Some travel tips for your trip to Thailand

Here are some SERIOUS advice/tips for anyone coming to Thailand for the first time. I am avoiding the "how much to pay" and "wear a condom" stuff (which shall be covered later).

1. If you are from a country where they have Zebra/Pelican crossings please do NOT assume the black and white things across the roads here are the same. Motor vehicles here have no obligation to stop for you if you are crossing on these. They are simply "designated crossing zones" - technically if you cross at any other place you are jay-walking and can be fined, but in reality you never are. I saw a farang girl saunter across Pattaya Tai this morning and she was whacked almost immediately by both a car and a motorbike. Fortunately she was OK but only 2 months ago two (Norwegians I think) were killed crossing Sukhumvit road in Bangkok.

2. Never travel here without adequate insurance.

3. If you hire a motorbike PLEASE wear a helmet and get insurance - you travel/medicare is invalidated if you have an accident on an uninsured bike.

4. If you use a motorbike tax again wear the helmet. Also ask them to drive slowly (cha cha). Usually they won't but it does tend to make them not drive like maniacs as they are aware you are concerned.

5. Chonburi province has the 2nd highest incidence of Dengue Fever in Thailand. Last year over 230,000 reported cases in Thailand. Less than 1% are fatal but it will ruin your holiday if you let it go untreated. It’s not known as "break-bone" fever for no reason! If you think you are getting "flu" get a blood test at one of the many doctors - 500 baht could save your life.

6. Never drink the water here - avoid swallowing tap water when showering and cleaning teeth.

7. Be respectful of Thai culture and traditions - read a travel book before you come.

8. Wear a shirt at ALL times (poolside and beach is OK). It is highly disrespectful to "bare shoulders" (male and female) in Thailand let alone a bare chest and exposed beer gut!

9. GO TO Bangkok - most BMs here prefer Pattaya but you should always give some time for this wonderful and exciting city, especially if it might be your one and only trip to Thailand (I doubt it though).

Songkran 2016

Songkran

Having fun is a big part of Thai culture, and having fun amidst scorching heat is no exception. The hottest month of the year, April sees the entire country go bananas in friendly water fights and street parties that last nearly a week. During Songkran, most office buildings, banks as well as family-run shops and restaurants shut down completely, while big shopping malls usually remain open. Bangkok experiences a mass exodus, as at least half of its residents travel back to their home towns for family re-unions. In their place are tourists, who fly into Bangkok particularly to enjoy one of the most colourful and festive times of the year.

Note. Songkran in Thailand is officially observed between the 13th and 15th of April (three days national holiday), although in reality, celebrations often last the entire week!

What is Songkran?

Songkran is the occasion for family re-unions, temple visits and annual house cleaning. Many Thais observe the holidays by spending time with families and friends. Traditionally, Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, which is officially the National Elderly Day. During the ritual, young people would pour fragrant water into the elders’ palms as a gesture of humility and to ask for their blessings.

The second day of Songkran is officially the National Family Day. Families would wake up early and give alms to the monks, then ideally the rest of the day would be spent sharing quality family time together. An important religious ritual on Songkran is ‘Bathing the Buddha image’, in which devout Buddhists pour fragrant water over Buddha statues both at the temple and at home. More religious Thais would engage themselves in Buddhist ceremonies and merit-making activities throughout the holidays.

Water as Symbolism

Contradictory to what you may have witnessed throughout Songkran, fun-loving Thais don’t just throw water at each other for no good reason (besides having a kick out of seeing other people soaking wet). The real meaning behind the splashes is to symbolically wash off all misfortunes in the past year, thus welcoming the new year with a fresh new start.

Traditionally, Thais would politely pour a bowl of water on members of the family, their close friends and neighbours. As Songkran has taken a more festive note, a bowl becomes a bucket, garden hose and water guns, and the spirit of holiday merriment is shared amongst all town residents and tourists alike.

When is Songkran?

Before Thailand adopted the international New Year’s Day in 1940, Songkran was calculated based on the solar calendar, which varied from one year to the next. Now Songkran in Bangkok is from 13 to 15 April of every year. Depending on where you are in the country, the dates and period of festivities may vary.

