Last minute trip to Thailand - any recommendations?

Beano · 24-06-2014 12:08PM

1. Do avoid taxi touts at bangkok airport. use the public taxi rank one level down from arrivals. They make a note of the taxi number and where you are heading to. Helpful if the taxi driver tries to rip up off
2. Do prebook a taxi to take you to your hotel if travelling to Phuket. Do not wait until you get there. the taxi drivers there WILL rip you off.
3. If going to a strip show or other similar establishment make sure you get an updated bill that includes the prices after every drink. Do not wait until you are leaving to get the bill.
4. NEVER go to an upstairs strip show. Particularly in Patpong. You will be ripped off.
5. never let a tout take you to a strip show. YOU will end up with their fee added to your bill
6. Learn some basic thai. Hello - sawadee khrap (pronounced suddy klap) if you're a bloke. sawadee if you're female. No thank you - mai khrap (my klap). you will be saying this a lot.
7. If going to Phuket ignore the farang touts on the mopeds with the scratchcards. Its a ruse to get to go to a hard-sell timeshare presentation.
8. You are a farang (pronounced falang). It means foreigner. Get used to hearing it. Its not an insult.
9. Dont bother with the bowing. you will only do it wrong.
10. You are a walking ATM. somebody said this earlier but its worth repeating.
11. If you see a beggar give them 20 baht (50c). It means they eat that day.
12. The department of foreign affairs website is out of date and makes it seem more dangerous than it is. Its probably the safest its been in a long time.

there is probably loads more. If i think of more later i'll post them

Beano · 24-06-2014 12:17PM

BeerWolf wrote: »

Be wary of 'women' there. Seriously, it's next to impossible to tell with a lot of them... they're really convincing looking.

Its very easy to tell. If they are really attractive and make you harder than you have been in months then they are a katoey (ladyboy).

BeerWolf wrote: »

Seriously though, refrain from being alone at any time - crime rate against tourists is pretty high, and they can be dangerous with intent to kill...

I can honestly say i have never felt or been threatened. Just be sensible and avoid confrontations with locals.

I forgot one earlier. DO NOT DO ANYTHING INVOLVED WITH DRUGS.

folan · 24-06-2014 12:20PM

Beano wrote: »

I can honestly say i have never felt or been threatened. Just be sensible and avoid confrontations with locals.

seconded

Beano · 24-06-2014 12:24PM

This page sums up the crime situation pretty well and fits with my own experiences

https://www.osac.gov/pages/contentreportdetails.aspx?cid=12189

whisky_galore · 24-06-2014 12:25PM

Beano wrote: »

Its very easy to tell. If they are really attractive and make you harder than you have been in months then they are a katoey (ladyboy).

Thai girls are normally quite petite, hard to hide the height of the larger 'lady'.

industrialhorse · 24-06-2014 12:25PM

Thanks everybody for your input. I can honestly tell you that I am a decent bloke who doesn't touch drugs or get foolishly drunk and at this point you may be thinking why the hell is he bothering with Thailand then but like most others, its just one of those places you gotta see at least once in your lifetime and I need a decent holiday asap so no time like the present:)

bangkok · 24-06-2014 12:26PM

thailand is one of the safest places you will ever visit. I feel safer there walking down the street at 3am than I would in Dublin at 3pm!!

folan · 24-06-2014 12:27PM

enjoy it lad, its a lovely country with lovely people. hope it doesnt rain too much for you

industrialhorse · 24-06-2014 12:28PM

bangkok wrote: »

did you recently just book your flight and if so how much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?

Havent booked yet

fuzzle · 24-06-2014 12:29PM

steer clear of Patong Beach, Pattaya and pretty much most of Phuket. they're DUMPS full of middle aged fat baldy british lads who have "wives" there... the stuff you see is horrible - ladyboys getting pushed around, women getting treated awfully and big burly english blokes starting fights in the streets a lot.

Stick to Koh Phangnan for the full moon parties, and then hit up Koh Phi Phi and Krabi for the sunshine...

roro1990 · 24-06-2014 12:46PM

Thailand is a brilliant country and absolutely grand to travel around on your tod in. Went by myself last October and will be back again this October for another 3 week trip. It's amazing, enjoy it. I guarantee you will want to return!

Beano · 24-06-2014 12:50PM

fuzzle wrote: »

steer clear of Patong Beach, Pattaya and pretty much most of Phuket. they're DUMPS full of middle aged fat baldy british lads who have "wives" there... the stuff you see is horrible - ladyboys getting pushed around, women getting treated awfully and big burly english blokes starting fights in the streets a lot.

Stick to Koh Phangnan for the full moon parties, and then hit up Koh Phi Phi and Krabi for the sunshine...

