I will travel to Thailand for 1 month and have several weeks until my flight, are there any phrases that I should learn before I arrive? not sure if I should even bother with Thai language. BTW is it better to start the trip on the islands or Chiang Mai?

Chop kin hoy.

Quote: (02-28-2016 08:34 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  

Chop kin hoy.

I know you do

Not a good idea to hang out in CM in March and the days leading up to Songkran in April to avoid bad air quality from burning.

Depending how long you plan to stay, it may be worthwhile to learn a few phrases or words. Although, If you do try to speak Thai and use the incorrect tone, they may not understand you, anyway. In addition to the usual suspects, mai roo (I don't know) and mai dai (can't do it) are two phrases you will hear often. Learn Tao rai (how much? - in a general form), which can be used to ask the price. Say krab at the end of every phrase or sentence to be polite - Tao rai krab.

Outside of Bangkok many normal girls (non hookers or farang hunters) don't speak English very well.

Learn the numbers. This goes a long way. Once you know how to countr from 1 to 100 (the system behind it is really easy to figure out) you will never have problems with taxi drivers again. If you get in the taxi and tell the driver the address of your destination in Thai, it is very unlikely that he will try to rip you off as you don't come across as a stupid tourist. Also, knowing the numbers is useful for asking prices. When you ask someone who can't speak englisch "Tao rai? (How much is it)", the answer will most likely be in Thai as well. So basically the phrase "Tao rai?" is useless if you don't know the numbers.

Quote: (02-29-2016 04:10 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  

Not a good idea to hang out in CM in March and the days leading up to Songkran in April to avoid bad air quality from burning.

Depending how long you plan to stay, it may be worthwhile to learn a few phrases or words. Although, If you do try to speak Thai and use the incorrect tone, they may not understand you, anyway. In addition to the usual suspects, mai roo (I don't know) and mai dai (can't do it) are two phrases you will hear often. Learn Tao rai (how much? - in a general form), which can be used to ask the price. Say krab at the end of every phrase or sentence to be polite - Tao rai krab.

Outside of Bangkok many normal girls (non hookers or farang hunters) don't speak English very well.

I have a flight at the end of March. Not sure if I should stay more than one month. Should I get a tourist visa? don't really need it if it's less than 30 days, but may be just in case.

It's my first solo trip so I'm a little bit nervous

Don't be nervous and yes, get a visa. In fact get the longest visa they will give you because more than a few guys have come here for 2 weeks or a month and never went back. The previous poster makes a good point about learning the numbers, but he is wrong on a few of his points. In CM and the islands taxis, songthaews and tuk tuks will try to overcharge you no matter how well you learn to count in Thai. If the sole purpose of learning Thai is to avoid getting ripped off by locals, it would actually be better to learn how to speak Southern and Lanna (Northern) in these areas. The Northern word for 20 is Sow, which differs from the Thai word for 20 (Yee Sip). This happens to be the local fare for a red songthaew in CM, which you will be unlikely to get by using regular Thai and being foreign.

You can also extend your 30 day visa for another 30 days if you decide to stay longer. It takes you a full day at the immigration office and 1,900 Baht.

Quote: (02-29-2016 06:21 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  

Don't be nervous and yes, get a visa. In fact get the longest visa they will give you because more than a few guys have come here for 2 weeks or a month and never went back. The previous poster makes a good point about learning the numbers, but he is wrong on a few of his points. In CM and the islands taxis, songthaews and tuk tuks will try to overcharge you no matter how well you learn to count in Thai. If the sole purpose of learning Thai is to avoid getting ripped off by locals, it would actually be better to learn how to speak Southern and Lanna (Northern) in these areas. The Northern word for 20 is Sow, which differs from the Thai word for 20 (Yee Sip). This happens to be the local fare for a red songthaew in CM, which you will be unlikely to get by using regular Thai and being foreign.

Thanks.
Where should I go after Bangkok?
The islands or Chiang Mai?
I plan to visit both areas of Thailand, but not sure what first and how many days for each location.

