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10 Facts You Need To Know About The Philippines

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The Philippines has been on the top of our must-visit list for as long as we can remember. The beautiful and pristine clear tropical waters were enough to hold our interest. That’s why the moment we planned an extended trip to South East Asia, we knew this country needed to be one of our first stops. We can now confidently say the Philippines is one of the best vacation spots in the world.

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Despite all this country has to offer, it is quite remote and isn’t your typical tourist destination. All busyness is replaced with ‘island time’ where everything is a lot more relaxed and leisurely. If you’re like we were, you may not know what to expect travelling in the Philippines. We’ve made this list to get you more prepared on what to expect in the Philippines.

We’ve made a list of 10 must know facts we were surprised to learn on our trip through this country.

1. The Philippines is very eco friendly

If you are anything like us, you are always looking for ways to go green and make your travel vacation more sustainable. While in Canada we are just starting to take notice of the harsh effects of plastic straws, in the Philippines there is not a plastic straw in sight. Everywhere you look you will find paper straws being your only option.

Plastic cutlery is replaced with compostable wood and you have to ask if you want a plastic bag, they aren’t just handed over.

photo of a pontoon boat with crystal clear water in El Nido, Philippines
Crystal clear water by El Nido, Philippines

While it is not safe to drink tap water, that doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a bunch of water bottles. In the Philippines, you will find water refill stations just about everywhere you turn.

From big jugs found in hotels everywhere that are FREE to a cheap refill station located on the streets, you have tons of options. Lots of restaurants offer either free or affordable filtered water that typically is served in reusable glass bottles.

As their tourism is on the rise, you can expect to pay many “eco fees” when travelling around.

Eco fees work to clean and protect both the beaches and the ocean where you are travelling. While these are often around 200 – 500 Philippines Pesos ($5 – $12 CAD) the money does seem to really work to keep the land and waters clean making it worth every single penny.

2. Stray dogs in the Philippines are usually friendly

As with a lot of areas in Asia, stray dogs and cats are a real problem in the Philippines. As heartbreaking as this is, especially to animal lovers such as ourselves, there is a slight light at the end of the tunnel. Animals in the Philippines seem to be better treated with this country where the dogs and cats seem to be a bit better treated as a whole.

Stray dogs in the Philippines are less fearful of humans. You will see the dogs playing all over the streets, a sight you simply do not see in other parts of Asia.

Where normally dogs in this area are in a survivalist “dog eat dog” world – literally – and are much more similar to coyotes than to household pets, this doesn’t ring as true in the Philippines. It is a small breath of fresh air to see dogs acting like, well, dogs.

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3. More islands are constantly getting found

The Philippines consists of over 7,600 islands… and counting. Some islands are so small that they disappear completely in high tides. There are Philippines islands that hold large bustling cities while others show no signs of human civilization.

With so many dots on a map, it is easy to understand how you can lose track of which islands have been discovered and which have yet to have a human ever step foot on them. Combine this with the rough waters of the open ocean and you will see how some islands have never been found.

In our modern world, how crazy is it to think that there are some areas of this world that are so remote that they have had absolutely no human influence.

4. The Philippines is vegetarian and vegan friendly

Whether you’re living a dedicated vegan lifestyle or simply looking for healthier plant-based options, you will be pleasantly surprised by how many options you have in the Philippines.

We always expect a bit of a challenge finding vegetarian and plant-based meals but we didn’t struggle at all here. From smoothie bowls, vegan burgers, veggie kebabs and pasta we always had our choice of tasty cuisine. We found that many restaurants offered up more veggie options than meat options, which surprised us.

5. English is widely spoken in The Philippines

For not being a huge tourist destination, we expected more of a struggle to communicate with locals. We were incredibly surprised to learn that almost all of the locals here, even those not in the tourist industry, speak English well.

As the Philippines is so spread out with many islands, there are multiple different dialects spoken so as a way to communicate easier everyone simply speaks English. This was really great for us as it means we could communicate with locals more readily.

Speaking of communicating, we were so humbled by how friendly the locals are in the Philippines. It seemed everyone we encountered was ready to chat with us, help us and have real connections.

Getting to know the locals as we travel is one of our favourite things to do and we are always so honoured to get the chance to spend quality time learning about other cultures.

6. The remote location comes with a cost

If you compare the costs of the Philippines to other areas of Asia you will be quite surprised. We found food and especially accommodation prices to be quite high in comparison to places like Thailand and Bali. Still, a bargain compared to American and European prices, but much more than other Asian backpacking countries.

When considering lodging, we found it worth the cost to stay in a resort when visiting these islands as we found the cheap hotels to be full of bed bugs and cockroaches. While these prices may not be the lowest we have seen, it is still a great cheap beach vacation that is sure to provide memories of a lifetime.

We also found that while we spent a bit more on accommodation prices, what we got really was worth it!

7. ATMs are not easily accessible

When you are travelling through Asia you will likely not want to travel with excess valuables. The more you travel with, the bigger the target you are. While this is true in most places, the Philippines is not one of them.

There are many cities, and even islands, that do not have ATM machines in the Philippines.

If you do find an ATM machine, it will commonly undergo power outages or other service issues that limit your ability to access your money. This can be quite dangerous at times.

We recommend always having extra money with you at all times when visiting the Philippines.

8. The internet in the Philippines isn’t reliable

The internet in the Philippines is more of a fond notion rather than something that actually works. No restaurants or fast food chains offer wifi, something that I have only found in this country. Hotels and airports in this country typically have wifi but not one that actually works.

This is not necessarily a bad thing – just something to know before you go.

There is so much to see and do in the Philippines that you will have no trouble busying yourself for some precious days unplugged from the world. While no signal can be a great recharge for the soul, it is lethal for a digital nomad. We were able to get no work done the whole time in the country, we couldn’t even check a social media handle – a very foreign concept to us.

Luckily we were kept very busy swimming through some of the clearest and most beautiful turquoise waters in the world. We thought the Caribbean was blessed with amazing waters until we went here and experienced this beauty.

9. Blackouts are common in the remote areas of the Philippines

If you were hoping for a cool night’s sleep in the air-conditioned room you paid for, think again. Blackouts happen but in the Philippines, they happen OFTEN. We never experienced a single day in the Philippines that didn’t have at least 2 blackouts. Some lasted a few seconds, some much longer.

This further limits your ability to find any wifi but also cuts out fans, air conditioning, TVs, etc. For this reason, we kept our room colder than we normally would so it could stay cool even when we lost power.

10. Travelling between cities and islands in the Philippines can be hard

This is by far the biggest struggle we encountered in the Philippines. This becomes even harder when you are travelling in the rainy (ie, monsoon) season, as we did. There are very few airports in the country making it so the primary way of getting from island to island is by boat. The seas are CHOPPY and dangerous which makes motion sickness a real thing.

This is by far the biggest struggle we encountered in the Philippines. This becomes even harder when you are travelling in the rainy (ie, monsoon) season, as we did. There are very few airports in the country making it so the primary way of getting from island to island is by boat. The seas are CHOPPY and dangerous which makes motion sickness a real thing.

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We heard stories of people getting stuck on an island for more than 2 weeks because of treacherous waves.

It is not uncommon for boats to go down in bad weather, so they stop all boat traffic when rough waters are present. This can leave you stuck in an area with little control over when you can leave.

Friends we met who were travelling here for 3 weeks ended up getting stuck on an island. They missed their flight out of the country and overstayed their 30-day visitor visa. Luckily, I think, this is quite common as the officials were understanding of the overstayed visa.

When you are travelling on an island, there are many different transportation methods you can use. Our favourite is always renting a scooter. But if you are too nervous about this you can always get by using taxis or tricycles (the Philippines version of a Tuk Tuk).

Have you ever travelled to the Philippines? What surprised you most about this remote country?

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In Thailand

Renting A Scooter In Thailand: A Complete Guide

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There are tons of ways to get around Thailand. If you have read our article about all the different transportation methods in Thailand, you know there are tuk-tuks, busses, trains, taxis and private cars. There is one mode of transportation that far surpasses the rest: renting scooters.

No Thailand vacation is complete without a moped rental. Whether you’re bargaining your motorcycle rental in the bustling city of Bangkok or whipping out your English to Thai dictionary in hopes of scoring the best price from a local in Chiang Mai Thailand, you will not be disappointed. Out of all the places, we recommend Phuket scooter rentals and rentals on Koh Samui the most as we loved the freedom to explore all the many Thailand beaches.

