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About i-to-i What i-to-i trips and TEFL are, how and why we do what we do!
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This 4 week experience is probably the best possible way to experience this wonderful country. From spending time in the amazing metropolis that is Bangkok (one of our favourite cities in the world) to the stunning scenery and people of Sangkhlaburi on the Burmese border, volunteering with local communities in rural areas to partying on the stunning beaches of Koh Pha Ngan. This is an ideal trip for those of you that like to party hard as well as work hard!
Fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (code BKK) where you will be met by the local team and taken to your accommodation in the heart of Bangkok. Depending on what time you arrive you can either relax after your flight or, for the more adventurous, stretch your legs and begin to explore this amazing city!
Please note if you are arriving before 6am on the arrival date you will need to arrange an extra night of accommodation.
Overnight in Bangkok
In the morning the team will give you a brief overview of what's to come in the next 4 weeks before heading off on a tour of the wonderful city of Bangkok. This is included and will be setting off at about 10am so feel free to join in! After about a 15 minute walk through the bustling streets of Bangkok you will come to the magnificent Grand Palace where absolutely everything seems to glisten in the sunshine and you will be in awe of the truly wonderful architecture. The entrance fee is not included but it is a must, however there are stalls nearby if you decide not to go in.
After your visit to the Palace you will have lunch before heading off to Wat Arun (known as the Temple of the Dawn) which is a quick stop over the Chao Phraya river. After climbing some ancient steps you will be able to have some amazing views of the city of Bangkok, then it is off across the river again to Wat Po, the home of the Reclining Buddha and probably the most famous temple in all of Thailand - it's also home to one of the best traditional massage centres in the country if you fancy resting those weary limbs. Late afternoon you will head back to Khaosan Road and the hotel where you can have a rest before you meet for dinner or head off for some souvenir shopping in and around the Khaosan Road area.
In the evening you will all be getting together over a welcome meal so you can get to know each other better over some great food! You may also fancy heading off afterwards to check out the plenty of shops, bars and internet cafes, oh and a couple of night clubs if you can manage it!
Overnight in Bangkok, breakfast included
After a leisurely morning you'll leave around lunchtime for Kanchanaburi (by bus/train), a lovely town situated on the River Kwai made famous by its bridge. The town is located about 130 km west of Bangkok and the journey there will take approximately 2.5 hours. There will be plenty of time to unpack and relax when you arrive or you can even take a dip in the swimming pool if you feel like it. The hotel is situated near the river and around a 10 minute walk from the town. You will be staying in twin share rooms with air conditioning and breakfast will be provided during your stay here.
In the evening you'll go for a boat trip along the River Kwai including dinner - surely one of the best ways to dine!
Overnight in Kanchanaburi, breakfast and dinner included
Today is a water filled day as you travel to the Erawan National park to spend time at this stunning place of natural beauty. You will be surrounded by waterfalls that lay on several different levels feeding freshwater pools where you will be able to take a plunge in the revitalising waters! For the best views of the forest head to level seven - a bit of a hike but well worth it!
Overnight in Kanchanaburi, breakfast included
Start off today by buying the ingredients (fun in itself!) and then try your hand at cooking what some think is the best food in the world - will it be that good when you make it? Well there's only one way to find out. The cooking lesson will get you preparing (and eating!) a fantastic lunch and dinner, Enjoy.
Overnight in Kanchanaburi, breakfast included
Today you will have a tour of 3 temples around the area and be inspired about Buddhism, also you will have the opportunity of learning more about Thai meditation. Buddhist beliefs are at the centre of life in Thailand and this will give you a fascinating insight into what's going on around you as you travel around the country.
Overnight in Kanchanaburi, breakfast included
Today is a free day for you to do whatever you want, whether you want to explore the area, relax by the pool or catch up on some sleep - the choice is entirely yours. You may want to visit the Tiger Temple and feed the tiger cubs or take a river tour, there will be plenty of options for you but please remember that you will need to pay for these locally. Don`t forget though that the local team are on hand to give you lots of advice on what to do too!
Overnight in Kanchanaburi, breakfast included
Today you will head off to Sangkhlaburi, about 230 km North West of Kanchanaburi. The journey will take approximately 3 hours and you will stop on the way at Hell Fire Pass. Sangkhlaburi is one of the most stunning locations in the whole of South East Asia - a small town inhabited by a mixture of Thai, Mon and Karen people, set up in the hills on the Burmese border right next to a beautiful lake. This is the 'real' Thailand and in many ways it's a privilege as a traveller to be able to stay in and explore this area. You will have a day here to get to know the area before starting your project tomorrow.