Phom (I am - male speaker)

Me Kwam Suk (happy)
Hew (Hungry)
Im (full)
HewNaam (thirsty)
Sao (sad)


Pom (I male) Pha (Allergic) Ahh Han Palaye


Now (Cold)
Rawn (Hot)

Chai (Yes)
Mai Chai (No)
Chan Choo (my Name is)
Khun Choo A-Rai (what is your name)

YinDee Tea Dai RuuChuk (Nice to meet you)

My Pen Rai (no problem)



aknee (classifer) raa Kaa (cost) Toe Rai (how much)
Pang Pai (too expensive)
Lot (reduce) Dai (can) Mai (question word)

Khun (you) SaaByeDee Mai (how are)
SaaByeDee (I am fine)

Pom (I male) Cha (like) Yun (you)
Kun Naa-Rak Maa (you are cute)
Kun Sawai Muk (you beautiful)




Colors

SeeDamn (Black)
SeeCow (White)
SeeDang (red)
SeeKeeow (Green)
SeeFar (Blue)
SeeLouang (yellow)


1 Nung 2 song 3 sam 4si 5 ha 6 Hok 7 jet 8 paad 9 kao 10 sip
11 sipett 20 YeeSip 21 YeeSipett
100 NungRoy 200 SongROy 1000 NungPan

Cultural Tips:

Smile. Smile some more. Never get angry, just keep smiling.

Always say hello, how are you, thank you and excuse me in Thai. No excuse not to.

Learning numbers and to ask how much and say thats too expensive in Thai will save you money in the markets, not because they think you are a local, but because they like you more, and don't see you as a big nosed tourist. You will still pay more than a Thai, but half a tourist....

Don't touch their heads like we do in the west.
Watch what you do with your feet - don't put them up on chairs, tables etc especially if you have flip flops on - feet be unholy/dirty frowned upon.

Asia is crazy. when you come from the west, it takes time to just adapt and go with the flow. Be patient and smile a lot.

Thailand is a beautiful country, filled with beautiful people. You will have a life changing experience is you approach your trip with the right frame.

You will be left pondering how a people who work so hard, and have so little, can be so much more genuinely happier than us big nosed people. If you work out why, let me know....

Hotel rooms ordering - Is it better to pay with a credit card through agoda/booking or in cash?

Here are some phrases/words I used during a short trip to BKK (thread-32193...d1183760):

hi - sawatdee krup
nice to meet you - yin dee tee dai roh jak
good - dee
bad - mai dee
can you speak english - put angkrit dai mai
pretty - na rak
yes - chai
no - mai
Bah! - lets go
Cowli - korea
Mai chai - idk
can - dai
mai dai - can't
Cheers - chon kay-ew
thank you - kahp koon krup (or just krup / ka for girls)
sorry/excuse me - katort
i don't understand - mai roo
how much - tao lie
water - nam
delicious - aroy
toilet - hong nam

Knowing a little bit of the local language (anywhere) and demonstrating you care at least a little bit goes a long way.

Quote: (03-04-2016 12:37 PM)whiteknightrises Wrote:  

Here are some phrases/words I used during a short trip to BKK (thread-32193...d1183760):

hi - sawatdee krup
nice to meet you - yin dee tee dai roh jak
good - dee
bad - mai dee
can you speak english - put angkrit dai mai
pretty - na rak
yes - chai
no - mai
Bah! - lets go
Cowli - korea
Mai chai - idk
can - dai
mai dai - can't
Cheers - chon kay-ew
thank you - kahp koon krup (or just krup / ka for girls)
sorry/excuse me - katort
i don't understand - mai roo
how much - tao lie
water - nam
delicious - aroy
toilet - hong nam

Knowing a little bit of the local language (anywhere) and demonstrating you care at least a little bit goes a long way.

You got some mistakes in there.

i don't understand - mai khao jai
Mai chai - no
pretty - suay
cute - narak
mai roo - i don't know

Alos, I am not sure if Bah really translates to let's go. Bah means crazy.

Sometimes you will also hear "mai bok" from girls, which means "I don't tell you".

don't worry too much, if you are white FARANG, i guess anything goes for thai chicks.

Quote: (03-04-2016 01:33 PM)jayko Wrote:  

don't worry too much, if you are white FARANG, i guess anything goes for thai chicks.

If you go to Thailand with the mindset that your ethnicity alone will get you laid a lot, you are in for some bad suprises.

