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Travel within Thailand
Air
Flying is the fastest and easiest way to get around the country. There are direct flights from Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui. Knowing your preference to spend more Qme in a chosen desQnaQon versus traveling, this will be your most efficient opQon if the airfares are within your budget.
Budget airlines
Air Asia has the most flights. Other alternaQves include NOK Air, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, and Orient Thai.
If you’re planning on-‐the-‐go once you’re already in Thailand, when you have internet access, use this site to search for flights:
SkyScanner.com
UQlize the ‘add nearby airports’ feature if you’d like more opQons and aren’t set on an exact desQnaQon.
Train
If you want to live like a local, this is how you’d get around. You know how much Qme you have to play with, so in some instances flights may be your only opQon. But if you have the ability to travel by train, it can be a great way to see a good porQon of the country.
This website is your best resource for train routes, fares, and everything “how-‐to” about traveling by train in Thailand:
Train Travel in Thailand Keep in mind that while fares may be a bit higher than buses, trains are not only affordable, but are safer and more comfortable than buses.
Sherpa Speaks: If you don't already have flights booked from one desQnaQon to another, and are open to travel via train, wait unQl you’re in Thailand to book your Qckets. On your first day in Bangkok, walk into a travel agency and ask about booking your onward train Qcket to your desQnaQon. They’ll lay out all your opQons and book your Qckets for you.
You’ll be able to stop back later that day or the next morning to grab your Qckets. Departures vary, but typically will be able to get Qckets that leave Bangkok within 1 day to 3 days. There is a fee for booking through a travel agency. If you’re on a budget then book directly at Hua Lamphong railway staQon in the center of the city.
Keep in mind though that you’ll need to pay a taxi to get you there which will likely be similar to the travel agent’s booking charge). Once you’re at the staQon ignore anyone (including your taxi driver) who directs you towards a booking office outside the staQon. You want to go inside the staQon to book your Qckets.
Locally
The covered pickup trucks that cruise the streets picking up and dropping off passengers are called songtaews, while the motorized three-‐wheel noisemakers are known as tuk-‐tuks.
Songtaews are also known in some areas as Baht Buses. This is a communal form of transportaQon, but can also be used as a taxi. They operate differently depending on your locaQon.
By gedng in to a parked songthaew and telling the driver your desQnaQon the driver will take this as a sign that you wish to charter the whole vehicle for your own use and he will not stop en route to pick up passengers. This will normally mean you have to pay upwards of B100. So make your intended desQnaQon clear. In some places the driver will shake his head and drive on.
If you board a crowded songtaew, just squeeze in; a cramped ride is just part of the local culture. If there is a buzzer for riders to ring, keep in mind that you’ll need to alert the driver just before you want to disembark.
You’ll see tuk-‐tuks soon aher leaving Bangkok airport, but these tuk-‐tuks are ohen more well put-‐together than what you’ll see in the islands. In the islands, some tuk-‐tuks will just appear to be converted motorcycles but in others they will commonly have four wheels, such as in Phuket.
Whenever taking a tuk tuk, agree on a fare before sedng off — and it’s usually a good idea to ask for a discount on the iniQal quote. If the price seems too high and the driver
refuses to discount, politely walk away; tuk tuks are in no short supply in all of Thailand’s big ciQes and upon nearly losing a fare most drivers will lower their price.
A tuk-‐tuk ride should almost never cost more than a taxi ride. However in some tourist desQnaQons like Hua Hin or Phuket, tuk-‐tuk drivers charge what locals would consider exorbitant rates. This is due to a lack of other transportaQon opQons. So if you plan to travel around in more of the more remote beach areas, check with your hotel for opQons on how to get around, carry less and walk, or be prepared to pay a bit more than you might expect.
Keep in mind that some tuk-‐tuk drivers will try to sell you tours or specific desQnaQons. Pay these offers no mind, and the same goes for tuk-‐tuk drivers who try to approach you away from their tuk-‐tuk.
Bus Travel
Travel agencies, parQcularly those on Bangkok's Khao San Road, will try to sell you VIP bus Qckets. These are more ohen than not cramped minibuses that arrive late, ohen break down, and finally pitch you the accommodaQon that gives them the highest commissions.
Theh, parQcularly on routes to the south, is something to be wary of. Thais never use VIP buses, and take the public BKS buses instead.
Keep your belongings close by, especially your backpack when riding a tuk-‐tuk, as there are thieves on motorbikes that will take advantage of the unsuspecQng tourist loosely dangling a backpack. While this is not too common, it’s important to be mindful of whatever belongings you're carrying. The same goes for traveling on a bus. Keep all your valuables with you versus in the bus’ storage compartment.
AVOID leaving ANY valuables in a travel pack separate from that which you carry on your person if traveling on buses in Thailand, esp. in the islands. Theh from luggage is common.
