SIM CARD
- Take the Sim card already.
We had one from Matrix for 1000INR that gave 250 min. of talk time.
- You can avail free SIM at BKK airport and get it recharged at any 7Eleven shop(general stores seen everywhere in Thailand) after you land.
But if you need to call somebody before that, you better go for 1st option.
CURRENCY
Land with sufficient Thai currency as the exchange rates are 30% lesser in BKK Airport. Trust me.
You can find exchange shops everywhere in Thai. But rate may differ. So have sufficient funds so that you will find a better rate after roaming one day in Thai.
INR is not acceptable in every shop.
VISA
On arrival Visa for almost all countries.
1000 Baht fee.
2 passport(regular) size photos[200Bahts if u get it in Airport]
Takes 1-3 hours to issue visa.
Ridiculous service by Thai govt, only 6 counters to issue visa for 1000s of tourists. Hence time taking.
Btter download( not sure) the form, fill it already and join the queue with 2 photographs.
Baggage CLAIM
By the time you get visa and go to the belt announced, you’ll be seeing other flight passengers claiming their luggage.
DON’T WORRY. Your bags will be there around the belt somewhere.
Or ask the staff.
TRANSPORT
You can engage a cab outside the airport to Pattaya or ur hotel in BKK.
First you need to take slip with the No. on that where your taxi is parked. YOU CAN BARGAIN.
To Pattaya. He asked 1500B but settled for 1200. I heard that even a 1000 would do.:-(
Have the prinout of hotel address in English and Thai as well so that you can show that to the driver while engaging.
They may try to leave you at nearest place, but insist him to drop at your hotel. He will do.
PATTAYA
We been to Pattaya direct from BKK airport.
We had a room booked online on Beach Road which is nearer to WLAKING STREET, the best part of Pattaya. Check online for better accomodation near Walking Street.
Beach Road
This is a One Way road towards Walking street. U can find TukTuks(autos) running almost 24 hours. You just get in and get out where you want and pay 10bucks per person. They may go different routes. Keep observing till you know the city/ places. If you ask the drivet to go to somewhere. He say "100 baaks". So dont ask. Just get in and get out.
You may find footpath shops n portable hotels on the walk way on the beach. Beach is very small very few of them go for a bath here. No tides when we were there.
Left side of the road, u will find hotels, exchange shops, restaurants of different countries. And at the end of the road. Our favourite Walking Street begins.
Few TukTuks go straight to the bridge where boats are ready to take u to Coral Island. Few TTs turn left to go in to the city.
Hmmmm. WALKING STREET
Full of bars, pubs, strip/dancing bars, shows(Men, dont miss the shows if you r not with ur wife.;-). You can bargain to enter the shows.
Inside every bar. U have to keep ordering drinks per person and keep throwing the tips to the girls coming to your table. Keep spending is the business here. Go online for info on different types of bars here. Do this.
Dont miss Russian bars. Beautiful girls.
Girls
Throughout the beach road n walking street you will find girls. Pick carefully as few of them are LADY BOYS.
:-&
MASSAGE
THAI is known for massages.
But not everywhere you get good service. 200/300Bahts for 1 hour they charge. Find a good one by reference. I had 4 massages. 2 of them are exceptional. 2 are worst(my right tow is still paining even after 10 days).
Be specific on what you want before they put thei hands on you.
SIGHTSEEING
If you go for sightseeing on your own. The fees are high. If you r on package or travell agent or local taxi. the fees are low.
Below are entry fees:
Mini SIAM - 300 per person
Tiger zoo - 450 per person
Elephant Trecki g - 1000 I heard
If u r on ur own engage a cab and fix a rate with fees all including.
Tiger zoo is in between Bangkok n Pattaya. Don’t miss cub feeding and sitting with Tiger& Crocodile.
Mini SIAM with models of 7 wonders, etc. 5km from beach road.