Overnight in Sangkhlaburi, breakfast included
Throughout the year there are a range of different activities and projects undertaken to support the communities in and around Sangkhlabhuri. These range from working in orphanages in and around Sangkhlaburu to helping out at local schools - although from time to time The exact work that you will be doing depends on the needs of the community when you are in Sangkhlaburi so please be prepared to be flexible and participate in whichever activities are taking place when you arrive. Below is a little information on the two core project types to give you an idea of the sorts of things you may be able to get involved with!
• Childcare – the orphanages in Sangkhlaburi have seen a large influx of children over the previous year and much help is needed to look after these disadvantaged children. They are mainly under 5 years of age although there may be children of all ages at the orphanage but they do all have one thing in common - they need the help and support of the volunteers to play with them, arrange fun activities, and just give them that special care and attention that they need. All in all you will have an amazing time as you see their faces light up when they see you and you will know that you have brought some happiness into their lives. Activities vary from growing exotic fruits to common garden vegetables to small building projects or playing games with the children, whatever is needed at that time, you'll be helping to support the local community and children.
• Challenge – this option will allow volunteer to get stuck-in with short to medium term projects that will make such an amazing difference to the community. An example of a previous challenge is in 2011 when volunteer built a 1km water pipe that now supplies water to a village of 400!
Ovenight in Sangkhlaburi (or local volunteer accommodation if on the Hill tribe project). Breakfast included
Your morning will start with an enjoyable walk across Sangkhlaburi’s famous wooded bridge to the Mon village. You will have the opportunity to visit the Mon temple and Golden Pagoda and soak up the local culture. Be prepared to get wet in the aftrenoon as you raft the white waves of the river – great fun! An amazing opportunity which you won`t want to miss!
Overnight in Sangkhlaburi, breakfast included
Today you will be donning your walking shoes and seeing more of this beautiful countryside on foot! You don’t have to be super fit for this but you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery at your pace. You’ll be walking for two days for approximately 5 hours each and camping overnight.
Overnight in Sangkhlaburi, breakfast included
You will have the weekend free to explore the town or simply relax and soak up the laid back vibes of this wonderful place! Or if more exerting activities are more your thing why not try some Zorbing, quad biking, Zip lines, kayaking or a bit of Muay Thai which is some Thai kick boxing! If all that is too much then you can always try the Nature club! You will need to pay for these activities locally so please budget accordingly.
Overnight in Sangkhlaburi, breakfast included.
Today you will experience having an elephant ride and learning how you steer these mighty creatures! You will be amazed as to how docile these magnificent creatures are and you will be the envy of your friends back home. We will then head to a Karen hill tribe village learning about how the locals live, their background and the problems they face. End the day at our Dream House visiting our own children’s home. A perfect end to a perfect adventure in Sangklaburi.
Overnight in Sangkhlaburi, breakfast included
After your all you hard project work you can spend the day at a waterfall and hot springs. It will take about 1.5 hours to reach the waterfall where you will be able to climb and explore the local area. After the waterfall you will travel on for about 10 minutes to the hot springs where you can relax and let the hot water gently ease any aching muscles, especially if you have been farming! Tonight you will travel onwards to Kho Pha Ngan by an overnight bus (taking about 8 hours) and then a 2 hour ferry ride to the island, phew, sounds a lot but worth it when you get there!
Overnight bus with reclining seats, breakfast included
You will arrive on the island at about midday and settle in to your accommodation. From now on you have some free time to explore the island, chill and catch some rays or you could decide to take one of the many diving courses if you fancy! Don’t forget to budget for this though!
Koh Pha Ngan is a fun filled island that enjoys to party! It is famous for the full moon parties where people come from all over the world to enjoy the festivities, but don`t worry if you miss this as there are also half moon and black moon parties - any excuse hey! Now you have finished the hard work it is time to party hard! Accommodation is in the south of the island at Baan Thai and is located near to the beach. You will be in twin share rooms with a fan either in a hotel or in a beach hut. As it is a party island you will be located in a party area and be able to party as long as you can!