Weather You're traveling in the beginning of rainy season. April is hot in Thailand, and you will likely find both high temperatures and humidity as you transiQon to the rainy season, which begins in May. Additional Weather Details
Top Cultural Tips
The tradiQonal Thai greeQng: Called a WAI: two hands together, palms touching. If a local gives you a Wai, it is polite to Wai back (note that monks do not return a Wai)
Visit this link for a video that will show you how to Wai:
How to Wai A Wai can mean "Hello," "Thank you," "I'm sorry," or "Goodbye." A Wai is not used to greet children, servants, or street vendors. You don’t need to return a Wai to a child, waiter, clerk, etc. Just nod and smile in response.
Spoken greeQng: When being introduced or greeQng someone, men say Sawatdee-‐krap and women say Sawatdee-‐kah.
InteracAng with the Thai people
Thais are quite respecmul of Westerners and you will probably meet people wanQng to try their English out with you. Don’t be offended by quesQons about your age, salary and marital status. They don’t mean to be intrusive as these are common quesQons in Thai culture.
A common Thai greeQng is, “Hey, you!” from Thais who don’t know English. This is not an insult, rather, it is their translaQon from the polite Khun in the Thai language.
The common way of greeQng someone in Thai is not “How are you?” but “Where are you going?” which in Thai is “Bai nai?” You can answer with “Bai Tio” (I’m going out). Also, interesQngly enough, “Have you eaten yet?” is another way of greeQng in Thai.
Mai Pen Rai (never mind) is the Thai expression which characterizes the general focus of life -‐ "it is to enjoy.”
Sanuk is the Thai word used to describe anything that is fun and enjoyable.
A few Thai Trademarks: Golden-‐topped stupas, (Buddhist monuments) floaQng markets, color-‐coded curries, and of course the long tail boats in the islands
Thai Cultural Norms and PracAces to Know
If you noQce shoes at or near an entrance to a home, shop, or even a hotel, remove your shoes before entry. It is considered rude not to do so.
The Royal Family is held in high regard. Making derogatory remarks about the family is against the law, carrying a 3-‐15 year prison sentence if broken.
Step over the threshold, not on it, when going through a doorway. Thais believe a spirit resides in the threshold.
Thai given names are preceded by Khun (Mr. Mrs. or Miss), unless they carry a higher degree, such as doctor. Khun is used for men and women, married or single. If you don't know a person's name, address them as Khun.
You’ll really start to noQce some of the difference between western and eastern culture in Thailand. Books and wripen materials are given a special status in Thailand and should not be placed on the ground. Try not to slide books or wripen material across tables.
Thais tradiQonally take pride in their strength of character and (outside of vendors that hassle you) their polite nature. Try not to speak in a loud voice, and don’t show your temper. Never criQcize anyone publicly.
Dress
Temples and are very highly respected in Thai culture due to their cultural and religious significance. Avoid wearing flip-‐flops, shorts, no sleeveless shirts when visiQng any of these places. While there is no requirement to dress up, when visiQng an official building, your clothing should be able to be classified as “polite dress.”
GiGs
Give a gih with your right hand and receive a gih with your right hand. You should also offer a wai.
Do not open a gih you've been given unless invited to do so. Thais generally do not open a gih in front of the giver.
For the hostess give fruit, flowers, cakes, brandy/liquors, candy.
In business, Brandy, liquors, American crahs, books and desk adre are appropriate gihs.
Body Language
Parts of the body have spiritual significance. Feet: refrain from poinQng your feet at people, propping your feet up on seats or tables, or step over people sidng on the ground. If food is served on the ground (esp. in rural areas) do not step over the food will embarrass your Thai host. Head: Avoid touching people on the head, and avoid sidng on pillows that are meant to be head rests.
Do not put your hands in your pockets while talking to someone. Never put your arm over the back of the chair in which someone is sidng.
Don't wave your hands about as you talk, giving Thais the impression that you are angry. Never pass anything with your leh hand. Never point with your hand and never with one finger.
Use your right hand only for passing, eaQng, touching, etc.
Dining
When dining, to apract a waiter, wave quietly with your palm down or say "Nong" (brother or sister). Never snap your fingers or raise your voice to apract a waiter.
Thai food is eaten with a fork and a tablespoon rather than with chopsQcks. The spoon is held in the right hand and the bopom of the fork pushes the food into the spoon.
Never drink tap water unless it is boiled. Avoid eaQng salads that haven't been washed in purified water. Always peel fruit before eaQng.
The host pays the bill. Never offer to split a bill in a restaurant.