I think you are overstating it a little. I've no experience of Pattaya but that doesnt go on in phuket.

BeerWolf · 24-06-2014 12:54PM

fuzzle wrote: »

steer clear of Patong Beach, Pattaya and pretty much most of Phuket. they're DUMPS full of middle aged fat baldy british lads who have "wives" there... the stuff you see is horrible - ladyboys getting pushed around, women getting treated awfully and big burly english blokes starting fights in the streets a lot.

Stick to Koh Phangnan for the full moon parties, and then hit up Koh Phi Phi and Krabi for the sunshine...

I've been to Phuket a few times, can't say I had any troubles there - granted, it was like... 15 years ago the last time - much could've changed then! :pac:

desultory · 24-06-2014 12:59PM

fuzzle wrote: »

steer clear of Patong Beach, Pattaya and pretty much most of Phuket. they're DUMPS full of middle aged fat baldy british lads who have "wives" there... the stuff you see is horrible - ladyboys getting pushed around, women getting treated awfully and big burly english blokes starting fights in the streets a lot.

Stick to Koh Phangnan for the full moon parties, and then hit up Koh Phi Phi and Krabi for the sunshine...

fairly harsh, you might have seen that happening but it's not a regular occurrence whatsoever in any of those places.

fuzzle · 24-06-2014 01:02PM

maybe i was just unlucky - granted, all this was going on in lovely surroundings!!

would definitely reccommend Krabi and Phi Phi islands too. they were my favourites...

Koh Phangnan is nice too - but busier - and more for partying than the other places.

oh, and dont forget to drink loads of buckets!!

on Koh Phangnan they have a place called Mushroom Mountain (at the top of Haad rin beach) which sells spliffs at the bar for about a tenner a pop, and mushroom milkshakes. just DONT bring any of it outside of the bar or you could end up in the slammer.

Cienciano · 24-06-2014 01:32PM

My advice is if you're the agressive type, make sure you can control it and never get into a fight or heated argument with a local. Never, no matter what. No matter how drunk you get and no matter what happens, never hit a local.
It might seem obvious, and you might have never been in a fight in your life, but you could also be the type of person who regularly gets in fights. Don't do it in thailand. And if they hit you first (never heard of that happening), walk away, fast.

And that girl that seems to really like you and isn't like any of the other girls, she has a good job and doesn't want your money? She wants your money and she doesn't love you.

It's actually a very safe place imho. Although I can't speak for Pattaya, I never have, and never will go there.

sabat · 24-06-2014 01:41PM

Cienciano wrote: »

My advice is if you're the agressive type, make sure you can control it and never get into a fight or heated argument with a local. Never, no matter what. No matter how drunk you get and no matter what happens, never hit a local.

Excellent advice; there'd be 20 Thai guys milling into you in seconds.

whisky_galore · 24-06-2014 01:50PM

Cienciano wrote: »

My advice is if you're the agressive type, make sure you can control it and never get into a fight or heated argument with a local.

Asians are all about 'saving face', i.e. bottling it up rather than throwing a wobbler, it would want to be something REALLY serious to get one of them going.

Likewise if you're robbed, it's either pickpocketing that you'd never notice until you look for your wallet or through your own stupidity or gullibility. Crime very rarely gets violent.

industrialhorse · 24-06-2014 01:51PM

I'm a very easy going guy and although very opinionated, I never get aggressive with anyone whether drunk or sober. I'd say i'll get along famously with the locals:cool:

jimmyneo1 · 24-06-2014 02:03PM

Cienciano wrote: »

My advice is if you're the aggressive type, make sure you can control it and never get into a fight or heated argument with a local. Never, no matter what. No matter how drunk you get and no matter what happens, never hit a local.
It might seem obvious, and you might have never been in a fight in your life, but you could also be the type of person who regularly gets in fights. Don't do it in thailand. And if they hit you first (never heard of that happening), walk away, fast.

Yep, 100% agree with the above. Having been there 3 times in the last 10 years and travelled all the country I always had a brilliant time, great people, great experiences.

However…., anytime I saw a fight between a westerner and a local, it was usually over in minutes with the westerner being battered by every surrounding Thai guy. They aren't aggressive people, but it's never NEVER just one on one.

Usually it’s over being too drunk or a stupid argument or over money.
Definitively be assertive and stand up for yourself if being ripped off or intimidated but never raise your hands. Just walk away.
I got in an argument over a Jet Ski there when I was 21, was during the day on the beach, I was stone cold sober, but being accused of being drunk and was being ripped off over time limits using the equipment etc. Got in a heated enough verbal argument with the guy, but I tried to remain polite and clear. He ended up giving me a back hander across the face, just had to smile, swallow my pride and walk away.