Silom

Probably the largest and wildest crowd in Bangkok; The entire 5 km length of this street - mostly known for Patpong - is packed on two levels with thousands of young Thais carrying anything that can spray water. The best part is that you can enjoy the party in relatively dry surroundings by staying on the BTS sky walk that runs above the street. Relatively means that you should still carry any valuable items in a plastic bag. From up there you can witness the full extent of the game: a huge colorful crowd of smiling young Thais slowly walking between two rows of stalls selling water guns, food, soft drinks and of course, lots of beer. The highlight is to spot the firetrucks ambushed at each intersection with their incredibly powerful water hoses. The crowd is actually delighted to be hosed down as the heat can reach 40˚C in the sun.

Khap San Road

The entire length of Khao San Road is turned into an almighty water fight, and once you're in, you're going to get absolutely wet! There are police checkpoints set up at both ends of the street to confiscate bottles, cans and the white powder that is usually rubbed on people's faces. Don't worry though, you can buy all the alcohol you're likely to need inside one of the many bars that stay open throughout the festival, some with DJs set up inside plastic shelters and podiums for dancing. A word of advice though: be careful on the tiled floors that become like ice rinks because it's a fiarly common sight to see inebriated young tourists slipping, sliding and ending up with their whisky bucket all over the floor.

Songkran Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

Do give alms and make merit (or just witness the rituals if you are not a Buddhist)

Do use waterproof bags to protect your valuables

Do watch your belongings

Do use public transportation if you are heading to one of Songkran ‘hotspots’, as traffic will be paralysed

Do try wishing the locals a happy new year in Thai – “Sawasdee Pee Mai!”

Do smile and have fun

Don’ts

Do not douse monks, babies or the elderly

Do not drive when you have been drinking

Do not throw water with ice or dirty water

Do not throw water at motorcyclists, to prevent road accidents

Trip to Thailand – Preparations

Trip to Thailand – Preparations 

Ask any adventure virtuoso, backpacker or avid traveler to list some of their most exciting adventures and odds are that you’ll have more than a few of them whose trips will have had stops in Thailand. From the vibrant streets of Bangkok, to the cultural riches of Chiang Mai and the natural beauty that engulfs Thailand’s national parks and beaches, Thailand is a dream destination for anyone looking to get off the beaten path. But before you charge your trusty camera or dust off that backpack that’s been hiding in your closet, here are five tips to follow to make sure that your experience in Thailand is one for the ages.

Travel Light

Over-packing for a trip is never a good thing, but that especially holds true when visiting Thailand. Odds are that when you’re visiting Thailand you’re going to be very HOT. You’re not bundling up for an Arctic adventure and with laundry services available on the cheap, the last thing you want to do is carry a heavy backpack in the sweltering heat. Plus, you want to save room in that backpack for all of the clothes you’ll be buying in Bangkok and trust me, you’ll be buying a lot. It doesn’t matter whether you’re visiting the Chatuchak or Khao San markets, or stopping by the Suan Lum Bazaar in the evening, because you will definitely end up haggling your way to a new wardrobe.

Toiletries

Bringing a set of toiletries is a must no matter where you go, but you’ll find that adding a few extra things to go along with your shampoo and toothbrush will make your trip to Thailand that much more enjoyable. To start off, make sure you bring a lot of napkins/tissues and some hand sanitizer to boot. And when I say a lot, I mean A LOT! You’ll find that not only do most restaurants in Thailand not have napkins at their disposal; neither do any of the toilets/stalls you’ll be using. While food in Thailand is absolutely delicious, your stomach may not always agree. That’s why packing some multivitamins and anti-diarrhea tablets is always a good idea. Finally don’t forget to bring insect repellent. If you don’t, you might become every mosquito’s new favourite dish.

Drink Bottled Water/Try the Street Food

No matter how hard you try to fight it, the heat in Thailand will beat you. But before you try and find a local fountain to quench your thirst, remember that water in Thailand is not the as safe as the water back home. Do yourself a favour and make sure you always buy a bottle of water instead. It may cost you a little more but it will be worth it. Of course the street food in Thailand (and Bangkok especially) is another story. In fact your best meals are likely to come from your local street vendor so make sure to stop by or you’ll end up having missed out on some of the best meals you’ll ever have.