Speak Thai Today
Hello = sawasdee
Thank you = Khorb khun
Yes = Chai
No = Mai
BeauQful = suay mark
Not spicy = mai ped
Take your Qme = taam sa bai
Very good = dee maak maak
Very delicious = a roi maak maak
Easy-‐going = ngaay ngaay
Don't understand = mai khao jai
Over there = tee nan
Over here = tee nee
Again please = eek krang kha/khrab
Numbers:
1 = Nuang2 = Sorng3 = Saam4 = See5 = Haa 6 = Hok7 = Jed 8 = Pad 9 = Kao 10 = Sip
Money
Currency Exchange : Thai Baht
Exchange Rate as of November, 2014: $1 (USD) = 32.46 Thai Baht (THB)
Exchanging Money
Don't exchange money at the airport in the U.S. You’ll get a very low rate if you exchange your country's currency for Thai baht. Wait unQl you get to Thailand.
Don't exchange cash at the Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket Airports -‐ A lot of tourists come to Thailand and immediately change cash at Bangkok airport. You can do this, but you will get the lowest rate of exchange that you’ll find almost anywhere in Thailand. Avoid the money changers at the airport and pull money through from the US with your credit card instead.
If you need Thai baht when you get to Thailand: Get Money using an ATM Card, which you can do at the airport if you need to. When you go outside into the arrivals area, you'll see a number of banks all with ATM machines. Bangkok Bank ATMs don't charge any fees. Some of the other banks will charge 100 baht fee ($3).
Using your ATM Card
To get the best exchange rate possible it's best to always pull money through from the US with your ATM card. Many American banks don't charge fees for pulling money through with an ATM card, and some Thai banks don't charge either. You'll also get a higher exchange rate on an ATM card than you will if you exchange cash. Also, if you happen to lose your wallet or purse, it's much more difficult for someone to use your
ATM cards than it is for them to spend your cash. ATMs are all over Thailand, even in small towns.
Exchanging Cash
If you do need to exchange US Dollars for Baht, check exchange rates carefully. Don’t exchange cash at liple exchange booths that you'll see doped around Bangkok.
These are set up only for tourists and the exchange rate is low. Go to a branch of any large bank, Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and check their exchange rates. If you’re looking to exchange cash in Bangkok, go to a large mall like Siam Paragon, where there are five or six large bank branches and check each exchange rate as some banks will offer slightly higher than others.
Travelers Checks
While it’s not recommended due fees from American banks and a lower exchange rate, you can exchange traveler’s checks for Thai baht at banks throughout the country, but most of the Qme you'll just get the same exchange rate you would with cash, which is always lower than the exchange rate you get from using an ATM card.
Use Your Credit Card
You can use your credit card to make purchases at almost any shop in Thailand. You will also usually get an exchange rate that's as high as the one you'd get from using your ATM card. But be sure to check your card’s foreign transacQon fee policy first, and keep in mind that using a credit card carries the risk that a seller could use your credit card informaQon.
Avoid exchanging money at your hotel, which will get you one of the worst rates in Thailand.
Overall, the best ways to exchange money in Thailand are in this order:
ATM machinesCredit Card Tavelers Checks Cash
Recommended DesAnaAons
BANGKOK
Over ten million people live in Bangkok, known in Thai as “Krung Thep Maka Nakhon,” or simply, “Krung Thep.”
Here’s a comprehensive guide for gedng around in Bangkok, which will be useful even if you won’t be there for long:
Transportation Guide to Bangkok
The Grand Palace
Na Phra Lan Road Phra Borom Maha RatchawangPhra Nakhon
The Grand Palace
This massive complex in Bangkok’s center is the former residence of Thai monarchs, and has been home to the King as far back as 1782, when the country was sQll known as “Siam.”
Understanding your primary interest in outdoor acQviQes, this is sQll a notable apracQon not just for its historic significance, but with all its gardens, lawns, and courtyards, it’s quite a sight to take in.
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel48 Oriental AveBang RakBangkok 10500
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
While I don’t recommend trying to book a room here due to the price (over $350 for the basic room) this is another desQnaQon worth a visit. A relic from the Colonial era, The Oriental may be one of the most extravagant hotels you’ll ever have walked through. It is consistently ranked one of the world's best hotels.
It sits in a beauQful locaQon on the Chao Phraya river which yields a great backdrop for that evening drink.
You can enjoy ahernoon tea in the author’s lounge, or cocktail hour at one of the outdoor bars, such as the newly renovated Bamboo Bar, where you may have a chance to hear live jazz music.
Sherpa Speaks: There is a dress policy enforced for the bamboo bar, so just keep this in mind if you plan to apend. If you want to eat there as well, lunch runs from 11:30am – 2:30pm (closed on Mondays). Dinner is from 7-‐10:30pm (also closed on Mondays).
Adventurer’s Advice:
Zip-‐lining at Flight of the Gibbon
65 Sukhomvit Soi 1 (Ariyasom Villa) Bangkok 10110
Roundtrip transportaQon is available from Bangkok; travel Qme is about one hour each way.
