Hi All,
Well, we've finally booked to go away in June to Thailand!
A couple of things I would like to know is:
Is it better to get money from machines etc when we are out there or should we take travellers cheques or cash?
We are staying in Krabi at the centara grand beach resort which looks fantastic, however if anyone knows anything about either the resort or the local area I would be really grateful as we've never been this far east before and not really sure what to expect!
We are only going b&b which is expensive enough, but I would like to get out and do a fair bit of different things as we are there for 15 nights and want to experience as much as poss without breaking the bank!
Any places where we can eat on the cheap would be great as well!
Thnaks in advance! 🙂
Hi Steve
Fabulous news. I'm sure you will enjoy it. I've not been to Krabi but I can tell you anything you need to know as I lived there and OH is Thai.
Firstly, you don't need to take T/Cheques. Cash is fine and you can use the ATM but do let your bank know that you will there as they may stop your card if they don't think it's you. If you take cash, it is recommended that you buy a money belt and keep it close to you.
Thai food is wonderful and very cheap wherever you go (apart from the expensive hotels) and you can do far worse than eating from the "noodle stalls" on the pavements but you can see the food being cooked and they are usually very clean.
The Thais are lovely and very polite and hospitable and will go out of their way to help. In return, respect their laws, don't make a joke of the Royal Family, and don't wear shorts or point your feet at Buddha in Temples.
Hope that helps for starters but PM me if there any anything you need to know.
Hi Steve
To add to Lotus' advice, ask your bank if they have a facility where everytime you make a purchase abroad you get a text message on your mobile.
I have always taken a mix of cash/t-cheques/card for security reasons. You must do what is comfortable for you. Thailand is quite a modern country and ATMs are through out. Good to take some Thai Baht with you for taxi and meals when you arrive. If you are flying to Bangkok and you need a taxi, go the the lower level for a Taxi Meter. If you are approached by a someone with good English and offering a taxi for several hundred Baht and offering to be your friend or take you to markets etc, don't touch it with a barge pole! A proper taxi will use their on-broad meter.
I've heard the east is less touristy, so tell us what it is like when you get back. Thailand is a beautiful country with overall beautiful, friendly people.
Don't forget to have a stickly rice mango for me!
Best Wishes
RP
Thanks guys, really appreciate the info!
Having never been before we both cannot wait - We are aware that the hotel is only accessible by boat or a 'monkey bridge' as it is quite isolated which we like - And we have already been warned not to carry anything in shopping bags as the monkeys recognise these and attack you to steal your food! :eek::D I might stick some chilli in a banana and let them steal that!!
Anyhow - If anyone knows anything about what is in krabi, or what areas a re near to here I would be grateful for any ideas where to go, what sort of things we can expect to do, oh yes, and what sort of prices are reasonable for certain things (i.e. how many baht to expect to pay for a street meal, beer, soft drink etc) as my only concern is being massively overcharged and not even realising until it's too late!!
Will let you know re beer prices when I speak to OH, because I can't remember how much a bottle was (and I was only there last September:rolleyes:). Singh or Chang beer is good and not at all expensive. At the moment the baht is around 50 to the £1 so it will seem slightly more expensive. A good meal in a real thai restaurant shouldn't set you back more than around 300 baht (for 2). Be prepared though, that because you are a "farang", you will be a bit ripped off, it's the nature of the beast. My OH gets fed up with paying tourist prices when he knows he can get meals and stuff for less than half the price.
Transport is cheap for getting around, taxis are metered so there is no bargaining anymore. Trains/buses run on time and are very clean.
Are you planning to tour around or just stay in Krabi. You may be best to do organised tours (mini bus or taxi tours are good) and that way you know what you are paying for.
Don't think you can get Thai Baht over here so be prepared to pay a little more at the airport for your baht than in a bank/kiosk etc.
PS: as Reiki says, you are going in the Mango and Sticky rice season, it is to die for!