai culture.
This is not easy for everyone but in my experience, most Thai travel bloggers (me included) would be more than happy showing you around for a day or two, so don’t be shy to ask. You can also use sites like Couch Surfing and Twitter to connect with locals before you arrive.
Although traveling with a local takes away some of the adventure, a few days with a local will teach you more than you’d learn spending a month here on your own.
Things to do in Bangkok (That you may over-look)
I won’t bore you with what the average Thai tourist guides recommend, so here are a few suggestions based on where I take visiting friends and family, that you might not hear about or could over-look.
Ja-tu-jak market
I highly recommend checking out one of the largest open air markets in the world on Saturday/Sunday, called Ja-tu-jak market. It gets busy, and you’ll only scrape the surface in a day, but is good fun and a great opportunity to see the locals, and take some quality pictures.
Pantip Plaza
Pantip Plaza is the biggest computer shopping mall I’ve ever seen in my life. 6 floors with hundreds of little stores selling all kinds of electronic (and pirated) goods.
Bieyok Tower 2
Bieyok Tower 2 is the tallest building in Thailand. There is an observation desk at the top which is great for taking pictures.
Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park, located in the heart of the city, is great for an afternoon stroll. Many a times have I chilled out here with some grapes and a bottle of white wine. With the hustle and bustle of Bangkok surrounding the park, it can make for a pleasant afternoon.
Lumpini Night Bizarre
Lumpini Night Bizarre, located in Silom, is an open air stadium and market where local artists sing songs. There’s great food and the whole place has a great vibe from 6 to 8pm everyday of the week.
Niu’s Jazz and Blues Bar
Niu’s Jazz and Blues Bar on Silom, is a bit posh and stuck up, but has a nice feel about the place. Great for a night cap or 3.
German Beer bar and the Isaan club
Located just of Rama 3, it’s hard not to have a good time dancing to Mor-Lum (Music from North East Thailand) while eating Isaan sausage and drinking liters of good German beer.
International disco scene
There are a few places in Silom worth checking out, along with a few in Sukhemvit, although RCA (Royal City Avenue) is the most popular area offering all kinds of Music genres and crowds.
Local discos
If you like to get of the beaten track where the average tourist wouldn’t ever hear about, I recommend checking a Thai style disco. They are really safe, and you’ll be most welcome. These areas include Ekamai, Thong Lor and Ratchadar.
Further reading
If you are a complete Thailand newbie who doesn’t know what a Wat is, or where Phuket is on the Thailand map, you may want to check out the following resources.
Buy your self the Lonely Planet Thailand guide book, at $20 or so, it’s a great read and perfect to keep in the toilet for a few weeks before you arrive in the land of smiles.
To get the lowdown on where to go, I highly recommend checking out Travel Fish. For up-to-date Thailand travel related info, Travel Happy is a great resource. I also recommend you read Cody’s 27 Tips for First-Time Travelers to Thailand.
I have also written a couple of guides you mind find of use, including; My guide on how to avoid scams in Bangkok and my guide on where to eat in Bangkok.
What advice do you have?
I know that a lot of my blog readers are based in Thailand or travel here frequently, so I would like to ask what advice you would give to first time travelers to Thailand? Where do you take take visiting friends and family? What do you think of my advice? Everyone’s advice, suggestions and opinions will be much appreciated :)
These guides are making me giddy with excitement. I cannot wait to move here in the next few months. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
What part of Thailand are you moving to?
Bangkok for a little while, maybe a month maybe 3, then no idea. The plan is to really have no plans, obviously i want to have a hostel or sumin booked for the 1st few days while I get used to the heat. But from then on just go with the flow. Find a nice area maybe rent a flat for a couple of months, then maybe Chiang Mai. Who knows :D I just don’t to be in a rush.
This really made my day as I’ve been meaning to visit Thailand! Nice post Chris!
Your visit is long over due!
