Thailand

Bangkok is currently the most visited city in the worldattracting 22.87 million travellers in 2022 alone. It’s popularity is due to its prime flight path location, hectic charm and rapid current of life that pours down each street. People flow into the city with an expectation to taste the adventures of the unknown and they rarely leave unsatisfied.

The first questions travelling newbies often ask is if Bangkok is actually like The Hangover?  Although the movie plays on the extremes of Bangkok lifestyle, you will pass through the beautiful madness of Chinatown and understand why they chose to set the film in these wonderfully chaotic streets, and across its towering sky lines.

So what flavours can you expect from Bangkok, the street food capital of the world? Well expect it all. Taste Jay Fai AKA the queen of street food’s Noodle Soup or boldy crunch through tarantula, scorpion, fertilised eggs and more trialing tastes to the western palate.

Day trips exploring the local weekend markets, golden temples, and shopping malls, dive into Thai tradition by visiting a Muay Thai fight, cooking class or Thai massage.

Even sleeping in Bangkok becomes adventurous, choose from pod capsules to Sook Station Prison fit with striped pyjamas and mugshots.

If the inner city gets too and you need a relaxing break from Bangkok the nearby national parks of Khao Yai and Sai Yok  provide a peaceful getaway.

Chiang Mai is located in the Northern Highlands of Thailand. Surrounded by the Khun Tan mountains you will find the stunning city of Chiang Mai.

The Mountains provide a natural wilderness reserve to explore and the city seems to naturally blend into this wild landscape. The inner city is home to 117 Buddhist temples, known in Thai as “Wats”, the most famous of all being the Wat Phra That Doi Suthe.

As well as the Buddhist Temples  and Thai night markets you find in most Thai cities Chiang Mai has a unique culture unlike the rest of Thailand. This is the Lanna Culture one of the first Siamese Kingdoms, which offers a unique twist on Thai cuisine and customs.

If you are visiting in January,  Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a must. Easily one of the most beautiful cultural displays of thanks I have ever witnessed.

White limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and deep emerald mangrove forests seem to characterise the coastline of Krabi.

Inland the dark green hues take over in the form of dense jungle, only occasionally broken by flecks of golden temples such as the stunning Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suae). Yet the blue hues don’t completely disappear as lagoons and waterfalls are hidden away, such as the Sa Morakot commonly known as Krabi’s blue lagoon.

Krabi’s positioning is perfect for island hopping. Its coastline is home to over 154 islands including DiCaprio’s famous Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Le, home to the infamous set of his film ‘the beach’.

Be sure to properly explore what Krabi province has to offer, because it caters for everyone. Adrenaline junkies head to Railay beach for it’s world renowned rock climbing, solitude seekers head to Khlong Muang, and wildlife enthusiasts should trek through Thung Teao Forest Natural Park.

Wake up in the middle of a rainforest on a floating bungalow to a view of towering cliffs rising out the water like a sunken giant trying to grab the sun.

This is Khao Sok, an incredible wildlife reserve filled with lush jungle, endangered wildlife, lagoons, waterfalls, and a 165 km lake. We stayed with the Smiley Reserve  spending three days trekking through jungle, taking night boat safari’s and kayaking from our private floating bungalow.

Is Khao Sok Dangerous? Exploring any jungle has a fair amount of risk, yet with a guide Khao Sok is a very safe place to travel to. The main dangers come from the Lake itself as fresh water swimming lacks the natural buoyancy of the ocean, so poor swimmers can often struggle especially when their Kayak overturns. Keep an eye out for dangerous animals too. While you won’t meet a tiger here, larger mammals such as, boar and elephants have been occasionally sighted alongside poisonous snakes so keep your wits about you, trust your guide and watch your step.

You can get to Khao Sok National Park via shared minibus from any of these major towns in southern Thailand – Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, or Koh Lak.

The Similan Archipelago is home to Thailand’s best snorkelling and diving reefs. I met an Australian diver in Thailand who actually favoured the Similan Islands to his home dive on the Great Barrier Reef!

The Similan Archipelago consists of 9 islands including Ko Bon, Ko Miang,  Ko Bayu, Ko Payu, Ko Similan, Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong.

The islands remote location creates a sanctuary for an array of marine life. Diving here gives you a chance to spot the whale shark, green turtles, white tipped reef sharks, Baracuda, Parrot fish and a vast array of other marine life.

Koh Tao has two sides. Days are all about maximum relaxation, beach hangs, and unlimited fresh coconuts. Then come the nights— and the sleepy island wakes up! Bars, beach parties, bar crawls, live music… you name it! The vibe is contagious, and you’ll find yourself making friends faster than you can say “Sawadee ka!”

Sure, chilling on the beach is epic, but Koh Tao’s also got this wild side. Hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views, secret coves begging to be discovered, kayaking through crystal-clear waters, and non stop nights out —there’s always something for the adventure junkies here!

So, why Koh Tao? Because it’s not just a place; it’s a feeling. It’s the high-fives from strangers, the salty breeze in your hair,  the butterflies when you spot you first reef shark and the gasp when you reach the top of the viewpoints. Whether you’re a chill-seeker or an adrenaline junkie, Koh Tao’s got a bit of magic for everyone. Pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!

Visits to Thailand for under 30 days without a Visa.

If you are staying longer than 30 days you will need to apply for an online Thai Visa.

The application for the tourist visa was a confusing process, and calling the embassy is even worse – but we’ve made a hassle-free guide to the Thai online visa application.