After living vanlife for so long, there is no better feeling for us than getting some wheels underneath us and having the freedom to explore deeper. We are HUGE advocates for renting scooters in Thailand and have never encountered any issues personally. We have rented a scooter in every place we have travelled through in the country except for Bangkok as we didn’t spend very much time there. While we never had any problems, we have met a lot of people who have gotten in accidents on their scooters and ended up getting quite injured. This isn’t to scare you but to remind you that while there may be fewer rules in Thailand about scooters, you will still want to take some obvious precautions and have emergency travel insurance.

Price

The prices for scooter rentals vary greatly depending mostly on location. In the north of Thailand in areas such as Chiang Mai, everything is quite a bit cheaper than in the southern islands. While the prices will vary a lot, they are still incredibly affordable compared to the prices you expect to pay in other parts of the world. Most times in the south we paid between 200-350 baht for 24 hours.

We always base our rentals on 24-hour periods. While this is how most of Thailand works, we have been faced a few times with people saying “day rentals” but simply meaning we take it at whatever time we’re there until 7 pm that night. I am not sure why we have heard this a few times but we always just end up saying no thanks and insisting on the 24-hour rentals.

You may be enticed to go for the scooter rental that has the best price but this isn’t always the best idea. Oftentimes, these prices can be bargained down, especially if you are in a group renting multiple bikes. While this is possible, the prices are more than fair and the truth is you’d be paying at least 10 times more in your own country so make sure you are being fair.

While a cheap price is appealing, keep in mind it is much wiser to pay a few baht more and rent from a trusted source. Be sure to always see the bike you rent before you do any exchange of money so you aren’t fooled by shiny bikes up front only to be left with an older one once the exchange has been made.

Where To Rent

In Thailand, you will find a place to rent a scooter on almost every single corner, especially in cities and large tourist areas. While you can rent from just about everywhere, we recommend putting a bit of thought into where you choose.

We found the best thing to do is to ask the person at the front desk of the hotel you are staying with where to rent from. Many hotels do scooter rentals or partner with trusted places to rent a bike. If you can’t do this, we’ve had success renting from travel agencies as well. Again, this is something we have never had a problem with but there are too many horror stories out there to not play it a bit cautious.

Before Your Rental

The moment you decide to rent a scooter it’s important that before you get on your bike you whip out your phone and start recording. Don’t feel rude about doing this, everyone does it and it is to protect them as much as it protects you. Go slow and make sure to record every single inch of the bike making note of any and all damage to the bike before you leave the premises. This will ensure that you return it in the same condition you got it and act as a witness to protect you in case of any future discrepancies.

We recommend paying specific attention to Thailand’s weather. We failed to look at the Thailand news in Koh Phangan one day and found ourselves in the middle of torrential downpour miles away from our hotel.

Deposit

As with any rental, you can expect to give some sort of collateral for taking the scooter. Most places ask for either a passport or a large cash deposit (often 10,000 Baht). Neither of these are the most appealing of options which is why it is so important to go somewhere somewhat reputable.

As you will likely be giving your hotel your passport anyways (or allowing them to make a photocopy of it) you will not need to do anything else when renting a scooter. As you will be renting from a reputable business that relies strongly on customer reviews, you are far less likely to be scammed as well.

While we have heard people say that it is illegal for someone to require that you give your passport for a rental, the reality is these aren’t big established corporations that you are renting from. In fact, oftentimes it is just a guy with a few extra bikes lying around.

Getting A License

One of our most asked questions here is do you need a license to drive a scooter in Thailand? While you may not think that you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter in the country, it actually is required by Thai law. This is a very loosely enforced rule as police here have bigger issues to worry about. It is worth noting that the majority (I’d bet 70%) of tourists in Thailand ride a scooter with no license and most of them never encounter any issues.

After 3 times visiting Thailand and riding a scooter every single time, we only had issues once. We found ourselves in the middle of a roadblock while driving through Phuket and we didn’t have a license. Despite our nerves in the situation all this meant was a ticket given to us by the Thai police. A total of 500 THB (~$21 CAD) was all we owed and simply carried on our way. We asked the police if we would just get pulled over again down the road and they assured us that we just needed to show the ticket and prove that we had already paid.


It is also worth looking into the travel insurance that you get. If you were to get into any sort of accident that requires any hospital time or medication, your insurance may not cover it if you are driving a scooter without a license.

We learned afterward that the police were not concerned with our license but rather it was a common way to get money from tourists. The next time we went to Thailand we came prepared with an international driver’s license and asked them to tick off the scooter allowance (in Canada you can operate a scooter of fewer than 50 ccs with a regular license). While we have never had any trouble since it was still nice to have that peace of mind and the license itself cost about as much as the ticket. This is one of our best Thailand travel tips as it is so affordable and can give you a ton of peace of mind.

After You Rent

You’ve found your bike and dealt with all the deposits and other logistics. Now it’s time to jump on and explore! One of the most important things for you to figure out when jumping on your bike is which brake (right or left) controls the front brake and which controls the back. We have seen some pretty gruesome accidents from people hitting their front brakes and flipping over their handlebars. Be sure to always squeeze your back brakes first and your front brake simply to support your stop.

What a typical Thai gas station looks like.

Before going too far, you will want to do is check the fuel level. Popping the seat up you will find access to the gas tank. In Thailand, you can expect to find places to fuel up everywhere however they won’t all look as you’d expect. While there are some big typical gas stations as you’re used to, more often than not you will find a small store on a corner selling mysterious bottles of fuel that you can put into your scooter. These work and are safe to use but are no doubt diluted quite a bit making them not as good of a bang for your buck.

You will also find random singular pumps in the middle of nowhere that somehow always provide quality gas for an affordable price. Realistically, the fuel is quite cheap in Thailand and scooters don’t require very much of it making it safe to fill up with any of these sources.

Have you rented a scooter in Thailand? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.

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In Thailand

How To Get Scuba Dive Certified In Thailand: A Complete Guide

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Getting scuba certified allows you entry to an elite club of humans scattered around the globe who have the privilege of breathing underwater. Earth is roughly 70% ocean, meaning you haven’t travelled until you’ve explored below the water’s surface. PADI has issued over 28 million diving certifications in the last 55 years. While that may seem like a high number, that’s only 0.35% of the world’s population.

Scuba diving has been increasing in popularity thanks to underwater technologies that have allowed photos and videos to be taken of this secret world.

Thailand is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Each island hones its own vibes making them all worth a visit. Koh Tao is a small island sitting just north of Koh Pha Ngan (famous for its full moon parties and yoga retreats) and is most famous for its affordable scuba diving certification. Not only is it one of the cheapest places to get PADI Scuba Dive Certified in the world, but it also has some of the best diving.

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What To Expect In Koh Tao?

No matter where you come from, you will be arriving on the island by ferry. As you approach the island you will be met by pristine waters washing up on white sandy beaches with a lush jungle on top. Koh Tao is the smallest of the three islands clustered together in this area. The closest to Koh Tao is the neighbouring island, Koh Pha Ngan, while the biggest is Koh Samui.

Koh Tao is a tropical paradise swimming with natural beauty. Despite its boom in tourism, Koh Tao has a very rustic feel, having as many dirt roads as paved. A good portion of the island is lush, undeveloped jungle that is great for hiking. The calm and clear turquoise waters surround this island with multiple pristine beaches to visit.

Filling your time on the island is easy. One of the most popular things to do in Koh Tao is actually located just a couple hundred meters from the island. A three-island series that are connected together with thin strips of white sandy beaches make up Koh Nang Yuan. This famous Instagram spot is a must-visit while here.

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This is a great island to rent a scooter to drive around and explore the small island – just be careful on dirt roads (especially where they transition to paved roads) because there are some pretty large potholes.

A scooter will allow you access to the island’s many pristine beaches. While many of these beaches have a small entry fee (normally around 25THB or $1CAD), they are worth the visit as most offer great snorkelling right from the beach. Having snorkel gear with you is invaluable when visiting Thailand.

How To Get To Koh Tao?

Thailand is a very easy country to travel around. With trains, buses and multiple airports, getting from place to place is a breeze. As Koh Tao is an island, you will need to take a ferry to get here no matter where you are coming from.