Quote: (03-01-2016 06:40 AM)nomadd Wrote:  

Quote: (02-29-2016 06:21 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  

Don't be nervous and yes, get a visa. In fact get the longest visa they will give you because more than a few guys have come here for 2 weeks or a month and never went back. The previous poster makes a good point about learning the numbers, but he is wrong on a few of his points. In CM and the islands taxis, songthaews and tuk tuks will try to overcharge you no matter how well you learn to count in Thai. If the sole purpose of learning Thai is to avoid getting ripped off by locals, it would actually be better to learn how to speak Southern and Lanna (Northern) in these areas. The Northern word for 20 is Sow, which differs from the Thai word for 20 (Yee Sip). This happens to be the local fare for a red songthaew in CM, which you will be unlikely to get by using regular Thai and being foreign.

Thanks.
Where should I go after Bangkok?
The islands or Chiang Mai?
I plan to visit both areas of Thailand, but not sure what first and how many days for each location.

Avoid Chiang Mai in early April and arrive for Songkran (Thai New Year), which is April 12-14, but will run for the whole week. Plan on arriving on Sunday (10th) or Monday and stay as long as you wish. Probably the best place to experience Songkran in Thailand.

Quote: (03-04-2016 01:06 PM)RagnarLothbrok Wrote:  

Quote: (03-04-2016 12:37 PM)whiteknightrises Wrote:  

Here are some phrases/words I used during a short trip to BKK (thread-32193...d1183760):

hi - sawatdee krup
nice to meet you - yin dee tee dai roh jak
good - dee
bad - mai dee
can you speak english - put angkrit dai mai
pretty - na rak
yes - chai
no - mai
Bah! - lets go
Cowli - korea
Mai chai - idk
can - dai
mai dai - can't
Cheers - chon kay-ew
thank you - kahp koon krup (or just krup / ka for girls)
sorry/excuse me - katort
i don't understand - mai roo
how much - tao lie
water - nam
delicious - aroy
toilet - hong nam

Knowing a little bit of the local language (anywhere) and demonstrating you care at least a little bit goes a long way.

You got some mistakes in there.

i don't understand - mai khao jai
Mai chai - no
pretty - suay
cute - narak
mai roo - i don't know

Alos, I am not sure if Bah really translates to let's go. Bah means crazy.

Sometimes you will also hear "mai bok" from girls, which means "I don't tell you".

Mai chai means not / is not / no it is not. Mai is no / not. Additionally on the subject of mai, many learners have queried me when using 'mai' to decline an offer, thinking that it needs to be 'mai ow'. In fact 'Mai khrap, Khop Khun', in place of 'Mai ow khrap...' will be preferred by many Thais. Both are correct.

Quote: (03-04-2016 07:40 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  

Quote: (03-01-2016 06:40 AM)nomadd Wrote:  

Quote: (02-29-2016 06:21 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  

Don't be nervous and yes, get a visa. In fact get the longest visa they will give you because more than a few guys have come here for 2 weeks or a month and never went back. The previous poster makes a good point about learning the numbers, but he is wrong on a few of his points. In CM and the islands taxis, songthaews and tuk tuks will try to overcharge you no matter how well you learn to count in Thai. If the sole purpose of learning Thai is to avoid getting ripped off by locals, it would actually be better to learn how to speak Southern and Lanna (Northern) in these areas. The Northern word for 20 is Sow, which differs from the Thai word for 20 (Yee Sip). This happens to be the local fare for a red songthaew in CM, which you will be unlikely to get by using regular Thai and being foreign.

Thanks.
Where should I go after Bangkok?
The islands or Chiang Mai?
I plan to visit both areas of Thailand, but not sure what first and how many days for each location.

Avoid Chiang Mai in early April and arrive for Songkran (Thai New Year), which is April 12-14, but will run for the whole week. Plan on arriving on Sunday (10th) or Monday and stay as long as you wish. Probably the best place to experience Songkran in Thailand.

Thanks Kamaki, would you suggest paying cash or credit card for the hotel rooms? need to figure out the amout of cash that I should bring.

I watched some videos of Songkran in Chiang Mai, too crowded and wet. Not sure if it's my style.

