THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THAILAND
Q) WHAT’S THE WEATHER GOING TO BE LIKE IN [PLACE]?
A) Check out blog post Best Time to Visit Thailand for further details.
Q) WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE NOW IN [PLACE]?
A) There are various sites around the internet that will tell the current weather but I always useWeather Channel and Wunderground that shows you readings from actual weather stations in various locations around Thailand and the world.
Q) IS IT BETTER TO CHANGE MY MONEY AT HOME OR OVER IN THAILAND?
A)In Thailand. You get a better exchange rate over there. You can check at XE exchange(http://www.xe.com/currency/thb-thai-baht) rates. Be aware that most if not all Thai ATM’s charge about 220BHT per withdraw no matter how little or much you draw out. That’s on top of any bank charges you might also get.
Q) CAN I PAY FOR THINGS WITH MY CREDIT CARD?
A) Yes and No. Most places prefer cash, however main chain stores, hotels, shopping malls will take credit cards. Smaller businesses will always ask for cash.
Q) LEGALLY DO I HAVE TO HAVE A LICENSE TO DRIVE A SCOOTER / MOTORCYCLE IN THAILAND?
A) Legally yes, legally you also need an international driving license / permit. However mostcompanies will hire you a scooter / bike even if you haven't got a license.
Be careful though because your medical insurance will be void if anything happens. Most companies will also rent a scooter to you without insurance. So if you have an accident and cause damage to the scooter or anything else, you won’t be covered, your holiday insurance will also not pay out because you haven't legally got a license to ride it and are not covered for any damage caused to your bike or anyone else.
You might also get an on the spot fine if stopped by the Thai police.
Be aware of the scooter scam. Basically some companies will hire you a motorbike and ask you to leave your passport as a deposit. When you return then state that you have damaged it (could just be some scratches) and want a stupid amount of money to have it fixed. If you refuse you will not get your passport back. Don’t leave your passport, leave a copy or your driving license. Hiring scooterfrom hotels is a safer option. There are genuine local companies out there also but be aware of the scam and if need be take loads of photos or a video of any damage that the bike has before you take it out.
Q) DO I HAVE TO WEAR A HELMET WHEN DRIVING A SCOOTER / MOTORCYCLE IN THAILAND?
A) Legally yes, and anyone else riding it with you. Use it for your safety.
Q) IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL THROUGH THAILAND ALONE?
A) Yes, loads of solo travellers visit Thailand every year. It’s one of safest places to solo female travellers. The usual precautions should be taken that you would normally take at home, eg watch you belongings.
Q) CAN I EASILY GET FROM ONE ISLAND TO ANOTHER VIA FERRIES / BOATS?
A) Yes. Thailand has a great transport network. Ask us at the reception about routes.
Avoid buying your ticket at the pier, because they usually charge more than the city agencies. If the sea is choppy be very weary of going on the smaller speedboats and long-tail boats. Sometimes piers even closes because the weather.
Q) I NEED SOME EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO FIND THEM.
A) Check out various Emergency contact numbers at http://bangkok.sawadee.com/touristline.html
Q) I WANT TO VISIT A REAL ETHICAL ELEPHANT SANCTUARY WHERE ARE THEY?
A) There are a few in Thailand. The basic rule is that if they allow you to ride or get on the Elephants then its not a Sanctuary. Do your research before choose a place to visit.
Q) HOW TO BUY TRAIN TICKETS TO CHIANG MAI?
A) At the Hua Lampong train station or Samsem train station, the nearest of The Yard Hostel. Or online on https://www.dticket.railway.co.th/DTicketPublicWeb/home/Home
Q. HOW TO BUY BUS TICKETS TO CHIANG MAI?
A. At the Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal. You always can ask us for help during your stay.
Q) WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TO GO TO CHIANG MAI?
