Thailand: What to expect

 

Time of year visited: March/April 2017 & April 2019

Language: Thai is the official language of the country (including surrounding islands); however, most young people are taught basic English and a lot of signs/ road markings are written in English.

Currency: Thai Baht- £1= roughly 44 THB.

Use cash where possible as you will get best value for money, however cards are widely accepted and ATM machines available. BE AWARE CARD FRAUD IS A BIG PROBLEM (I have been a victim of card fraud twice lol).

Getting Around: Tuk-tuks are a widely used, motorbike taxis, BTS sky-train, and taxis are all available.

Weather: Hot, dry, overcast during the mornings, sunny during the days.

TOP TIP: DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER- STICK TO BOTTLED WATER, EVEN TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH!

THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK:

Visit a temple: Considering the vast number of temples in Thailand, it would be crazy to not visit one. There are many temples and they all are uniquely beautiful.  My personal favourites are Wat Arun (one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bangkok), Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (The Emerald Buddha), Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) and Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple). There are so many beautiful temples, you really are spoilt for choice.

Visit Khao San Road: It is pretty hard to miss Khao San Road if in Bangkok, the main road that lead off into smaller roads makes for a wander’s dream and Thai locals alike! You’ll find endless bars, restaurants, local vendors, souvenir shops and multiple activities. There is so much to see and do so I would suggest to take your time and just let yourself get lost in exploring- on my first day I spent the whole afternoon going in and out of shops and stopping at different street vendors stalls.

Visit China Town: I mean I know you’re visiting Thailand but heading over to China Town is a must. If you are anything like me and are adventurous in exploring different foods, then this’ll be right up your street. It can get crowded and busy during the evenings and at night but in my opinion that is the best time to visit. It really comes alive and I would highly suggest opting for seafood on your visit!

Take a water taxi to get around: I wish I had known about these water taxi’s earlier, as they turned out to be the cheapest and most efficient way to get around in Bangkok. I was taking taxis and tuk-tuks at 100+ baht per journey when I could have paid 15 baht per trip on the water taxi. Trust me once I learnt of this little gem I would ride up and down exploring each stop and it was completely worth it. From the Sathorn Pier to the Grand Palace it only took about 25 minutes and was a lot less stressful than sitting in Bangkok traffic.

Take a Tuk-tuk ride: I would highly recommend a tuk-tuk ride, although not best for long journeys, it is great for zipping around Bangkok. As a tourist do not get sucked into the “package” deals they offer. This will be a tour of all the temples at a low price but then the driver will ferry you around to vendors he’s partnered with to get you to spend more money than necessary. Your best bet will be to negotiate on a set price with a driver (this will be higher than the other drivers) and be firm in telling them you want the tour with NO SHOPPING. I tend to always tip the drivers and talk to them about their families on journeys etc.

THINGS TO DO AROUND THE ISLANDS:

Get a massage: Whether you visit Koh Phi Phi, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan or one of the many other islands, the top way to relax is to get a Thai massage. This can be done on the beach or in a massage shop. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.  After a day of exploring the island, what better way than to unwind for an hour (or 2). 

Visit an Elephant Sanctuary: Seeing the elephants in a habitat where they are safe and cared for was one of the highlights of my trip, the main sanctuaries which are ethical and protect elephants are in Phuket, Chang Mai, and Koh Samui. At these places no riding of the elephants take place and they are not forced to perform or interact with humans if they do not want to. Me and my sister visited the Jungle Sanctuary in Phuket we paid 2,500 Baht (£55-57), this included pick up, drop off and lunch- for more info visit https://elephantjunglesanctuary.com/phuket/

Drink a bucket: If like me you enjoy a drink or 5, grab yourself a bucket! This is the typical way to enjoy a drink especially at Thai beach parties. If you happen to be in Thailand during a full moon, then head over to Koh Phangan and go to a full moon party on the beach for buckets galore!!

Skip the restaurants and grab dinner at a 7 Eleven: It sounds crazy but some of my best dinners were from the corner shop haha! 7Eleven was an inexpensive way to get microwave meals and when I was week 5 into travelling solo, I was sick of pad thai/ tom yum soup/ pad see ew- so 7Eleven to the rescue.

Lastly, do absolutely nothing: If you’ve made it this far, you’ll probably get the idea that Thailand has endless things to see and do but do not forget to do NOTHING. Get yourself onto one of the many beaches, catch some rays, have an ice-cold Chang beer or cocktail and just take in the views. Thailand is so beautiful so do not forget to stop and take it all in.