Tips For Booking Accommodation In Thailand

Thailand is on most people’s must-visit-list when they go travelling. However much of the accommodation is often not to the same standards as you’d find elsewhere; if you’re new to backpacking, it can come as a bit of a shock on the first night of your stay! For those who don’t know what to expect, read on and see how how you can save money when booking hotels in Thailand.

When To Travel

Due to the high temperature between April and October, room prices in hostels and hotels are often available at low rates. . Some hotel owners will openly advertise discounts during the hottest months to hook people into staying in their property.

Avoid The Centre Of Bangkok

Hostels in the centre of Bangkok are always going to cost more than the ones situated out of town, so try and get somewhere a few miles out of the city. Taxis cost a lot less than they do back home, so you’ll only pay a couple of dollars to get to the lively areas.

Look Before You Book

You should always ask to check the room that you’d be staying in first, as there may be something which you can use as a bargaining tool to get the price down. The staff at the hostel/hotel will be happy to show you round if they want to sell you the room. Also, it is worth remembering you are not committed to staying there if you don’t like the look of the room -  a polite thank you  and goodbye will suffice.

Get Your Negotiating Hat On

Negotiating is commonplace in Thailand. As long as you are not rude, you should be able to haggle on the price of your room, even if it is only for a small reduction. If you’re planning on staying for a few days, ask for a special price for paying upfront for the duration of your stay and you’ll do yourself no harm by learning a few Thai phrases such as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

Leaving Tips

Tips are not expected, although leaving a small tip on the first night could see you treated better by staff. You may even get offered a free night if you leave a good tip,  so give it a go.

Guesthouses

For those who have a strict budget or are good at keeping costs low as possible, then guesthouses are ideal. Your standards may have to drop a little, in terms of both living standard and comfort, but you’re getting a roof over your head for very little money, so the positives far outweigh the negatives. The main complaint you’ll probably have is that they can be rather noisy at night! You might uncover a gem that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to stay there.

Final Words Of  Advice

Once you have your room sorted, the following may be worth knowing:

If you’re planning on complaining about your room, dress up a bit before you head down to reception – if you want to be taken seriously, then dress appropriately. Appearance is high on the agenda for Thai people, as they pride themselves on dressing well, so lose the flip flops and sunglasses.

Keep calm – no one likes to be shouted at, particularly in another language, so you’re likely be ignored for being a trouble maker. Stick to the Thai philosophy of ‘Jai Yen’ (cool heart) and you’ll see far better results than going gung-ho.

Take a sleep sheet – you don’t know who or what has been on the bed before you!

Respect local customs – some stores expect you to remove your shoes before entering and it’s common in internet cafes. It will be signposted outside, so follow the rules.

Learn the Thai greeting used to acknowledge someone older or of a higher social standing – you’ll endear yourself to the locals by doing so.  And finally, enjoy yourself!

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Elephant Trekking

The Kingdom of Thailand is an independent country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia.  Cheap flights to Bangkok are easy to find and they will deliver you to an exotic paradise unlike any other, where the majestic elephant and the elephant trekking industry are subject to abuse.  Get informed and carefully select the elephant camp that you visit.

Types of Trek

A half hour or an hour’s ride through an elephant village and surrounding forests becomes a trek if you choose to make a one-to-three to five-day journey through the jungles in Northern Thailand.  Most tourist attractions offer elephant rides, but serious trekkers have to venture into the northern regions of the country in order to have a truly memorable experience.

Elephant trekking that is properly regulated serves more than one purpose.  It offers a definite boost to the tourist industry, but it also serves as a dignified vehicle to generate the funds needed to assure the survival of thousands of elephants.  Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is an area that has many elephant camps where these majestic creatures are properly cared for, and tourists can sign up for day trekking and camping trips.  Nearby Kham Pia Village has a visitor centre and food and camping equipment necessary for these pleasant diversions.

