We are so excited you are joining us in Thailand
Below is some additional information that will help you prepare for the trip
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions
FLIGHTS
-Plan to arrive in Bangkok anytime on Feb 13th and leave Bangkok anytime on
Feb 22nd, we will meet you at the airport and take a shuttle with you to the hotel
-To arrive on the 13th you will most likely leave the U.S. on Feb 12th
-We usually use kayak.com to see several flight options
-Right now flights are really affordable so if you can- buy soon
-If you want us to help you find a flight just reach out we are happy to
-Flights out of JFK and Chicago are really affordable so you can also consider flying there first
-If you want to have a long layover and check out Beijing or Tokyo for example you can search multi-city instead of round-trip or one-way and give yourself an extra day. Let me know if you want ideas here like seeing the great wall of china on your way!
-Make the most of your layover- airport guides, sleeping in airports and more can be found here: sleepinginairports
INSURANCE
We highly recommend travelers insurance. In the past we used this insurance company and our camera broke in Thailand and they sent us money right away to buy a new one.
We will not be liable for anything that happens to you or your belonging on this trip and will have a liability form that we will need you to sign before the trip so please get insurance so you are covered.
You can quickly view a plan with the widget below, expect a standard plan to cost around $75 and the explorer plan around $135
Plans cover
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details
We will not be liable for anything that happens to you or your belonging on this trip and will have a liability form that we will need you to sign before the trip so please get insurance so you are covered.
You can quickly view a plan with the widget below, expect a standard plan to cost around $75 and the explorer plan around $135
Plans cover
- Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense
- Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Baggage & Personal Effects
- Baggage Delay (outward journey only)
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – where permissible
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- One Call 24-Hour Assistance Services
- One Call Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation Services
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details
VISA
You will receive a visa on arrival so don't worry about this!
Personal Information we need to book a short flight within thailand for you
Please copy and then fill out the following information and get it to us soon so we can book the in country flights (RT Bankok-Krabi)
Full name as it appears on passport:
Nationality:
Gender:
Date of Birth:
Passport #:
Passport expiry date:
Full name as it appears on passport:
Nationality:
Gender:
Date of Birth:
Passport #:
Passport expiry date:
VACCINES
You can read The Center for Disease Control's information here: cdc.gov/thailand
Notes: (highlights from the above link)
-Malaria- Rare to few cases in other parts of Thailand, including other parts of Krabi Province and the cities of Bangkok (where we will be)
-Japanese Encephalitis-The overall incidence of JE among people from nonendemic countries traveling to Asia is estimated to be <1 case per 1 million travelers.
Notes: (highlights from the above link)
-Malaria- Rare to few cases in other parts of Thailand, including other parts of Krabi Province and the cities of Bangkok (where we will be)
-Japanese Encephalitis-The overall incidence of JE among people from nonendemic countries traveling to Asia is estimated to be <1 case per 1 million travelers.
SAFETY & SECURITY
s-Bring a copy of your passport and travel insurance. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good idea.
-Leave your passport and valuables in the safe in the room.
-Consider registering with SMART Traveler Program who can contact your family in case of emergency
REMAINING PAYMENT
Please pay for your trip in full by Jan 10th. If it helps you budget we can set up 3 monthly payments, just let us know.
While in Thailand you will want to have some baht (their currency) on you for shopping or anything extra throughout the trip. You can take this out once there at an ATM, just let your bank know you will be traveling. You could also bring U.S. cash and exchange it at the airport. Or you can get Thai baht in the U.S. at a AAA or possibly at your bank. We usually trade in some money at the airport and also use ATMs with no problems. Visas and Mastercard are accepted in some places but American Express usually isn't.
CONNECT WITH THE GROUP
We created a facebook group-Thailand 2020, please use this to introduce yourselves and ask questions here as others may have the same questions.
-Leave your passport and valuables in the safe in the room.
-Consider registering with SMART Traveler Program who can contact your family in case of emergency
REMAINING PAYMENT
Please pay for your trip in full by Jan 10th. If it helps you budget we can set up 3 monthly payments, just let us know.
While in Thailand you will want to have some baht (their currency) on you for shopping or anything extra throughout the trip. You can take this out once there at an ATM, just let your bank know you will be traveling. You could also bring U.S. cash and exchange it at the airport. Or you can get Thai baht in the U.S. at a AAA or possibly at your bank. We usually trade in some money at the airport and also use ATMs with no problems. Visas and Mastercard are accepted in some places but American Express usually isn't.
CONNECT WITH THE GROUP
We created a facebook group-Thailand 2020, please use this to introduce yourselves and ask questions here as others may have the same questions.
CULTURAL INFORMATION
Thai people do not shake hands when meeting for the first time. They greet one another with the WAI, which is pressing your palms together, about chest level and bowing your head slightly. Watch this video for a demo.
Thai culture considers the head the most respectable part of the body and the feet the least respectable. Thus, it is considered slightly offensive to touch someones head. It is also slightly offensive to raise your feet at someone or towards a religious object (like a Buddha statue or a photo of the King).
Thai culture is very big on "saving face." This means, while in public, don't raise your voice with emotion or be loud and obnoxious. If you happen to get into a disagreement with someone, do not make it public or embarrass them or yourself.
Some Thai merchants and business owners don't use price tags. A lot of times they give you a price expecting you to negotiate. A good deal is one that both parties feel is fair. Remember to always save face and have a smile ready and, worst case, if you can't get a price you like, you're more than likely negotiating over a few dollars. ($1 = 30 Thai Baht).
You can read more on thai culture here.