All been said above. Really watch out for the con artists though. We nearly fell for the scam 'the grand palace is closed for a buddhist holiday - come with me' despite being forewarned. The tuk tuk helpful arriving on cue made us twig it was a scam. Guess what, the palace was open.
It is a shame because up until that point I thought the Thai people were lovely really nice and friendly, after that for the rest of my time in Thailand I was a little suspicious.
The Grand Palace scam they used on us, some important dignatory had died(king's sister or something) and it was on the news, they weaved this in to their spiel and I'm ashamed to say we fell for it.
Oh well, we loved ripping around in a Tuk Tuk anyway. We didn't buy anything from the shops they take you to, but just going through the door is enough for them to get free fuel vouchers.
I would say that a tuktuk ride is a must, they are great fun.
Look on last minute hotels, or late rooms or similar.
You can pick up nice boutique hotels for 1,500B.
Problem is that it's not as cheap as it was now, I think all in my holiday caost about 4k+ inc flights, but no hotels as I stayed in the family home and a friends apartment.
If you can justify the money try one night at a luxury hotel - Banyan Tree is nice.
Quirrel,
How long did you stay for it to be £4k??
That's what I was going to say we are going for 2 1/2 weeks and it certainly won't be anywhere near 4k! When I was looking at hotels on Koh Lanta I found a nice one, but the Thai Baht price into currency converter and it came back at £12 a night!!
Does anyone know about paying a tax as you leave the airport? My Dad mentioned it to me today but he couldn't remember much about it!
Check Lonely Planet online for the latest departure tax or ask at the airport when you arrive.
^
Finished years ago that.
It's all in with the ticket. DOn't worry about it.
How long did you stay for it to be £4k??
I was there for just under four weeks
flights were 2400 for the two of us (that was for sensible flights that didn't have 18 hour layovers)
No hotel costs at all.
Hire car for a week when up country, then I borrowed in-laws cars
Then just daily expenses and shopping.
It would actually be 3.8k or thereabouts because most people don't amputate a cats leg when out there.
I also go to supermarkets to get food in as well, and the prices there are similar to the UK now.
It really isn't cheap a to travel there anymore.
Easy example - up country (so cheaper than Bangkok) local popular restaurant.
Food came to about 600B for food for 4. - 600
Beer - was 120 per large bottle of heineken - x4 = 480
Ice + soda and water for whiskey - 200B
1280 B - £26
When I was paid in Baht, that was ok for a night out and the exchange rate back then was good so it never felt pricey.
The prison massage professional education project: blimey. Obviously it's a good idea but all the same! It seems to get very good reviews though:
http://www.correct.go.th/fdccham/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293917-d1158865-r19559524-Chiang_Mai_Women_s_Correctional_Institution-Chiang_Mai.html
Okay to be fair my Dad was out there probably 10 years ago! Thanks for that, I'm so excited about the trip!
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