Visiting Thai Temples
Visitors to Thai temples (wats) may find the atmosphere surprisingly relaxed as they often serve as local community centres. Within the temple grounds …
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Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a part of life in Thailand. Some people suffer more than others from mosquito bites, but there are a few simple steps you can take to …
Motorcycles – What to Watch Out for When Hiring a Motorbike in Thailand
Thai-Style Driving Motorcycles are a common form of transport in just about every part of Thailand and the apparent Thai disregard for safety may come …
Chiang Mai River Cruise
Whilst the choice of river dinner cruises in Bangkok is overwhelming, the same is not true of Chiang Mai. Mae Ping River Cruise is probably the best …
When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand?
In my opinion, any month is a good time to visit, but much depends on what you want from your trip. The reality is that any time of the year will have …
Should I Take Cash, Credit Cards or Travellers Cheques?
Personally, I would opt for a combination of all three regardless of how long you are spending in Thailand. Cash Cash is obviously convenient, but …
River Cruise – Bangkok by Night
A number of competing firms provide the option of an evening dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. It’s a pleasant way to enjoy Bangkok and …
Jim Thompson’s House, Bangkok
A trip to Jim Thompson’s House had long been on my ‘to do’ list, but it was only on my last visit to Bangkok that I finally got …
Songkran: Thai New Year Water Festival
The annual Songkran New Year Water Festival which welcomes in the traditional Thai New Year is one of those events that has to be experienced in …
What to Pack
The best advice I can give is to travel as light as possible. The climate is basically hot and humid so it is best to wear loose or relaxed fitting …
Bangkok Skytrain
The Skytrain is the elevated electric train that makes getting around Bangkok so much easier as you breeze past the traffic jams on the roads below. …
Inoculations: What jabs do I need to travel to Thailand?
There are no compulsory inoculation requirements* for visitors to Thailand coming from the West. While not compulsory, I would recommend vaccinations …
Arriving at Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi)
Limousines Almost inevitably, passengers clear immigration and enter the arrivals hall to be greeted by a barrage of smartly dressed men and women …
Food – A National Obsession
When I first visited Thailand, I thought that Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) was the national sport. I was wrong. The national sport is eating! Once …
Thailand Weather
Broadly speaking, Thailand has three seasons; hot, rainy and cool. But even during the rainy and cool seasons the temperatures usually remain above 25 …
Medical – Pharmacies & Hospitals
If you’re feeling ill, visit the nearest pharmacist (often distinguished by a green cross above the shop-front). Most will speak good English …
Jai Yen – Don’t Lose Your Temper
Thais have a philosophy of keeping their cool and not losing their temper; jai yen (cool heart). To raise your voice and lose your temper is not good …
Body Language in Thailand
Despite Thailand’s apparently laid-back and relaxed attitude, it can be surprisingly easy for unaware visitors to cause offence. Manners are …