A typical boat schedule in Thailand

There are three ways to get to Koh Tao:

Plane – Ferry: The closest airport to Koh Tao is Samui International Airport located on Koh Samui (an island just south of Koh Tao). If coming from the airport you will have to get from the airport to the ferry terminal. You will then need to buy a ticket through Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries to Koh Tao. While this is undoubtedly the most expensive way to get to the island, it will save you a lot of time and stress.

Heading to Thailand? Read about the best ways to get around in Thailand

Bus – Ferry: Another great way to travel is to take the bus/ferry combo. Taking a bus from Bangkok is incredibly popular and budget-friendly. If you head to a local travel agent you can easily book a bus ticket to get to Koh Tao. You can either book a day bus or a night bus.

I prefer the night buses as I have no problem sleeping anywhere and hate losing days to travel. A roughly 7-hour bus drive will take you from Bangkok to Chumphon where you will be dropped off at a ferry terminal. You will then take a stunning 2.5-hour ferry ride to the tropical island of Koh Tao.

The harbour at Chumphon to Koh Tao

Train – Ferry: A luxurious form of travel, Thailand has a great train system that can be very comfortable. A mid-range way of getting to Koh Tao, sleeper trains offer comfort and efficiency. You can choose between their first-class or second-class sleeping options.

Where To Get Scuba Certified In Thailand?

The island of Koh Tao is able to offer such affordable open water diving certification due to the huge supply and ongoing demand. Almost every hotel has its own dive center meaning you don’t have to leave your hotel. This is the ideal way to go about getting your diving certification as they will often package dive prices with hotel stays leaving you with free, or reduced-priced, accommodations.

Booking.com

When deciding where to get dive certified, make sure you ask a lot of questions. The most important question is to ask what ratio of divers to instructors can you expect. We always ensure this number is 4 or under. In order to feel the most confident below water, you want to make sure your guide is focused on you. For maximum comfort, numbers should not exceed a 4:1 ratio for open water certifications.

There are many different scuba diving courses and companies that you can choose from. The ferry ride to the island will have salespeople from many different companies trying to get you to choose theirs. It’s best to compare a few different salespeople to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of.

PADI Scuba Certification Requirements

When deciding on the right dive center for you, make sure to check that they are a PADI certified facility. It means the certificate is recognized all over the world and is a requirement for further diving.

PADI = Professional Association of Diving Instructors

In order to scuba dive, the first course that is required is the Open Water Diving Certification. This is a fairly simple certification program that only has a few basic requirements. You must be over 10 years old, be able to swim (there will be a treading water test) and be medically fit to dive.

Similar to gaining altitude in an airplane, sinking below the water’s surface will change the pressure around, and on, you. This is why you have to do safety stops to properly equalize when ascending from the depths on a dive. It’s important that you are able to properly equalize your ears at this time. Those with ear problems should consult their dive centers before signing up.

Steps To Getting PADI Open Water Certified

Plan for the open water diving certification to consume about 4-7 days, depending on where and how you choose to go about training.

1. In class/online training: 5-10 hours of classroom work with an instructor. You will first learn the skills through a knowledge-based program that reviews terminology, goes over what to expect and equips you with the knowledge you will need to successfully dive below the water’s surface. For those short on time, you can often do this training online at a reduced price. This means you can complete the training before you go to maximize your time.

2. Written test: Your classroom knowledge will then get confirmed in a basic test.

3. Practice skills in the pool: Once the theory is behind you, you will move to pool training to get comfortable with the dive equipment. During this time you will practise key skills like removing your mask and regulator underwater and then retrieving them. You will also dive to the bottom in an effort to get comfortable breathing under the water. You’ll learn how to purge your mask (which involves taking it off underwater – it sounds scarier than it is), and inflate and deflate your buoyancy control device (BCD).

4. Ocean dives: Once you have the tools you need, it is time to get into the ocean. 4 dives in the ocean complete this course and give you a great introduction to the world of scuba diving.

During the first ocean dive, you can expect to again practice your main diving skills like dropping your respirator and retrieving it, taking your mask off and on, purging your mask and performing necessary safety stops.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Scuba Dive Certified In Thailand?

The price to get PADI Scuba Dive certified ranges depending on where you choose. We chose Koh Tao because of the low cost and the amazing diving. The scuba shop resort we chose included 5 nights of accommodation at their resort along with shuttles to and from the Koh Tao pier, all the course material, diving gear and refreshments on the boat.

All of this worked out to around 10, 000 Baht a person (~$360 CAD). If you are planning on completing the PADI Open Water dive certificate in a group of people you may be able to get it for a bit of a discount.

The resort was right on the beach and had an amazing property. We were upgraded for free to an airconditioned queen room. It also had a restaurant offering stunning ocean views while you eat.

Is Scuba Diving Dangerous Or Scary?

You may be wondering if scuba diving is a safe sport. While it is important to have the skills and a knowledgeable guide to the area, you should not be scared to get scuba certified. If you are diving with a PADI accredited facility, checking over your gear (you’ll be taught how to do this) and are confident in your training, there is nothing to worry about.

As with anything unknown in life, a little bit of fear is natural in something you’ve never done before. You should embrace the butterflies in your stomach and jump in anyways to explore a unique world, unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Trust me, scuba diving is addictive and one of the best ways to explore our big beautiful world.

There are typically 3 big fears with scuba diving:

1. Claustrophobia: Many people worry about feelings of being trapped or claustrophobic underwater. The great thing about getting certified in a tropical climate like Koh Tao is that ocean temperatures sit around 28℃ (83℉), even in the winter months. This climate means you’re able to wear thin wetsuits or short skin guards that are a lot more comfortable than bulky wet suits.

The underwater visibility in Koh Tao sits around 30 meters or more. This means that you can see far underwater and helps to reduce any claustrophobia you may anticipate.

2. Breathing underwater: This can feel really unnatural and take a while to get used to. Everyone you are getting trained with will have the same nerves around this one. Be patient with yourself as you’ve never done this before. Similar to flying, it’s a fantasy of many but one we aren’t expecting to be able to do.

Really use the time in the pool to calm your heart rate down and relax your breathing. I go into a meditative state below water repeating a mantra to keep myself comfortable and happy. The calmer your breathing underwater, the less air you will use, meaning a longer dive. This is why it is so important to calm your breathing.

When I jump into the water on any dive, I immediately put my face below the water while we wait for the team to get ready. Before we begin the descent, I like to spend a couple of seconds breathing underwater while still on the surface to acclimatize myself.

3. Animal encounters: If your fear comes from animals you may see below the water, thank Hollywood for that one! The most common fear for diving is simple: SHARKS. While these majestic creatures are villainized so heavily in our world, they are so misunderstood.

Most sharks are very gentle creatures that offer absolutely no risk to human life. In fact, of the hundreds of species of sharks that roam our oceans, only 3 actually pose any threat to humans. Great White Sharks, Tiger Sharks and Bull Sharks are deemed a dangerous species only resulting in about 10 combined human deaths worldwide a year. You are more than 15 times more likely to die from a falling coconut than a shark.

What Can I Expect In Open Water Dives?

Your Open Water Certification allows you to dive 18 meters, 60 feet, below the water’s surface. There are two main ways to enter the water on your dives: by boat or from the shore. Having done both types of dive, we greatly prefer boat dives as you don’t waste time and energy getting to the site. Most of the dive centers in Koh Tao offer boat dives for PADI Open Water certification.

We recommend packing light for your trips. Refreshments (water and light snacks) are typically provided but bringing a water bottle along is never a bad idea. You will want to wear a bathing suit, have your hair tied back and bring some flip-flops along.

You will go on 2 dives for 2 days totalling 4 tank dives to complete your PADI Open Water certification. These dives will take up a good portion of your day. You can expect to spend roughly 45-55 minutes underwater per dive, depending on your air consumption.

Diving takes a lot out of you, physically. Spending an hour or so above the water on the boat drinking water, resting and enjoying some light snacks will be a welcomed break between the two scuba dive sessions. This combined with the time it takes to get to and from dive sites, you can expect your dives to consume about 4-5 hours of your day.

To protect the underwater reefs you swim through, we recommend skipping the sunscreen altogether and instead bringing light clothing to provide some coverage. Keep in mind you will have a fair amount of above-water time as you will be needing to get to the dive site.

Waiting for you onboard you will find your tanks, BCD, wetsuit and the rest of your gear. As these are your first ocean dives, expect to be nervous. We were most nervous about equalizing underwater. Your body, especially your ears, builds up pressure the further you dive. To release the pressure you plug your nose and gently blow air through it. Of course, you will be told a number of scary precautionary stories during your classroom sessions, but trust the process.