(The address above appears to be the locaQon for where you would catch the bus to the rainforest but please verify if you book the tour)
This would be your first and likely the most memorable experience in the Thai jungle. Flight of the Gibbon is one of Thailand’s top-‐rated zip-‐lining tours. Understanding that your Qme in the Bangkok area is limited, you will have to see if it fits your schedule before you fly south to the islands. But here’s why it’s worth looking into:
There are a solid variety of zip-‐line courses, but Flight of the Gibbon also focuses on educaQng visitors on the jungle habitat and its wildlife, the quality of which sets it apart from most other zip-‐lining courses in the country.
Flight of the Gibbon also has southeast Asia’s longest and highest zip-‐lines, and opQons for other acQviQes including mountain biking, river rahing and rock climbing for all your adventure cravings.
Aher seeing you climb the ropes at P360 Mission Beach, I know there’s a good chance you also might be interested in the rope jungle gym. See the website for more details, but it looks like you can package the zip-‐lining and jungle gym together if you would like to.
It’s an added bonus that 10% of Flight of the Gibbon’s profits supposedly go to protect the endangered Gibbon and the forest in which it lives. Flight of the Gibbon Ziplining
Wine & Dine
Issaya Siamese Club Restaurant
Chuea Phloeng Road Thung Maha Mek, SaQn Bangkok 10120
Google Map
Enjoy what is regarded as some of the best Thai food in the country at this hidden gem of a restaurant (note: it’s not easy to find). Picture the sedng: a 100-‐year-‐old house with a wooden verandah and spiral staircase sidng in the middle of a garden.
Sherpa Speaks: Don’t skip dessert! Issaya’s chef does the tradiQonal Thai desserts as well as almost anyone else in Bangkok. Suggest trying the Coconut Panacopa and Kanom Dok Mali
Le Du Restaurant & Wine Bar
399/3 Silom Soi 7Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Google Map
Although it sounds French, Le Du means “season” in Thai. Expect fresh dishes that you may never have seen or heard of before, created by two very well-‐respected chefs in Bangkok’s culinary scene. Dinner is understandably more expensive but whether you choose to eat there for lunch or dinner, I recommend Le Du for the unique experience and value.
How to get there: This is another restaurant that is hidden but very close to Chon Nonsi BTS. Take exit 4 and walk few meters to the 7-‐11. Enter the small street and walk 20 m.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 18:00 -‐ 23:00 (Closed on Sundays) -‐ Last order 22:00
Kalpapruek
Food court7th floor of Central World Shopping Center (Take the BTS Skytrain to Siam staQon)
A welcome excepQon to the crowded and noisy food courts in most of the shopping centers in Thailand, Kalpapruek features affordable yet authenQc Thai food, as well as smoothies and a good selecQon of sweets.
Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Note:There are two other Kalpapruek locaQons in Bangkok, where the hours are reported to be the same: 1. Pramuan Road Silom (take the BTS Skytrain to Surasak staQon) and 2. The Mercury Ville shopping center, 1st floor (take the BTS Skytrain to Chidlom staQon)
Sherpa Speaks: Your best bet to eat on a budget in Bangkok is to frequent the street vendors. However trying to pick a place that will guarantee top quality can be tricky.
When in Bangkok…you visit a local market. One place to visit that will give you a variety of opQons for fantasQc prices is the food market at Sukhumvit Soi 38
You’ll find Thai food opQons galore, such as barbecue spears with peanut buper, satay, pad Thai, fried rice, noodles and different soups, crispy duck and many different kids of curries.
How to get there: Take the sky train to Thong Lo staQon. The market is just next to the staQon.
Hours: 6 p.m. – early morning
Phang Nga Bay “The Jewel of the Andaman”
This island paradise replete with limestone sea cliffs that dot the turquoise waters is best accessed from Krabi. Some of the limestone formaQons reach up to 1,000 feet, many of which are covered in vegetaQon, making them appear as if they were sliced from a secQon of jungle and planted in the sea.
These islets, many said to be shaped like animals (up to your own interpretaQon) ohen feature caves and caverns that are an explorer’s dream. There are picture perfect beaches and even some fishing villages on sQlts that are accessible via sea canoe or long-‐tailed boat.
How to get there
Your best bets for first-‐hand exploraQon are to rent a sea canoe or arrange a day trip at any of the hotels in Krabi. You can also get to Phang Nga Bay via Phuket or Kho Phi Phi, as many of the hotels on each of these islands also have opQons for day trips. Another opQon is to arrange an overnight excursion, as there are tours that feature overnights on island beaches.
If you make it to Phang Nga Town and have not yet booked a tour, the tour operators I recommend talking to are Sayan (in the Phang Nga Town bus staQon) or MT Tour in the Muang Thong Hotel near the bus staQon. If you’re interested in a tour, I would speak with both companies in order to get a sense of your opQons. Expect to be hassled for tours at or just outside the bus staQon; just make sure you don’t book unQl you’re comfortable with your opQons.
