Hiya guys, I am planning a trip to Bangkok and Phuket at the end of this May for the very first time, and tips for me? Do's and Don'ts?

Answered by a Localyte , Bangkok, Thailand

it is the wrong season...

Answered by GT Swim , Bangkok, Thailand

Sorry I know this won't help. I sent you a long response, but when trying to preview it before submitting, the website lost it. Sorry. It's an OK season -- just hot and humid and 20 min of rain per day approx.

Answered by Robert Derek Davies , Muang Surin, Thailand

First you must know the # of days you need in Thailand if more than 30 obtain a tourist visa 60 days in your country. The a free of charge until june 4th, next your accomodation budget and interests, arriving at airport dont let the taxi touts rip you off, once in the city always make sure they use the meter, many will say meter not working, my answer wallet not working also.any more info you can contact me. regards Derek.

Answered by Soe Sankosik , Bangkok, Thailand

For Bangkok : Book your accommodation near BTS or subway so it is easy for you to travel around so that you can avoid the traffic and move around from place to place faster.

For Phuket : It is a time when the rainy season starts. Check the weather before you to go island trip or diving...if you are... The rest, depending on your interests. Need more info of what you wanna do before guiding you further : )

Answered by Kris Soenen , Amphoe Muang Chiang Mai, Thailand

This is not the best season.
But how do you travel from BKK to Phuket.

pls ,give some more details

Answered by Bett , Bangkok, Thailand

how long for your trip ? as for ur first time here, u might should know for some culture here.

first, u will know about "wai" thai way greeting, goodbye & Thank you. this is the way thai people do. not kissing like western culture.

when u r in BKK, i reccomend u to visit the grand palace and the emerald budha temple. when u visit there u have to wear nice clothes, no slipper allow, not sleeveless, long trouser, if skirt that must be cover the knee.

for phuket, i used to be there once time same as ur coming. i was there in May, it's raining all the time. so u have to check with the climate forecast.

if u would like me to show u around BKK, i'll be pleasure. just to contact me. :) and i can give u information as much as u want. :)

Answered by NootTH , Bangkok, Thailand

a few day in Bangkok is enough and then go outside Bangkok.if you need a tour guide in Bangkok.I could be your friend...:) It still low season in Thailand

Do’s and Don’ts
he Thai people are well known for their tolerance, hospitality and cheerfulness. They will ignore the small blunders of social etiquette that you are certain to make. For the average tourist it’s very difficult to go wrong. Just smile a lot,avoid confrontation, and don’t insult the religion or monarchy of the country. Here are a few specific do’s and don’ts worth pointing out.

The Monarchy
All members of the Royal Family are held in the highest reverence in Thailand and visitors should show similar respect. Negative remarks about the monarchy may be considered lese majeste, an offence carrying severe punishment in Thailand. When the national anthem is played, at 8.00 am and 6.00 pm everyday and at public events or in cinemas, for example, you are expected to stand. The best guide is to check what other people are doing and follow suit.

Religion

Do not insult the religion in any way, whether it be the majority religion, Buddhism, or any of the minority faiths. It is an offence to commit any act that may be considered insulting to a religion. For the traveler, this means proper conduct in temples or any location containing religious images.

All Buddha images, large or small, are considered sacred. Don’t climb atop or pose for photos in front of images of the Buddha.

Always dress neatly in temples – shorts and sleeveless shirts are considered inappropriate.

Do not wear shoes inside the main chapel of a temple where the principal Buddha image is kept. It’s OK to wear shoes in the temple compound.

Monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman. A woman wishing to present something to a monk or novice should first place it on a piece of cloth. This can then be retrieved by the monk.

In a Muslim mosque, men should wear hats and women should be well-covered with slacks or a long skirt, a long-sleeved blouse buttoned to the neck, and a head-scarf.

Social Etiquette

In the big cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Western customs are well known and widely accepted. Upcountry, traditional customs and social behavior are still used. Here are a few customs to keep in mind.

Thais greet each other with a ‘wai’, a prayer-like, palms-together gesture, not a handshake. Generally, a younger person ‘wais’ an elder or senior person, who will then return the gesture. Even though most Thais are familiar with the Western handshake, a ‘wai’ is always appreciated.

Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Don’t touch Thais on the head, even playfully. If you accidentally touch someone’s head, offer an apology immediately.