Overnight in Koh Pha Ngan, breakfast is included.
Now you can kick back and enjoy a few days on what is one of the world's most famous islands - sun, great people, stunning beaches and blue sea. Hmmm - it's a tough life isn't it?
If you are not easing your hangover quietly on the beach then you may prefer to get out and about on a boat trip around the island taking in some snorkelling, or a bit of sea fishing, jet skiiing or you could even take your 5 day open water PADI course (this costs approximately US$300) or if you prefer dry land what about an elephant trek? Again please remember to budget accordingly!
Overnight in Koh Pha Ngan, breakfast included
Today you will say farewell to the beach and head back off to Bangkok using the same route as you did on the way out (2 hour ferry followed by an 8 hour bus ride). You'll stay in the same central location as on your first night of the trip and have the evening free to enjoy as you wish.
Overnight in Bangkok, breakfast included
Today you will make your own arrangements to get to the airport for your homeward flight or for your onwards travels. Don`t forget the local team are on hand to advise if you need any help!
Please note that the nature of this trip attracts the younger age range and those of you that are young at heart! It is a great trip for those of you who like to work hard and play hard as you will be located in a party area during your time on Kho Pha Ngan where there will be plenty of nightlife and a party atmosphere.
Please note that minimum numbers apply for this trip to run, please enquire for details.
Sangkhlaburi is small town and is a beautiful and unspoilt area of Thailand where you will see some stunning views, plenty to do and see and will also have the opportunity to work with the local people on a choice of projects. This is a place where very few tourists get to visit so be prepared for a great experience, however the town does have everything that you will need including shops, internet, bank, ATM, post office, bars, restaurants and a medical centre.
There is a choice of 2 projects that you can work on at Sangkhlaburi and your choice does need to be advised at the time of booking so that our in country team are aware. You will be working on the volunteer project from Monday to Thursday.
Sangkhlaburi is a small town and has not received many tourists so you will have a great insight into the way of life of these people. The inhabitants are mostly made up of Burmese, Thai, Karen and Mon people and you will find that not mush English is spoken but you will have a great time with sign language if need be!
You will be helping the people at the projects by helping to provide the foundation to a better way of life whether you will be teaching English, caring for younger children, helping with income generated projects and farming, or working with the local hill tribe.
As the majority of people are from the local hill tribes and are classed as illegal immigrants they need help that they otherwise would not receive. Life is harder for them as they do not have the same opportunities available to them as Thai residents. Your help is invaluable to them as they try and improve their lifestyle.
You will be helping to teach English to the children at the schools or orphanages so that they have more opportunity when they get older of being able to obtain better employment.
The younger children in the orphanages will be able to learn English through your fun activities and also learn from you by example, they will also gain so much from the individual care and attention that you will be able to give them too which is very much in short supply.
Learn about the way of life of the hill tribe people as you help with their income generating projects and you if you have any ideas too we are sure that they will be welcomed! You can also help them to build and farm and see how much difference a pair of hands can make.
You will be working on the projects from Monday to Thursday for one week during your 4 week trip and you can expect to be working full days. You will receive a full orientation prior to starting your project so that you can learn more about the Thai culture, way of life and what you will be doing on your project.
Depending on what project you choose you will be getting involves in various activities but above all you will be helping a community that does not have the same opportunities that are open to all Thai people. Your views, input, dedication, care and support will be very much appreciated.
You will find that the resources at these projects, especially working with the children, are limited so you may want to consider donating some useful items to the organizers. This is not essential though but you may feel that once you have worked at the project you are pleased that you have been able to provide something no matter how small. Useful items would be clothes such as T-shirts and shorts (these do no need to be new but can be second hand), toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and shampoo, toys and reading materials. If you do decide to donate, please give these items to the coordinators who will help you to distribute them fairly among the children.
The most important thing you’ll need is a willingness to get stuck in in whatever project you are on and if you are working with the children do not forget to learn ‘heads, shoulders, knees and toes’ for the children!
It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you fora the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.
Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….
We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More
Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.
Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.
It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time - especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.
Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!
Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More
Your in-country team will arrange a pick-up for you at the airport and will conduct your orientation upon arrival. All coordination teams are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More
Aside from the local support from your in-country team you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by our response team in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More
The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. We also fly in our in-country coordinators to the UK regularly for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More
We don't fund our projects directly from the project fee that you pay us. Instead we choose to support a number of projects every year through a grant scheme for tangible long-term initiatives. In the last 3 years we have distributed over US$250,000 to our most needy projects to help them in the great work they do.
