In the last (several) years, Thailand became an extremely touristy destination and we thought to take advantage of the crazy grey winter days of Belgium and head over to the sun. It was my first time off to the east side of the world and so everything was completely new.
Please note this post is not relevant during COVID-19 restriction period, but hopefully it will be of use once this goes back to normal.
Transport Bangkok & Krabi (Ao Nang)
Getting to BKK
Out of Belgium you have direct flights with Thai Airways into Bangkok which can be quite convenient. We opted to fly Ethiad via Abu Dhabi due to the better timings and landed early morning on a Saturday.
Most of the countries in Europe as well as US & CA do not require any VISA, thus things are super easy once you arrive there.
If you are from RO/BG in Europe and from other parts of the world that do require visa please make sure you check the requirements in advance.
​In big lines you'll need a photo (4x6), about 350 Euro, printed tickets of return flight.
Once in Bangkok you need to stay at a different queue to receive the VISA on arrivals and then get to passport control. This can last long, so be patient
​In big lines you'll need a photo (4x6), about 350 Euro, printed tickets of return flight.
Once in Bangkok you need to stay at a different queue to receive the VISA on arrivals and then get to passport control. This can last long, so be patient
From BKK Airport to City
While waiting for the pre-ordered van I saw shuttle buses that would bring you to the city center. I don't have details of how much it would take or the costs of the ticket.
We organized our transport via the hotel.
Airport -> Hotel
- 1600 BHT (vanof 8)
- 1200 BHT (car of 5)
Hotel -> Aiport
- 1200 BHT (vanof 8)
- 800 BHT (car of 5)
The drive takes between 35 - 60 min depending on the traffic and also where your hotel is located.
We organized our transport via the hotel.
Airport -> Hotel
- 1600 BHT (vanof 8)
- 1200 BHT (car of 5)
Hotel -> Aiport
- 1200 BHT (vanof 8)
- 800 BHT (car of 5)
The drive takes between 35 - 60 min depending on the traffic and also where your hotel is located.
Traveling Around Bangkok
We opted to travel via private car (with driver), taxi, boat, walk or take the BTS. With the heat we avoided buses (old and no aircon) and Tuk Tuk - felt a bit dangerous in the crazy Bangkok traffic.
If you are enough - a private car is very convenient as the driver will wait for you and it's rather cheap. Taxis are also very cheap (approx 4 euro for 10 km), so will save you some stress getting around.
For me the most convenient is the Metro (BTS) as it's fast and you will not have to wait in any traffic jams. I add some pictures of prices as it depends on the number of stops you travel.. Remember to keep the card as you'll need it when you go out.
The boat was an interesting experience as we took it from the Golden Temple to Siam and it is very fast.
If you decide to walk, bear in mind that this is a super polluted city and so you'll feel it after a while in the streets.
Flying Domestic
There are several airlines that fly internal. We picked Thai Airways as it was the only one that did not have any hidden charges. The ticket includes a 20kg check in luggage + Hand Luggage (7kg - but flexible).
To our surprise we flew on one of the big birds - I think it was a Airbus A330 (twin-jet) where you also get a snack for the 1h 30 min flight.
To our surprise we flew on one of the big birds - I think it was a Airbus A330 (twin-jet) where you also get a snack for the 1h 30 min flight.
Krabi Airport to Ao Nang (and back)
This was madness. Arriving in the Airport the private vans/cars operators jump on you like vultures. Anyway, stay calm and let the negotiation begin. You might be able to get it cheaper, but as an idea we paid 800 baht (24 Euro) private car - 8 people to Ao Nang.
Transportation around Ao Nang
In Ao Nang you should walk, or take a tuk tuk if you get too lazy.
If you have any tours organized you can either join the regular tours or go on a private tour. Below an idea of what we paid.
_ Longboat to Railey Beach - 200 baht return (approx 6 Euro) per person. A boat has spaces for 8 people, they leave as soon as they are full. They run daily, last one returning at 18:00.
- Emerald Pool & Hot Springs - 2500 baht (approx. 75 Euro) - private car for 8 people
- Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill - 1500 baht (approx. 45 Euro) - private car for 8 people
- Phi Phi Islands - Van + Boat 10000 baht (approx 300 Euro) - private car + private speed boat for 8 people
(you still have some entry fees for some, will document in the more specific post)
If you have any tours organized you can either join the regular tours or go on a private tour. Below an idea of what we paid.
_ Longboat to Railey Beach - 200 baht return (approx 6 Euro) per person. A boat has spaces for 8 people, they leave as soon as they are full. They run daily, last one returning at 18:00.
- Emerald Pool & Hot Springs - 2500 baht (approx. 75 Euro) - private car for 8 people
- Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill - 1500 baht (approx. 45 Euro) - private car for 8 people
- Phi Phi Islands - Van + Boat 10000 baht (approx 300 Euro) - private car + private speed boat for 8 people
(you still have some entry fees for some, will document in the more specific post)
Accommodation
That's a tough one :) - I traveled in a group of friends with different requirements and expectations regarding accommodation. Below were the selected options - and a high-level review.
Bangkok
We stayed at Galleria Sukhumvit 10 Bangkok by Compass Hospitality.
Hotel Stars: 4
​Price: 35 Euro per person per night
Breakfast: they have a live cooking station - which is nice, fruits, pancakes, croissants and several lunch/dinner type of dishes (in what we would consider in Europe). Coffee is very bad.
Rooftop bar - it's nice and relaxing. the food at the restaurant is good
Location: 5 min walk from Nana Metro Stop; 15 min walk from the Cowboy street.
Rooms: triple rooms are very tight and the 3rd bed is not the same as the other 2.
