Traveling Tips
Thailand is divided into 76 provinces. The capital city is named Bangkok (Krung Thep in Thai language) and from here you can go almost anywhere in the country. Thailand has a well functioning transportation net and it is very easy to travel here.
Domestic Flights in Thailand
The international airport in Bangkok is Suvarnabhumi Airport and several airlines has their offices here. The most famous airline is of course Thai Airways followed by Bangkok Airways, but also Air Asia, PB Air, Nok Air, Orient Thai Airlines etc. also have representatives here.
This giant International Airport is located in The Samut Prakan Province, east of Bangkok. It was opened in September 2006.
Go by Train in Thailand
The largest railway station in Bangkok is Hualampong Railway Station and from there You can travel almost everywhere in the Kingdom. A sleeping car is highly recommended. In first class you will get your own coupe for two people.
Go by Bus in Thailand
Domestic buses leaves from the Southern bus terminal, Northern bus terminal and Eastern bus terminal in Bangkok and also from Khao San Road, a famous backpacker street in the Banglamphu district, not far from Chao Praya river. A so called VIP bus with air condition is more comfortable than the so called A/C buses.
THE LOMPRAYAH CATAMARAN - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
A few of the most popular destinations in Thailand is, from North to South: Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samet, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Koh Chang, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Krabi, Phuket and Trang. All has their own charm we recommend that You visit a few of them to find your own favorite.
Destination Reviews
Please note that this is only reflects our personal views and that every individual traveler has his / her own opinions and experiences regarding each destination.
Our Opinion of Bangkok
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Our Opinion of Phuket
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Our Opinion of Koh Samui
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Our Opinion of Krabi
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Our Opinion of Koh Phangan
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Our Opinion of Pattaya
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Our Opinion of Chiang Mai
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Our Opinion of Koh Chang
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Our Opinion of Koh Samet
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Safety and Security in the Country
Thailand is a relatively safe country to travel in, but don't get careless. We've compiled some tips regarding your safety in the country and what you can if an accident (despite this) should occur:
Health, Safety and Vaccination
Your health is of course important, also on your vacation. With some common sense you can reduce the risks of getting an injury or becoming ill. Vaccination is one wise step, especially if you are traveling for a long time, or outside the major tourist destinations. Please check your protection against:
 Tetanus
Typhoid
Diphtheria
Hepatitis A and B (jaundice) Vaccine: Twinrix (a combination of Havrix and Engerix-B)
Japanese Encephalitis
Cholera/ETEC
Do always consult a qualified Physician / Doctor regarding vaccine.
Travel Insurance
Make sure that you also have a decent travel insurance. Check with your insurance company before you travel in Thailand. Bring a insurance certificate with you, if you should end up in an accident or become ill.
READING WHILE WAITING FOR THE BUS - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
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A FISHY DINNER - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
Safe Sunbathing if you have Fair Skin
1. If you have fair skin, try not too sunburned and become too red. The risk then increases to suffer from malignant melanoma, or skin cancer.
2. Avoid sunbathing when the sun is high in the sky, ie around midday and early afternoon.
3. Use a sunscreen (lotion or spray) with high SPF (sun protection factor) before you have a tan. Start with a SPF 20-30 and then decrease slowly. When you're really tanned a SPF of 10-15 should be sufficient.
4. Use extra lotion or spray where you easily will get sunburned. For example on your shoulders, your nose, your ears, your upper back, etc.
5. Sunscreens are easy to find in stores and pharmacies in Thailand, but make sure they are kept fairly cool and that the date has not expired.
6. Use sunscreen or wear an SPF 50 (Sun block) on young children who have extra sensitive skin.
7. Apply the sunscreen frequently, e.g. after swimming, or if you sweat a lot.
8. If you get red and sunburned, we recommend that you use aloe vera or After Sun Lotion.
9. Keep in mind that excessive sun exposure can lead to skin aging and that the skin can become wrinkled.
10. Since the sun is so strong in Thailand, we recommend not to sunbathe more than 3-4 hours per day.
To get a Tattoo in Thailand
It was a long time ago that only sailors and prisoners acquired tattoos. Nowadays they can be found in all social classes and in most cultures. In Thailand, you can choose to get at tattoo made by either a tattoo machine or with traditional bamboo. Below we have listed ten tips for those who has decided to get a lasting memory from Thailand in the form of body art:
1. Choose a tattoo artist with great care. Keep in mind that the tattoo isn't possible to remove, except with very expensive and time-consuming laser treatments, etc. Get references and do carefully check the tattoo studio's folders or binders so you get an idea of how talented the tattoo artist is, artistically and technically.