Great Advice Chris,
I definitely agree with you about the suitcase. I remember we discussed this and really the only time a person will need to move their bags will be from a guesthouse to a taxi to a coach, to a taxi then to another hotel -and there’s always somebody around to help if you have trouble.
I actually DO like Khao Sarn Road but I definitely don’t recommend staying there either. I think Rambutree which is behind Khao Sarn is quieter, better value, and has cleaner places to stay. Sleep at Rambutree, party at Khao Sarn,
You’re right about the touts though, they’re aggressive over there but that’s not just Khao Sarn, its pretty much every tourist area in the west of the city.
I have met a lot of great people at Khao Sarn, the translation of Kee-Neow translates differently depending on who you ask. Other Thais will translate / intepret it to mean ‘cheapskates’ which, far from being a negative quality often means they have inspiring stories and qualities to share rather than they are human flotsam.
That said however; in the 8 years I’ve been here now I’ve only ever seen one fight in Thailand and that WAS on Khao Sarn road by a drunk American prick who towered a good foot above everybody else in the bar and thought it was funny to bump into every person on the dancefloor. He really made me embarassed to be a farang until this very polite little Thai policeman came in, maced him and then politely assisted him down the stairs.
One other thing I’d mention is that Thailand is a very easy place to get around. Signs are in English – even in the countryside nowadays and if you’re nervous about the language barrier you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll be able to communicate by smiling, pointing and pretending you like David Beckham.
Thanks for commenting Martin.
I’ve only heard “Kee-Neow” in a negative way, meaning tight bastard :)
Yeah, right, Kee Neow means “tight bastard” actually and Kee-Nok means bird shit. So differentiate these 2 words, please!
(Believe me, I’m Thai)
Great guide Chris. I have been interested in Thailand for a little while now and need to get myself over there. My old fallback SEA travel destination is Indonesia (still only covered 10% of it over 12 years of travel/living) and I am heading over there next month for 60 days.
Maybe I’ll check with Sing Air and see how much it would cost me to extend my stay by 10 days and take a look at Thailand, I know flights are under $300 from Bali so it is tempting! Everyone keeps asking me if I am coming back from this trip, now I am asking myself…
What part of Indonesia are you going to? I’ll be heading over their within a few days.
Also check out Air Asia and Thai Air – they both fly direct from Bali to Bangkok. Singapore Airlines has some deals on at the moment too.
I am staying with a friend in Seminyak for about a week starting June 15th, but intend to explore Amed and the diving on the NW coast then on to Sulawesi/Togians/Maluku’s. I have some boards stashed in Seminyak so if I can get myself in shape before then I hope to catch some waves at my fave spot Green Ball.
I saw the AA fares….very tempting. I have a buddy coming down to Bali in August, might have to join him on the trip back to Thailand for a bit!
I also have spent quite a bit of time in thailand and I LOVE Khao san road – have never been ripped off or met any scum there – of course you need to be smart about it but the energy and atmosphere can be amazing and buzzing and it is a great way to give yourself a bit of a culture shock. I wouldn’t be so black and white about people never staying there as myself and the 3 other people I travelled with loved every single minute of it, as well as being able to travel around Bangkok and see many other areas. We ended up staying in Silom at the end of our trip and actually returned to the khao san area was we wanted to be back amongst it – there is a road one or two roads down from khao san heading towards the river and it is an amazing place to stay – quieter but close enough to walk to khao san and lots of local food stalls along it and beautifully lit up with lights. we also all took packs all the way around thailand and found it so useful as we many many times clambered in and out of long tails in knee deep water and spent a LONG time walking around both railay and phi phi looking for accomodation and this would have been a nightmare (especially in railay as you mainly walk on sand) with a suitcase.