We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.
Volunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here
We aim to provide you with a safe and soft landing into your destination by picking you up from the airport and taking you to your accommodation where you will stay for the first two nights. There will also be a welcome dinner on the first evening which is a great time to meet your fellow travellers and your in country team. Here's what will happen:
You will arrive on the Arrival Date - Friday and will be met at the airport on that day. Once you have cleared Passport Control, collected your luggage and passed through Customs you will enter the main terminal building. At this point please turn right and walk towards Exit Door 3, keeping the large windows on your left. As you approach Door 3 you will see many people holding name signs, one of these will be part of your in-country team. Please approach them and introduce yourself
You will then be taken to the Sawasdee Bangkok Inn, (see contact details below) where you will have the first day/night to recover from your flight. There will be a welcome dinner on the Friday evening.
Note: If you're arriving early you will need to arrange a taxi to the accommodation and pre book any accommodation as our team are unable to provide early airport pick ups. If you wish to make your own way please arrange to be at the address below on the arrival date:
Sawasdee Bangkok Inn
126/2 Khaosan Road
Banglumpu
Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200
The next day you will follow the itinerary that is detailed on the website but please note the tour is subject to change.
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You will be staying in 4 different locations throughout the trip based on twin share rooms of the same sex. All rooms will have a bathroom with shower and western toilets although some rooms have Asian toilets aswell. There will also be a communal area where you can catch up with your new found friends. These accommodations will generally be basic but clean, faciliities will vary according to the location.
Bangkok
On arrival into Bangkok on the scheduled arrival day you will be spending two nights in a hostel in the lively Sukhumvit area. You will be situated near to main attractions such as Siam Square at around 10 minutes away, MBK shopping centre, and Suanlam night Bazaar. The hostel is just a few minutes walk from the BTS sky train and MRT subway stations. There are restaurants and bars nearby and on the first night you have an opportunity to get together and enjoy a welcome dinner where you have the chance to meet all your fellow travellers.
Your last night will also be in this hotel at the end of your trip.
Kanchanaburi
You will be spending 6 nights in Kanchanaburi in a guesthouse with a swimming pool so do not forget your swim suit! Restaurants, bars, shops, cafes, banks and internet are within walking distance or a short tuk tuk ride.
Sangkhlaburi
You will be staying for 13 nights in Sangkhlaburi during your trip and this hotel is situated close to the markets and shops so you can easily shop for souvenirs!
Overnight bus
1 night will be spent on an overnight bus when you travel from Sangkhlaburi to the island of Koh Pha Ngan. This will be an air-conditioned bus with reclining seats.
Koh Pha Ngan
6 nights twin share accommodation in a resort close to the beach. Please note the accommodation is a mixture of hotel rooms and beach huts. There are also fans in the rooms.
Breakfast is included throughout your trip, most lunches and dinners are not included so that you can take the opportunity to sample the local food and eat in various places rather than just at the accommodation.
This is a list of some of the things that you may need to bring with you;
• Secure, waterproof bag for documents and money: sealable plastic bags will do
• Personal hygiene kit, toiletries and towel
• Sunglasses (high UV protection)
• Sun cream (high factor needed)
• Small torch (head torch is preferable)
• Padlock (needed for locker in Bangkok)
• Diary and writing pens
• Camera/batteries/film or memory card
• Water bottle – at least 75cl
• Day pack/rucksack for everyday use
• MP3 player and headphones/speakers
• Plug adaptor
• Alarm clock/watch
• Travel wash for clothes (biodegradable recommended)
• Travel Guide, such as Lonely Planet or Rough Guide
• Books, cards, board games etc for your free time
• Some teaching material to use in your projects (Games, books, toys, anything you like to use
Clothing
• Sets of outdoor loose fitting cotton clothes with full arm and leg cover for cooler mornings and evenings
• T-shirts for project work
• Trainers
• Casual clothes for the weekends
• Flip flops / sandals
• Swimwear
• Sun hat / Bandana
• Underwear – enough for at least 7 days, possibly more
• Pyjamas/nightwear
• Lightweight fleece or jumper
• Waterproof jacket
The accommodations are situated within walking distance or a short tuk tuk ride away from most local amenities such as bars, restaurants, cafes, bank and internet.