Quote: (03-04-2016 01:06 PM)RagnarLothbrok Wrote:  

You got some mistakes in there.

i don't understand - mai khao jai
Mai chai - no
pretty - suay
cute - narak
mai roo - i don't know

Alos, I am not sure if Bah really translates to let's go. Bah means crazy.

Sometimes you will also hear "mai bok" from girls, which means "I don't tell you".

Thanks for the correction. Though for OP - I don't think you need to worry about getting anything perfect. Just make an effort and it will be endearing ("oh... you know Thai??")

Quote: (03-04-2016 01:33 PM)jayko Wrote:  

don't worry too much, if you are white FARANG, i guess anything goes for thai chicks.

Saw you in the Asian guy thread (mad insecurity in there)

You actually get more points being Korean (guessing that's what you are based on your name)

Quote: (03-04-2016 02:59 PM)RagnarLothbrok Wrote:  

Quote: (03-04-2016 01:33 PM)jayko Wrote:  

don't worry too much, if you are white FARANG, i guess anything goes for thai chicks.

If you go to Thailand with the mindset that your ethnicity alone will get you laid a lot, you are in for some bad suprises.

Are the Thai chicks spoil for choices? lucky me,didn't intend to visit there. So Thai chicks are different breed compare to Pinoys chicks who go gaga over western man?

Quote: (03-05-2016 06:32 AM)whiteknightrises Wrote:  

Quote: (03-04-2016 01:06 PM)RagnarLothbrok Wrote:  

You got some mistakes in there.

i don't understand - mai khao jai
Mai chai - no
pretty - suay
cute - narak
mai roo - i don't know

Alos, I am not sure if Bah really translates to let's go. Bah means crazy.

Sometimes you will also hear "mai bok" from girls, which means "I don't tell you".

Thanks for the correction. Though for OP - I don't think you need to worry about getting anything perfect. Just make an effort and it will be endearing ("oh... you know Thai??")

Quote: (03-04-2016 01:33 PM)jayko Wrote:  

don't worry too much, if you are white FARANG, i guess anything goes for thai chicks.

Saw you in the Asian guy thread (mad insecurity in there)

You actually get more points being Korean (guessing that's what you are based on your name)

No way, you are off by a long shot, mate.

Quote: (03-05-2016 02:09 PM)jayko Wrote:  

Quote: (03-04-2016 02:59 PM)RagnarLothbrok Wrote:  

Quote: (03-04-2016 01:33 PM)jayko Wrote:  

don't worry too much, if you are white FARANG, i guess anything goes for thai chicks.

If you go to Thailand with the mindset that your ethnicity alone will get you laid a lot, you are in for some bad suprises.

Are the Thai chicks spoil for choices? lucky me,didn't intend to visit there. So Thai chicks are different breed compare to Pinoys chicks who go gaga over western man?

Don't get me wrong. Thai girls are (or can be) easy. But it is definitely not like the Philippines where you just need to be white and show up to get laid like a rockstar. Bangkok has so many white foreigners nowadays that you can't just rely on your skin color alone if you want quality pussy on a regular basis. In the Philippines you can just show up, start Tinder and within a few hours you have girls eager to meet up with you. In Thailand you have to put in a little more work.

Quote: (03-05-2016 02:23 PM)RagnarLothbrok Wrote:  

Quote: (03-05-2016 02:09 PM)jayko Wrote:  

Quote: (03-04-2016 02:59 PM)RagnarLothbrok Wrote:  

Quote: (03-04-2016 01:33 PM)jayko Wrote:  

don't worry too much, if you are white FARANG, i guess anything goes for thai chicks.

If you go to Thailand with the mindset that your ethnicity alone will get you laid a lot, you are in for some bad suprises.

Are the Thai chicks spoil for choices? lucky me,didn't intend to visit there. So Thai chicks are different breed compare to Pinoys chicks who go gaga over western man?

Don't get me wrong. Thai girls are (or can be) easy. But it is definitely not like the Philippines where you just need to be white and show up to get laid like a rockstar. Bangkok has so many white foreigners nowadays that you can't just rely on your skin color alone if you want quality pussy on a regular basis. In the Philippines you can just show up, start Tinder and within a few hours you have girls eager to meet up with you. In Thailand you have to put in a little more work.