Just some points I would like to make as I think your guide is good but a bit black and white :)
Not sure how going to KSR can give anyone a bit of a culture shock – the whole area is geared around offering familiarity to the tourists. Banana pancake anyone? :)
I’ve lived in Thailand for a few years now, and I agree with pretty much everything you’ve written here – nice work. On Kao Sarn – yeah, it’s better not to stay in the area, but I do think it’s still a fun place to hang out, if not just for one night. Just learn to ignore or not even look at the touts, and you’ll be fine. If approached, the visitors should just smile and use the 3 magic words.. “Mai au krub” (or “mai ao ka” for females).
Regarding hiring a car – for westerners driving in Thailand can get pretty hairy (unless you’re an Italian!). For your trip were you the one driving most of the time, or did your mate do it too? You’d be pretty familiar with how Thai’s drive, where I’d assume your mate isn’t so much.
Finally, if it’s just a short trip, I think you should leave the notebook at home. You’re on holiday, and if you’re just bringing a notebook to update your facebook profile / twitter status every day, you may as well leave it at home. Internet cafe’s are cheap and plentiful in Thailand for your email needs.
Both me and my friend drove and we both think it’s very easy! As long as your observant (which you should be when driving anyway), you’ll be fine.
This is fantastic (altho many copy mistakes! haha! Im a grammar/spelling natzi!)
Im in Phuket next week for a volunteering project and then I have 2 weeks to explore the rest of Thailand so this lets me know what my options are :)
For the sake of the kids, I hope your not volunteering your time teaching English :)
She mite be titching irony.
Great little ironic comment!
I think when you travel, you should make a friend with local people (youth people) is good.
Agreed!
Hey I’m living in Thailand and I’m trying to get out of my 8am-6pm job at the moment to start a biz that lets me travel as much as you have. I’m wondering, what’s there to do in Thailand other than just going to clubs, shopping malls etc. Is there only sightseeing left? Sports are all right but anything untraditionally and thrilling?
Thanks,
Anna C.
Nontraditional and thrilling… hmmm
What about:
Go Karting
Shooting
Horse racing
Climbing
Bungee jumping
Martial arts
If your keen to start a business so that you have more time to travel, this could easily take up more time that you have available :)
Excellent guide for a first trip to Thailand. Only thing I disagree with is the suitcase on wheels, maybe I’m just a traditionalist, but I would take some convincing to ditch my backpack :o)
Why wouldn’t you ditch a heavy, uncomfortable backpack for something you can push along with your little finger?
I always feel sorry for the backpackers lugging their packs around in 100 degree weather, trying to find a spot for it on the BTS.
Chris an interesting piece. I think you cover most of the bases, not sure about the suitcase though. I prefer a backpack that also serves as a soft bag.
I’ve stayed in the Vientai Hotel (road next to Khao San) a couple of times, but wouldn’t recommend the hotel or the area-unless you like overpriced hotel rooms and loads of youngish foreign tourists of course.
A bit of knowledge of the Thai language is also useful especially when you get off the regular tourist trail.
When we travel around Thailand we usually stay in apartments and never pay more than 750 Baht a night and in most cases a lot less. They are usually better rooms although often lacking other hotel facilities. Certainly worth consideration as are home stays.
Footnote: To the “Dame” I take it you are having a laugh regarding grammar and spelling otherwise you would have checked your comment? “Natzi” -I guess you mean Nazi? I was also taught that “Im” requires an apostrophe like I’m – short for I am. Although of course I may be wrong.
Hope you are not a TEFL volunteer :-)
I should have added learning some Thai…. maybe this would make for a good post in the future.
A very informative piece of writing. I however tend to disagree with you on one tiny point about Thai-styled disco, in particular, those in Ratchadapisek area. I believe it’s not quite safe for both Thais as well as Foreigners. From my experience you’ll never know when you will be in the middle of a fight in many thai-dominated discos. Especially, if you have an eye on a girl who is accompanied by thai guys. Exceptions are the after-hour bars/discos as Westerners tend to be a slight majority.