Similarly, the foot is considered the lowest part of the body. Don’t use your feet to point at either people or objects. Don’t touch anyone with your feet. Don’t rest your feet on tables or chairs. Don’t step over people – always walk around or politely ask them to move. When sitting on the floor, try to tuck your feet underneath and to the side so they’re not pointing at anyone.

When handing objects to people, use both hands or the right hand only. Do not slide or toss objects across the room. Get up and pass them in person, no matter how inconvenient this may seem.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Some Thai couples may be seen holding hands, but this is the extent of public affection in polite society. Kissing in public is not acceptable behavior.

In Thai society, losing your temper or even speaking loudly is a sign of poor breeding. Keeping ‘face’ is of paramount importance. Never raise your voice or show anger, it will get you nowhere. Keeping cool, hiding your emotions and smiling is far more productive.
Dress & Appearance

The Thais place great importance on personal cleanliness and appearance. Tank tops, singlets, shorts and the like are considered inappropriate dress everywhere except at the beach. Sandals are OK except at formal occasions. Going topless or nude at the beach (or anywhere else) is seen as disrespectful to the local people. It’s also illegal.

When visiting someone’s home or at certain offices and shops, it’s polite to remove your shoes at the entrance. If you see shoes arranged on the floor at the door, don’t wait to be asked– remove your shoes before entering.

Answered by André Oosthuizen , Korat, Thailand

Hi. If you are a first time visitor and you want to know about "do's and dont's" please check out this link http://www.discoverythailand.com/Dos_and_Don_ts_in_Thailand.asp
Please feel free to contact me if you have any more question.

Answered by Captain Michael , Bangkok Metropolis, Thailand

the last answer and the previous have well covered most things, but i would recomend the asia hotel in bkk right near the bts siam sqr etc and tariff includes large buffet bkfst,
i can assist with some help in phuket thru patong heaven tour & travel, have a pleasant trip , bon voyage,

Answered by Jacques Poma , Krung Thep, Thailand

A few words of Thai goes a long way:

I have noticed than price requested is always lower when I ask "Tao Rai" or "Kii Baht" (How many Baht), rather than "How much ?" Then you need to learn to count in Thai, which would require maximum one hour work.

Taxi drivers are usualy fairly unhelpfull. Never accept "fixed price" and insist for taximeter (fixed price are usually twice higher). This is particularly true at the airport, where you should insist to take a regular city taxi using his taximeter (you would have to add 50 Baht for airport pickup and highway fees. Take the highway to avoid trafic jams). Learn to say "Tong Pai" (Straight on), Liao Sai (Turn left), Liao Kwaa (Turn right) and Djot (Stop). Always keep with you a paper with the adress of your hotel written in Thai.

Bangkok is a very safe place, but be careful for your hand bag (motorcycle) and pickpocket.

Usualy you do not tip taxi and restaurant in Thai, except for small change. But if you have Thai massage (a wonderful experience), be prepared to tip 100 Baht. And remember that a lot of people here live with 200 € a month or less, so be prepared to be generous as 50 Baht goes a long way.

In Bangkok, use the tourist boat on the Chao Praya river, it is fun, efficient, a nice way to see the city and to beat trafic jam.

In May, be careful for mosquitoes.

Don't esitate to eat noodle soup at the food shops in the street, they are delicious and very cheap (25 to 40 Baht).

I always advise to go to the flower market in the morning, it is a great photo opportunity.

Another advice, be always smiling and patient. When I go back to Europe, I am always surprised how agressive people are in the west.

Your first impression of Bangkok will be of trafic jam and polution. It takes some time to love this place, but be prepared to love Thailand and wish to live here for ever.