2. Select the artwork and motifs with care! You will have the tattoo even when you are 70-80 years old.
3. Make sure the tattoo artist meets the requirements that you have, such as a real tattoo chair, new (sterile) needles, proper tattoo machines and that the studio is clean in general.
4. Keep the transparent plastic film or bandage on the tattoo for at least a couple of hours (but maximum 10 hours) to avoid getting any germs there. A sterile bandage is safer than a plastic film, but it can be difficult to convince a stubborn tattooist.
5. When you remove the plastic film or bandage, wash the tattoo gently with warm water and a mild soap. Dry it by gently pressing a clean paper towel against the tattoo. Do NEVER use a towel as this can damage and infect your tattoo.
6. A new tattoo is an open wound that is actually can be compared to a burn. We recommend you to buy a healing ointment, without any perfume, at a pharmacy (if tattooist doesn't provide these). We recommend Curél or Bepanthen. Apply a thin layer of ointment on the tattoo as often as you can until it has healed completely. Preferably every two hours the first few days! Keep the tattoo moist with the ointment until it has healed completely!
7. Do not drink alcohol just before or just after you are having a tattoo. The alcohol makes the blood thinner and the healing might also be neglected because the body is busy taking care of the ethanol you've consumed.
8. Do NOT take a bath, sunbathe or sauna when you have a fresh tattoo. Wait at least two weeks, preferably three or four. Are you on holiday, it may be wise to make the tattoo the last days of the trip. It is great to use loose-fitting cotton clothes the first week as the tattoo needs to "breathe" to heal properly.
9. Do not scratch or pick at the fresh tattoo as it might make it ugly. If it itches, you can hit the itching area gently with your fingers. It usually helps.
10. Excessive sweating can also make a new tattoo uglier. So wait 7-14 days before you exercise or take long walks if it is hot outside.
To Watch Out For
Mosquitoes
Remember to protect you from getting "to many" mosquito bites, especially if you are outside the large cities. Dengue fever exists in a number of Thailand's provinces and unfortunately also malaria exist in a few provinces, even if it is safe in larger cities as well as in most tourist destinations.
Long sleeved shirts and long leg trousers are recommended between 4 PM and 8 PM when most of the mosquito's are active. However, dengue mosquitoes are normally active in the daytime, but exception can occur.
GONE FISHING - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
STDs and HIV
Protect yourself with a condom if you are having sex with someone you meet on your trip. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) including HIV exists. Especially among prostitutes. Don't take the risk!
The Traffic in Thailand
If you rent a motorbike, be cautious when you drive. Use a crash helmet and do not drive if you have been drinking alcohol. There are unfortunately rather "common" with motorbike accidents in Thailand. Also remember to drive on the left-hand side. If you are renting a car or a jeep a vehicle insurance is recommended, otherwise you might have to pay any possible damages on the car or jeep.
Rental companies such as Hertz, Budget or Avis often has insured vehicles, but their prices are not often as reasonable as at the smaller local rental service. Use a seat belt for your own personal safety, and to avoid to pay the fine, if a policeman stops you.
COLORFUL TAXICABS ON SUKHUMVIT - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
Crime and Scams
Fortunately, Thailand has relative low tourist related crime rates, but some awareness is wise. Avoid to walk around with large amounts of cash in your pocket or wallet, if you don't have to. It is often most safe to keep valuables in a safety deposit box at the hotel etc. We advice women to avoid walking alone at nighttime on desolated areas like beaches etc.
If someone wants to sell you precious stones as; sapphires, emeralds or rubies etc. or try to make you playing cards for money, do always say no. Otherwise you definitively risk to loose a lot of money as this often is a scam and you probably will be swindled. Playing cards for money (gambling) are also illegal in Thailand, so do not expect to much help from the police or the tourist authorities if you feel swindled.
Have a wonderful stay in The Kingdom of Thailand!
A COCONUT STORAGE - Photo by Jens W, Yenit.com
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Chaweng 