In 2023, as a UK citizen visiting Thailand, it’s important to be aware of local laws and customs. Here are a few pointers:

1. Respect for the Monarchy: Thailand holds its monarchy in high regard. Avoid any disrespectful remarks or actions towards the royal family, as this is a serious offense in Thailand.
2. Drug Laws: Thailand has strict drug laws with severe penalties, including long prison sentences or even the death penalty for drug-related offenses.
3. Visa Regulations: Ensure you have the correct visa for your stay duration. Overstaying a visa can lead to fines, detention, or deportation.
4. Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or religious sites. Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
5. Alcohol Laws: Public drinking is restricted in certain areas, particularly during religious holidays. Drinking in public places could result in fines.
6. Respect for Buddhism: Buddhism is prevalent in Thailand. Treat Buddhist images and artifacts with respect, and be mindful of local customs and rituals.
7. Environmental Conservation: Certain activities, like coral reef damage or wildlife trafficking, are illegal and heavily penalized.
8. Driving Rules: If you plan to drive in Thailand, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws. Keep in mind that driving practices may differ from those in the UK.

Always check for any updates or changes in laws and regulations before traveling, as these guidelines might have changed since my last update.

Vaccinations 

Our pharmacy travel consultant recommended :

Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Yellow Fever.

As with most of South East Asia travellers need to be aware of petty crime such as, snatching bags, phones and cameras off tables, with thieves commonly grabbing them as they speed passed on their moped.

Things to avoid in Thailand:

Fraudulent E-Visa websites – Here is the official website, be wary of the fake sites.

Drugs – We know the full moon parties are laced with drugs but get caught by the Thai police and you’ll face imprisonment and if its more than 20 grams of class A you could be sentenced to death…

Taxi without a meter – Never enter a taxi without a meter or better yet only use the reliable app Grab an Asian version of Uber.

Ping Pong Shows – Don’t make me explain why… alright then, not only do the shows gather a dodgy crowd, they are a prime place to be scammed and many of the girls are sexually exploited.

Elephant Attractions – Many so-called ‘elephant sanctuaries’ abuse the animals, drugging them and harming them to teach them to entertain us, tourists. Instead, visit ethical choices like the Elephant Nature Park or Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary 

Respecting Buddhism in Thailand:  If you happen to see a Monk in the markets or around Buddhist Temples you should not attempt to photograph or communicate with them, especially if you are a female traveller. Monks are prohibited from touching or even being in close contact with women including their female family members.

Avoid these rude gestures in Thailand:

Don’t touch people’s heads. In Buddhism, the head is sacred, and touching it is considered disrespectful.

Don’t point your feet in people’s direction or towards sacred monuments. Feet are considered filthy and shoes should be left at the door of people’s homes and Temples

Don’t put your Thumbs up. In Thailand, this is similar to the middle finger in the west!

Pass things don’t throw them. Although chucking someone a water bottle or item may save you a walk it is incredibly rude in Thai culture. There is an expectation to hand things over respectfully.

• Filtered Water Bottle
• Universal Adaptor
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen
• Activated Charcoal (Tummy Bugs)
• Travel Wallet
• Waterproof (Wet Season)
• Mosquito Net
• VPN for Thailand’s Internet’s Censorship
• Lip Sun Cream
• Dioralyte after sickness
•  Toothbrush Travel Cover
• Travel Locks
• Mosquito Repellent
• Power Bank
• Dry Bags
• Waterproof Phone Case
• Packing Cubes (Suitcases)
• Multivitamins for sickness
• Caps and Hats
• Sunglasses

Apps to Download 

• Grab – Reliable Taxi Service
• 12go.asia – Transport Routes
• Lazada – South East Asian Amazon
•  Amazing Thailand – Trip Planner
• Maps.me – Offline Map
• Line – Thai Whatsapp

Here are three reasons you should avoid buying suncream in South East Asia: 

Suncream is far more expensive than in Europe and the US (dont assume everything is cheaper in Asia) 
Suncream often has skin whitening agents in it, to achieve the popular  ‘western-look’
Suncream can be diluted to sell greater volumes. There are some horror stories of rashes and 3rd degree burns from tampered with suncream bottles.  

Tourist Police: 1155. Thailand Emergency Services (Fire, Ambulance): 191.

Yes, to ride a scooter or a motorbike you either need an international license (you can get these at the post office) or a Thai license. 

Yes, Railay’s limestone walls are the perfect place to learn how to rock climb with a guide teaching you the correct movements and safety. 

You should only try and climb these cliffs without a guide if you are an experienced climber. 

An infamous street famed for cheap accommodation options and a wild night life for backpackers. This may be one to avoid if you dont want to be hassled or aren’t one for a  crowds. 

Thai Taxis often hang luck gauntlets or charms to ward off accidents. Some taxis even have lucky symbols drawn across the roof to provide safe journeys for the taxi. 

Overall we recommend Ao Nang for a traveller looking for a buzzy beachside accommodation and Krabi Town for a far more authentic, and slightly cheaper city alternative.

The main difference is that Ao Nang is set up to attract tourists. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and activities to try here and most hotels are directly overlooking the beach. Whereas, Krabi Town is the Thai provincial capital, and a brilliant place to blend in to local life. This less tourist-focused alternative has inexpensive accommodation and some  brilliant night markets. Plus you are actually far closer to the incredible emerald pool and Tiger Cave Temple! 

Yes, all electronic cigarettes are illegal in Thailand and can result in a fine or even imprisonment if caught by the Thai police. 

Generally yes, but I would stick to bottled water if you can.

Usually more developed cities such as Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket will have cleaner filtered tap water. 

Khao Yai for wildlife. This national park has over 66 species of mammals and over 320 species of birds. There are even up to 200 wild asian elephants in the park! 

Khao Sok for greater adventure. The Cheow Lan Lake provides kayaking, waterfall and lake safari adventures and you can sleep in floating bungalows overlooking dense jungle and limestone cliffs.