Answered by Amipeeraya , Bangkok Metropolis, Thailand

Hi! where r u from? anything u would like me to suggest u? just add me at aimnewlook@hotmail.com then we can talk together

Answered by NootTH , Bangkok, Thailand

Don't forget to visit this website.It's really usefull!

visit to Bangkok: make sure you spend a few days before travelling to other parts of the country. Visit historical temples and palaces. Experience canal tours along The Chao Phraya river and Bangkok’s other canals. What about rejuvenating your body with a spa treatment and a traditional Thai massage? Best of all, Bangkok is a shopping paradise with good quality at a reasonable price.

www.bangkoktourist.com


and also :

http://www.tourismthailand.se/about_thailand/facts

http://www.tourismthailand.org/package-promotion/l

www.iguidebangkok.com

Answered by Monwalee Wongmahasiri , Bangkok, Thailand

Hi May, my suggestions are:
1. Plans your time in BKK and Phuket; ?How many days for each place?
2. to control your budget; choose type of accommodation that you need; 5 stars or budget hotel, guesthouse.
3. Places that you interested in so that I can make you a trip schedule.
For do and don't someone had told you quite cleary so I don't mention again.
If you need more details, please contact me.

Answered by Jacobus Spreeuwenberg , Ban Kamala, Thailand

Try renting an apartment instead of booking a hotel!

Answered by Shuli Phatwong , Amphoe Thong Pha Phum, Thailand

Hi,
How long do you stay in Thailand? I suggest you 1-2 weeks .It' s ok because it has many interesting's place welcome your visiting.. If this is the first time to come to Bangkok, you must visit The Grang Palace and The Temple of The emerald Buddha. This is the most popular destination for visitor. you can see the most megnificent Thai Architecture there. If you have any question, you can ask me
at ma_a_ne@hotmail.com. OK?

Answered by Sunai Wachirawarakarn , Amphoe Muang Phuket, Thailand

For season, don't need to be worried. Enjoy whenever you come... there is no certainty, now even in Summer there is still heavy rain in Phuket... Charm of Thailand still persist in every seasons... Tips to enjoy in Thailand, open your heart with a big smile... then Thai will welcome you ^_^ Welcome to Thailand...

Answered by Dek_Phuket , Phuket, Thailand

Actually, it will be rainy season in Thailand, the sea will not so clear as in dry season. However, Phuket has now hard rain even in dry season, it depends on the time and your luck! haha.
for Phuket, I recommend you to visit Phang-nga bay (James Bond island), PP islands , and nightlife on Patong beach. And dont forget to take a bit of time to see Phuket city to see old town (Sino-Portuguese architecture)
Be careful of diving or any beach activities in rainy season!
Cheers ^^

Answered by Graham Bear MacMillan , Phuket, Thailand

Hello May, wow you cetainly asked for a lot of answers. When you get to Phuket, You give me a call and I can give you a very long list of do's and dont's here.
My number is 0812719390
Be well.

Answered by maji , Bangkok, Thailand

Hi; I am oriented consult for this trip. Phuket is a nice place and I'd like to suggestion you to another place at up country. It is very clean, nice, peace. It's located on Northerneast. So.we have a van to picked you up from the airport to our place. Package included 79++. Cheaper than other place.
Hiya,...This is your localife priveat resort that I have to suggested you 1.
Hope that one you can do it!Much impression

Answered by mimi , Bangkok, Thailand

Just DO whatever you want to do but Don't put on your trust so easy with someone who you don't know them well.

Good Luck & Enjoy your Trip!!!

Answered by Robbie Tree , Amphoe Kohlanta, Thailand

Concentrate on the BKK area 1st. Even Ayuthaya is close enough for a visit 2-3 days. Phuket area will be in low season...actually its here already, storms and rain for a week now. great sunsets though.

Answered by Randy Gaudet , Muang Chiang Mai, Thailand

For Bangkok.

See video here.

Here is a short 10 minute video of us visiting the Royal Grand Palace grounds and Wat Po in Bangkok Thailand and see the Emerald and Reclining Buddhas. We then take a private long tail boat through the canals of Thonburi to see how people live on the water.

http://revver.com/video/1308059/affiliate/283890/bangkok-thailand-grand-palace-and-canal-tour-video/

For Phuket do the Sea Canoe adventure. Here are the 2 videos.

Sea Canoe Adventure in Phang Nga Bay Thailand.

See the videos here.

http://revver.com/video/1299019/affiliate/283890/thailand-sea-canoe-briefing-in-phuket/

http://revver.com/video/1299023/affiliate/283890/sea-canoe-adventure-in-phang-nga-bay-thailand/

Be sure to visit Phi Phi Island.

Videos below.

Island hopping from Phi Phi Island, Thailand

http://revver.com/video/1299037/affiliate/283890/island-hopping-from-phi-phi-island-thailand/

Take the sea plane if you can from Phi Phi |back to Phuket, See video below.

