21 days, city hustle, trekking, islands, protests, unrest and more

[Dub2dub]

So after about 5 years of saying I'll make the trip I've finally got around to doing it! Go my lovely girlfriend and me...

In that 5 years I've always had the Thai Visa newsletters which to be honest often suggest awful things but imagine that is mainly the focus of Media Headlines.

With that being said I was hoping you friendly folk may be able to offer some tips, guidance and advice.

First, the unrest, from what I understand avoid the south, avoid the Cambodian border and protest spots in Bangkok, Chiang Mai.

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/asia/a-tourists-take-on-the-protests-in-the-thai-capital-9085212.html

Is that a fair summary, do we need to take an extra pre-cautions?

Then comes the trip itinerary, well for want for a better word.

Our loose plan is 2 nights per spot, starting BK, upto Chiang Mai, down to Krabi/Phuket and then into the Islands ready for the full moon.

This leaves us a week at the end for re-visiting anything that was particularly attractive.

It's more of a, lets at least see the temples, jungle and animals then head down for a party. We're both in our twenties, I personally love my "festivals", especially those with that Thud Thud Thud music (Techno/House etc. ) so we want a bit of the party, a bit of the beach and a bit of the tradition - It's a 3 week getaway.

Any guidance, tips or advice greatly welcomed there.

Last but not least, I'm planning to travel light and be very flexible.

By that I'm thinking basics/essentials in backpack and buy what I need when I'm there (lead to believe it's cheaper to do that..)

Then the flexibility is to not book anything, just arrive and have a bit of an adventure (bad idea?)

What is the best method for carrying cash around, Visa charge €3 a transaction (well the bank does) but I'd rather that and not risk losing.

A friend advises a 2 wallet system, due to pick pockets and robberies, is this wise? One with "day spending cash" and the other hidden?

Be grateful for any tips, suggestions, of any nature, this is our first trip and we plan to make it a big one.

Thanks a million

[craigt3365]

Thailand is a relatively trouble free destination. There are some things to keep in mind. The deep south has some issues. The protest sites in Bangkok definitely have issues...and perhaps more coming. The Cambodian border? Other than the visa scams, they just tend to be a bit grungy. Not worth a visit unless your transiting. IMHO.

Extra precautions are definitely needed for the full moon party. Lots of scams there and many young people have gotten into trouble...mainly due to drugs. Avoid drugs and you'll likely have NO problems. Mess around with them and your problems could be massive. There's a video on it, I think from the BBC. It's on YouTube somewhere. Worth watching.

Jet ski scams are routine. Same with scooters. Thailand is a very dangerous place to rent scooters unless you really know what you are doing....and even then...make sure you have the right insurance. Most basic traveler's insurance excludes this.

Your plan sounds OK, but Thailand is a very long country. Your idea of going back and revisiting places could result in losing a whole day in transit. Bangkok is the hub, but even then, if going from, say, CM to Samui, I'd just keep going and not take the time to visit Bangkok. Do it at the beginning or end of your journey.

You can buy pretty much anything you need here with the exception of some prescriptions (maybe) and electronics. Pretty much everything else is available here...but could be more than you'd pay back home. Depends on what you're looking for.

ATMs are your best bet. I'd also come with some cash and keep a few large bills stashed in case you can't find a working one for a day or so. Pickpockets are here, but pretty rare. Your biggest worry will be fellow travelers. Thefts during the full moon party are very common, especially from your room. I'm a fan of a money belt under your short pants. But I live here and travel around a lot. I've never had a problem in 12 years of traveling all over the country. Leave the wallet at home, maybe get one that you can put in your front pocket...or just use your money belt. Keep cash in your front pocket.

Avoid night buses if you can. I'd recommend you get a guide book. You're going to be spending a lot of money on this trip. They tend to have a lot of great information, including sample itineraries, for a very small price.

Have fun!