Whilst volunteering in Sangkhlaburi the accommodation will be within walking distance from the project.
Today’s Thailand, formerly called Siam, is the product of a plethora of peoples, cultures and kingdoms, culminating in a 10,000 year history of human triumphs and tribulations. Long before the Thais established the kingdom of Thailand in the 13th century, bronze and iron Age civilisations existed and the following centuries saw the Mon, Malay and Khmer kingdoms stamp their presence on the land. The founding of the modern Thai nation, however, is marked by Thai chieftans overthrowing the Khmers in 1238 to establish the city of Sukhothai as the first Thai Kingdom. During this period other Thai kingdoms were established and alliances were made that enabled Sukhothai to expand and prosper. From 1350, Ayutthaya grew to become the dominant kingdom, and most powerful force in Southeast Asia, as its borders grew to represent the Thailand of today. By the 16th century, Burma’s invasion ended Ayutthaya’s reign and it was eventually destroyed after the Burmese attacked again in 1767.
Today, the country is ruled by the Chakri Dynasty, which have been in power since 1782 and is the only Southeast Asian country to have avoided colonisation. The Chakri achieved economic and social progress, increased foreign trade and consolidated its territorial boundaries. The monarchy’s stable position was uprooted when in 1932 a bloodless coup rid the monarchy of its absolute powers and it was converted into a constitutional monarchy and a mixed military and civilian government gained power. For most of the 20th century the country was under military rule who gained the upper hand over brief periods of civilian rule, sometimes via coups and counter coups. In the 1980s the country enjoyed economic growth and employed democratic civilian rule. In 1997, Thailand adopted a new Constitution set out to enforce ethical electoral procedures, strengthen the political party system and promote human rights. Its political stability, however, remains to be seen following the bloodless military coup in September 2006.
Thailand’s economy has also been tested to the limit, it hit a low point in 1997 as economic crisis hit Southeast Asia and the Thai currency lost mightily against the US dollar. In recent years, it has achieved economic growth. The Asian Tsunami of December 2005, however, hit the country hard in many ways, but it has bounced back and is on the road to recovery.
The delights of Thailand are as diverse as they are abundant. From relaxing with total abandonment on its fine beaches to exploring its temples and beyond, it caters for city dwellers, culture vultures and beach bathers.
Northern Thailand is an historical and cultural mecca and is home to the nation’s first capital Sukhothai. On the ‘to do’ list of many, a visitor must take a trek through the northern hills to explore the region’s tribal groups. This popular pursuit offers a unique insight into the distinctive dress, language and customs of various tribes and the treks can last anything from a few days to a couple of weeks on an organised tour. The tours have gone upscale in recent years with elephant rides and plush accommodation thrown into the equation by some tour operators. While Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are popular starting points, treks in the Mae Hong Sorn and Tak provinces are relatively uncharted territory, though growing in popularity, and are worth exploring.
Sukhothai offers a look back at the past and features a host of ruins and temples. Be sure to go to Old Sukhothai not New Sukhothai which has few, if any, authentic features. In the old city, you’ll find plenty of wats (Buddist temples). Rakhamhaeng National Museum offers an insight into the city’s ancient cultures with an array of ancient finds, while Wat Mahathat is the largest in the city and includes original Buddha images offset by a large ornamented pond. For a slightly less touristy experience, the old city of Si Satchanalai has well preserved ruins such as Wat Chang Lom which features Buddha and elephant imagery.
Bordering with Laos and Cambodia, the north eastern region (known as Isan) isn’t as tourist heavy as other parts of the country but nonetheless it has historic sights together with a mix of Lao and Khmer cultural influences. One of the area’s highlights is Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung Historical Park which sits on the rim of a volcano and is known for its range of Khmer ruins; the restored temple dates from between the 10th and 13th centuries.
With beaches and tropical islands galore, the south of the country harbours a series of extremes from party atmospheres to chill out zones, tourist traps to secluded gems. Phuket and Ko Samui have long been two of the main hotspots in the south. Thailand’s largest and most developed island, Phuket, is a top travel destination for its beaches, nightlife and general easy going, friendly attitude. Ao Patong is the Island’s liveliest beach and also the most developed, though there are some secluded beauty spots to be had on the island. Although relatively close to the airport, Nai Thon beach is one of the few undeveloped beaches remaining on the Island and is ideal for a stress-free sunbathing session. Ultimately, the south’s best kept secluded secrets can be discovered by venturing out to the many islands that are easily accessible on ferries and long boats that leave from the main islands like Phi Phi Island and Phuket.
