I’m at the airport waiting for my flight, so let’s make
this time useful.
Not that I claim I am an expert, but having spent 4 weeks
in Thailand, I thought I would share general knowledge about how things work
here.
THAILAND IN GENERAL:
-Negotiating: you can negotiate the prices of almost everything!
Especially taxis, tuktuk, clothes and other souvenirs! It’s harder with food
and hotels but we have done it, so it is possible.
-Transport: if you can, try to take public transports (especially
if traveling alone). Note that everything runs late in Thailand, keep that in
mind when it’s important like going to the airport.
-Scooters: when on islands, it’s worth renting a scooter.
It will be cheaper than taking taxis and you’ll have more freedom; plus it’s
fun! On the negative note, you will not be insured and if you crash you will have
to pay for damages! Try to get gasoline from petrol station: cheaper and better
quality than the bottles! Also, wearing a helmet won’t hurt (literally) even
though nobody else does.
-Food: don’t eat western food! Thai food is amazing and
so cheap, straight up!
-Best time to go: I went in October and it’s the time
where the prices are the lowest. Hotels are 3 or 4 times more expensive at peak
season (December to March). It rained a little but only maybe 1 hour a day. And
it’s nice when the clouds hide the strong sun, because it can get really hot!
-Be careful with Thai girls: this is not a joke. If they
seem too easy, there is a catch, they will probably ask you for money. Also if
she has a moustache, you might get a surprise later on!
-Laundry: most hotels do it (or you can find places in
town): from 30 to 50 Bahts per kilo.
-Thailand is generally very safe. I haven’t seen or heard
of anyone getting mugged or assaulted.
BANGKOK:
I guess most people will stay at Kaosan Road.
-Transport: being so far from the metro, it’s a bit of a
pain. There is a boat on Chao Phraya river that’s cheap and fun to go to the main temples.
-Tuktuk and taxi: do not trust them! I wouldn’t take a tuktuk
ever again. Take a taxi and ask to be “on meter”, that’s the cheapest option.
-Booking a coach: you don’t want to stay in Bangkok forever.
The best booking agent I found was on top of Kaosan Road next to the police
station, it’s just a stand. No bullshit, he gives you the price and won’t waste
your time.
AYUTTHAYA:
Cultural city, loads of temples and some good elephant trekking.
I went there by train from Bangkok: 15 Bahts, bargain!!! Don’t stay there for
more than 2 days. Rent a bike and visit the temples. Make sure you check out
the floating market!
CHIANG MAI:
My favorite city in Thailand, the cheapest and where the
people are the nicest. I rented a bike and to stroll around the city, it was
the best option: cheap and also good for the old legs! There’s a bit for
everyone there: history, parties, trekking and good dancing!
KOH PHANGAN:
Maybe THE party island, it’s where they hold the full
moon. The beaches are very nice in the North: Koh Ma and Coconut beach
especially! The best food we had was a Thai place opposite the (only) petrol
station.
KOH LANTA:
More of a quiet island, there’s not much partying there.
The best food is at the market, some gangsta fruit shakes! My favorite beach
there was at the North of Long Beach.
PHUKET:
In Phuket, there are loads of reliable buses so no need
to spend a fortune on taxis! Make sure you check out the Vegetarian Festival in
October, very interesting and loads of food stands everywhere!
Patong is the party town, watch out for Thai girls and rip
off pingpong shows.
Katta and Katta Noi are nicer beaches than Patong:
cleaner and with the occasional wave!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST:
Do not hesitate to speak to other westerners! Some of
them will know a good hotel and will give you some useful tips, plus it’s a
nice way to make new friends!
I told you it was a rough guide!
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