Awesome head up on the Thai chicks, I know chicks from ChiangMai are fairer and more stunning in the look department. but I have not visited Thailand, to be honest, I find that Thai spoken language is a bit turn off for me, same as Viet.

Are the Philippines chicks see foreigner as a golden ticket to get out of their country? I know Thai economy are way better than Philipines, they didn't travel overseas to work as maid or foreign worker.

Quote: (03-05-2016 06:03 AM)nomadd Wrote:  

Quote: (03-04-2016 07:40 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  

Quote: (03-01-2016 06:40 AM)nomadd Wrote:  

Quote: (02-29-2016 06:21 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  

Don't be nervous and yes, get a visa. In fact get the longest visa they will give you because more than a few guys have come here for 2 weeks or a month and never went back. The previous poster makes a good point about learning the numbers, but he is wrong on a few of his points. In CM and the islands taxis, songthaews and tuk tuks will try to overcharge you no matter how well you learn to count in Thai. If the sole purpose of learning Thai is to avoid getting ripped off by locals, it would actually be better to learn how to speak Southern and Lanna (Northern) in these areas. The Northern word for 20 is Sow, which differs from the Thai word for 20 (Yee Sip). This happens to be the local fare for a red songthaew in CM, which you will be unlikely to get by using regular Thai and being foreign.

Thanks.
Where should I go after Bangkok?
The islands or Chiang Mai?
I plan to visit both areas of Thailand, but not sure what first and how many days for each location.

Avoid Chiang Mai in early April and arrive for Songkran (Thai New Year), which is April 12-14, but will run for the whole week. Plan on arriving on Sunday (10th) or Monday and stay as long as you wish. Probably the best place to experience Songkran in Thailand.

Thanks Kamaki, would you suggest paying cash or credit card for the hotel rooms? need to figure out the amout of cash that I should bring.

I watched some videos of Songkran in Chiang Mai, too crowded and wet. Not sure if it's my style.

Many guys seem to use AirBnb which is an option, but I do notice that many of the apts are overpriced compared to renting an apt/hotel in-country.

I suggest you book something for the first 2 or 3 days of your stay upon arrival in BK. Whilst checking out the city, make a note of which area you prefer. This way you can easily switch your hotel room or apt and don't get stuck in an area, that may not be ideal. Don't be afraid to pop in to a hotel or apt while walking around to ask how much they charge. When you leave BK for an island or CM, just book the first night in that location so you are not hauling your bag around in an unfamiliar city on the first day there.

For hotels, booking.com is useful, because you don't need to pay in advance and many of the places listed can be cancelled the day before your stay in case you change your mind. May also be a good idea to book the Songkran dates in advance, (wherever you will be) because it does get busy on those days all over Thailand. Once again make sure you choose an option that you can cancel and if it was me I would always choose the pay when you check in or out, instead of prepay.

No problem using a credit card, and it's great for big purchases. Maybe avoid using plastic at a nightclub or bar, reports of local and international scammers trying to make extra cash by skimming, but 5 years here and I have never had a problem.

Open a Thai bank account. I get every friend that visits me and stays at least 3 weeks, to open one. Unless you have a Charles Schwab account or similar (refunds all transaction fees) I would recommend opening one. This is the best way to alleviate the anxiety of carrying around a large amount of cash. Some banks will not open an account for anyone that doesn't have at least a 1 yr visa. The banks that I would avoid are SCB, Kasikorn, Krungsri and TMB. I have successfully opened accounts for friends on a tourist visa or visa exempt at Bangkok Bank, GSB and CIMB.

One peculiar aspect of Thai banking is that branches assert a certain autonomy, so it is possible to get refused an account at one GSB branch and have another one accept you. If you arrive with at least a single entry visa you shouldn't have a problem opening one up; try Bangkok Bank at the Exchange Tower, Asok intersection. They will charge approx 200฿ for the debit card. Make sure you use an exchange house to change your currency to baht instead of the bank to get a better rate. For currency exchange in Chiang Mai, Super Exchange and SK give a better rate than anyone else including Super Rich which I will use sometimes at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airport.