BOOKING HOTELS IN THAILANDIts only common sense to find out what types of accommodation are available and how much they typically charge before you visit another country. This very basic information can not only save you an awful lot of money but also have a big impact on how enjoyable your holiday is. To arrive somewhere to find you have paid premium rates for a run down earthquake-risk can be a demoralising start to your precious vacation. [more]
THINGS TO TAKE TO THAILANDBeing such a popular destination for western tourists means that there's very little in the way of goods and services that can't be obtained easily in Thailand. Furthermore, being such a shopper's paradise its far better not to stuff your suitcases full of clothes as you'll almost certainly not be able to resist buying more than you'll ever need when you get there. However, there are still some things that are better packed before you leave home. [more]
THE BEST TIME TO GO TO THAILANDThe peak season for most thai destinations is from January to March when the sun shines most and the air is dry. If you like to lie on the beach and tan or want to enjoy activities such as scuba diving then this is undoubtedly the best time of year to go. If, however, you are not so keen on crowds and don't mind the odd tropical downpour interrupting the sunshine then you may actually prefer to head there during the rainy season. If you do your holiday could cost you half as much! [more]
FLYING TO BANGKOKSome people pay more than double the amount that others pay for an economy fare to Thailand and they may even be on the same plane! Just about every passenger on your flight will have a discounted return fare whether they know it or not as a full fare economy seat to Bangkok is well beyond the budget of most people. Getting the cheapest seat on the plane is surprisingly easy as long as you are aware of a few facts, do some research and book early enough. [more]
SURVIVING LONG HAUL FLIGHTSIf you are not one of the lucky few that can afford to travel first class, the unavoidable long-haul flights necessary to get to the far east can be major low points in your holiday. You will probably be compressed into a small seat for at least 10 hours and unfortunately there just is no way to make that a pleasant experience but there are quite a few small things you do which will add up to make the experience much less of an ordeal and you may even get to Bangkok feeling almost “refreshed”. [more]
TRAVELLING AROUND THAILANDBangkok is the arrival point for just about every visitor to Thailand. If you are travelling on from there to other Thai cities by air and have pre-booked in your home country then it will most likely be by Thai Airways. While not unreasonably priced by international standards, you can still fly for half the cost if you are prepared to collect your luggage and re-check at Bangkok Airport. For those who have the time there are some even cheaper options that really let you see the country. [more]
DOS AND DON'TS IN THAILANDAt first sight Thailand might appear to be very “westernised” and offers overseas vistors all the familiar comforts and services available in their home country. It won't take too long however, to find out that the thai people have their own culture of which they are very proud and while they are extraordinarily tolerant when it comes to tourists' ignorance they can still be very offended by some inappropriate behaviour. At worst you may find yourself in jail! [more]
ENGLISH LANGUAGE THAILAND BOOKSThailand is far more than just good food and nice beaches. It is without doubt one of the most interesting and unique countries in the world. Reading a little background information before you go will allow you to better appreciate what you find when you get there and may help make the experience even more memorable. To get you started we've chosen a selection of popular books covering a wide range of topics including history, language, culture, travel guides and expat stories. [more]