Island Fame
The Man with a Golden Gun (of James Bond lore) was filmed in Phang Nga Bay, specifically at Koh Phing Phan, so watch out for the ahernoon boatloads of tourists to this part of the bay, especially in the ahernoon.
If you want more of the bay and it’s jungle-‐like islets to yourself, I recommend gedng up early and hire a long tail boat from Phang Nga if you’re just looking to explore for a day or part of a day. You can also hire a boat from Phuket for a day if that’s where you’re staying. See below for a few opQons on boat rentals.
Long tail boat rentalsBelow are several locaQons at which you’re able to hire a long tail boat. There are others, but these are a few that are recommended by those that have rented several Qmes in the area. You’re able to haggle for price at either if you choose to.
From Phuket (day tours, avg. 9-‐4pm, four islands)
Ao Po Grand Marina Avg. B4000 -‐ B5000
113/1 Moo 6 Tambon Paklok, Phuket, Thailand Thalang Phuket 83110 Google Map
From Phang Nga
Samchong Seafood (at the jepy next to the restaurant)Avg B1500 -‐ B2000; usually a shorter tour for this price
39/1 Moo 9 Kalai (Subdistrict) Takua Thung DistrictPhang Nga Google Map
Sherpa Speaks: Take foam earplugs for the boat ride – the engines are LOUD. Also, the cost for a long-‐tail boat ride is a negoQaQon based on how far you want to go and how long you're looking to hire the boat for.
Also, I recommend taking your own flashlight for the caves and caverns on the islands. The long tail boat operators may have a few, but it’s ohen the case that their baperies are low. Bringing your own ensures you’ll be able to see when you’re in Indiana Jones exploraQon mode on shore.
Seek the Unique
Khao Sok NaAonal Park
While this part isn’t exactly in the heart of either Surat Thani province or Phang Nga province, it’s worth considering, as it’s a unique experience not replicable in North America.
Think limestone formaQons, waterfalls, and a genuine rainforest. This is said to be the wepest place in Thailand and is esQmated to be over 160 million years old, making it one of the world’s oldest jungles.
How to get there: Visit this website for details on travel to Khao Sok depending on your point of origin.
Traveling to Khao Sok
Tours
Day tours of Khao Sok are available to book out of Phuket, such as the 11-‐hour tour through Viator, currently listed at $96
Khao Sok Full-‐day Jungle Safari I also recommend other tour alternaQves by using the link below, such as the elephant riding and Sok river tubing excursions:
Sok River Excursions
KOH PHI PHI
Pronounced ‘koh pee pee’ (laughing allowed)
There are two Islands: Koh Phi Phi Don (the larger of the two) and Koh Phi Phi Le
Koh Phi Phi Don
Known for:
• Superb rock climbing• Main island for acQvity, lodging, and restaurants, mostly found in Tonsai Village• Quieter resorts: Viking Beach, Long Beach, Laem Thong• Thai melQng pot: Buddhists, Thai-‐Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies (Chao Ley)• Picturesque beaches & limestone cliffs
GeZng Around
There is no motorized transport on the island (other than a few private motorcycles used for transporQng goods or construcQon material). While on land, you may rent a bicycle or walk. If you are staying in the main area of Ton Sai, most everything can be reached within ten minutes.
Long tail boat is also commonly used to access another part of the island, or to take a trip to the smaller neighbor islands.
MUST SEE
Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint (pictured at top of previous page)
Follow the signs from the road heading east towards Ao Lo Dalam from the tourist village. The viewpoint is reached via a 300m verQcal climb that includes hundreds of steep steps and some twisQng paths, but it looks like most of the path is paved. It’s only a 20-‐30 minute climb depending on your pace but it will yield impressive views. You can see Phi Phi Leh, and all of Tonsai Village and Loh Dalum bays.
If you wish to conQnue on once you’ve taken in the view for a bit, there are several paths you can take instead of retracing your steps. The middle path takes you to Rantee Beach, which is an approximate 20-‐minute walk. The path to the leh leads to Pak Nam Beach and the path to the right leads to Ao Toh Koh, both about 45 minutes away. These are not nature trails as much as tracks used by locals to save on the cost of a long tail to and from Ton Sai.
Sherpa Speaks: Arrive before 10am. The color of the bays will be more pronounced because the sun is behind you. An alternaQve is to watch sunset from the viewpoint, but expect a lot more people up there enjoying it with you, which could be a good way to meet some other travelers!
A bit more mellow:
Sunflower Bar
This liple island gem was destroyed in the 2004 tsunami and rebuilt with reclaimed wood. The owner named the four booths aher the loved ones he lost.
Koh Phi Phi Leh (or 'Le')
Known for:
• Unspoiled, white beaches• Crystal clear waters• Explore Coves & caverns • Excellent snorkeling and scuba-‐diving
Sherpa Speaks: This island is a NaQonal Park, so if you arrive via long-‐tailed boat,
you will be charged a B200/person fee. This is typically included in the price if you book a guided tour.