Bathrooms: not as clean as i would like to have a hotel bathroom
Hotel Stars: 4
​Price: 35 Euro per person per night
Breakfast: they have a live cooking station - which is nice, fruits, pancakes, croissants and several lunch/dinner type of dishes (in what we would consider in Europe). Coffee is very bad.
Rooftop bar - it's nice and relaxing. the food at the restaurant is good
Location: 5 min walk from Nana Metro Stop; 15 min walk from the Cowboy street.
Rooms: triple rooms are very tight and the 3rd bed is not the same as the other 2.
Bathrooms: not as clean as i would like to have a hotel bathroom
Krabi
We stayed at Kokotel Krabi Ao Nang
Hotel Stars: 3
Price: 35 - 40 Euro per night
Breakfast: Basic, some fruits, eggs, cereals, some lunch/dinner type of dishes (in what we would consider in Europe). Coffee was very bad.
Rooftop: It had a swimming pool - did not check it out.
Location: 5 - 10 min walk from the beach
Rooms: Big enough and clean. The aircon was not well placed so you could not really sleep with it on.
Bathrooms: not the most modern ones, but ok.
Hotel Stars: 3
Price: 35 - 40 Euro per night
Breakfast: Basic, some fruits, eggs, cereals, some lunch/dinner type of dishes (in what we would consider in Europe). Coffee was very bad.
Rooftop: It had a swimming pool - did not check it out.
Location: 5 - 10 min walk from the beach
Rooms: Big enough and clean. The aircon was not well placed so you could not really sleep with it on.
Bathrooms: not the most modern ones, but ok.
Other Items to Consider
Food & Drinks - Price Expectations
If eating & drinking out expect high prices:
Beer (small) 80 - 100 baht (2.5 - 3 Euro)
Cocktails: 200 - 300 baht (6- 9 Euro) - the amount of alcohol inside is very little
Wine: 1200 - 1500 baht per bottle (36 - 45 Euro)
Thai Food: 180 - 240 baht (6-8 Euro)
Fish/Sea food dishes: 500 baht (15 Euro)
a lot of places will add a 10% service tax, 7% VAT and if you pay by card 3 % on top of above listed.
At least in Bangkok - Alcohol is not severed in most of the places (including bards) between 14:00 -17:00 to avoid kids buying alcohol.
In supermarkets - you can't buy alcohol between 00:00 - 11:00.
Beer (small) 80 - 100 baht (2.5 - 3 Euro)
Cocktails: 200 - 300 baht (6- 9 Euro) - the amount of alcohol inside is very little
Wine: 1200 - 1500 baht per bottle (36 - 45 Euro)
Thai Food: 180 - 240 baht (6-8 Euro)
Fish/Sea food dishes: 500 baht (15 Euro)
a lot of places will add a 10% service tax, 7% VAT and if you pay by card 3 % on top of above listed.
At least in Bangkok - Alcohol is not severed in most of the places (including bards) between 14:00 -17:00 to avoid kids buying alcohol.
In supermarkets - you can't buy alcohol between 00:00 - 11:00.
Safety
All locations felt safe despite the crowds.
When it comes to health safety, this is another story.
- Bangkok is super polluted and you will see a lot of the locals wearing masks.
- Food safety - meat & fish is held outside in the heat - so I was reluctant to eat street food
- Water & Ice - as per medical recommendations - consume only bottled water and ask your drinks without ice.
When it comes to health safety, this is another story.
- Bangkok is super polluted and you will see a lot of the locals wearing masks.
- Food safety - meat & fish is held outside in the heat - so I was reluctant to eat street food
- Water & Ice - as per medical recommendations - consume only bottled water and ask your drinks without ice.
Cash vs Cards
Bring CASH - Euro/USD not that relevant. There are exchange offices everywhere. Apparently the best one is Super Rich which you can find in the metro stations (BTS).
Taking out money - you need to pay 220 baht fixed on any transactions. Even if you have cards like for eg. Revolut.
Taking out money - you need to pay 220 baht fixed on any transactions. Even if you have cards like for eg. Revolut.
What to Wear
In general in Bangkok - i wore shorts and a t-shirt, having a scarf with me at all times, in case we would enter a temple.
In Ao Nang - beach wear :)
In Ao Nang - beach wear :)
For the temples:
Women:
- Bottom - long (non tight) pants, after knees skirts. If shorts - you should be able to cover with a scarf.
- Upper - you can't use a scarf to cover your shoulders, make sure you have a dress with shot sleeves or a t-shirt.
Men:
- Bottom - you can't cover with a scarf, you need to have long pants. You can but for 100 baht a pair if you don't have any long pants with you.
Upper: T-shirt
Women:
- Bottom - long (non tight) pants, after knees skirts. If shorts - you should be able to cover with a scarf.
- Upper - you can't use a scarf to cover your shoulders, make sure you have a dress with shot sleeves or a t-shirt.
Men:
- Bottom - you can't cover with a scarf, you need to have long pants. You can but for 100 baht a pair if you don't have any long pants with you.
Upper: T-shirt
What to bring with you
Adapter - you might not need it. Thailand has plugs type A (like in US), type B (US + pin), type C (Europe)
Mosquito Repellent - make sure you have the tropical mosquito spray with you.
Sun Cream - there is a lot of sun, so put your cream on.
Remember: Cream first - wait 30 min - mosquito second :)
Rain Gear - not sure if this applies year round, but if you travel Krabi area early December, you will most probably need it.
Mosquito Repellent - make sure you have the tropical mosquito spray with you.
Sun Cream - there is a lot of sun, so put your cream on.
Remember: Cream first - wait 30 min - mosquito second :)
Rain Gear - not sure if this applies year round, but if you travel Krabi area early December, you will most probably need it.
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