Thailand is also a divers’ paradise with the marine national park of Koh Similan renowned as a world class diving site. It comprises nine islands with lush forests, picturesque sandy beaches and a mix of marine life including Manta Rays. There are no regular boat services to the islands but it’s possible to get a day trip boat from Phuket or Khao Lak that can take anything between 45 minutes and 3 hours depending on the type of boat. Also, trips to the Island can be restricted and sometimes cease altogether from May to October due to weather conditions. Ko Tao is also a popular divers’ haunt and can be reached by boat from Ko Pha-Ngan and takes around 3 hours.
A complete change of scenery can be found at Khao Sok National Park, located in the province of Surat Thani, which boasts the largest area of virgin forest in Southern Thailand. Its huge limestone cliffs, lush jungle and flowing rivers are home to a range of species including gibbons and barking deer. A good way to enjoy it in all its glory, including the noise of the rattling jungle, is by staying in a tree house.
One of the country’s biggest and most loved parties is the Full Moon Party at Haard Rin on the island of Koh Pha Ngan. Enjoyed by over 10,000 people every month, this all night beach party has Djs spinning a mix from techno to reggae, while fire-eaters and fireworks add to the hedonistic atmosphere.
Generally, Thailand’s seasons can be categorised as hot (March to May), rainy (June to October) and cool (November to February), though the best time to go can depend on the area of the country you plan to visit. The north of the country is at its most glorious during the cool season when the scenery is accentuated with flowers in bloom and the climate is cool and dry; mountainous regions, however, can see temperatures dip to as low as freezing.
The centre and east of the country, including Bangkok, are witness to hot temperatures year round and can reach over 40 degrees during the hot season; April tends to be the hottest month. Although the south doesn’t have a cool season as such, it makes up for it by having the most rainfall in the country during the rainy season. Areas lying close to the Thai Peninsula, such as Phuket and Koh Samui, are best visited March and April to avoid the monsoon season. However, there are differentiations between east and west of the peninsular outside of these months; the west (Phuket) is best November to April to avoid the monsoons, while May to October is better for the east side (Koh Samui).
The peak seasons are July and August, November and December, and January to March, during which the most tourist driven areas like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, experience high visitor numbers, though it’s still possible to find less crowds in off the beaten track areas. April to June and September to October are the best times for solitude seekers.
Thai currency is the Baht;1B makes up 100 Satang. The current exchange rate is $1 to 37.2469 THB. Check www.xe.com or equivalent for the most up to date exchange rate.
The average costs of life’s little essentials are as follows:
Chiang Mai is the capital of the north, a major visitor hotspot and home to over 300 temples. From gold plated shrines to stone carvings, there’s a lot to see in the city’s temples with some dating back to the 13th century; highlights include a 500 year old bronze Buddha at Wat Suan Dawk, while Buddha Sila and the Crystal Buddha are housed at Wat Chiang Man, the oldest wat in the city’s walls. One of the most visited temples is the hill-top Wat Phra That at Doi Suthep, which takes in some of the best views of the city.
Retail therapy is one of the country’s biggest draws and Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is happy to satisfy the urge to spend. It runs from around 7pm to midnight at Chang Klan road between Tapee and Loh Kroh roads and has stalls selling everything but the kitchen sink, from tourist trinkets to clothes you might actually want to wear.
One of the liveliest times to visit Chiang Mai is during Songkran (Thai New Year) which takes place in April over several days. Processions line the streets with Buddha statues from each wat on parade and it’s seen as a time of cleaning and renewal which has traditionally been symbolised with the sprinkling of water. In Chiang Mai, water is thrown left, right and centre in a celebratory fashion and if anything, gives you sense of the community spirit.
