Thailand – Thats a wrap, Cap!

Since we did a wrap up of New Zealand, its only fair that we do one for Thailand. We had three wonderful weeks in Thailand and tried to see it all. Of course, that didn’t happen so a return trip is in our future plans. Just as in New Zealand we found the Thai people to be friendly and welcoming. They really were pleasant and tried to help the Americans with everything from directions to toning down the temperature of the street food. Most impressive was the public display of their love for their King, Rama 9, who passed away last October. Everywhere we looked there were banners, signs and monuments declaring their loyalty and love for their passing King. How wonderful it must be for an entire country to actually care for their leader.

Touring Thailand

As with any adventure, research is the key! We literally did months of web searches, read reviews and travel books to map out our time in Thailand. This isn’t a one time event, this happens for all our adventures and really pays off.

After seeing only a part of the 14.5 million people in Bangkok, deciding not to rent a car was probably the best move we made in a long time. Driving seems to be a bit of organized chaos with every part of the road considered fair game. This is one country I would not recommend a self-driving tour.

We got around this by hiring a tour guide, just like we did in Panama. “Joe” was waiting at the airport for us, drove us to our hotel and was an excellent (i.e. knowledgeable & personable) guide. He was always on-time, courteous, friendly, and told us details about the Thai culture and lifestyle we would never have known about. This was absolutely the right way for us to see Bangkok, as well as the rest of Thailand.

Thailand Airports

We flew to three different destinations in Thailand and didn’t have a single issue at the airports. They are less modern that those in the States but the lines are clearly marked and people wait their turn, it works. Bags are usually scanned at the door as you enter then taken to the counter to be checked. If you have a domestic flight and then an international flight on the same airline but not the same ticket, you can check your bag all the way through using the international check in. That way you don’t reclaim your bag just to check it again.

Clearing customs in Bangkok was fast and easy. Quick passport check, review of the landing card, collect our bags – Nothing to Declare, out we went. Oh yeah, the second part of the landing card is your exit card that you probably should keep with your passport. They will ask for it when you clear customs to exit Thailand.

Accommodations

Thai accommodations are very reasonable. For example, a 4 star hotel can cost as little as $40USD/nt and up, it depends mostly on the area. Don’t be put off by a hotel located within a market area, this is a blessing in disguise! The markets aren’t loud and noisy, they are crowded, and there are some unique smells but by and large they are pleasant, and a great way to try something new or just do a little people watching.

One bit of caution when researching accommodations, be sure to read the description thoroughly and carefully. We looked at a hotel in Chiang Mai that was absolutely beautiful, perfect for the family and very reasonable. However, the last item in the hotel description that we almost overlooked, was the statement that this hotel was a “clothing optional hotel”.  And the dining room opened onto the pool area….that could have been real interesting.

Food

We signed up for a street food tour while in Chiang Mai that was the best. Chiang Mai Street Food Tours (pretty original, huh) was not only cheap, around $20USD/per for the 3.5hr tour, but a great way to sample lots of food without the fear of eating something that might not agree. If you decide to try it by yourself, you can ask what the food is and most vendors will try to tell you, in broken English. Then again, some may not be able to tell you.

Restaurants serve everything from Thai food to international cuisine but again, it depends on the restaurant and where its located. Some local restaurants may be a bit intimidating, and rightfully so. We didn’t have any food related problems and we enjoyed lots of different foods bought from street vendors to local restaurants. Our recommendation, if you don’t know what it is, ask. If it looks a little sketchy, pass. Nothing like stating the obvious, huh.

Clothing

Thailand is hot all the time, and humid. The right clothes will go a long way with combating the heat while not offending the population. Thai people are also a bit reserved when it come to public displays of body parts and affection. If you’re visiting a temple, do your research and dress appropriately. Women need a dress or skirt that goes past their knees and doesn’t have a slit or expose their legs. A long-sleeve blouse or one with sleeves that go past the elbow is also required. Men need long pants, no shorts unless they also go past the knee, and no wife-beaters or tank tops. Tee shirts are acceptable but they cannot have rude or suggestive sayings.

Wear comfortable shoes, ones that can be taken off easily when visiting temples, socks are OK.   Our pick, clothes that are cotton or a cotton blend, linen is also great. If you have a daypack you can pack away long pants and skirts until you need them at the temples. Just slip them on over your shorts, no problem.

Culture

You really need to read up on this before you go and/or use a guide. Thai people are very reserved and don’t appreciate open displays of affection, like playing suck-face on a bench, or patty-ass while walking down the street. Respect their culture and wait until you’re back at the hotel room to do your groping.

Other side of the coin…..be aware of the lady-boys. This my friend, you need to read about.

Alcoholic Drinks

Beer seems to be the drink-of-choice in Thailand and is available pretty much everywhere. Justin took a liking to Sanga beer. Buying beer, wine and liquor in the store is a little tricky. By law alcohol is only sold from the hours of 12 to 2pm and 4 to 10pm (I think). 7 Eleven is the most popular store that sells alcohol and they’re on almost every street corner. Restaurants can sell alcohol with meals at any time and they have a decent selection of Australian wines.

So should you go to Thailand?????? Absolutely! 20hrs to get there from Denver but well worth the jet lag. If you do go, check out Cathay Pacific Airlines for good fares and very nice service.