Tips for Thailand

I will be off to Bangkok for work on 24 August.  I leave very very early on the 29th.  I've never been to Asia and am looking forward to the experience.  Too bad it is for work.  I already have my schedule and will be in meetings pretty much all day everyday. 

Any tips for getting around?  A recommended phrase book?  Places I should try to see if I find a spare moment (I so hope I do!)

I would appreciate all tips, actually.  Thanks! 

I lived in Bangkok for a while (Soi 1), but a long time ago.. The temple district won't have moved, try to look at at least a few of them!  Patpong is still the place for clubbing, and there are lots of markets and places to eat/shop on the streets at night.  If at all possible, try to take an early boat tour to see Wat Arun.

Phrase book, sure, get one.. but you're probably not going to get the pronunciation down, so it'll mostly be handy to show to people.  The most important Thai phrase is:

Mai ao kah.  (I don't want it.)  My Romanisation may be a bit off.  Double checking here, you are female?  Anyhow, some stall keepers are very persistant.

Bangkok isn't all that big, unless you're way out in the suburbs.  The skytrain is good, taxis are good, first class buses are good.  Walking is not good.  Tuk tuks are cute but may poison you.. Not sure if they're still running, but the water taxis used to be a great way to get around.  I used to use the motorcycle taxis when there were big traffic jams.. no problems, but not really safe, either.

Anyways, go and EAT!!  If you get tired of Thai, there are a few shops hidden across from Soi nana that sell the most amazing falafels.. Ooh, I want some..

Some notes on Thai culture, all from MY experience, so take with any salt you like.

The people are very friendly and inquisitive, and most speak at least some English.  The first questions I've been asked have often been:  How old are you?  Are you married?  How many children?  What's your religion?

Now, up to you how to answer.. but I've had quite a few Thais get upset that I don't have kids or any particular religion.  To the extent of taxi drivers taking massive detours to show me their kids and their sister's kids.. and their household shrine.. like "look, you can do this, too!"  So, for the purpose of getting places on time, I have two kids and am a Christian.  Someday I must name those kids.

Take a long skirt or two.  There are a few rules about feet in Thai society, and keeping them fairly hidden is easier than remembering.  There are rules about heads, too.. and a few other things:

http://www.1stopthailand.com/culture/thai-etiquette/

Reading through those tips, I've remembered a few things.. are you going to be going out/eating alone? 

Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet guide for Thailand. Great books and very much the travellers bible - even for a short stay it would give you some great ideas about where to go, what to eat, what to see, Thai customs  and some basic Thai phrases to use. Any good bookshop should stock it.

Its a fantastic country - enjoy.

Madeira, thank you!  Yes, you are correct, I am female.  I will probably be going out to eat alone.  Someone at work suggested that I eat in the hotel if there is a restaurant because eating alone is considered strange.  However, my co-workers may take me to dinner.

I was thinking of going to see some of the temples alone.  Will this be a problem?

i have never been to thailand- but have been to bangkok airport several times. 

sounds silly- but i highly recommend getting a massage.  i've only ever had one in the airport, so it's probably more expensive there, but massage (& melatonion) are my jet-lag cures.  a hour's foot massage solves all your problems.

i have never been to thailand- but have been to bangkok airport several times. 

sounds silly- but i highly recommend getting a massage.  i've only ever had one in the airport, so it's probably more expensive there, but massage (& melatonion) are my jet-lag cures.  a hour's foot massage solves all your problems.

When is getting a massage EVER silly

Dar I'm so jealous!!!!

I've never been anywhere in Asia, but I really want to go.

I always get the Top Ten guides for the cities I visit for a few days. (I think they are eyewitness)  They are small enough to carry around and not get in the way.  And always have great advice on where the best places are to visit.

Oh, you can go out by yourself, it's safe enough.. just be prepared for some oddities.  People (men, mostly) may come sit with you at restaurants, and then expect you to pay for their meal.  As a Western person, you have the highest status and perceived wealth.  If you don't mind them tagging along, they may also expect you to pay for bus fare, etc.  Don't worry, it's all so cheap.. you can afford a few hangers on. 

Any visitor will have a few problems with the taxis.. they're all going to want to stop at silk shops/jewel shops on the way.  If you're really in a hurry, demand to go straight to your destination.  If you're not in a hurry.. you can negotiate discounts for stopping, the drivers get vouchers for delivering the tourists.  The shops are expensive, but you might like to go, anyways.. you don't have tons of time for price-shopping, and the selection is amazing.

Dangers for the solo female.. not so many, really.  Avoid gambling parties, watch your drink, the usual.  Leave any place that has obvious drug-dealing going on. You can safely eat and drink stuff at the street stalls.  A lot of bars have semi-naked pole dancers, but it's no problem to go in for a drink.  You'll have to pay for your hostess the same as a guy would, but it's all fun.

I love Thailand..

Oh, temples.  You'll find a lot of 'guides' near the entrance.  They're not a bad investment, really, but I wouldn't go to a fortune-teller there.  They inevitably tell you to release birds or live eels at some point in the rather distant future.. when you're back in a country that doesn't have live eels for sale..

So.. how did it go?

Brilliant!  Absolutely brilliant!  My hosts were lovely.  All the people were lovely, actually.  Got loads of Christmas gifts for very little.  And the food......oh the fantastic food! So good!

I only had time to see the Grand Palace, but, it was gorgeous!  I had a great time and would love to go back for holiday sometime. 

Thanks for all the tips!

All the people were lovely, actually.  Got loads of Christmas gifts for very little.  And the food......oh the fantastic food! So good!

I only had time to see the Grand Palace, but, it was gorgeous!

Yes, great country, isn't it! And the Grand Palace is wonderful, well worth a visit.

But you only saw Bangkok? If so, make sure next visit you go to Chiang Mai in the north, Thailand's second biggest city, and also make a point of going to Sukhothai, which is roughly halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A very extensive 800 year old temple and grounds in Sukhotai. Well worth a visit.

But Bangkok? Neither my wife (from Thailand) nor myself like it much. Yes worth a 3-day stay to do the tourist type things ... trip on the river etc., ... but after that, get out of Bangkok and enjoy the real Thailand!

Hopefully you were not inconvenienced by the recent demonstrations against the Government? If you were I apologise for my father-in-law who was part of those demonstrations for a couple of days!

She was there for work, so maybe did not have time to 'get out of Bangkok'.

Totally true, but if she is intending to return for a holiday she will be able to see the country properly.