1st time holiday in Thailand - advice please

Jeff_Bridges_hair

Bangkok is amazing. make sure you stay for a sunday and go to chatchuk market via the sky train..

Never made it to Phucket and that side i stayed on the eastern side in Koh chang and those isands.. beautiful

warnski

Moonchild wrote: »

Virgin don't fly to Thailand. Do you mean you booked through Virgin Holidays? Or you are flying via Hong Kong (closest destination Virgin fly to?).

yes Virgin holidays - paid for in part by tesco rewards vouchers cashed in just before the x4 rate was reduced ...
cheers MSE!!!:beer:

fifeken

Nobjocki wrote: »

There are ATM's everywhere - your normal debit card and cash will be fine.150bhts per withdrawal.

Not very MSE unless the OP has one of Martin's recommended accounts. The 150 baht charge (which can be avoided) pales into insignificance compared to some bank charges for cash withdrawals.

Nobjocki

fifeken wrote: »

Not very MSE unless the OP has one of Martin's recommended accounts. The 150 baht charge (which can be avoided) pales into insignificance compared to some bank charges for cash withdrawals.

Well, I work on the principle that if the OP can afford to go to Thailand with his partner he can afford a few quid on FX.

Personally I just take high denomination cash and a credit card.

Unless you're a complete idiot Thailand is perfectly safe.

fifeken

Nobjocki wrote: »

Well, I work on the principle that if the OP can afford to go to Thailand with his partner he can afford a few quid on FX.

He/She can probably afford to go because they are prudent in their general spending, hence my comment.

Nobjocki wrote: »

Unless you're a complete idiot Thailand is perfectly safe.

I tend to agree but naivety also comes into play in some cases.

PompeyPete

Nobjocki wrote: »

Unless you're a complete idiot Thailand is perfectly safe.

We agree;)
Problem is that too many Brits leave their brain and commonsense behind at the airport.
Let Lonely Planet be your friend (but not necessarily your gospel).

Doshwaster

The number one golden rule in Thailand is never, ever, ever, say or do anything which insults, criticises or jokes about the King. It's a one way ticket to jail. It's up there than being found with a kilo of heroin in your pants as the biggest trouble you can get into in Thailand.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6440645.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7836854.stm

PompeyPete

Doshwaster wrote: »

The number one golden rule in Thailand is never, ever, ever, say or do anything which insults, criticises or jokes about the King. It's a one way ticket to jail. It's up there than being found with a kilo of heroin in your pants as the biggest trouble you can get into in Thailand.

I hope Nobjocki reads this;)

vwelsh13

you will have a fantastic time...Kata/Karon is a good resort...oh...don't show the soles of your feet coz its offensive

enjoy

ps the "lady boys" are strange and get a reflexology foot massage..really cheap and very very good

kazwookie

I always take cash with me, and change when I get there, to avoid any major charges.

Use your hotel safe and change the combination if you can.

Do NOT pick up any thing off any of the hawkers unless you really want to buy it, as you will have a hard job handing it back, many a time till I learnt better I ended up putting in on the floor and walking off.

Ask the price BEFORE you do / agree to anything

If you use the bhat bus, make sure you give the right money, as the drivers have a habit of 'no change', !!!

Have a wonderful time.