In north eastern Thailand, the Phu Wua Sanctuary is spread over 186 square kilometres and is situated very near to the Laotian border, approximately 170 kilometres east of Nong Khai city.  It is an ideal destination for a one or two-day elephant trek into the wilderness and is one of the most beautiful settings in Thailand.  From atop your elephant you will have views of waterfalls, caves, interesting rock formations and fascinating flora and fauna.  The sanctuary was created in 1975; the animals are protected and elephants are wild in their natural habitat.

Elephant Welfare

Some things to bear in mind when selecting an elephant camp for your trekking adventure include an awareness of operations.  Specifically, avoid those camps where the elephant keeper uses a terrible metal hook to control the elephant.  Although these are legal in Thailand, they are cruel and unnecessary.  Also, stay away from any camp that keeps the animals in direct sunlight all day, as elephants are creatures of the forest and do not like being in the hot sun.  A trainer must always accompany elephant trekkers throughout the duration of the ride, as it is easy to get lost along the trails and woodlands.  Wear comfortable light clothing and sandals.

Most tourist areas in Thailand will have some kind of elephant riding attraction to offer but visitors should always be aware that they have more power than they know when it comes to making a difference in the lives of these noble creatures that are subject to abuse.  Many roadside camps just offer a photo opportunity aboard an elephant but before you decide to go for a ride, take a careful look around.  If the camp appears to be a fly-by-night operation, avoid it and go somewhere else.  These camps cannot continue operate if no one uses them.

Bangkok – Capital of Thailand

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the main gateway to the country. Flights arrive at Bangkok International Airport, making the city the perfect place to start your tour of Thailand. The airport is just 16 miles from Bangkok city centre and there are trains and buses operating to connect the two points.

Floating Market

Floating Markets

Bangkok is well known  for its  canal system, which has resulted in the city being named “Venice of the East”.

Take a cruise along the canals and visit the most famous floating market in the city, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Be prepared to shout – it is lively, very busy and the vendors call out their wares.  This market offers a huge variety of goods, everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to local crafts and Thai sourvenirs.

Having completed your tour of the canals, you can now set off on a trail to discover Bangkok’s elaborate temples. Not to be missed are Wat Arun, Wat Traimit and Wat Pho . Here you can take artistic photographs of Bangkok’s most important historical and religious sites. If you need a break from sightseeing, why not enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Bangkok’s parks and gardens, such as Lumphini Park, which is the oldest and largest in the city.

When the sun sets on another day in Bangkok,  head out to sample some exotic Thai cuisine in a local  restaurant.

If you fancy something different this year, book flights to Thailand. It will be an experience to remember.

Introducing Thailand

Thailand is an increasingly popular tourist destination. It is a country unlike any other, with historical, natural and cultural attractions. Many westerners love to visit Thailand during the Christmas and New Year period, avoiding  the worst of the winter weather.  Travellers usually fly to  Bangkok International Airport, also known as Suvarnabhumi Airport, to see the capital city of Bangkok, before setting  off  to discover other cities and resorts in the country.

If you are interested in flying to Bangkok, Thai Airways International is the largest airline in Thailand offering international flights to Bangkok.

Start your tour of Thailand in Bangkok and discover a city of temples,   canals and culture.

Discover its beautiful Buddha temples, such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun, exotic restaurants where you can sample the best of local Thai cuisine  and the floating market for a sensory experience. Bangkok is full of  intense colours,  delicious aromas of street food and fabulous historical  -   a delight for the senses.

Sun and Sand

Having visited Bangkok, head south  for  exotic beaches and paradise islands where you can soak up the sun and relax.

Beach resorts are on Phuket and Phi Phi Island

Some of the most popular beach resorts are on Phuket Island and Phi Phi Island. Anyone who wants to explore or set off on an individual adventure should head to the north of Thailand, which is perfect for trekking, hiking and getting in touch with nature. The countryside will entrance botanists and wildlife lovers.

If you are tempted by the colourful photographs you see of Thailand, imagine what it is like to experience it first hand. Book flights to Thailand and find out!