But I’m not trying to **** you up, that was literally the only really negative experience having spent months in the country each time. Just want to make you aware.
As I said, in general amazing, people, great food, culture. Plenty of opportunities to party but also more active stuff such as trekking, whatever you’re into really.

Have an awesome time!

Cienciano · 24-06-2014 02:09PM

whisky_galore wrote: »

Asians are all about 'saving face', i.e. bottling it up rather than throwing a wobbler, it would want to be something REALLY serious to get one of them going.

Exactly, like hitting one. I never heard of a Thai throwing the first punch. You have a certain type of Thai that are itching to beat up falangs. And even the weedy looking ones are dangerous in a fight.

sabat wrote: »

Excellent advice; there'd be 20 Thai guys milling into you in seconds.

As you probably know, that's exactly what happens. All looking out of the corner of their eye waiting for the falang to throw a box or push.

But place is great, street food is savage and cheap and the ladyboys are amazing.

joeguevara · 24-06-2014 02:11PM

My only main thing to say, and I've been there countless times is not to rent a scooter. It may seem like a handy way of getting around, but rules of the road do not exist. Also, even if you are sober, the vast majority of people at night-time aren't. Even the motor-bike taxis. There was an Irish teacher killed there (phuket) a few weeks ago, and one of my good friends who lived there for 12 years, was killed 2 years ago.

Be sure to have travel insurance. Prices in the hospitals can rock up fairly swiftly. Also be careful swimming. Check to see if there are flags up that say don't swim outside of that area. Pretty much 4-5 people drown a week in patong during high season.

Finally, and I can't stress this enough, stay clear of jet ski rentals. Half the time they are ok, but at any time they can pull a scam saying that you damaged the jet ski and make you pay up around 1k (euro not baht). Seen it happen about 10 times.

Cienciano · 24-06-2014 02:19PM

I think jet ski rental is some sort of worldwide tourist scam. It's not just thailand, seems to be everwhere.
In bangkok, taxis are cheaper than tuk tuks and have air con. Always make sure the meter on, and if he won't turn on the meter get into a different taxi.
Tuk-tuks you agree on a price when you state your destination, more expensive cos they add on tourist tax. But you still have to take them every so often, it's part of the thai experience.
Don't worry about getting ripped off and don't think everyone is out to rip you off, saw a few people with that attitude and it looks like they had a miserable time.

joeguevara · 24-06-2014 02:22PM

Cienciano wrote: »

I think jet ski rental is some sort of worldwide tourist scam. It's not just thailand, seems to be everwhere.
In bangkok, taxis are cheaper than tuk tuks and have air con. Always make sure the meter on, and if he won't turn on the meter get into a different taxi.
Tuk-tuks you agree on a price when you state your destination, more expensive cos they add on tourist tax. But you still have to take them every so often, it's part of the thai experience.
Don't worry about getting ripped off and don't think everyone is out to rip you off, saw a few people with that attitude and it looks like they had a miserable time.

That's true but the jet ski guys in thailand have guns and they aren't afraid to use them. There was a you-tube clip of a famous jet ski guy in phuket, who pulled a gun on a group of US soldiers. Their liaison came down and it was class the stand-off between the two of them. Both of them had balls of steel, albeit the thai had the gun!

desultory · 24-06-2014 02:22PM

Yeah can't recommend enough to stay clear of the jet ski rental/ Even if you know of the scam and point it out (as I've seen happening) it just leads to them getting more aggressive. They backed down from a few friends of mine but only because there was 15 of them and presumably they didn't have their usual back up to pull the scam.
They were looking for 25kbaht for a slight hole(which had quite clearly had poor filler placed over it designed to come loose in the waves)

joeguevara wrote: »

That's true but the jet ski guys in thailand have guns and they aren't afraid to use them. There was a you-tube clip of a famous jet ski guy in phuket, who pulled a gun on a group of US soldiers. Their liaison came down and it was class the stand-off between the two of them. Both of them had balls of steel, albeit the thai had the gun!

yup! although right now is the perfect time to go as all guns are banned due to the coup. If you want to go jet skiing specifically that is :P

industrialhorse · 24-06-2014 02:37PM

Probably cheaper and less hassle for me to buy a jetski when I get there lol

MRnotlob606 · 24-06-2014 02:39PM

wankathon

jimmyneo1 · 24-06-2014 03:32PM

Also mate, you never mentioned if you're travelling alone or with friends. Doesn't matter either way, as you'll meet lots of people, but in case you're solo and need some tips…

I've done it both ways myself but if you're alone and looking to meet other backpackers/travellers I'd suggest hit up these spots

Presume you're staying in Khao San you're first few days? Stay away from the overpriced crap D&D Inn and the like. Suggest staying in NapPark Hostel, it's literally the next street over. Can't post a link. Just google it.
Excellent boutique hostel with a range of backpackers from 20s-30s, really clean and easy to meet people and the staff are great!