Koh Phi Phi Leh was the sedng for The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. It was filmed at Maya Bay, known as Koh Phi Phi's most beauQful beach.
Yet Phi Phi Leh has a much more storied past. Phaya Naak Cave has prehistoric painQngs, porQons of which can be seen by visitors arriving via sea kayak or long tail.
Timing is Everything
Arriving: For the chance to enjoy Maya Bay in solitude, take the 8:00am boat (aher 9:00) many more boats and people arrive.
Leaving: if your schedule allows, catch a long-‐tail boat back to Phi Phi Don at 3pm (15:00) for a chance to see the sunset (you can’t see it from Maya Bay)
How to get there
Via boat from Krabi or Phuket Ferry Terminal.
From Phuket:
The ferry terminal is 1 hour away from Phuket Airport (HKT)
Ferry:
~ 2 hr ride to Phi Phi -‐ Departs from Rassada Pier
Speedboat:
~ 45 min ride -‐ Departs from Rassada Pier
Schedule/Booking:
Scroll down once landing on the page to see Phuket to Phi Phi ferry Qmes:
Schedule
From Krabi:
The Ferry terminal is 30 mins away from Krabi Airport (KBV)
Ferry:
~ 2 ½ hours from Krabi -‐ Departs from Chaofa Pier
Speedboat with tour:
~ 1 hour from Krabi (Includes both ways, and Qme on both islands, (Koh Phi Phi Lei and Koh Phi Phi Don) as well as lunch)
Departs from Krabi hotel area (hotel pickup) at 8:30am, returns approx. 4:30pm
Cost: Approx. B2200 -‐ B2300
Schedule/Booking:
Schedule
TIPS for Traveling via Ferry:
• Ferries leave mid-‐morning (8:30 – 10am or early ahernoon; 1:30-‐2:30) * Qmes are approximate• Arrive early for good seats (recommended 45 mins or more) as this is high season • Top of the ferry is open air. • Lower levels have A/C and drinks/snack• Ferries arrive at Tonsai Pier; your launch point for exploring the island
Adventurer's advice
If scuba-‐diving strikes your fancy, the two smaller islands of Bida Nai and Bida Nok are popular diving desQnaQons, just off of Phi Phi Ley.
If you’re looking for a snorkel or dive tour, contact The Adventure Club (+66 8 1970 0314)
If you would like to get a dive cerQficaQon, look up Phi Phi scuba once you're there, but keep in mind that you may not get a lot of handholding. Something to keep in mind if this is your first Qme and you think you may require a lot of instrucQon.
PHUKET (pronounced 'Poo-‐ket')
Arriving Phuket:
You’ll likely fly into Phuket Int'l Airport (HKT) on the northern part of the island. Phuket is a central locaQon for many jumping off points into the Thai islands in the Andaman Sea. There are ferries that will go to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Koh Lanta, as well as catamarans that charter tours, leaving from Rassada Harbor. It's also a beauQful locaQon itself, known for its luxurious beach resorts and picturesque beaches.
Airport Transfer
Visit this website if you’d like to pre-‐arrange a transfer to parQcular desQnaQon in Phuket, such as your hotel if you’ve pre-‐booked: Transportation
Find Your Way
Phuket is a large island, so unless you are planning on lounging at one resort for the enQre Qme there, you'll need a way to get around. Public transport is limited, although
there are Songthaew buses that operate to, from, and throughout Phuket Town. On Phuket they are usually blue pickup trucks with bench seats and a custom top.
The primary mode of transportaQon is by motorcycle taxi, (tuk-‐tuk) however as noted before these can be expensive, loud and/or uncomfortable, especially the laper).
Sherpa Speaks: Don’t be discouraged if you’re confused about the transportaQon on Phuket; it’s not necessarily easy for a first-‐Qmer to figure out. For one, some locals call the communal pickup trucks tuk-‐tuks, not the three-‐wheel motorcycles.
Keep in mind that in Phuket the Songtaews are only permiped to travel from a beach to Phuket Town (not from beach to beach). Tuk-‐tuk drivers have exclusive rights to transport people between beaches, so the "service" can seem to be a racket: pay the fare they demand, or walk.
At night, tuk-‐tuk drivers are known to charge solo passengers up to 1,000B to go from Karon to Patong Beach, but they can do this because they are the only opQon. If your funds are limited, keep this in mind to avoid gedng stranded late at night.
The SoluAon…
Rent a motorbike or scooter. This might be the most cost effecQve and depending on how much you have to transport, the most fun. Just make sure you have a secure place to keep it wherever you’re staying.
