by Chris Mitchell on June 10, 2010
11th June 2010 – A quick update to my last couple of posts: Bangkok is pretty much back to normal and has been for the last couple of weeks. The protesters have gone home, the army are back in barracks, the public transport services are open again and the shopping malls are open too. It’s safe to go anywhere in Bangkok again. The only reminders of the troubles in May are the burnt out CentralWorld mall and other fire-damaged buildings, which ironically are now attracting quite a few tourists, both foreign and Thai. As such, Bangkok is safe again for tourists. Several countries have kept their travel warnings in place about Thailand, but this is not really warranted. That said, anyone travelling to Bangkok in the next few months should keep an eye on the news in case trouble flares up again. It seems unlikely at this point, but these things happen suddenly and without warning. If the situation changes, for sure I will post about it here on Travelhappy.
by Chris Mitchell on May 3, 2010
As the Red Shirt protests rumble on in Bangkok, several foreign governments including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia have warned against “all but essential travel” to anywhere in Thailand. Are things really that bad? (Short answer: no). [click to continue…]
by Chris Mitchell on May 1, 2010
World Nomads, one of the leading backpacker insurance companies, have issued an update on their travel insurance policy coverage for anyone coming to Thailand during the current unrest. It’s important you check that you’re covered by your travel insurance policy. [click to continue…]
by Chris Mitchell on April 30, 2010
From May 1st 2010, Travelfish’s excellent downloadable PDF travel guides will be free for the next three months. Go and grab yours while you can. [click to continue…]
by Chris Mitchell on April 11, 2010
Recently I’ve been staying with my friends Rob and Ning in their beautiful old wooden stilt house on the island of Koh Lanta, where the back garden is the sea…
by Chris Mitchell on March 25, 2010
Sukhothai Airport in central Thailand has to be a contender for the world’s prettiest airport – it’s like landing in an ornamental garden rather than an aviation terminal
by Chris Mitchell on March 16, 2010
Here are five of the most important temples you shouldn’t miss if you are visiting Sukhothai in Thailand
by Chris Mitchell on March 1, 2010
South East Asia’s three greatest temple complexes are enjoying a renaissance of popularity nearly 1000 years after they were first constructed
by Chris Mitchell on February 23, 2010
With an upcoming Supreme Court decision on February 26th 2010 that might spark widespread protests, several countries have issued travel warnings about travelling to Thailand.
by Chris Mitchell on February 22, 2010
As of 19th February 2010, all tourists entering Thailand are now required to have a minimum of 10,000 Thai Baht in cash on their person when they go through Immigration
by Chris Mitchell on October 5, 2009
AirAsia continues to expand its Asian flights network with the launch of a new direct route between Phuket and Hong Kong on 5th October. The budget carrier is promoting cheap flights on its recently launched Hong Kong – Phuket route: for the first week, flights are 999 Baht plus taxes each way. Check AirAsia on [...]
by Chris Mitchell on September 29, 2009
If you’re after a free trip to Thailand, you can try your hand at Ultimate Thailand Explorer, the Tourist Authority of Thailand-sponsored competition to find a couple to travel through Thailand documenting their trip. It’s a bit like the Australian Best Job In The World in its concept. Not only do all your expenses and [...]
by Chris Mitchell on September 29, 2009
If you’re looking to travel Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia without spending a penny, you might want to check out this job offer from Buffalo Tours — a three month tour through Indochina’s greatest hits, shooting photo and video to add to their database. Billed as a “two-three month free holiday”, this could be a [...]
by Chris Mitchell on August 15, 2009
by Chris Mitchell on July 30, 2009
Up until the end of October, there are some big discounts, free nights and other chunky incentives to book a stay at some of Thailand’s best hotels
by Chris Mitchell on July 22, 2009
If you’re looking for the cheapest flight prices to Thailand and flying around South East Asia, there are currently a whole slew of special offers from airlines hungry for your cash
by Chris Mitchell on June 22, 2009
If you’re interested in doing real volunteer work while in Bangkok but don’t know who to contact, speak to the guys at InSearchOfSanuk.com – they are doing sterling work with a growing number of Bangkok charities
by Chris Mitchell on June 15, 2009
Get a detailed picture of what’s available on each of Koh Lanta’s beaches with this comprehensive map of the Thai island on Google Maps, created by Rob at AmazingLanta.com
by Chris Mitchell on June 8, 2009
Today’s my birthday. With an uncharacteristic pang of nostalgia, I thought back to all the places I’ve been on my birthday since I left the UK seven years ago. Here they are.
by Chris Mitchell on June 5, 2009
Looking for a laid back island in Thailand where there’s unspoilt beaches, not too many people but still decent hotels and restaurants? Take a look at the Koh Lanta Beach Guide on AmazingLanta.com
by Chris Mitchell on May 28, 2009
Need a packing list before you’re travelling to Thailand? Here’s some packing tips about what you can leave at home and what you should make sure you bring to the Land of Smiles
by Chris Mitchell on May 23, 2009
If you think McDonalds sells the same burgers and fries everywhere in the world, think again – here in Asia they’ve had to make some concessions to local tastes and come up with some peculiar fast food variations on Asian favourites
by Chris Mitchell on May 12, 2009
Engrish is one of the great joys of travelling in Asia. Here are a few more gems found during my wanderings around Bangkok.
by Chris Mitchell on May 5, 2009
Find out where the cheapest places are to dive in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as other recent articles from Divehappy, my website about scuba diving in Asia
by Chris Mitchell on April 28, 2009
Thai Banks have now imposed significant fees for tourists withdrawing foreign funds from ATMs while travelling in Thailand. Make sure you minimise your ATM use to avoid spending more than you bargained for.
by Chris Mitchell on April 18, 2009
Want to find places to volunteer in Thailand where you don’t have to pay loads of money for the privilege of doing so? Lindy Madden has some answers
by Chris Mitchell on March 22, 2009
On the excellent MoneySaversExpert site – probably the UK’s best site for impartial financial advice with a very active forum – I just discovered the Travel Money Maximiser page.
by Chris Mitchell on March 12, 2009
If you’re looking for some real peace and quiet, then going on a meditation retreat in Thailand will provide not only silence and solitude but also perhaps some profound changes in your own outlook
by Chris Mitchell on March 7, 2009
Phuket may be Thailand’s most popular tourist destination, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still some secret beaches on the island where you can get away from the crowds
by Chris Mitchell on February 25, 2009
If you’re travelling around South East Asia, it’s much cheaper to get a DTAC Thai SIM card for your mobile phone than use your SIM from back home – you can also use the DTAC Thai SIM in other countries too
