Hello,
My name is Paramitha Sutedja. I have been travelling Thailand on first 3 weeks of July.
Unfortunately real picture corrupted this fiction.
In three week we travelled from Bangkok to Surat Thani, to Koh Samui, to Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Hua Hin and back to BKK and fly home. Well thai people all around are not kind at all, not willing to help, at least not for free. Not even for a simple question on the street where to go for a train station. Actually most of the were rude and unfriendly. Where does it takes to? Such attitude is unthinkable in western culture. Helping foreigners is one of instinctive actions without doubt in our culture. I am talking about complete citizen range, also receptionists, various desk staff, sellers, all local people in Thailand were more or less terrible, completely without hospitality. Is this only mine experience or did someone had such? Only in Hua Hin the people were generally nicer, but all other places NO. Then, beaches had all cloudy or dirty sea water, if there was some better, like at Koh Phi Phi that there were a tons of turists and boats, so not possible to enjoy the place. And not to mention animals tourism. Animals are tortured in most cruel way possible. Does anybody noticed how they force elephants to carry people on so called trekking? Shepherds have steel hooks which they hit into elephants head in case of disobedience and this is only one example. And finally prices. All prices are over priced, accomodation, food, clothes and accessories. If you are willing to accept genuine local offer with catastrophic level of hygiene that is cheap, but if you buy anything with a bit of higher level of hygene or more westeren standard, than you pay it same or even much higher that in west. So at the end of the day I don't see a point getting in Thailand. Not to mention inviromental ignorance which is at level zero. I am so sorry that I was so badly dissapointed, but what about other people? And yes, me and my wife will definitely not go back again.
In three week we travelled from Bangkok to Surat Thani, to Koh Samui, to Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Hua Hin and back to BKK and fly home. Well thai people all around are not kind at all, not willing to help, at least not for free. Not even for a simple question on the street where to go for a train station. Actually most of the were rude and unfriendly. Where does it takes to? Such attitude is unthinkable in western culture. Helping foreigners is one of instinctive actions without doubt in our culture. I am talking about complete citizen range, also receptionists, various desk staff, sellers, all local people in Thailand were more or less terrible, completely without hospitality. Is this only mine experience or did someone had such? Only in Hua Hin the people were generally nicer, but all other places NO. Then, beaches had all cloudy or dirty sea water, if there was some better, like at Koh Phi Phi that there were a tons of turists and boats, so not possible to enjoy the place. And not to mention animals tourism. Animals are tortured in most cruel way possible. Does anybody noticed how they force elephants to carry people on so called trekking? Shepherds have steel hooks which they hit into elephants head in case of disobedience and this is only one example. And finally prices. All prices are over priced, accomodation, food, clothes and accessories. If you are willing to accept genuine local offer with catastrophic level of hygiene that is cheap, but if you buy anything with a bit of higher level of hygene or more westeren standard, than you pay it same or even much higher that in west. So at the end of the day I don't see a point getting in Thailand. Not to mention inviromental ignorance which is at level zero. I am so sorry that I was so badly dissapointed, but what about other people? And yes, me and my wife will definitely not go back again.
Thailand remains one of the first ports of call for first-time backpackers. But don’t be fooled – though travelling here means following a well-beaten tourist trail, there’s no denying that this beguiling country can take a while to get to grips with. To make sure you hit the ground running on your first visit, follow our top ten Thailand travel tips.Go slow
What wat?
Savvy street food
Repel the enemy
To market
Get the best beds
Sidestep scams
Respect the culture
Don’t try to fit in too much. You’re almost certain to start in Bangkok and we recommend you don’t rush off. Instead, allow a few days to soak up the vibrant capital’s up-for-it atmosphere, including at least one night on the notorious Khao San Road, before heading south to the islands, or north to Thailand’s second city Chiang Mai. To do both you’ll need at least two weeks; if you’ve got three add Kanchanaburi and the infamous Bridge Over the River Kwai to your itinerary.
Thailand is a country of temples, from the magnificent to the miniature, but try to visit them all and you’ll soon find yourself fatigued. Narrow it down to the big-hitters instead like Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya. Remember that Thailand is about more than architectural splendour, the street-life and beach-life are just as much a part of the experience.
Thai street food is abundant, high quality and astoundingly cheap. But it can also be a fast track to food poisoning. Take sensible precautions such as washing hands before and afterwards, and above all: eat where there are crowds; a faster turnover means fresher food. And don’t drink the tap water.
Mosquitoes are everywhere, but that doesn’t mean resigning yourself to being bitten. Use a spray-on repellent with at least 50% deet during the day (100% at night) and treat clothes with a permethrin spray as soon as you arrive in the country. Be sure to do this outside though and leave for a while to dry – it’s nasty stuff.
Visiting an open-air market is a must-do and it is here that you will find the best prices and often the best goods. Thailand is a mecca for counterfeit products though, so be aware that what you’re buying is unlikely to be genuine, and never forget to haggle – the first price you’re quoted should come down by at least a third. Some of the best markets are Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Tha Kha Floating Market near Samut Songkhram and Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar.
If you’re on a budget and planning to stay in hostels and guesthouses, simply turning up and requesting a room is the cheapest way to go, and thanks to Thailand’s flourishing tourism industry you’re unlikely to have trouble finding a bed (especially if you use our Rough Guide to Thailand for suggestions). Bear in mind though that air conditioning often costs extra and is worth every penny during the hottest months (typically May to October). If you’re willing to spend a little more on your accommodation, book mid-range or luxury hotels in advance to secure the best deals.
At times, it can feel a little like there is someone trying to rip you off on every corner in Thailand and it pays to keep your wits about you. Don’t trust randomly helpful strangers who come up to you in the street with information about public holidays and closed temples; check with your hostel or hotel instead. Always agree a price before getting in a tuk tuk and insist on any taxi you use being metered. Keep your belongings as close to you as possible, ideally strung around you in a zipped up bag.
Keeping face is of paramount important to all Thai people so raising your voice and getting angry will get you nowhere. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, while the feet are the lowest; don’t touch a Thai person on the head under any circumstances, or point your feet (especially the soles) towards anyone – or any sacred image, particularly of the Buddha or the King. Smiling will always get you a long way. Thais tend to smile far more than the average westerner so get ready to beam.
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