How to enjoy a trip to Thailand

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By BeingArtsy
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Thailand is one of my favorite places to visit. I enjoy it because it’s tropical, it is inexpensive, and it is a completely different culture from my own. People are friendly. The food is great. Souvenirs are cheap. And most importantly, you can get a proper massage for less than it costs you to feed your family dinner at a fast food restaurant. Here are some suggestions of where to go, how to get there, and what to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Flight tickets to Thailand
Time to Travel
Patience to get there
An empty suitcase for the souvenirs you will return with

Step 1

Believe it or not, tickets to Thailand go on sale at various times of the year. Once, I remember Economy class fares being $699 American dollars on one major airline. Call and ask a representative of any major airline about sales, or just keep your eyes on the prices. On sites such as CheapTickets.com, or Orbitz.com, you can find round trip fares to Bangkok right now for under $2,000. This may seem steep to those who travel infrequently, and the sale fares are economy class fares but it is well worth it when you arrive
Step 2

Sometimes, it is beneficial to stay in a hotel a little farther away from the main tourist attractions. You will pay more for your taxi, but you are in Thailand where one U.S. dollar is equivalent to about 32 Thai Baht so it won’t cost you your retirement fund to pay a little more for the ride to the action if your accommodations are in a more serene area of town. There are cozy hotel-condos on the riverfront. One that I’ve used is called The Riverfront Residence Bangkok where you can have great accommodations for between $50- $70 U.S. dollars per night. Continental breakfast is included daily, and they provide van service to and from the airport for free. http://www.asia-discovery.com/bangkok/riverfront-residence/accom.htm
Step 3

Restaurants are plentiful. American fast food chains are located in the downtown area in case you are leery about trying something new. You can take a taxi to the downtown area but be aware not to be swindled out of too much money by the driver! Ask your hotel staff the approximate cost BEFORE you get in the taxi. Unfortunately, some drivers will try to take advantage.
Step 4

One of my favorite things to do in Thailand is to visit a Tailor. I literally tear pictures of celebrities wearing clothes I love but cannot afford, like a Versace pants suit, out of magazines, take the photograph to a tailor in Thailand, and get fitted for my new outfit. They are so talented that they can complete the suit after you’ve selected your material in a matter of days—including all fittings. The quality is excellent, and you will not believe the prices. The imitation suit cost me a mere $140 American, and was tailor made to my specifications. Try beating that in your home town. I get many compliments on it and love the way it fits. You must experience this!
Step 5

Hop on a quick and very inexpensive flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to experience some of the Northern history and charm. Schedule a day trip and go on elephant rides, visit waterfalls and villages for 200-500 Baht each, or plan a package deal for 1200 Baht and up. Simply go online and enter “Northern Thailand day trips” and start there. Real people happily communicate any information you request in a timely manner

Comments

dorigillman said

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on 6/2/2009 we honeymooned in thailand 10 years ago. it is wonderful and truly a bargain. our flights were about 800 round trip including a six nights in bangkok at the holiday inn ( which is quite luxurious in thailand.) we never made it to the mountains, though. spent 6 nights at different beaches.