Flight from Phi Phi Island to Phuket Thailand.

http://revver.com/video/1299032/affiliate/283890/flight-from-phi-phi-island-to-phuket-thailand/

Enjoy,
Randy and Ning

Answered by Syed Monzur Quader , Dhaka, Bangladesh

That's great!
But how long u wanna stay in Bangkok?
Come & enjoy ur time in bangkok & phuket; but why not Koh Samui?
May be i will be in BKK that time; if u wish i can accompany u!

Answered by Jicky Parinda , Ban Kamala, Thailand

HI,I M JICKY THE LOCAL GUIDE IN PHUKET ISLAND.MANY TOURIST KNOWN THAILAND IS THE LAND OF SMILE,WE HAVE CULTURE AND MANY TRADITIONALS HOLE YEAR,IF YOU COME TO THAILAND YOU MUST BE POLITE WITH THE ELDER AND THE MONK ESPECTUALLY FOR LADIES(DON'T TOUCH)AND WHEN YOU GO TO TEMPLE OR GRAND PALACE YOU MUST WEAR THE POLITE DRESS AND TAKE OFF SHOUES AND HAT EVEN YOU GO INSIDE OF BUILDING.
ANYWAY IF YOU COME TO THAILAND YOU CAN GET TO BANGKOK FIRST(CAPITAL CITY)SPEND THE TIME IN THERE 3-4 DAYS(SEE CULTURE,TEMPLES GRAND PALACE AND SHOPPING)AFTER THAT YOU CAN FLIGHT TO PHUKET AND SPEND THE TIME HERE 1 WEEK,I HOPE YOU WILL HAVE AN ENJOYABLE TO RELAX ON THE BEACH OR SUN BATHING HERE CAUSE OF IT'S VERY GOOD WEATHER HERE.
ANYWAY IF YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR GUIDE SEND E-MAIL TO ME :jickett@hotmail.com OR CONTACT ME TO +66-89-6506330

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON

JICKY

Answered by Thai Organic Life aya and ta , Ko Samui, Thailand

www.thaiorganiclife.com

Answered by Bedu , Bangkok Metropolis, Thailand

Do try to experience Thai life and not just do the touristy things.
Do not insult the monarchy or Buddhist beliefs.
Do not always believe someone if they say somewhere is closed, they may just want to take you somewhere else to sell you things, check it out for yourself.
Bring half your clothes, to leave some room on the return journey for souvenirs, but bring twice the amount of money you wanted to bring.
Don't forget or forget to buy an umbrella, it will be the rainy season.
Take a trip to Koh Phi Phi.
Goto Jim Thompson's house in Bangkok.
Try eating Thai street food.

Answered by a Localyte , Bangkok, Thailand

Make sure you adjust to the culture, by being polite and learning to wai.

Enjoy, Thailand is wonderful!

If you need anything, send me a message :)

Answered by George Richardson , Pattaya, Thailand

You can do and experience exactly what you want in Thailand and have a marvelous time. Someone will be pleased to be your guide and take care of you as you wish.
I can do the same but first I have to listen to you. Please describe your ideal type of holiday and I will be pleased to make constructive suggestions.
I will say however that by going to Bangkok and Puket you are following a well worn foreigner (Farang) path. There is far more to real Thailand if you would like more than wonderful beaches and good company. Trust me - you are in control - use your imagination and describe what you want to do and see.


Take care

Answered by Antonio Rammos , Bangkok, Thailand

You will be find a lot of water falling from the sky. If that is not a problem for you then it is ok. But you have to be more explicit in your questions . There are a wide range of Do´s and Dont´s about . Just speak out.

Answered by Katherine Gray , Phuket, Thailand

I would suggest you take a look at my website http://www.kingdomvillarentals.com . Its a great alternative to renting a hotel, and there are free services and much more privacy. I have some villas and apartments that are just as cheap as some hotels. Please remember that the rates I list online are the basic rates and I almost always get a discount for my guests. I can also make recommendations according to your request.

Answered by Andre Breuer , Bangkok Metropolis, Thailand

One of the must do's in Bangkok is the Colors of Bangkok excursion.
It add a lot of value to your stay in Bangkok :-) have a look at www.bangkokbiking.com

Andre