It feels like a long time since I wrote a blog, the last few were written weeks ago and scheduled for publishing while I was in Thailand. Now, as my Thai adventure is coming to an end and I'm getting ready to move on to Bali, it's time for a Thailand top tip blog.
ATMs
When it comes to taking money out in Thailand there are a few things to keep in mind:
Avoid the yellow ATMs, they are notorious for eating your card
Purple, blue and pink are the best coloured ATMs to use
You will be charged 220bhat to withdraw money no matter what card you have or what ATM you use
Your money comes out first and then your card
If you don't remove your card quickly, the machine will eat it, so don't hang about putting your money away!
Alcohol and parties
Not a massive party person so I can't advise much here, but I can tell you what I've seen and heard.
Most bars sell 'buckets' of cocktails, be careful with these as they are much, much stronger
Buckets or cocktails with redbull in are going to knock you for six. The caffine in their redbull is 3 times stronger than in the UK
Don't accept drinks off strangers (obvious but still)
Don't leave your belongings unattended at parties (this includes your drink)
Island hopping
From the south of Thailand there are a lot of islands you can explore for a day or two.
Book via your hotel or hostel, they usually get you the best prices and can help you if the trip is cancelled
If you are in Ao Nang I recommend Maan Kayaking for a boat trip around the smaller islands and for cave kayaking! It's a family run buisness and he's the sweetest guy
A lot of islands are inhabited with wildlife such as Monitor Lizards, Jellyfish and Dusky Langurs. Respect the animals, keep your distance and be careful
Always reapply your suncream after being in the water or extreme sweaty moments (if you've hiked up to view points on the islands you'll sweat all your suncream off)
Take water with you and stay hydrated
7 11
You don't know now how much 7 11 will impact your Thailand trip! They are on every corner and offer cheap food and drinks.
They sell pretty much everything you could need, including make up and bug spray
You can buy toasties, noodles, pizza slices, bao buns, frozen meals etc and they will heat them up in store for you
They carry some UK brands and sell them for the lowest prices I've seen
They have a selection of cakes and pastries that are individualy wrapped so great for on the go
They provide cutlery for your heated up food and yoghurts/ice creams
Tuktuks and taxis
In Bangkok there a tuktuks all over, but on the islands you may find there's only taxis.
Use tuktuks that have the Thai flag on top, these are private owned and will give you a better price
Agree a price before you get in, you should always bartar down the tuktuks
The large open back trucks usually charge around 30bhat per person, whereas the small private cars will charge for the entire car
Your hostel or hotel will be able to book taxis for you or give you advice on where to get one
Toilets
Most toilets are western, or there will be a choice between traditional squat toilets or western ones
Not all the western ones flush the way we are used to, you need to pour buckets of water into them, so if you don't see a handle don't panic!
They probably won't have toilet paper...you can buy singular toilet rolls or packs of tissues from 7 11
If they do have toilet roll, it may be kept outside the toilet cubicle so double check near the sinks or door as you go in
The water sits higher than in the UK and will rise even more when flushed before completely disappearing and being replaced with fresh
Have you been to Thailand and got any must know tricks or hacks? Share them down below!
Thanks for reading, you can follow for more here on wix blogs and over on Instagram @bilbo.h
Comments