Thailand Travel Tips

Thailand is a huge tourist destination. As tourism plays one of the largest roles in the Thai economy, every effort has been made to make every guest to this country comfortable and safe. Do not take the following tips as warnings, only advice, remember being a knowledgeable traveller is a big step to a successful vacation.

CUSTOMS AND RULES

Thailand's culture is vastly different to the west and it is much appreciated when foreigners respect both its laws and heritage. There are certain Do's and Don'ts that should ALWAYS be adhered to and then there are other rules that, though generally frowned upon are at times accepted.

One of these 'accepted' rules is that topless-ness on the beaches is in fact banned by law. Though it is generally advised, especially in Muslim areas, to abstain from this practice, some beaches do turn a blind eye to it. Be prepared for onlookers.

Other than that, rules that are custom to the Thai culture should always be followed. One of the foremost of these is NEVER SHOW ANGER OR RUDENESS in public. If you do, you will find that all it achieves is to be ignored completely. Thai people are extremely polite and rudeness is not tolerated in any form.

When visiting a Buddhist Monastery, please remember the grounds are holy so appropriate attire must be worn. Shirts with sleeves for women is recommended and it is preferred that women wear either a skirt or neat shorts (not high cut ones). For men a neat shirt and shorts will do fine. Women should be careful as no monk may come into physical contact with any women.

Two customs considered impolite are sitting with your feet pointing towards another person. Where possible tuck them out of the way. The other is touching another person's head in public.

The road accident rate in Thailand is one of the highest to be found and despite motorbike rental being both cheap and readily available, it is not recommended that the visitor hire one. Helmets have to be worn by the drivers of any motorbikes within the country. A helmet for the pillion passenger is optional but again it is advised that if carrying a passenger, you ask for a second one.

MEDICAL TIPS

It is advisable when traveling to any foreign destination that you check with your local hospital as to what inoculations or medications you may need for your trip. This applies even more so when traveling to tropical areas. If there's a Tropical Diseases hospital nearby, contact it before departure for Thailand. If not, then chat to your local doctor.

Some areas of Thailand do occasionally have malaria so it's a good idea to check on this before you visit. Mosquitoes generally throughout Thailand can at times be bothersome so it is advised that you come prepared, especially if you go plan on going outside at night. Many western hospitals will advise taking precautionary medical measures against the possibility of contracting the disease but those that live in malaria infested areas, around the world, not just in Thailand, advise against this. The reason for this is that if you are on medication and still contract malaria, it is harder to detect than if you are on no medication at all. Some travelers prefer to carry the cure with them rather than taking preventative measures all the time. The choice therefore is yours entirely but do speak to your local doctor before visiting.

Dengue fever is another mosquito born illness that is prevalent in most parts of south-east Asia. Complications with the disease, which can lead to death, usually only occur on a second infection and although causing severe headaches and body pains and general weakness, there is no preventative medicine. The only way to avoid contracting the disease is to protect yourself against mosquito bites as best possible.

Hospital care is possibly not exactly what you might be used to unless you happen to be in one of the main centres. It is generally a good idea to take out some form of travel insurance that includes medical cover and if suffering from some complaint, bring a supply of any medication you may require during your stay.

Medicines can be bought directly over the counter, though your particular brand may not be available.

Rabies is endemic in many south-east Asian countries and if you do happen to be bitten by any domestic or wild animal, seek medical assistance at once. Also try to capture the animal or at least determine its ownership where possible. Even if you have already been vaccinated against the disease, further doses will be required.

MONEY TIPS

Most currencies can be exchanged at the banks or local moneychangers. Travelers cheques denominated in most countries can also be exchanged. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments and the transfer of funds into the country through one of the banking systems, though generally slow by western standards, can be achieved.

SHOPPING TIPS

Generally unless the prices are marked on goods for sale within the country, one may bargain with the salesperson. Many places will double their prices, especially the clothing and jewellery stores one sees everywhere. These shop owners expect you to bargain. If you don't you are the one that's going to lose by paying a high price for something worth half its value.

GETTING AROUND TIPS

Travel within Thailand is relatively cheap and convenient. When traveling from one center to the other, unless connected by an air-route can be negotiated by rail or road. The train routes though not extensive, are cheap. A bus route links all centers and the more out of the way places can often be reached by Songtaew (truck-bus), both are cheap and run regularly.

Car and motorbike rental is also easy on the purse strings. Your home country's driving license or an International one is required for all vehicle hire. The road accident rate in Thailand is extremely high and it is recommended that the traveler choose the former as their mode of rental transport. Thai law requires car drivers and front passengers to wear seat belts. If renting a motorbike, helmets are required by the driver only. Ask for a second helmet if carrying a pillion passenger.

When opting for public transport especially when renting a Tuk-Tuk (small van taxi) or one of the motorbike taxis it is recommended that you agree on a price before you set off or you may end up paying more.