Here’s an opQon for booking a motorbike on Phuket:
Motorbike Rentals
Adventurer’s Advice
Zip-‐line: Flying Hanuman
89/16 Moo 6, Soi Namtok Katu, Wichitsongkram Rd.,Katu, Phuket
Google Map
In case you weren’t able to make it to Flight of the Gibbon’s zip-‐lining course outside Bangkok, here is another opQon for you in Phuket that also receives a lot of praise from visitors.
It looks like there are two separate courses and many of the people who did the more limited course (OpQon C) wished they had done opQon A or B, which offer more plamorms (meaning more trips on the zip-‐line).
Flying Hanuman is located near the Kathu Waterfall in the approximate center of the island. Reserve at [email protected] or check out the website for more details:
Flying Hanuman
Phuket Beach RecommendaAons
Nai Harn Beach
Rawai Mueang Phuket District (south porQon of Phuket)
Google Map
This parQcular beach is known for its picturesque, warm blue-‐water beach and white sands. Snorkeling is ideal here at either ends of the beach. What makes Nai Harn an especially apracQve desQnaQon is convenience. You can relax then walk or take a tuk-‐tuk to nearby restaurants, coffee shops, and even get an inexpensive massage if you feel like treaQng yourself.
Sherpa Speaks: Rent an umbrella from the local and stay for awhile. You can rent a lounge chair, umbrella, or a small table from a vendor for an average of 100-‐120 Baht a day. This way you can stay for what will likely be a memorable sunset over the Andaman Sea.
Pansea Beach
On Phuket’s west coast, north of Surin Beach
Google Map
Note that Pansea Beach is not searchable on Google Maps; it is idenQfied by the Surin resort to the south. But this idyllic beach is found just north of the resort, in between the Surin and Amanpuri resorts.
There’s a reason why this beach is very hard to access, shared by the two resorts; it’s one of the most beauQful beaches in Phuket and those who purchased the land years ago knew it. Luckily, there’s sQll a way to get there.
The hidden path that leads to the beach isn’t exactly easy to find, so you have to be up for a liple adventure with the payoff of a big reward. The path is also steep, but with your P360 training, I don’t quesQon your ability to manage as long as you’re not carrying too much.
If you choose to seek out the hidden path, you’ll soon find a long white sand beach lined with palms that makes you think….Paradise.
It appears as if you can buy a drink from a local shack once you’re there (despite not being a hotel guest) but it’s not clear how much of the resort’s rentals or faciliQes are available without being a paying guest. But once you make it to the beach, you may be fine with just walking and relaxing in such a serene sedng.
Keep in mind that by law all beaches in Thailand are public property so you cannot get in trouble for seeking out or lounging on Pansea Beach, though as menQoned before your access to the resort’s faciliQes may be limited.
Sherpa Speaks: If you’d like to visit Pansea Beach but aren’t interested in the trek via the secret path, you can ask a long tail boat operator at one of two beaches to drop you off at Pansea Beach. Long tail boats are available at Surin Beach to the south of Pansea or Bang Tao Beach to the north.
Don't Miss
Amanpuri Resort (even if not staying here)
One possibility is to Qme a walkthrough of this exoQc resort with a trip to Pansea Beach. In the very least, I recommend walking around the Amanpuri as it is rated one of the best in Thailand. One way to enjoy it is to get a drink somewhere at the resort, which could be your answer if anyone happens to quesQon your presence.
A sunset at Promthep Cape
Promthep Cape (also called Laem Promthep) is the name of the rocky headland than juts out into the sea at the far south west of Phuket. It's Phuket most southerly and southwesterly point.
Promthep Cape Guide
Kayaking
John Gray’s Sea Canoe124 Soi 1, Yaowaraj Road | Taladyai, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000
John Gray's Sea Canoe
Adventurer's Advice
Water sports: Take a boat ride from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay NaQonal Park. (This was listed in the Phang Nga Bay secQon but here’s a refresher on its offerings in case you’re in Phuket looking for a day trip:
Phan Nga is known for its islets, sunken caverns, and intriguing rock formaQons that rise verQcally out of the sea. The Phang Nga Bay is one of the best scuba diving desQnaQons in all of Thailand. But as it is such a sheltered area, the park can easily be explored by sea kayak if you’d like to stay above water for the majority of Qme,
KOH PHA-‐NGAN
Pronounced “go pah – naahn”
The site of the world-‐famous Full Moon Party, Koh Pha-‐Ngan is just one of eighty islands in the Gulf of Siam. It sits seven miles north of Koh Samui and is the largest inhabited island in the Gulf.
If you plan to visit Koh Pha-‐Ngan, you’ll likely be looking for details on the Full Moon Party. It’s happening on Saturday May 2nd.
Ideally you want to arrive a day early to give you at least a bit of an idea of what the area is like. That said, accommodaQons are tough to come by this weekend. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to make a reservaQon at a place you can see and evaluate before booking, then spend Qme exploring, relaxing and meeQng travelers from all over the world.
