10 things to know before a trip to Thailand

Just got back from Thailand a couple of days ago. Thought that I would share a bit of wisdom that I learnt from my trip there.

1. Get the receptionist of your hotel to write your destination in Thai
People there do not speak much English. Generally people there are really nice and are willing to help out although there is a communication barrier. A lot of body and sign language comes into the picture!
I happen to meet this one Indian guy who speaks Thai and good English at the hotel lobby(which I am immensely grateful for!). He taught me to ask for the receptionist to write the name of the places that I want to go in Thai so that I can show the taxi driver which solve the communication problem!

2. Keep a hotel name card on you at all times!
Feel free to walk around the city. If you lose your way, just hop into a taxi and show them the hotel name card. It certainly beats trying to tell them the name of your hotel as they might not understand it due to different accent.

3. It's called TAXI not CAB!
I tried asking, 'Where can I get a cab?' and all I got was blank stares. Sudden realization made me switch to the term 'taxi'.

4. Taxi fare are really really really cheap!
I go to most places by taxi as it is really cheap compared to those in Malaysia! It only cost me THB400 to get to the airport which is only about MYR40+! I know that taxi fare to the airport is generally more expensive and they don't go by meter. However, if you're getting from one place to another, best to get those that runs on meter or risk getting ripped off!

5. There are 2 airports in Bangkok
There's the Don Muang Airport(DMK) and the Suvarnabhumi Airport. So plan your trip accordingly! Originally planned to go MEGA Bangna before heading to the airport on my last day there. Only to find out that I landed in Don Muang Airport! :(

6. Bring an adapter!

We bought a lousy adapter from 7-11 for THB199 which served it's purpose but the cables and everything is not working. We had to use our own cables to charge our phones. So yeah, do bring one if you're travelling to Thailand!

7. Don't buy a map

I got this from the taxi counter guy. I went to the information counter to obtained a map and they directed me to buy from the bookstore. After buying a taxi ticket, I asked the taxi driver to wait while I buy and he got one from the counter for me! Anyways, it cost me THB720 for a ride from DMK to Grand Watergate Hotel which is located at Ratchatewi. I think it's a Premier Cab as it was a silver colored Toyota Camry. Most probably you can get a budget cab(colorful ones) if you walk further down from the arrival hall.

8. Tuk-tuk
They have tuk-tuk taxi as well which looks like this ..

Taken from scottwesterfeld.com

I forgot to take picture of the tuk-tuk, so I had to take it off other people's blog! It's cheap and it's small. So it easily weave through traffic! Although it's kinda scary at times.

9. Sharpen up your bargaining skills
If you're buying something at the market, it's time to make use of your bargaining skills! You can bargain up to 50% of the price offered or at least 75%. It all depends on how much you are willing to fork out for that piece of item.

10. Do your research
Best to do your research before going anywhere(not only Thailand!). Taxi drivers tend to bring you to tourist attractions as they earn commissions or given a certain amount of petrol. These places are generally more expensive compared to others.

That's about it. If I think of others that I left out, will add it to the upcoming posts on the trip!

Stay tuned ..

Jas xx