Know your culture

Every place you visit will have a different set of customs and this is especially true when visiting Thailand. Before you leave, make sure to check up on some of the most important Thai customs as the last thing you want to do is to offend the locals! Making sure you smile, not pointing at anyone’s feet and dressing appropriately may seem inconsequential but winning over the locals is sure to bring you some inside knowledge to make your trip that much more memorable. And whatever you do, please remember to NEVER mock the Royal Family!

Come prepared!

Finally, when traveling to Thailand, it’s important to always come prepared. If you’re planning on figuring things out when you arrive in Bangkok then you’re going to be in for a rude awakening. Make sure you’ve purchased maps of your destinations beforehand, made a photocopy of your passport and figured out a general template of what you want to do beforehand. Thailand can be very fast-paced and exciting, but if you’re not prepared you can easily get left behind.

Now that you know what you need to do to conquer Thailand, you’re one step closer to having the experience of a lifetime! Thailand is one of the most exhilarating and thrilling places in the world and whether you’re there for a week, a month or a year, Thailand will be an experience that will last a lifetime.

All you need to know about THAILAND

All you need to know about THAILAND

• Next time someone giggles at the name “Bangkok,” inform them that the full name of the city is Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. That’ll teach ‘em. FYI, that’s the longest city name in the world.

• Speaking of traditional names, Thailand, in Thai, is Prathet Thai, meaning "Land of the Free." Before it adopted this name, the nation was called Siam, which is Sanskrit for “dark” or “brown."

• "Land of the Free" is appropriate, because Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized by a foreign power.

• Thailand has over 1,400 islands within its territory. Arguably the most famous—thanks to the movie The Beach—is Koh Phi Phi near Phuket.

• Another famous beach is Koh Phangan, birthplace of the Full Moon Party, a debauched concept that's now spread throughout the region.

• In Thailand, it’s illegal to leave the house without underwear on.

• It is illegal to step on Thai Baht

• Feet are considered spiritually and symbolically dirty, and so a person should never point their feet at another person, or at a temple.

• In Thailand, Head is the holiest part of the body and should never be touched.

• Thailand has a college just for monkeys. It's called Thani Monkey College, and the students learn all sorts of street-preforming tricks, as well as how to collect coconuts.

• Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, and most Thais adore their king and queen. Many families display the king's face in their homes, and it’s pretty much illegal to speak ill of him. The Thai royal families have been so revered that, in the past, no one was allowed to even touch them; in fact, in the 1800s, a queen drowned when her boat capsized and no onlookers came her to rescue due to this strict rule.

• Many Thai's have a firm belief in ghosts.

• Thailand is one of the most Buddhist nations on Earth, with 95% of the population identifying as such. It’s common for Thai men to spend a little time in their youths trying out life as a monk, though most do not enter monkhood.

• In Bangkok, it’s normal to see the thermometer soar above 40C (104F), and wintertime temps hang out around 26C (79F).

• The Vivaldi Restaurant in Bangkok served the world’s most expensive cocktail, the “Valentine’s Cocktail.” Coming in at 540,000 baht (that’s more than $15,000 US), it was garnished with a five-karat ruby instead of an olive, and served with a six-course dinner, a night in the adjoining luxury hotel, and a bottle of Dom. Happy Valentine’s Day, millionaires.

•  Thailand is home to one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, the Mekong giant catfish, which can weigh up to 700lbs, as well as the world’s smallest bat, the bumblebee bat (or Kitti’s hog-nosed bat), which grows to a little over an inch and weighs two grams.

• Songkran is one of the world’s largest water festivals and takes place in one of the hottest months of the Thai year—April. It's also a time for cleansing (both personally and in the home, similar to spring cleaning) and signals the Thai New Year. By the way, in Thailand, the current year is 2557 (543 years ahead of the Gregorian Calendar).

• Another famous festival is Yi Peng, which takes place in November—an excellent month to visit Thailand, weather-wise—and is a celebration that sees thousands of paper lanterns lit and released to the sky. The festival also includes boat races, beauty contests, fireworks, and parades galore.