Destination - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Discover
Vibrating with energy, innovation and traffic - lots of traffic! - Ho Chi Minh City, formerly know as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan metropolis, HCMC's dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city's past as well as its future. This city has many well-known attractions, including the War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and Ben Thanh Market.
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is a 400km² bay in the Andaman Sea between southern Thailand's mainland and Phuket Island. Also known as Ao Phang Nga National Park, it's characterized by limestone cliffs and rock formations, as well as mangrove forests and small islands. Among the islands are Koh Tapu, known as James Bond Island for its appearance in a Bond film. Koh Phanak Island is known for its caves and lagoons. The bay's waters are dotted with coral reefs.
Phuket Old Town
Admire the colourful 19th century Sino-Portuguese shophouses along Thalang Road. Soi Romanee is an Instagrammers dream with boldly coloured houses and street art.
Language
The local language is Thai. English is generally understood at hotels and resorts.
Useful phrases for day-to-day life
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Hello – Sawadee (khrup/ka)
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Yes – Chai (khrup/ka)
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No – Mai (khrup/ka)
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Maybe – Aaj ja (khrup/ka)
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Thank you – khop khun (khrup/ka)
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Sorry/excuse me – Khor thoad (khrup/ka)
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Bathroom – Hong nam.
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Where is the bathroom? – Hong nam yoo tee nai (khrup/ka)?
Weather
August is considered the low season as it is the rainy season (from June to November). The average temperature ranges from a low of 25ᵒ to a high of 32ᵒ.
Currency
The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht. The international code is THB.
Click here to see the currency conversion.
Note: cash is preferred in most places. Cards are commonly accepted in bigger establishments such as hotels.
Tipping
Tipping in Thailand is not mandatory, but it is certainly appreciated especially at hotels. A service charge will normally be added to your bill. The service charge will usually be declared on the menu if you're in a cafe or restaurant and is paid directly to the company rather than to an individual member of staff. For smaller eateries, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated. Same goes for taxis and Grab taxis.
Taxis
Taxis accept cash payment instead of credit cards. Prior to arriving in Thailand, we recommend downloading the Grab app which is the equivalent to Uber if you wish to use credit card payment.
Power Sockets
Thailand uses flat parallel prongs and two round pin sockets. Some hotels have three pin outlets as well as USB sockets. It is recommended to bring a travel adapter.
General info and tips
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We recommend having some Thai Baht notes/cash when you arrive in Thailand to pay for taxis and restaurants.
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Please be aware that there are wild monkeys in Phuket especially around the Rang Hill view point and Monkey Hill. Do not feed the monkeys and stay at a safe distance. Whilst they are cute they can also be aggressive and dangerous. A monkey scratch or bite can lead to serious infection and can be deadly in some rare cases.
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Toilet paper is not always provided in public restrooms outside of the major hotels and restaurants. It is useful to carry a packet of tissues in case you need to use a public restroom at the beach or out and about.
Elephants play an important role in Thailand’s economy and culture
Elephants are revered in Thailand and are considered the country’s national animal. Elephant images are incorporated in many art works and were featured on the Thai flag until 1917. White elephants in particular are significant in the country, since they are associated with royalty and symbolize strength and power.
The elephant population was large in Thailand in the early 20th century. It’s estimated there were about 400,000 elephants in the nation. Then the human population boomed, and the logging industry exploded, leading to tremendous habitat loss. Elephants were used as tractors to pull the logs, effectively destroying their own environment. That deforestation took a major toll, leading to mudslides and causing the elephant population to dwindle to less than 7,000.
In 1989 the government responded by putting a moratorium on logging. Conservation centres were created to support the elephants that had been negatively affected by the logging industry.
Today, nonprofits organisations provide support to these conservation centres.
Fun fact: Did you know that Asian elephants have smaller ears than African elephants?