By train: you can take a overnight sleeper train, because is effectively faster than flying, far less hassle, far more environmentally friendly, more of a real Thai experience, and saves you a hotel bill, too. It takes about 13 hours to arrive. You can choose upper bunk (cheaper) or lower bunk (expensive). Both have curtains for you privacy, fresh bed sheets, pillows and blankets. Trains have dinner and breakfast service (paid), toilets, air con and space for luggage with you. It’s not allowed drink alcohol inside the train.
By bus: You can take a night bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminal. It takes about 10 hours. Keep a jacket with you, because buses in Thailand get to much cold.
By air: if you book in advance, it’s a great way to go, because can be cheap. Flights usually departfrom Don Muang Airport, but remember you have to be at the airport a least 1 hour before, plus the time to arrive there (about 1 hour). Most companies charge to checkin luggage, so be aware the sizeand weight of your bag. If you come back to Bangkok, you can leave your luggage at The Yard for free.
Q) HOW TO BOOK TOURS IN BANGKOK?
A) We have a tour desk and you can book with various tours around Bangkok.
Q. HOW TO GO TO SIEM REAP?
A. By bus: You can take a day time bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminal. It takes about 10 hours from Bangkok straight to Siem Reap. Buses depart at 8am and 9am. Keep a jacket with you, because buses in Thailand get to much cold. Bus is the cheapest way to go and it’s safe. They will stop at the border and wait for everyone get visa and passport stamped. We charge 200 baht (go to train station, queuing, purchasing in advance and delivery it to you).
By air: if you book in advance, it’s a great way to go, because it’s the fastest way. Flights usually depart from Don Muang Airport, but remember you have to be at the airport at least 2 hours before, plus the time to arrive there (about 1 hour). Most companies charge to check in luggage, so be aware the size and weight of your bag. If you come back to Bangkok, you can leave your luggage at The Yard for free.
Q) HOW TO GET TO GRAND PALACE?
A) You have 4 ways to go:
By bus: Take bus number 59 or 503 at the avenue (you have to cross) and it will drop you straight to the entrance of The Grand Palace complex. It takes around 1 hour.
By taxi / Grab (local app): You can ask us to help order Grab. It’s about 150 baht and about 30 minutes, but prices and time can vary depends on time and traffic.
By BTS Skytrain + boat: Go to Saphan Taksin BTS station (30 min) , then take public boat to ThaTien píer (20 min)
Like a local: BTS from Ari station to Ratchathewi, walk to under the bridge, take a boat and get ofat the last stop Phan Fah. Visit the Golden Mount to see the view and then walk to Grand Palace (3km)
Q) HOW TO GET TO CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET?
A)From the Yard Bangkok:
By BTS skytrain: From Ari BTS Station you go to Mo Chit BTS station (2 stops), Exit 1. Then walk until the first corner, turn right and you will see on your left side the entrance.
By taxi: it’s about 60 baht, but depends on traffic and this price can increase to 100 baht.
Q) HOW TO GET TO CHINATOWN?
A) From The Yard Bangkok:
By BTS + Metro: Take to skytrain from Ari BTS station to Sala Daeng BTS, then change to MRT taking the metro from Silom MRT station to Wat Mangkon MRT station.
Q) WHERE IS THE NEAREST POST OFFICE?
A) It’s on the main road “in front” of The Yard, 5 min walking. From the Yard, walk to left, then right and right again 100m. Check out fees and estimated delivery http://www.thailandpost.co.th/index.php?page=index&language=en
Q) WHERE IS THE NEAREST BTS STATION?
A) It’s on main road, 7 minutes walking. From The Yard, walk left, then right, then left for 300m.
Q) CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE STREET?
A) Drinking alcohol is illegal in the following locations: Temples or places of worship, Pharmacies, Public offices, Education institutions, Petrol stations, Public parks.
Tip: don’t drink, unless you are outside of a bar, because drinking on the street it’s not part of Thai Culture.
Q) WHERE CAN I TAKE PHOTOS FOR VISA APPLICATION?
A) At Aree Photo Lab at Ari 7. From The Yard walk left, left again, right, then left until the Kodak shop, passing by 7Eleven.