I spent 2 years solid visiting Thai disco’s (especially in Ratchada) when I was living in Bangkok and built up a huge circle of Thai friends that way. I’ve never, ever had a problem visiting local discos… but often see problems in the discos aimed at westerners.
Based on my experience, a smile goes a long way, along with common respect for other people.
Agreed. I have a much better time at Thai discos than at places like Q Bar filled with the western steroid poppers that are drunk and looking to fight.
I have been to Phuket and Bangkok, but planning to visit Bangkok again. This post excites me :)
I’m glad the post excited you :)
I think if you are the kind of backpacker who stays on KSR and really enjoys it then yeah a backpack isn’t required. I’ve been rethinking backpacks/suitcases etc lately and there really isn’t any one solution but suitcases and duffels are probably the most well rounded. Do people get in their head that backpacking means hours of walking around wearing it? That just doesn’t happen, something you can chuck on a tuk tuk that doesn’t have straps that will snag on everything is much better. And porters, make use of them. Your bag is something you use as storage when getting from point A to B, not a requirement to be included in some travelers club.
- Dress smart. The locals will treat you better if you aren’t letting your girls hang out of a tank top. You’re in a country where the locals swim fully clothed. Try to translate some of that modesty into every day dress.
- Avoid KSR.
- Try to master a few words of Thai. It’s very helpful to at least know some basics and the locals will appreciate any attempt you make at communicating in their language.
- Don’t be the typical “Loud American”.
- Get familiar with the BTS and MRT.
- Get out early, stay out late, avoid the heat of the day.
- Eat like a local. You’ll have a better food experience than when you suddenly realize that the pizza you decided to order from a chain was cooked in sesame oil and is topped with shrimp and ketchup.
- Smile, laugh, and let good body language get you through any communication issues.
Learning some of the language is helpful with touts as well. Being able to say “no thank you” in Thai will help you combat “Bangkok harassment”.
Hello Chris, my name is Berns and I am from the Philiippines living in Bangkok (as 2nd home) and i am inlove with Thailand. I just found your website looking at Thailand Houses and came accross the Lanna Hill house. Thanks for sharing your travel stories, I really enjoy them and it made me miss Boracay. The photos are great too. All the best.
im going to be there for the first time in Dec 27th til 7th jan.
Thanks for this , very helpful . I wont lie at some point i def want to be a naughty boy when im there …any good places????
Great post! Made me even more eager for May 2011 to come around, when I go to Thailand for three weeks! I agree with meetings locals, I’ve moved around Europe a bit and always tried to befriend mostly ‘locals’. I’m intrigued by the Thai discos in Bangkok, any particular that you recommend? I’ll probably stay around Chilom.
Hmmm… it’s not really “advice for first-time visitors” is it? Just a summary of a trip.
First-timer advice would be along the lines of try to learn some of the language (e.g.: “mai ao krap” = “no thank you”), don’t talk to the sort of people you wouldn’t talk to (e.g.: birds with leg/breast tattoos who stand about in bars) / or do things you wouldn’t do (e.g. ride mopeds in flip flops without a helmet on) in your own country, just ‘cos you’re on holiday. …the list is long, and you’re better off asking at a forum (e.g. teakdoor, hhad,phuket-info).
“Falang ki nok”, just means “skint foreigner”, rather than “undesirable foreigner” – just shows how some cultures can tend to judge people’s worth by how loaded they are, rather than how kind or witty.
I’m curious about some of the things you’ve put here and there…
Are you saying that you travelled to Thailand as an under-18?
How is it that you managed to swing so much cash so young in London without a degree? (I mean, I imagine you wouldn’t be in a position to travel around to places like Japan etc… and set up businesses in foreign countries without a float – I can imagine that working in London and paying for living costs would make it hard to build up a decent float so young without a combination of cheap living costs (e.g. living with parents) and a decent-paying job, that, yeah, might not need a degree if it’s multimedia, but probably would need something, like maybe a HND or something.
Why do you write in American-English, out of interest? Are you American, or just Americanised?