[kratiam]

Craig3365 post was excellent - I'd only add: get & read (before coming) "Culture Shock Thailand" paperback about GBP5 and worth every penny. Pay particular attention to the "losing face" bit - more important than the book suggests. Also, I'd NEVER get on a long distance bus at night - very dangerous on lots of levels (when you get here and see the U-turn system you'll understand). That being said - you will have a great tijme. Nobody comes to Thailand just once. Good luck!

[whooshbang]

Agreed, 2 days in each city is gonna leave you exhausted and unless you plan on flying to and from each city you are gonna be on some long bus/train journeys. I once caught a night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, This is a scheduled 13 hour run but delays on the line meant it took 20 hours.... that was a whole day gone and add to that lack of sleep during travelling and the next day was a write off too.

You'll have no problem with not booking in advance, where you are going there are tons of hostels/hotels and you'll likely be approached by a friendly Thai person offering you digs, he may be on a small commission and probably have transport ready to take you straight to a selection of hotels. Stayed in some good hostels and hotels using the people and services provided at train stations etc. Chiang Mai for example has a stall at the end of the platform and you can choose a hotel like you would food from a menu. Alternatively you can get a Tuk Tuk driver to take you to the backpacker zones and go door to door until you find a room that suits you both.

Travel light as everything here is obtainable and cheap (especially in the markets). You can have a cheeky haggle, remember to smile and once you settle on a price you are both happy with, follow through with your purchase.

As for money i tend to bring a bit of cash, debit card, credit card and Travellers Cheques and don't pile them all into one wallet. If you lose TC's or they get stolen no one can cash or clone them. Nat West charge 1% commission, you get a better exchange rate than sterling and the charge to cash them here is around 33 Baht. I bought £2000 TC's in £200 denomination. Total cost from Natwest was £20 , Thailand total commission 333 baht so in total it cost me £26 fees for 2 grand and i got around 54 baht for every pound..... had i of drawn that money from my account in dribs and drabs with poor bank exchange rates it would have probably cost me double that. There are exchange points everywhere! Perhaps you and your girlfriend can share the responsibility of holding cash and cards so if one of you should happen to lose a bag or wallet you have your backup!

You are gonna have a great time..... theres a do's and don't video here you may wanna check out http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/725036-dos-and-donts-of-thailand-simplified-guide-for-newbies/

Enjoy

[Dub2dub]

Thanks for all the replies!

Too add, we did plan to fly from destination to destination, we are each on a 500e/week budget that's to cover everything.

Think we should be good with mid range accom and a fairly active night life?

[craigt3365]

I know it's not for everybody, but don't leave out Bangkok. It has a very vibrant nightlife. And places like Thong Lor have NO girly bars. But lots of really interesting places to check out. Khao San Road is mainly backpackers, but if you're going to the FMP, this might be just for you. Lots of night life and close to the various important sights. There's lots to do and see in Bangkok.

[phetphet]

Agreed, 2 days in each city is gonna leave you exhausted and unless you plan on flying to and from each city you are gonna be on some long bus/train journeys. I once caught a night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, This is a scheduled 13 hour run but delays on the line meant it took 20 hours.... that was a whole day gone and add to that lack of sleep during travelling and the next day was a write off too.

You'll have no problem with not booking in advance, where you are going there are tons of hostels/hotels and you'll likely be approached by a friendly Thai person offering you digs, he may be on a small commission and probably have transport ready to take you straight to a selection of hotels. Stayed in some good hostels and hotels using the people and services provided at train stations etc. Chiang Mai for example has a stall at the end of the platform and you can choose a hotel like you would food from a menu. Alternatively you can get a Tuk Tuk driver to take you to the backpacker zones and go door to door until you find a room that suits you both.

Travel light as everything here is obtainable and cheap (especially in the markets). You can have a cheeky haggle, remember to smile and once you settle on a price you are both happy with, follow through with your purchase.