First Dive Of PADI Open Water Certification

Your first dive site will look like nothing more than a random spot in the middle of the ocean. With barely any landmarks visible, trust that you are about to be shocked at all that is going on underwater. You will go over with your instructor how to check over all your equipment and go over some basics on board. Your instructor will then guide you on how to get in the water. There are a number of different methods to this, most places will try different entry styles on different dives to get you comfortable with getting into the water.

Jumping in the water you will be met by warm 30-degree Celcius temperatures. If you were doing a shore dive, you would follow the shoreline in a gradual descent. In boat dives, you follow a buoy line in a straight descent to the ocean floor.

Descending to the bottom is scary as there are so many unknowns. Visibility at the surface is also disorienting as you don’t have any notable reference points to show how far things are. You will likely not even notice the descent on your first dive as you will be focused on all the skills you just learned, most importantly equalizing and breathing.

Once you reach the bottom, your instructor will go over the same skills already practiced in the pool the day before. Don’t overthink this, removing and retrieving your goggles and air supply is an easy skill that goes exactly the same in the ocean as it did in the pool.

One thing I didn’t expect is all the sound underwater. I thought this was going to be a completely silent experience. My breathing was loud and for the first couple of minutes, it was all I heard. This noise quickly turned to a white noise that actually was useful for calming down and getting into a meditative state. You can at times hear ships soaring above.

Once we got down to our desired depth I forgot about everything going on in the world above me.

I didn’t know (or care) about time, any stresses, or the skills I had learned. None of it mattered. I don’t think I had a regular thought the whole time I was down there. All the colours, the schools of fish, the hiding stingray – that was all that I cared about.

Your dive instructor will consistently check what PSI you have left in your tank. Once the first person has reached their limit, you will begin to ascend as a group. When your whole team groups together, your instructor will put a line up to the surface which will have a buoy on top letting boats know divers are on the surface. You will then begin to float towards the water’s surface. At about 5 meters deep you will stop for 3-5 minutes in an important safety stop. This allows your body to properly acclimatize to the pressure changes.

Following this, you will continue to swim to the surface and meet with your group. The boat you took will come to pick you up and you can climb back above water with guaranteed smiles and a ton to talk about. Time to relax a bit before your next dive.

On The Boat Between Dive 1 and Dive 2

Between your first and second Open Water certificate dive, you will relax on the boat for around 1 hour. There will be some fresh water and snacks that you should eat and drink. Use this time to take some photos and take in the scenery.

You can also ask your instructor any questions you had about the first dive.

Second Dive of PADI Open Water Certification

The second dive of the day will be used to go over more of the skills you learned in the pool. You will feel more comfortable getting in the water and diving below the surface. Your breathing will be more steady and you won’t feel as nervous as on the first dive.

Getting scuba dive certified was probably one of the most life-changing things I have ever done. Now all I want to do, all I want to spend my money on, is underwater diving. I am more hooked than I ever thought I would be.

Upgrading Your PADI Scuba Dive Training

Once you start your dive training, you may want to keep advancing your skills. There are many different courses and certificates you can work your way through. Once you get your Open Water Diver scuba diving license the specialty courses allow you to do advanced dives like digital underwater photography, wreck diver, night diver, underwater navigation to name a few.

Check out all the cool things you can do with your PADI certification below:

A flow chart of PADI Scuba Dive Courses and the specialties available
Have you tried to scuba dive? Let us know how getting certified was for you!

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PADI open water scuba diving certification in Thailand PADI open water scuba diving certification in Thailand

In Thailand

Complete Guide To Traveling Thailand

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Thailand is ranked as one of the top vacation destinations in the world. It features world-class white sand beaches, big beautiful temples and historical sites, scuba diving and adventures that will remain memories forever. There are large bustling cities like Bangkok (Thailand’s Capital city) and quiet mountain towns like Chiang Mai.

This Southeast Asian hotspot is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world. Despite having been there multiple times, we dream about returning every time we feel the travel bug. Thailand is one of the easiest and fun places to travel. Adventure seems to be around every corner and won’t break the bank along the way.

There are some tips and tricks you should know before you travel to Thailand. Let us walk you through the basics of the country and some expert travel tips that will make you feel like a travel pro!

Table of Contents

Top 8 Places to Visit in Thailand

Thailand has so many amazing sites to visit, that you may have some trouble deciding on where to spend your time. The Thai word for island is Koh which is the name of many of their tropical islands. Below we’ve listed our top must-see places in Thailand:

1. Koh Pha Ngan / Ko Phangan

First on our list for a reason, this tropical paradise is our favourite island in Thailand. Koh Pha Ngan (pronounced Ko-pun-yun) is most famous for its full moon parties and luxury wellness retreats. This island is the ideal size for renting a scooter. The island’s north end has a boho vibe with tons of yoga retreat centers and vegan restaurants. If you are looking for a party, head to the south of the island, near Haad Rin beach where the nightlife is palpable. This is also the home of the infamous Full Moon parties.

2. Koh Tao

If you’ve been itching to try scuba diving, Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to get your open water diving certification. This is the smallest of a 3 island series in the area with neighbouring islands Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui located close by. We recommend bringing a snorkel along with you to this island as there are many spots to snorkel from the many beaches on the island.

Koh Tao is a great place for hikers or those looking for a quieter beach experience. With most of the roads on this island being made of dirt and hotels often being in the form of thatched-roof bungalows, you will feel a world away visiting here. If basking on a beach and watching warm turquoise waters splash up on white sandy beaches sounds good to you you’re sure to love it here.

3. Koh Samui

This is the third island (Koh/Ko in Thai) in the Gulf of Thailand that sits just south of Ko Phangan. It’s the largest of the 3 and has a lot to offer. An international airport allows you to fly directly to this island.

Spend your day visiting the famous Big Buddha, soaking in stunning waterfalls or simply lazing at the beach. There is also great shopping on the island. Koh Samui is quite a large island so the best way to get around and see the sights is to rent a scooter to explore.

4. Bangkok

Thailand’s capital is a lively metropolitan city that is full of life. This inland destination offers tons to do and see. Once your feet are burning from walking the city, take a needed rest aboard a boat and float your way down the city’s floating market. If you are looking to immerse yourself in culture, stroll the grounds of the Grand Palace or head to either of the nearby temples Wat Arun or Wat Pho. Backpackers will want to head to Khao San Road where they will feel right at home with many hostels and a lively party scene.

5. Phuket

One of the largest tourist hubs in Thailand, Phuket is a must see destination. You can expect the perfect blend of busy city life and lazy beachfront resorts in this area. It is located on the east coast near the southern tip of the country. There is a large international airport that you can use to arrive and depart. Some places (like Patong) are super popular, and therefore busy, but you can scooter to a number of less busy beaches in the south.

6. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a great place to visit in Thailand, especially for adventure lovers. This inland village requires a bus or train ride to get to but is well worth the visit. This is a great place to visit for street food. Chiang Mai’s affordable prices are bound to impress you. As you’d expect in this jungle paradise, there are tons of great waterfalls that you can visit in the area.

This northern town is a popular starting point for many of Thailand’s great overnight treks. There are many jungle tours in the area that vary with activities from rafting down rivers, zip lining and more. Overnight you can stay in huts in the hills and get the opportunity to mingle with local hill tribes such as the well known Karen Longneck Tribe.

Just be sure to not book a tour that offers elephant riding. If you’d still like an up close and personal experience with them you can do so ethically at sanctuaries such as the Elephant Nature Park.

Read about 6 heartbreaking things to avoid while traveling.

7. Pai

Located just northwest of Chiang Mai is the backpacker/hippie paradise of Pai. If lush jungle, natural hot springs, cascading waterfalls and quaint markets are your thing, head north to the city of Pai. One of the best things to do in Pai is to lazily float down the Pai river on an inner tube (you can rent them there). In the evening, the city comes alive with a night market that has some delicious street food. While you can do adventurous cave exploring and white water rafting in this area, it is more known for eclectic cafes and swinging in a hammock as the sun sets.

8. Koh Phi Phi

Much like Ko Pha-Ngan, Koh Phi Phi is another place to experience the nightlife. Our first island on the list on Thailand’s west side, this island is commonly reached through nearby city Phuket. A ferry will take you across stunning clear waters weaving past other small islands to get you to the Phi Phi islands. You may have seen this island popping up all over your Instagram for their gorgeous viewpoint you can hike to and get some beautiful views.