I’m not trying to pick you apart or trying to learn how to do what you do or anything like that, I’m just curious about how it all got going.
Hey Chris.
Great site, I just stumbled across it while googling the cost of apartments in Thailand.
I’m very envious of your travels and think its just awesome…
I’ve been to Thailand a couple times and gearing up for a trip some time this year. This time round I’m planning to go for a year or so… Basically I have some friends and work lined up in Bangkok but before I take that up I want to take 6-8 months for some down time. I just love Asia and more so just the beautiful people.
I’ve spend a short time in Bangkok (was ok the first time, loved it the second when I meet up people that knew the place), done the islands too..
For this trip I’m hoping to keep to a budget of ‘around’ 85,000THB per month for all expenses.
My questions are:
Would that budget cover it for living in Thailand? (not Bangkok.) Accommodation just to be clean, air-con, internet.
For someone who is travelling alone is North-East Thailand a good bet? and how long is good? I just want to relax, meet people, have a little party time and just have fun.
Also, from what I can gather I think we sound a bit alike so… I’m wonder if you have/would do it alone?
Thanks mate.
PS… You should try getting to Cambodia (Siem Reap) LOVED IT!…….
hey chris.
I m going 2 thailand for 1st time wid my cousin.my trip would be for 5 days.n i dam confused were to go,as Bangkok , Pattaya n Phukett r rely famous.i need to enjoy massage over dere.please advice me some dink wch would mk my trip most memorable.
Rishi
LOL, had to laugh at the comment from ‘Hi’, who says ‘falang kee nok’ doesn’t mean ‘undesirable falang’. I guess a polite Thai told him that :)
Falang khee nok DEFINITELY means ‘undesirable falang’ – as you said, the direct translation is ‘falang bird shit’ and has nothing to do with not having money. I’ve lived in Thailand for 10 years and any one of my boatloads of Thai friends will tell you that yes, you are correct :)
I’m Thai I just want to help
if any of you want to know more about some information about Thailand pls email me it’s for free if I’m very plased to help If I can answer your questions
Thailandmyman@hotmail.com
I have been planning a trip to thailand for two years but always end up some where else ……….. but next summer its gonna be a great competition between turkey, china and thailand
thanks for having this blog for free :) i can even pay to read this stuf
hi great information on this forum.im thinking of heading to thailand within the next couple of months just to travel around for 4weeks just to see what its like my mates cant get that amount of time of as they work onshore so i will just head myself.would it be good idea to go threw thai intro for 1st week? i want to do evreything i can and live it up i suppose would £6000 sterling last the 4weeks if you were going bit mad or would you need more?
Great blogs…just stumbled upon your site and really like the stories. Have lived in BKK myself and still miss Thailand every day. I totally agree about KSR, it’s a sh*thole and has nothing to do with the real Thailand. I would recommend people to take a bike tour as it allows first time visitors to see the real Bangkok, driving through backroads in Chinatown, take a ferry across the Chao Praya and then see the (less visited) Thonburi side of town! Furthermore, go to Paragon or CentralWorld for a great movie experience in one of the first class theatres (pricey at ca 700THB but worth the experience).
Unfortunately your entry for the night ‘bizarre’ bazaar at Suan Lum can be scrapped as it has been demolished (probably to make place for a new shopping mall). One recommendation for ladies would be Platinum Mall and the entire Pathumwan shopping area with great clothing bargains. I love that you promote Isaan as it is a beautiful and authentic part of Thailand! Similarly, Ko Phangan is also great: laid back and authentic (except Haad-Rin which is the monthly venue for the full moon party).
Wow! A ton of good info. So glad I found your blog today. I love how you answer questions and interact with everyone. You’re awesome! Any way we’re thinking of living in Thailand for a short period of time. In your opinion where is the best place to live for good diving, safety(we have kids), and best bang for your buck. Thanks so much for the good info and inspiration.