Four Tips For Thailand Travel

Helmets are normally included, but are usually ultra-basic models with very flimsy chin-strap fasteners.

Bargain to leave some baht instead). Often a deposit will be required; sometimes a passport photocopy, or even the passport itself will be requested (Don't do this. Many places will rent to you without requiring a license, but legally speaking you must have a valid Thai license or International Driver's Permit.

Negotiate the fare with the driver before using his service otherwise you may be charged more than you expect. These are very widely used as taxis, with fares starting from as low as 10 baht. As is the case throughout virtually all of Southeast Asia, motorcycles (motosai) are the most common form of transport overall; the most popular type are the 100 cc-125 cc step-through models.

If you're taller than about 1.80m, get an exit row seat unless you want to ride the whole flight with your knees resting against the seat in front. Unlike most LCCs, their ticket prices don't change much, meaning they're often the cheapest option for last-minute flights. The fleet has been grounded on and off, but as of late-2010 they're flying again.

Orient Thai , previously One-Two-Go, is easily the dodgiest of Thailand Travel's main carriers, flying a ragtag bunch of ancient planes with a poor safety record, including a crash in Phuket in 2007 that killed 90 people. It's run on a donation system, includes simple lodging and meals, and will give you more time than you ever thought possible to reflect on your only constant travel companion: yourself. This is legit silence — no talking, no texting, and no writing for 10 straight days.

Dhamma Kamala in Prachinburi offers 10-day silent courses in Vipassana meditation. Stop in Khao Lak at the beachside Khaolak Laguna Resort (in the center of town) and take a tour of the nearby waterfalls, go for a hike in Khaolak-Lumru National Park, or just enjoy a drink by the pool while watching the tide roll in. Nature lovers will enjoy the Little Amazon" of Takua Pa in Phang Nga , near Khao Lak — where no building is allowed to stand taller than a coconut palm tree — and only a few hours from Phuket.

This part of the country is all about exploring the small villages and cities that punctuate the miles and miles of beaches. It's so good to find someone you can trust. Also this year we will definitely be using her services, which are very much cheaper than tourist offices provide.

We've been in Phuket Thailand many times and only used Rainy's travel services, she speaks very good english and is friendly woman. I can totally recommend Rainy's Tourist and Taxi services. Koh Tao is one of the cheapest and best places in the world to learn scuba diving, while Koh Phangan is part party island, part secluded island paradise.

Koh Samui has its own airport and is home mainly to mid-range and upmarket holiday resorts.