Partying is undoubtedly the biggest pull here, you can’t walk the beaches at night without having a bucket drink (literally sand buckets full of drinks), trying laughing gas balloons and taking in an impressive fire show on the beach. The clear ocean waters make for great snorkeling and nearby islands allow for many island-hopping tours leaving from the island.

Top Activities To Do In Thailand

1. Scuba Diving

Thailand is one of the biggest scuba diving destinations in the world. Ocean water temperatures sit around 30℃ (85℉) and offer a very inviting turquoise colour. Under the water, you’ll be treated to near perfect diving conditions with impressive 30m+ visibility in some areas. Once diving below the water you will be welcomed by impressive schools of fish and colourful coral reefs.

Thailand is one of the biggest scuba diving destinations in the world. Ocean water temperatures sit around 30℃ (85℉) and offer a very inviting turquoise colour. Under the water you’ll be treated to near perfect diving conditions with impressive 30m+ visibility in some areas. Once diving below the water you will be welcomed with impressive schools of fish and colorful coral reefs.

2. Rent a scooter

It’s no secret that we love to ride around Thailand on scooters. We find them to be one of the best activities in Thailand. You can find scooter rental shops almost everywhere for a reasonable price. Find more about renting scooters in Thailand here.

3. Beach life

A tropical vacation isn’t complete without time spent on the beach. One of the most famous things about Thailand is its many white-sand beaches. The southern part of the country has some of the nicest beaches you’ll find anywhere in the world. Keep in mind that some will have an admission fee but this is usually because they’re a maintained beach meaning they will be free from garbage.

4. Snorkelling

Many beaches in Thailand are perfect for snorkelling. The more popular beaches will usually have places to rent snorkels allowing you to see the magical world under the surface of the water. Marine life in Thailand is abundant and you are sure to see fish and coral in the warm tropical waters.

5. Jungle adventure

There are many places to adventure in the Thai jungle. Mainly found in the northern part of the country, jungle treks are a great way to see a different perspective of Thailand.

6. Temples

Thai temples are found all over the beautiful country. Renting a scooter in Thailand will allow you to get to these historical sites on your own terms and not have to spend money on a guided tour. Just be aware that there is usually a dress code to enter these spiritual places.

How Much Does It Cost To Travel Thailand?

Thailand is known for being an inexpensive travel destination. You will get huge value for your money no matter where you travel in this country.

Accomodation

There are different types of accommodations in Thailand. Different types of rooms will have different price points.

If you’re comfortable sleeping in a room with other people, a dorm room in a hostel will typically be the cheapest option for a single traveller. The more people are in a room the cheaper it will cost. These types of places range from 150 THB to 400 THB.

Smaller towns away from the tourist areas will be the next cheapest place to stay in Thailand. Rooms in these areas will typically start around 400 THB to 700 THB.

A fancier night in a hotel will be more expensive, but still much cheaper than you’re used to at home. You should expect to pay around 1400 THB for a room with a fan and a double bed.

Resorts will be the most expensive option to spend the night in Thailand. Starting around 2300 THB a place on the water will cost around the same as a regular hotel back home.

Food

Thailand is known for their cheap and unbelievably delicious food. There are food choices that will fit anyone’s budget. You will have many different options for great eats wherever you travel in Thailand.

Street Food

Street food is by far your cheapest option, in Bangkok, you can even find a plate of Pad Thai for 25 THB. When eating street food in Thailand you can expect to spend less than 50 THB a meal.

Sticking with the local street food will likely cost you between 120-170 THB a day. The street food is safe and arguably much more delicious than restaurants, not to mention much cheaper.

Restaurants

Restaurants serve western food but at a higher price point. If you are craving a hearty pasta dish or a good burger expect to pay closer to 150-300 THB per plate.

Thai dishes in a restaurant on average start at around 65 THB depending on how fancy the restaurant is.

Drinks

If you’re looking to have a beer at a Thai restaurant you can expect to pay around 60 to 80 THB. Cocktails and mixed drinks will be around 300 to 450 THB.

Tips To Save Money

Like travelling anywhere in the world there are some ways to save your hard-earned money. Thailand is unlike any other travel destination and even if you’re a seasoned world traveller you may be surprised by some of these tips and tricks.

Don't Book Ahead

Some things you should not pre-book before you leave. We typically try to book our first night or two of accommodation in a city and then don’t book any more nights until we get there. This allows us to ensure we are staying in a good area as well as ultimate flexibility.

We’ve found that if you walk into a hotel you can usually get a better rate than going through a booking service.

This is also the case with transportation around Thailand as well. Booking ahead of time can sometimes cost more than double the price of booking in person. Renting a scooter to drive you to tourist sites will be far cheaper than booking organized tours and allow you the freedom to see the sites at your own leisure.

Happy Hour

If you time your meals right you can get a huge discount. Happy Hour is alive and strong in Thailand, especially in larger cities like Bangkok and Phuket. You can expect a discount on alcohol and even possibly some lower prices on special dishes.

7-11

7-11 is one of the best places to get everything from Toasties to Chang’s (the beer of choice in Thailand). This is a one-stop shop for many tourists as this Thai convenience store has stocked everything you will need.

You can drink alcohol while walking the streets in Thailand. If you are on a budget, try buying your alcohol at a local 7-Eleven rather than at a restaurant. Having a Chang, the local beer, at 7-Eleven costs about 35 THB rather than the 100-150 THB it costs in a restaurant. If you do go to a bar, take advantage of the many happy hour deals around.

7-11 also sells food, medical supplies and toiletries (among other things) as well. Toasties and chips are among the most popular travel food found here. They even heat up the toasties!

How to Get Around Thailand?

Thailand is one of the most tourist friendly places in the world. With many travel agent offices scattered throughout all tourist areas in the country, getting from point A to B is safe and stress-free. There are many different ways to get around the country:

Buses

One of the cheapest ways to travel around Thailand is by bus. Affordable prices draw in a strong backpacking crowd to this form of travel. Complex route systems allow you to travel anywhere and everywhere.

Most places will have the option of either daytime or overnight buses to take you to popular tourist destinations. These buses are a bit of a gamble, some offer new comfortable lounging chairs while others look like they’re held together with duct tape. Buses have bathrooms on board and most routes include a rest stop along the way to stretch your legs.

Pro Tip: Try to not get a seat near the bathroom!

Taxis

Thailand taxis are just as you’d expect in terms of accessibility. You will undoubtedly rely on this transportation when leaving airports, although this is the most expensive place to rent them. When hiring a taxi, make sure that your driver uses the meter or settle on an agreed price before you start driving. If you don’t you could end up paying significantly more.

Also, be cautious with your bags. Only put your bag in the trunk of the taxi if you absolutely have to. If you do, make sure one person stays in the car while the bag is retrieved as there’s a chance the driver may drive off with it.

Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuks are some of the most famous ways to get around Thailand. As these are privately owned, you can expect the prices to vary dramatically not only from city to city, but from driver to driver. We recommend taking a ride on this iconic Thailand experience only when travelling short distances. You can expect your Thailand Tuk Tuk to cost around 100-300 THB, depending on how far you’re riding.


Tuk Tuk’s are not equipped with the meters that you would expect from a taxi. Be sure to agree on a price with your driver before leaving for your trip.

Boat/Ferry

With many of the top places to visit in Thailand being islands, you will likely be taking a boat or ferry while travelling through Thailand. There are many different types of boats and ferries ranging from longtail boats to huge car ferries. You will usually always have more than one option to get to your destination.

Note that ferries range in price, and their prices are directly reflective of what you can expect. The less expensive ones will usually be older boats with fewer amenities.

Train

A comfortable and affordable way to get around the country is to take a train. 5 major train lines allow access to many areas throughout the country. Trains in this area offer 3 travel styles, all with their own pricing points. While first-class riding will be the most comfortable offering private air-conditioned cabins with comfortable sleeping. Second-class train tickets are split into categories: air-conditioned and fan-cooled cabins.

Airplane

While this is going to be the most expensive form of travel, the many airports located throughout the country make travelling by air an easy way to see the country. Bangkok (BKK) is one of the biggest travel hubs in the area with over 63 million passengers passing through a year (2019).

