If you have never had the pleasure of exploring the stunning, tropical and breathtaking Thailand then you'll be surprised to find there are a number of important tips you need to know before you go!
No matter where you go in the world you have people trying to con you into buying from them, especially when you're a tourist. Locals know you have money to spend and your uneducated on their world, hence the reason you find yourself being ripped off with practically everything. Do not let this put you off, it happens everywhere even in the UK, but you can avoid it if you know how. Here are some of my tips:
Taxis and Tuk Tuk's
Taxi's tend to be one of the worst in Thailand for ripping people off so ask them to put on the meter, if they refuse just find yourself another taxi. Tuk Tuk's are also renowned for it too, however they don't have a meter so barter with them and make sure they do not over charge you. Ask for a price before you get in, if it's too high find another.
Visiting Temples
If you're visiting the temples and palaces remember to cover up, they find it highly disrespectful to show your arms and legs. Obviously the weather is glorious and much too hot to wear jumpers or trousers so I would recommend a long skirt for the ladies and long linen pants or shorts for the men. A light cardigan, long sleeved top or shall will do to cover your arms, you can pick one up from the many markets stalls for next to nothing.
Hostels
If you're backpacking or traveling on a budget and you will be staying over in hostels then use your own padlock. Most hostels are safe but there are some that can be quite frightening and notorious for thieves. Hostels offer their own lockers with padlocks which are fine to use but I recommend you use your own padlock not theirs. Also try and research the hostels prior to your stay and check out the reviews to make sure its okay.
Trains and Buses
When getting around Thailand use the trains and buses as much as possible, they're fantastically cheap, easy to use and usually clean. You may find merchants trying to flog you train packages, try and avoid these as much as possible and purchase your tickets directly from the train or bus station.
Cash
If you're using your bank card, draw as much money out from the ATM at one time as possible to avoid high ATM charges. A travel card would be better and you can carry this around with you where ever you go, just make sure its in a safe and secure place.
So they're my tips of how to stay safe and how to dodge the con men! Here are some interesting tips just for your nohow:
Best times to go Thailand
May to October - rain season but more affordable
March to May - sunny and affordable
In Thailand it is custom that men end their sentences in Krap and females end their sentences in Ka.
Hello - Sawasdee (Krap) or (Ka)
Thank you - Knob Khun (Krap) or (Ka)
How are you? - Sabai dee mai (Krap) or (Ka)?
Sorry - Khor toat (Krap) or (Ka)
Thinking about going? My best advice is stop thinking and just go! Visit www.eshores.co.uk for some fantastic multi centre holiday offers and great itinerary ideas.
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