In Koh Phangan, after or during the madness of Full Moon you might be tempted to stay on Had Rinn beach where all the action is but I’d suggest not. It’s fantastic to party and visit while you’re there but the craziness and everything else isn’t always fun to be staying right in.

I’d suggest staying on Had Yuan beach, just over the hill. Discovered it my second time in Thailand years ago. It can't be reached by foot or car, only by boat so is slightly cut off from everything and doesn’t get loads of people, more long-term travellers or people taking their time. But that’s part of the appeal, has bars and restaurants and everything but more of a chilled out vibe.
There’s only about 4 guesthouses to stay, which means everyone gets to know eachother and welcome newcomers with open arms and turns into a great little community. Kinda like the movie The Beach before it all goes sour!

You can get boat taxis throughout the day and night back to the bigger beaches if you need to hit an ATM etc but most times I just ended up staying on Had Yuan hanging out with everyone.

The few bars that are there throw one big huge party every Friday which float between the bars and are always awesome. I remember noticing a lot of the long-term ex pats and western workers from Phangan would always come to them over other places or beaches, so usually a good sign if endorsed by the locals.
If you do go, stay in the Big Blue Bungalows, again no link but just google it.

Sorry to harp on but really can’t recommend the beach enough, both times I’ve visited ended up staying 3 weeks to a month!
Wish I was back there now instead of here in work, sigh….

industrialhorse · 24-06-2014 03:58PM

jimmyneo1 wrote: »

Also mate, you never mentioned if you're travelling alone or with friends. Doesn't matter either way, as you'll meet lots of people, but in case you're solo and need some tips…

I've done it both ways myself but if you're alone and looking to meet other backpackers/travellers I'd suggest hit up these spots

Presume you're staying in Khao San you're first few days? Stay away from the overpriced crap D&D Inn and the like. Suggest staying in NapPark Hostel, it's literally the next street over. Can't post a link. Just google it.
Excellent boutique hostel with a range of backpackers from 20s-30s, really clean and easy to meet people and the staff are great!

In Koh Phangan, after or during the madness of Full Moon you might be tempted to stay on Had Rinn beach where all the action is but I’d suggest not. It’s fantastic to party and visit while you’re there but the craziness and everything else isn’t always fun to be staying right in.

I’d suggest staying on Had Yuan beach, just over the hill. Discovered it my second time in Thailand years ago. It can't be reached by foot or car, only by boat so is slightly cut off from everything and doesn’t get loads of people, more long-term travellers or people taking their time. But that’s part of the appeal, has bars and restaurants and everything but more of a chilled out vibe.
There’s only about 4 guesthouses to stay, which means everyone gets to know eachother and welcome newcomers with open arms and turns into a great little community. Kinda like the movie The Beach before it all goes sour!

You can get boat taxis throughout the day and night back to the bigger beaches if you need to hit an ATM etc but most times I just ended up staying on Had Yuan hanging out with everyone.

The few bars that are there throw one big huge party every Friday which float between the bars and are always awesome. I remember noticing a lot of the long-term ex pats and western workers from Phangan would always come to them over other places or beaches, so usually a good sign if endorsed by the locals.
If you do go, stay in the Big Blue Bungalows, again no link but just google it.

Sorry to harp on but really can’t recommend the beach enough, both times I’ve visited ended up staying 3 weeks to a month!
Wish I was back there now instead of here in work, sigh….

I'm travelling with a mate thanks for asking. Honestly don't know where we will be ending up after the first day or two in Bangkok but it could be two days in about 5 different spots and maybe another two days spent on travelling around.
I haven't really researched the country or the islands but my mate was there before and since he is flying in from Korea a few days before me, I guess he has a few things sussed and so we'll just take it from there.

podgemonster · 24-06-2014 03:59PM

Im currently on a sabbatical gap year and we started in Thailand and made a video blog.

Here's part 1 in South Thailand
http://vimeo.com/86283654

and here's North Thailand
http://vimeo.com/90132272

Cooking courses are a great way to spend a day away from the beach. You learn a new skill and fill your belly. I did mine on an organic farm in Chiang Mai.

I also learned to scuba dive on Koh Toa, cost 9000 bt for the open water course and me my non diving OH got free accommodation for the duration of the 4 day course in the heart of Koh Toa.

Chang beer is the cheapest but unless it's export is unregulated so it could be 2-7% percent pure lottery and you can get a Changover. Singha beer is my preferred poison.

As said before no matter how weary and stressed and sunburnt you are, when dealing with a Thai a pleasant smile goes a long way.

Last minute trip to Thailand - any recommendations?

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