  • Chiang Mai International Airport allows accessibility to the country’s northern area.
  • Phuket International Airport is located in the southern end of the country allowing tourists easy access to the country’s stunning beach life.
  • If you are looking to jump right into island life, Koh Samui is home to another international airport that has easy access to the popular island chain in the Gulf of Thailand.

Scooter

If you’re staying in an area for a couple of days, renting a scooter will allow you to see the area from a unique perspective. Scooter rental companies are readily available in all areas of the country and are incredibly affordable. Driving around Thailand on a scooter is one of our favourite things to do.

What To Bring To Thailand? - Our Thailand Packing Guide

What you decide to pack for a trip to Thailand will depend on a few factors. The length of time will be one of the biggest factors when packing for your trip. You should also consider how readily available laundry services will be. A good rule of thumb is the more remote a place is, the less likely you’ll be able to find laundry when travelling. Below is a guide to what we always bring to our Thailand vacations.

Clothes

  • Swimsuit – we like to bring at least two pairs of swimsuits. This way you can wash and let one pair dry so you always have a fresh and clean one. Nobody likes wearing a wet bathing suit.
  • Underwear x12
  • Socks x 12 pairs
  • T-Shirt x7
  • Shorts x5

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel size)
  • Shampoo (travel size)
  • Deodorant

Footwear

  • Water shoes
  • Walking shoes
  • Flip Flops

First Aid Kit

  • Antibacterial cream – Wounds will not heal in Thailand. Having some of this will give you the best chances of healing your wounds.
  • Bandages – having your own bandages will come in handy in an emergency.
  • Lip Chap – Your lips will definitely take a beating when you’re in the hot sun for long travel days.

Miscellaneous

  • Lock – Many tourist attractions and hotels will have lockers where you can store your belongings while you’re out and about. Having your own lock will make it way easier and make sure your stuff is safe.
  • Dry Bags / Zip-Lock Bags – Dry bags are great places to keep things you want dry, even in your bag. Zip-Lock Bags will be a great place to keep shampoo and anything else that can leak separate from everything else.
  • Travel Charger Adapter – Thailand uses a different type of charger than the standard North American plug. Be sure to travel prepared with a travel adapter.
  • Ear Plugs – Trust us, you will want a few pairs of these for overnight buses or dorm rooms where it can get a little loud at night.
  • Headphones – great for long flights or overnight buses. Be sure to download your favourite playlists to your phone!
  • Garbage bag x4 – these are great for keeping your dirty laundry separate from your clean stuff
  • Reusable water bottle – We love our Yeti water bottles. They come with clips so you can attach them to your bag so you always have access to a drink. There will be many places you can refill them as well.

When Should You Visit?

Thailand remains around the same temperature all year round. But parts of the year are much rainier than others.

Cool Season: November – February

This will depend on which area and the time of the year you’re planning on visiting. The cool season is between November and March and is the best time of the year to travel to Thailand. It could also be the most expensive (but still cheaper than most places in the world). Temperatures at this time of year will be around 30℃.

Hot Season: March – June

If you want to experience Thailand’s hot season you should plan for days over 35℃. Nights will also be just a little cooler than this. Be sure to pack some protection from the sun. We have been to Thailand twice in June and it was quite warm.

Rainy Season: July – October

If you are the type of person who doesn’t like rain we suggest not going to Thailand during this time. The temperature will still be hot but the nights can drop a little bit especially in the north. It’s considered the “off-season” and could run into some attractions being closed or have reduced hours. Beaches can also be quite dirty due to the more extreme weather.

This is also considered monsoon season. We experienced some flash flooding with huge rainfalls when we were in Thailand in June.

Have you been to Thailand? Let us know if you think we missed anything in the comment section below!
In Bucket List

Our Bucket List

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Ever since the movie came out in 2007 people everywhere have been putting together lists of what they want to do before they die. Early into our relationship, we started talking about our list never putting anything formal together. I had a journal beside my bed and about six months into our relationship we started to casually write down ideas we loved, places we wanted to visit, and things that really sounded cool to us.

Unfortunately during the downsizing process of turning to a minimalist life, the journal got lost. With most of the ideas still fresh in our heads, we created a formal list while sitting in the airport about to depart on our honeymoon.

When we got married, we vowed to one another to never live a normal, boring life. We promised each other a life of thrill seeking adventure and with what I am sure will be an ever growing bucket list we know just how to make it happen.

Be a part of our adventure as we work towards crossing (and adding) things to the list.

Our Ultimate Bucket List

  • Try kite surfing
  • Go to Munich for Oktoberfest
  • Ride in a hot air balloon
  • Get good at rock climbing and climb somewhere exotic
  • Attend a music festival
  • Be a beach bum in southern France
  • Go heli snowboarding
  • Sleep in a castle in Scotland
  • Write a book
  • Release baby turtles into the ocean
  • Road trip through Iceland
  • Scuba dive the Mediterranean Sea
  • Party in Las Vegas
  • Float in the dead sea
  • Scuba dive in Iceland while touching both continental plates
  • Visit all 7 continents
  • Dive the Great Barrier Reef
  • Go on a scuba diving cruise
  • See the penguins in Chile
  • Witness the northern lights
  • Fly while going hang gliding
  • Try canyoning in New Zealand
  • Walk through Petra
  • Paddleboard in the Maldives
  • Dive with sharks
  • Tour through Portugal
  • Indoor skydive
  • Get a tattoo
  • Climb Machu Picchu
  • Visit Antelope Canyon
  • Buy and renovate a school bus
  • Stay in a tree house hotel
  • Get the full New York City experience
  • Visit the Egyptian Pyramids
  • Tour through the Greek islands
  • Attend a yoga retreat
  • Visit Sri Lanka
  • Road trip through Australia
  • Dance at a rave
  • Raft down the Nile river
  • Visit Morocco
  • Scuba dive the blue hole in Belize
  • Boat ride down the Amazon
  • Experience the grand canyon
  • Drive down the Florida Keys
  • Go base jumping in Rio de Janeiro
  • Party in Ibiza
  • Jump out of a plane
  • Camp in the desert in Morocco
  • Camp overnight on the Great Wall Of China
  • Scuba dive the Mediterranean Sea
  • See the penguins in Chile and Cape Town
  • Party in Las Vegas
  • Learn to scuba dive (In Koh Tao, Thailand)
  • Swim with a sea turtle
  • Scuba Dive through a shipwreck (In Bali)
  • Visit Moab, Utah
  • Explore a Mayan ruin
  • Do a polar bear swim
  • Swim with sting rays
  • Climb through the rice terraces (in Vietnam and Bali)
  • Try surfing (In Bali)
  • Visit Glasgow, Scotland
  • Swim through an underwater cave
  • Explore a castle in Scotland
  • Get a tattoo (Samara)
  • Visit Stonehenge

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In Thailand

Thailand First Impressions: What To Expect When You Land In Bangkok

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For those who have traveled to South East Asia you know that there is no where else quite like it. Bangkok is no exception to this. I am sure everyone who has ever been has said to themselves “only in Thailand” more than a few times. From the incredibly memorable array of smells, the ground that looks like you will absolutely fall through it and the incredibly sketchy forms of transportation it is truly one of a kind.

One thing you can surely count on when traveling to Thailand is that you will meet some of the best people in the world. Both locals and fellow travelers, there is nowhere else quite like it. Oh, and the beaches, they’re pretty nice too.

Trying to explain Thailand to people who haven’t been there is nearly impossible. No explanation is necessary when it comes to affordability. This is a place that is accessible to everyone (seriously, book your ticket!) except maybe those with a severe peanut allergy. They put peanuts on EVERYTHING and there is no such thing as using a different pot for cooking.

On the flight over I was giving Myles a run down of all he should prepare himself for. “Barter everything to at least 50% of their original asking price. Stay away from the mysterious meat kabobs. Drink as many iced coffees as possible, and make sure we only get into metered taxis”. He agrees that these are words to live by – at least in Thailand (well, there’s no such thing as too many iced coffees no matter where in the world you are).

Once we landed and walked out of the airport we were sweaty in a matter of seconds. Eager to get Myles to the backpacker capital, Khao San Road, for his first look into the backpacker lifestyle we grabbed a taxi and headed for the streets of Bangkok.

We instantly did what I think every traveler coming into Thailand: we ate! The food, oh the food! Street food is one of the biggest draws to this country (just me that loves this?). Markets are home to a beautiful array of food that is, for the most part, less than a dollar! With fruits tasting a new kind of delicious you will find yourself sucking back more banana shakes than you’d care to admit (they’re healthy, right?).