See the ‘AccommodaQons’ secQon for opQons on where you can stay if you want to make the trip.
Although it’s a bit more expensive, the most convenient way is to fly. If you think the Full Moon Party is something you want to experience, I recommend flying from Bangkok to Koh Samui because the train and bus trips can be long and uncomfortable.
Flight Options
Aher you land in Koh Samui, you can book bus and boat Qckets from the airport transportaQon/limousine counter.
Most ferries arrive at the main port of Thong Sala on the NW Corner of the island
See web resources for ferry opQons, Qmetables & Recommended boaQng oumits:
High Speed Catamarans Sea Transportation Express Boat
Travel Ames:
Koh Samui – Koh Pha-‐ngan: 20 -‐ 55 minutes via speed boat or hi-‐speed catamaran
Surat Thani – Koh Pha-‐ngan: Five-‐six hours with bus transfers and boat ride
More details for your opQons on how to get there:
Travel Options
Expert's Ap: Full Moon Party
If you're open to a boat ride over and back on the day of the party, stay on Koh Samui. Mae Nam on Koh Samui has bungalows for affordable prices & there is transport via ferry over to Koh Phangan and back for the party
• Speed boats operate all day and night during Full Moon Party and will cost an average of 300 THB ($9-‐$10)
• Recommended traveler's resource upon arrival: Backpacker's InformaQon Center (located in Haad Rin)
Feed Me
EaQng on Koh Pha-‐ngan can be done on a budget, but there are also a few nice restaurants. As this e-‐resource details, you can take advantage of the local supermarket in Thong Sala, as well as the fresh vegetable and fruit markets.
Eating Well in Phangan Another e-‐ resource that includes certain restaurants & photographs:
Where to Eat in Phangan
Ferry opAons & Ametables
Ferry Timetables
Bet you didn't know:
Koh Phangan was a favorite spot of King Chulalongkorn, who visited the island fourteen Qmes from 1888 and 1909. However evidence of its habitaQon date as far back as two thousand years ago aher a Bronze Drum of the Dongson culture was found and idenQfied.
History Buffs
The oldest structure on the island is Wat Nai – a stupa at Ban Nua Village, assumed to have been build over 400 years ago in the Ayuthaya Period (1350 – 1767)
KOH SAMUI
Picture this: you watch a coconut fall from a palm tree, then learn how to cut it open in order to enjoy its nutrient-‐rich water. If this sounds nice, Koh Samui might be your spot. Coconut palms crowd the inner secQons of this island and are a staple to the local economy with approximately 2 million coconuts shipped to Bangkok each month.
Here you can sip a drink at a beachside bar, or rent a bungalow and you’ll fit right in with the relaxed lifestyle and easy-‐going pace the island has to offer. While it’s become more touristy since word got out about its beauty in the 1970’s, it’s sQll worth a visit.
Adventurer’s Advice
Ang Thong NaAonal Marine Park
Take an excursion to one of the island outcroppings you can see from shore. Then jump in the water with a snorkel and mask, or even an air tank….Ang Thong NaQonal Marine Park offers some of the best underwater exploraQon in the Gulf of Siam.
Keep in mind that if you want to explore the offshore beauty, but primarily from above the water, you can also explore via sea kayak
You aren’t guaranteed a tourist-‐free experience as the park’s beauty make it an apracQve desQnaQon, but most good operators will know how to find a quiet stretch of beach, or a place to snorkel that doesn’t require management of underwater traffic.
Here are the recommended excursion companies that offer both snorkeling and kayaking tours:
Blue Stars Kayaking and Snorkeling (especially for kayaking)
Tours Koh Samui
AccommodaAon RecommendaAons
Below you’ll find links to websites where you can both research and book lodging based on where you’ll be on what date. Some of the search results have dates pre-‐populated in order to give you an idea of the lisQngs, so just make sure you adjust the dates accordingly based on your intended desQnaQon.
Koh Phi Phi
Best Places to Stay
Hotel Availability
Phuket
Budget Hotels
Midrange Hotels
Koh Samui
Hotel Availability
Lamai Beach Resorts
Resort Availability
Sherpa Speaks: If the first resort listed (Silvadee Pool Spa) is in your price range, check it out virtually under the GALLERY menu:
360 Virtual Tour
Koh Phangan
If you must book ahead of Qme, use a phone instead of booking online.
Hotel Availability
If lodging at Haad Rin is too expensive or fully booked, these are alternate beaches that may have available lodging opQons:
Baan Tai
Baan Kai
Ao Thong Sala
Ao Plaay Laem
Haad Yuan (if you don't mind an extra boat ride)
General
Here is an addiQonal resource that yields a decent list of results for accommodaQon opQons:
AsiaWebDirect
A blog on the best beaches in Thailand in case you’d like to see some photos and get more details on where you’ll be able to relax and soak up some rays. This link includes five beaches in both Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan
Best Beaches in Thailand