As for money i tend to bring a bit of cash, debit card, credit card and Travellers Cheques and don't pile them all into one wallet. If you lose TC's or they get stolen no one can cash or clone them. Nat West charge 1% commission, you get a better exchange rate than sterling and the charge to cash them here is around 33 Baht. I bought £2000 TC's in £200 denomination. Total cost from Natwest was £20 , Thailand total commission 333 baht so in total it cost me £26 fees for 2 grand and i got around 54 baht for every pound..... had i of drawn that money from my account in dribs and drabs with poor bank exchange rates it would have probably cost me double that. There are exchange points everywhere! Perhaps you and your girlfriend can share the responsibility of holding cash and cards so if one of you should happen to lose a bag or wallet you have your backup!

You are gonna have a great time..... theres a do's and don't video here you may wanna check out http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/725036-dos-and-donts-of-thailand-simplified-guide-for-newbies/

Enjoy

Just a heads up on the travellers Cheques. the Thai banks have recently increase their charges for cashing them to THB153 per cheque. So do buy the biggest denomination you can.

I have tried to buy £200's, but was told they are phasing them out, and therefore could only get £100's. True or not? I don't know, but I couldn't get them from my local forex.

[craigt3365]

This is a must watch video. I'm pretty anti-FMP. Was on KPN a few days after the party and it was literally a human zoo of people there. I don't really need to see men's pierced nipples. The FMP is not what Thailand should be about.

Anyway, here's a must watch video:

[Dub2dub]

This is a must watch video. I'm pretty anti-FMP. Was on KPN a few days after the party and it was literally a human zoo of people there. I don't really need to see men's pierced nipples. The FMP is not what Thailand should be about.

Anyway, here's a must watch video:

Hi Craig,

I've seen this a couple of times before, certainly a good watch for raising awareness although that could also scare some people half to death!

To be fair, I do understand your views, and reading the history for what started as a fairly relaxed party in the sun has turned into a mental full on beach rave can see why many of those locally would not appreciate the extent it has been driven too.

The flip side, I do like a good party, the FMP has been something on my "bucket list" for years so pretty excited to visit, I do however think I'll have that feeling of "wish I was here 20 years ago".

To note, Thailand for us is not all about the partying, it's about having a very mixed bag of things in a very short period of time so we can get a feel for the different aspects of the country - I can see my self moving to Singapore/Australia in the next few years so would be great to visit Thailand again.

Thanks for all the advice provided in this thread, my GF and I are really excited.

I would like some of your "personal" favorites of Thailand that we could try and incorporate into our trip, if you would be so kind to share?

[craigt3365]

I've got personal experience with people being arrested with drugs. I was on the backpacker....err....banana pancake....trail for a few years here. You run into a lot of "interesting" characters. Drugs are a problem here. Many come here and don't think so, then end up in jail with no money to get out. It's not good.

I've got plenty of fav's I'd be more than willing to share.

National park: Khao Sok. Spending the night on a floating hut is fantastic. Amazing scenery. Something you should not miss.

Thailand is fantastic, but Angkor Wat is something not to be missed. You'll need a few days for this.

Ban Kruit, Thung Wua Laen, Bang Saphan, Khanom, Khao Lak. All fantastic beaches, each with their own charms. And other than Khao Lak, a bit off the radar. Very quiet.

Sukhothai is fantastic. Research up on canal tours and then arrange your own. It really is interesting. A day at the Golden Palace in Bangkok is time well spent. You can spend a whole day in that area and have a fantastic time.

The CM-Mae Hong Son loop. Rent a car and spend a few days doing this. One night in Pai, one in MHS. In MHS, do an overnight trek into the mountains and stay with a local. See the long necks, big ears, etc.

Thailand is a great place to visit. Too many to list!! LOL

[Lancashirelad]

Speaking as a somewhat experienced traveler, I would suggest that 2 nights in some places is not enough. It only gives one day to look around. There's lots to see in Thailand. Would suggest a few less places and stay a bit longer in others.

You are young, if you like Thailand as I'm sure you will, most do, you can always plan to come back again and check out some of the places you left out.

Overnight train travel is low cost, saves a night's accommodation, and you get to meet nice Thai people.