The best part of all the food? You walk so much that you don’t get left with that bloated feeling. This leads way to the next biggest thing in Bangkok: shopping! With countless high end shopping malls and even more street vendors with all the low priced knock offs you could ever want, there is something for everyone.

You will get pulled in all directions here so prepare to get your firm “no thank you” face on. From people trying to fit you for a new suit to drivers offering cheap rides in their Tuk Tuk’s you will quickly feel like a mere dollar sign. Learning to embrace this will make your trip much more enjoyable. If you laugh and joke with everyone you will get an amazing response, even from people trying to sell you.

Thailand is an amazing place that will always leave you surprised.

 

Let us know what your first impressions of Thailand was in the comment section below!

In Thailand

Thailand

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Thailand is one of the most touristy countries in all of Southeast Asia for young people to visit. With cheap flights, stunning beaches and delicious food it is no wonder it is quickly becoming a top destination. Perfect for backpackers this country is becoming more and more accessible with many international airports and a cheap and user friendly bus and ferry system.

Having an increasingly tourist driven economy ensures that you will stay safe and have a fun time touring through this country. But with quirks like penis shrines and unmanned potholes you can’t help but think “only in Thailand.”

Get ready to laugh when you hear some of our wild stories with this country.

In Thailand

Thailand Transportation Made Easy: How to Travel Around Without Stress

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Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. Millions of tourists visit this amazing country every year from all over the world. No matter where you travel in Thailand – the big city of Bangkok, temples in Chiang Mai, beaches of Phuket, or jungles in Khao Sok – you’re going to need to know how to get around Thailand. Fortunately, Thailand offers many different transportation options to make sure you get to your destination.

The best way to get the most out of your vacation is to travel smartly. How do we do this? Find out how we get two trips for the price of one.

If there is one thing you can count on it is that you will always leave with stories to tell. Oh Thailand, there is nowhere quite like it. A common story you’ll hear is how people get from point A to point B. If you are like us, blind faith and budget friendly alternatives is what you tend to turn to. After three trips through this beautiful country, we know A LOT about how to travel through Thailand successfully.

Table of Contents

Plane - Flying in Thailand

Most people would naturally assume that taking a plane from one place to another would be the best way to get around Thailand – but you’d be surprised by the availability and quality of other options of transportation in Thailand.

Thailand technically has 39 airports but the main ones are:

  • Suvarnabhumi International Airport (DMK) – Thailand’s main airport located in Bangkok. Most people will fly into Thailand using this airport. Use this airport if you’re going to Pattaya or looking for cheap travel throughout Thailand. It’s the jumping off point for trains, busses, and tours.
  • Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Phuket. This is another popular Thai airport that’s located in the southwest of Thailand. Take this airport if you’re looking to travel to Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lipe Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, or Khao Sok National Park.
  • Krabi International Airport (KBV) is located in the southeast part of the country. This is close to Phuket, you’ll use this airport to explore the famous limestone wilderness of Koh Lanta. It sometimes has better deals than flying into Phuket, depending on where you’re flying from.
  • Samui International Airport (USM) is located on the largest Thai island on the east coast. This is the best airport for getting to our favourite islands in Thailand: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.
  • Chiang Mai International Airport (CNK) is located in northern Thailand and can get you to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai. This is the best airport if you’re wanting to do treks through Thailand.

Main Airlines in Thailand

  • Thai Airways is the National airline that flies to all of the major destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Samui.
  • Bangkok Airways is another option, classified as a boutique airline, flying to similar destinations as Thai Airways

Budget Airlines in Thailand

view from a plane window
  • Thai Smile is their low cost airline that has routes to smaller destinations like Sukhothai, Trang, and Narathiwat among others.
  • AirAsia is another budget airline that operates in the area. They fly to locations like Hat Yai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, and Koh Samui. Its headquarters is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and has routes in the Philippines, Indonesia, and India.
  • Another option to save some money on flights is Nok Air. They fly throughout Thailand and have destinations in China, India, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Things You Should Know About Flying in Thailand

– Rainy season in Thailand is from June to October so it’s best to check the weather before booking a flight. If the weather is bad you run the risk of having your flight cancelled.
– If you’re planning on traveling to Thailand in December to February and April you’ll want to book ahead as these are peak travel times in Thailand.

Benefits of traveling by plane in Thailand

  • Fast, reliable, and convenient.

Drawbacks of traveling by plane in Thailand

airplane on runway
  • Smaller airlines usually don’t include baggage in their pricing. Even carry-on luggage can cost you extra so read the fine print! We search and filter with the luggage box ticked.
  • Flying, even short distances, is not good for the environment.

Train

If you’re looking for an affordable and scenic way to get around Thailand you should consider traveling by train. There are routes to and from popular destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Surat Thani, and more.

Things You Should Know About Taking a Train in Thailand

  • There are many different ways of booking train travel in Thailand. You can head to the train company’s website, book through a travel agent, or just show up at the Thailand train station.
  • Book in advance! Especially if you’re planning on sleeping on the train. State Railway of Thailand and 12 Go Asia are a couple of places to book a reliable Thailand train ticket.
  • There are 4 classes of train: First Class (private air conditioned cabins with beds and sinks), Second Class (seats/berths that convert to beds, with or without a/c), Third Class (hard seats with fans and windows), Fourth Class (wooden benches). Choose wisely!
  • Bring snacks, drinks, and entertainment. Thai trains should have a dining car (or at least a food cart) but just to be on the safe side we recommend bringing some of your favourite snacks.
  • Check your train’s status before you depart and make sure you’re on the right train!

Benefits of travelling by train in Thailand

hogwarts train in scottland
Psych! Not a Thailand train - actually the Harry Potter Hogwarts train

This is a popular way to travel in Thailand because it allows you to get a different perspective of the Thai countryside from your window during the day and sleep if you book a night train.

  • There are different classes of comfort and service. Obviously, the price increases as you increase the amenities, but it can still be reasonable to travel comfortably and stay in your travel budget.
  • One of the many perks of traveling by Thailand train is that you get to meet new people. You’re able to get up and walk through the train.

Drawbacks of train travel in Thailand

Traveling by train in Thailand can be… interesting. We recommend going into this experience with a relaxed mindset and a go with the flow expectation.

  • Thailand train travel can be crowded and noisy. We suggest bringing a face mask and ear plugs whenever we travel, but especially on a Thailand train sleeper.
  • Delays are known to happen – frequently in peak season and holidays.
  • We suggest paying a little more for your Thailand train tickets to not be in the lower classes or older trains – trust us, it’s worth it.

Overall, Thailand train travel is one of the most interesting ways to get around. Expect an adventure – even if everything goes smoothly.

Bus

Myles’ first time in Thailand we flew into Bangkok and caught an overnight bus to Koh Tao. The Thailand bus was not what he was accustomed to in Canada. Windows seemed to be held in with duct tape and we broke down halfway through the trip and had to help fix it. But even with this experience we cannot recommend traveling by bus in Thailand more.

inside a thailand night bus
Inside a Thailand night bus

Things You Should Know About Taking a Bus in Thailand

  • There are different types of Thailand buses ranging from local buses that make frequent stops, have no amenities and are cheap to VIP buses that have fewer, more comfortable seats with legroom, blankets, pillows and entertainment systems.
  • You’ll be able to buy Thailand bus tickets almost anywhere in Thailand through travel agents. These are easily found in high tourist areas. Khao San Road in Bangkok for example has about 10. We recommend buying in advance though.
  • Secure your belongings while traveling on buses – especially Thailand night buses.
  • Bring some extra Thai Bhat so you can pick up some snacks at a pit stop.
  • It’s important to trust the process. There have been many times we’ve been traveling by bus in Thailand and amongst the chaos we did not expect to get to our destination – but Thailand has never let us down.

Benefits of traveling by bus in Thailand

bus

No matter where you’re planning on traveling in Thailand a bus will be able to take you there (well almost anywhere). What we’re trying to say is that Thailand bus travel is one of the most popular (and affordable) ways to get around the country.

  • Thailand bus booking is one of the easiest things to do. Even in smaller Thai towns, villages, and islands, there will be travel agents that can book a bus, or night bus, for you.
  • The Thailand bus schedule is amazing. There is usually a bus that’s leaving at the time you want throughout the day.
  • Taking a night bus will save you the cost of accommodation. We love that you fall asleep in one place and wake up where you want to be.