Bangkok (known in Thai as Krung Thep) is a full on experience. On the surface it can seem like a diluted westernised Asian metropolis with never-ending traffic jams, pollution and bright lights. But beneath its tourist heavy veneer, the city and its surroundings have managed to hold onto their cultural allure. With over 400 temples, it’s possible to find calm in the sometimes intrusive urban sprawl. The city’s oldest and largest wat is Wat Pho which is renowned for its huge reclining Buddha. The one-time royal residence, the Grand Palace, is a major visitor spot, and deservedly so. Dating from the 18th century, the palace complex offers a step back in time and also includes Wat Phra Kaew which contains the scared Emerald Buddha. It’s best to visit later in the day to avoid the crowds and the queues.
Bangkok also promotes the temptation to delve into the purse strings. Chatuchak Market is the largest market in the country, if not the world, with over 15,000 stalls selling everything you could possibly need or want, at low prices with bargaining banter thrown in. There’s almost everything on sale from food and clothing to pedigree pooches and plants; Saturday and Sunday are the main market days and over 200,000 shoppers arrive daily. While the busy crowds and heat are not for the faint hearted, it offers a genuine insight into Bangkok life.
For an alternative shopping experience, floating markets may do the trick. Although once a traditional way of life, these canal and river based markets are now mostly billed as a tourist experience but it does serve as a reminder of how the Thais bought their wares before the supermarket giants took over the city. One of the most popular floating markets is Damnoen Saduak, around 2 hours driving time from Bangkok, which is serviced by regular buses. There are less populated floating markets in Ratchaburi, which is under 2 hours away from Bangkok by train, and the markets can be reached by hiring a long-tailed boat for a few hundred baht depending on your bargaining skills.
Cruising down the city’s waterways is also one of the best ways of experiencing Bangkok. A good route is to take an express riverboat from the Wat Ratchasingkhon pier to Nonthaburi which takes in life along the Chao Phraya River. A river bus from Bangkok to Bang Yai also provides a look at how Bangkok used to be when canals were the mainstay of the city.
As the country’s transport hub, Bangkok is the best place to explore from; it has a host of gems within an easy day’s reach. Highlights include one-time capital Ayutthaya which is entrenched in history with an array of ruins and old temples. Close to the Burmese border, Sangkhlaburi offers a real taste of Thai country life. The town lies on the scenic Vajiralongkorn Lake and is a popular weekend retreat amongst Bangkok based Thais. The laidback lifestyle of the town also takes in trekking, rafting and elephant riding.
A host of domestic airlines serving the country’s main cities and resorts makes flying a popular and attractive option. Some of the most popular routes from Bangkok are to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Ko Samui. The country’s main carriers, Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways, serve major routes, while other smaller carriers serve specific areas such as Air Andaman which flies to southern cities only. When budgeting for flights, it’s also worth noting that Thailand charges a departure tax for international flights, currently 500 Baht, which is not included in the ticket price and is charged upon departure.
Buses also provide a convenient long-distance mode of travel. The major routes are served by private, air conditioned buses. As well as running throughout the day, long haul journey’s also run through the night, such as the 13 hour journey from Bangkok to Phuket. Although not as extensive as its bus system, Thailand has comprehensive rail links. Prices vary according to which class you choose. Second class is more than adequate but if open plan berths are a turn off, first class has berths in compartments for two people only. Third class doesn’t have the luxury of air conditioning, just the fresh air of an open window, but it is suitable for short distances of a couple of hours of less.
Local transport is readily available throughout Thailand, from bicycles in rural areas to water taxis on the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. Tuk-tuks, motorised pedal rickshaws, are noisy little run-a-rounds that feature in large towns and cities like Bangkok. As is applicable for taxis and other unmetered forms of transport, it’s best to negotiate a price before you set off. Samlor’s are the non motorised version, while songthaew work on the same principle as tuk-tuks but have a row of seats down each side. In larger cities, these forms of transport tend to be used by tourists rather than locals as they’re not always the quickest or cheapest way to get to where you want to go. Aside from its boats and river taxis, one of the best ways to avoid the traffic in Bangkok is to take the SkyTrain. It’s an elevated metro system covering over 23km with 23 stations.
www.lonelyplanet.com
Lonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.
www.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas.
www.bts.co.th
Bangkok’s SkyTrain service.
www.airportthai.co.th
AOT operates five of the country’s main international airports: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Chaing Rai.
www.railway.co.th
State Railway of Thailand, government operator of the country’s rail system, offers fares and timetable information on its site.
www.tmd.go.th
The website from the Thai government’s Metrological Department provides daily weather forecasts and climate information.
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