“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps.
The sleeper must awaken.”
- Frank Herbert
Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) in Bangkok
This is going to be Part 1 of a Visiting Thailand series. Let’s start with the obvious:
Part 1: Getting there and staying there (info on travel tickets, lodging, visas, the cash flow needed for survival)
- Flying into Bangkok
Traveling to Thailand isn’t as expensive as the majority thinks. I have seen round-trip tickets from Los Angeles to Bangkok for as low as $550 after taxes. And that didn’t take obsessive-compulsive monitoring of airfare prices online like you check your ex’s Facebook status updates.
Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline were definitely not the cheapest options. Neither was going direct through an airline’s website. This turned out to be the most expensive option. Going directly to Southwest’s or Virgin America’s websites, however, usually turn out to be the cheapest when flying domestic within the United States.
I found an online travel agency, courtesy of Travel Zoo, that consistently brokers the cheapest flights to Bangkok from the States, One Travel (http://www.onetravel.com).
Backpacker central Khao San Road on a Sunday afternoon
When flying into Bangkok from another Southeast Asian country, there are a handful of budget airlines to choose from: Air Asia, Tiger Airways and Cebu Pacific are great budget-friendly options (If flying on an Asian airline isn’t your cup of noodle because of fear of quality, you shouldn’t be trotting around Southeast Asia to begin with. Go visit the local mall instead or stick to watching National Geo).
Google search these airlines for price comparison and buy direct from the airline’s official Website…or through a travel agency if you plan to purchase with an American debit card, instead of a credit card.
Do keep in mind that plenty of Asian airlines don’t allow debit card purchases online due to rampant fraudulent activities. But the rules might change in an instant so give it a shot if you prefer.
Just don’t panic and yell obscenities from your hotel room in Cambodia like I did when Air Asia declines your American or European debit card. No you did not max it out on that last round of Tiger Beer (well, I hope you didn’t). Most Asian airlines just don’t allow debit card purchases online. Go to a ticketing office instead…or borrow your mom’s credit card with a solemn promise to pay her back like I did.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Bangkok
- Visas
Holders of American or EU passports don’t need visas to enter Thailand. Neither do holders of other Southeast Asian passports like citizens of the Philippines, Vietnam or Singapore. If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, you need to file an extension at the nearest immigration office in Thailand (1,900 Baht for a 30-day extension). See list of countries and visa requirements here.
Some countries that require Thai visas are able to get visas on arrival at the port of entry. Certain countries however must apply at the Thai embassy from their own country of residence. Check online as tourism laws in Thailand can change quickly.
There is a new law that states if you arrive into Thailand by land (coming in from your Angkor Wat tour in Cambodia, aka “wat’ing”, for example), you will be given 15 days to legally stay instead of the usual 30.
Thais would respond, "Mai bpen rai" or "Don't worry about it!"
- Coming up soon: lodging and cash info