Traffic lights are a relatively new occurrence in a number of areas in Thailand. Koh Samui is one of these places. Be warned, a red light isn't always heeded. The safest way is to stop at a red light and be prepared to give way at a green one.

GET OUT OF TROUBLE TIPS

The Tourist Police in Thailand are very helpful. They generally offer a 24 hour service and can be found in any of the main centres around the country. They are also helpful in directing one if lost.

DRUGS TIPS

Thailand is part of the Golden Triangle but that doesn't mean drugs are legal. Far from it. Both the sale and use of any narcotic agent is punishable by law and the offender may face a longer stay in this country, than planned.

DINING TIPS

 Dining in Thailand is a highlight in any visitors visit. The Thai's are expert cooks and the menu extensive. Generally it is considered safe to eat the dishes on offer in any restaurant or from a street cart. As with many countries there is the risk of hepatitis or other food and water born diseases but if you choose wisely, you will be rewarded with a taste sensation only Thai food can offer. Tipping for service is generally up to you but some eateries do have a service charge. If you are not a lover of hot-spicy food, learn the words, 'Mai Phet' which means 'not hot'. It will come in handy when ordering your meal.

NIGHTLIFE TIPS

Thailand is generally a very safe place at night. Wandering around on your own down a dark alley or off the beaten track once the sun has gone down, as in most countries, though, is probably not a good idea.

WINE, WOMEN (and MEN) TIPS

Spiced drinks! Although, a rare occurrence, it's a good idea to buy your own drinks and not accept one that is offered to you, unless the person offering the drink is known to you.

Yes, the Red Light industry does exist. On the whole the ladies and men, you'll meet, will be just that women or men. There is a risk that they may not be and many a tourist has gone back to their hotel with what they thought was a beautiful young lady, only to discover differently. Aids is a problem in this country so it's advisable to take precautions where necessary.

MASSAGE PARLOUR TIPS

Going for a sauna and massage can be very relaxing. It can also be dangerous. Check the massage parlour out before lying down and submitting yourself to those deft hands. Though there are many places offering massage, it's a good idea to check that these people have in fact studied for the job as one could come away with more aches and pains than one started out with.

BEACH TIPS

Cover up! The seas around Thailand are generally crystal clear and warm, the kind that beg you to go swimming. Make sure you put sun cream on and wear a hat and sunglasses when venturing onto the beach. If your skin is sensitive, it's a good idea to limit your tanning time to a cooler time in the day or tan for a few minutes at a time. It is also suggested for those with particularly fair skin, to wear some form of protective clothing even when swimming. Some of the worst sunburn cases seen here have been when a fair skinned person has been off snorkeling for a few hours, not realizing the water magnifies the suns rays, they burn even faster, particularly across their backs and legs.

Generally the waters off Thailand are safe for all forms of water sports. One does however have to take care during the rougher seasons, as some of the currents that rush along the coast can be particularly strong. A good idea, if swimming alone is to tell someone before you step in the water. There have been instances of jellyfish stings but generally, that's about all you have to worry about. If you are stung by a jelly fish, and don't have vinegar (yes, the stuff from the kitchen) to pour on the sting ASAP three other good remedies for anything like that, (i.e. sea-urchin spine stuck in one's foot etc.) are the juice from a lime, the crushed leaves of the creeper you'll find on many beaches with purple flowers or, horror of horrors, your own urine. Any of the above will help ease the pain from the sting and help dissolve those urchin spines.

SURFING TIPS

Surfing is a relatively new sport in Thailand and it was only in 1999 that the sport went international here in the form of its first, ever, surfing competition. This has now become an annual event on the eastern shores of Phuket Island. As a surfing enthusiast it would be advised to bring your own board if planning a surfing holiday as though they can be rented, boards are not always that easy to come by.

ROCK CLIMBING TIPS

A popular sport around the world, Thailand, particularly areas around Krabi province, has become world renowned as one of the most spectacular rock climbing areas in the world. Most climbing companies check their gear very well, but it is always a good idea to check clip fastenings and ropes for signs of wear yourself.

JUNGLE TREKKING TIPS

If you plan on some real 'jungle trekking' it is a good idea to go armed with insect repellant for the mosquitoes and other tropical insects. Leeches can be a problem in the jungle, particularly if you are near water. These blood - sucking creatures have an anti-coagulant in their saliva and this could cause problems. Simply sprinkle a little salt on the creatures or burn them off with a cigarette lighter. Better still, wear protective clothes in the form of long trousers, closed shoes and socks (pulled over the trouser bottoms) for protection. Long sleeves will help too.

VOLTAGE TIPS

Thailand uses 220 voltage. To use a 110/120 volt appliance where there is only 220/240 power available, you must use a step down or combination converter. Your appliance's wattage and circuitry will dictate the converter you need to purchase.

It is recommended that one uses dual voltage appliances. They are designed to work with both 110/120 or 220/240 volt electricity and tend to work better than using a converter with your existing appliance.