Drawbacks of traveling by bus in Thailand

  • Depending on where you’re being picked up the Thai bus could be in bad shape. If you’re wanting to travel in relative comfort we suggest paying the extra money to not be in the lower class. They may say they’re “VIP” but don’t expect luxury treatment.
  • Thailand bus stations aren’t necessarily the best marked pickup locations. Listen carefully (even write down) the directions to get to the station. Ask for landmarks or stores that it’s near.
  • Sometimes the arrival time you were quoted is not accurate. We took a Thailand bus Bangkok to Koh Tao where we thought we’d arrive at 6:30 am but in fact, we were awoken at 2:30 am by someone yelling “Koh Tao get off now!”.
  • Buses, especially for long distances, will make pit stops along the way. You may be thankful to see a bathroom, but don’t have high expectations as most of the time these are just holes in the ground. (Pro Tip: bring your own toilet paper!)

Thailand bus travel is one of the best ways to get around Thailand. We strongly recommend experiencing this for yourself.

thailand bust stop. thailand pit stop, thai bus stop
What a typical Thailand Bus Stop looks like. Not the best shot - it was taken at 2am

Tuk Tuk - The Most Famous Way To Get Around Thailand

For those that don’t know a Thailand tuk tuk is a three wheeled scooter looking vehicle. They have a rich history in Thailand and have evolved from traditional rickshaws. Thai tuk tuks are mainly found in larger cities like Bangkok and Phuket. These little Thai scooters are great for short trips in town.

Things You Should Know About Taking a Tuk Tuk in Thailand

  • Avoid the Thailand tuk tuk scam: Excited travelers will jump on without a price only to be told a huge amount when they reach their destination. Avoid this by agreeing on the Thailand tuk tuk price (and pay) before getting on. This is one of the biggest scams in Thailand.

Benefits of traveling by Tuk Tuk in Thailand

  • Cheap and fast. They can go where cars may struggle. This also means they weave between vehicles they maybe shouldn’t at speeds that are questionable.
  • One of the most Thai things you can do.

Drawbacks of traveling by Tuk Tuk in Thailand

  • Thailand tuk tuk safety is up for debate. They are completely open and don’t have seatbelts or airbags. The more cautious traveler will say they are incredibly unsafe while others will say they’re just plain unsafe. Either way, tuk tuks are not safe. Hold on and make sure your bags are securely fastened.
  • Not great for long distances.
thailand tuk tuk

Thai Taxi

Traveling by taxi are some of the most common methods of transportation around the world. Thailand has many, but there’s a reason it’s so low on this list. There are so many ways to get around Thailand that taxis don’t hold their importance as they do in other places.

Things You Should Know About Taking a Taxi in Thailand

  • The biggest Thailand taxi scam is the meter starting at a higher price. Make sure the meter reads 35 before starting your journey.
  • Another scam is that the taxi driver will drive off with your bag still in the trunk of the cab. To combat this ask them to get your bag for you or if you’re traveling with someone, one person stays in the Thailand cab until the bag is secured.
  • Some cab drivers in Thailand will take longer routes to avoid tolls or to run up the meter. You can ask them to take expressways instead. A Thailand taxi tip: Modern cell phones will show you your location even without data – use this to track your route.
  • Bring smaller Thailand Bhat with you. Some drivers don’t carry small bills to make change.
  • Some taxis will allow you to schedule a pickup time. This can be helpful if you need to get somewhere the next day and don’t want to risk hailing a cab.

Benefits of traveling by Taxi in Thailand

  • Thailand taxi fare is quite cheap when compared to that of western prices. The meter starts at 35 Baht ($1.35 CAD / $1 USD).
  • Many Thailand taxi drivers will get to your destination fast! When we say fast, we mean scary fast.

Drawbacks of traveling by Taxi in Thailand

  • Compared to other means of transportation in Thailand, taxis are not the cheapest way to get around.
  • Thai taxis don’t have the cultural appeal as tuk tuks
  • Some Thailand cab drivers turn off their meter when they see tourists hail them. If this happens make sure you agree on a price before you get in or you run the risk of a high bill.

Scooter - The Most Fun Way To Get Around Thailand

By far the most fun way to get around Thailand is by renting a scooter. These are cheap to rent and can be found everywhere. Thailand scooter rentals give you the freedom to explore a larger area than you thought was possible.

scooter

Things You Should Know About Taking a Scooter in Thailand

  • Be sure to take a video of the bike before you rent. This way you can protect yourself. You will have proof of the condition when you return the bike.
  • According to Thai law, you should have an international scooter license in order to drive one. You have to get this before traveling to Thailand. We got it when we got our international driver’s license.
  • Wear your helmet! Every scooter should come with a helmet. Make sure everyone who’s riding it wears one (they’ll give you two if you’re in a couple).
  • Follow the rules of the road. Stay on the proper side of the street, abide by the speed limit, and don’t drive recklessly.
  • Be aware that driving scooters in Asia is not like driving in North America. The “rules of the road” are much more relaxed and people weave in and out of the lanes. Horns are not a form of aggression -they are used freely for everything. Move right – honk your horn. Switch lanes – honk your horn. Almost hit a pedestrian – honk your horn.
  • Consider renting from your hotel. You’ll have to leave some sort of collateral (likely 10 000 Bhat or your passport) until you return your scooter. Renting from your hotel or a travel agent can give you peace of mind.

Benefits of traveling by Scooter in Thailand

thai gas station hut
  • Incredibly fun. This is one of the most fun ways to get around Thailand.
  • Freedom. You’ll be able to see so much more than any other way. You can plan your own trips without having to rely on anyone else.
  • Cheap cheap, good price. A typical scooter rental should cost around $15 CAD per day. Gas is also incredibly cheap and comes in glass alcohol bottles and is available everywhere. When we mean everywhere, we mean children selling it on the side of the road everywhere.
  • Available everywhere. You’ll be able to rent a scooter in Thailand in every city, town and island.

Drawbacks of traveling by Scooter in Thailand

  • Don’t crash! It’ll cost you. We traveled with a friend who crashed his bike and had to pay 16,000 THB ($640 CAD) for a few scratches and a broken mirror.
  • Being pulled over by police. When scootering around Phuket we got caught in a road block without an international driver’s license and no helmets. A mere $20 CAD payoff later and we were free to go. We were given a note that said we no longer had to pay if we fell into any more trouble with the law.
  • Can be dangerous. If you’re nervous or distracted you could crash the scooter. Don’t do this ;).

Longtail Boat

thai lontail boat, thailand longtail boat, thai long tail boat

Longtail boats are tied with tuk tuks as the most famous way to get around Thailand. They allow you to connect to the ocean and sights in a way you never thought possible.

Things You Should Know About Taking a Longtail Boat in Thailand

  • They are beautiful and don’t look like they can float. Trust us – they can.
  • Longtail boats are propelled by car or tractor engines with a propeller attached.
  • They are usually found in near Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta.
  • Longtail boat tours can range from a short trip to multi day excursions.
thailand longtail bot, thai longtail boat

Benefits of traveling by Longtail Boat in Thailand

  • A more intimate way to travel around Thailand. You’ll be just inches from the water.
  • Boat drivers usually chat with you while they drive. You can learn about secret spots only locals know.

Drawbacks of traveling by Longtail Boat in Thailand

  • Usually no shelter from the elements. Be sure to bring sunscreen.
  • Loud engines
  • Not very comfortable

Ferry

Ferries are one of the main ways you’ll get to the islands that everyone loves. There are many different kinds and classes. Be sure to choose wisely!

Things You Should Know About Taking a Ferry in Thailand

  • You should book your Tuailand ferry ticket in advance during the high season (November to March) and holidays
  • Check the weather and sea conditions before you get on the ferry. May to October are the rainy season and can cause delays or cancellations.
  • Bring some anti-nausea medication.

Benefits of traveling by Ferry in Thailand

  • Comfortable seats.
  • Snacks are available
  • Has a below deck to hide from the sun and elements
  • Usually much cheaper than flying

Drawbacks of traveling by Ferry in Thailand

  • Can be slower than other forms of Thai transportation.
  • Can be unsafe. A boat capsized in rough waters a day before we were supposed to leave – on the same route we were taking.
  • Can cause motion sickness

Thanks for stopping by!

Thailand is one wild ride no matter which form of transportation you choose. With trust and some common sense you are bound to leave smiling and with a great story to tell.

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