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Nightlife

The infamous Nightlife of Thailand (specifically Bangkok) never sleeps and can satisfy even the wildest party animals. Whether you want to take a plunge into the Patpong district and indulge in the various Go-Go bars, or get down at a dance club there is something for everyone!

The bar scene and Nightlife in Thailand is notoriously known to be associated with prostitution. There are many factors and reasons involved as to why prostitution exists in Thailand (Books have been written on this topic.). So I will just mention a few points here. When hanging out in bars, a Thai lady will undoubtedly turn on to you or even solicit their service. What you decide is up to you! However, as sad as it is these women have been used and abused and it is better to seek a Thai lady elsewhere.

When indulging in the bar scene always remember to think. This is easier said than done! Many visitors fall victim to the bars of Thailand. They spend all their money on booze and bar girls and go home worse off than they came. So if you are planning on being in Thailand for a while learn to party in moderation. Although Thailand is cheap everything you spend adds up quickly.

Depending on where you are in Thailand, bars usually close around 2 or 3 AM. Although, the government has been trying to set a curfew, which has not been successful yet.

Besides the many bars that come to life at night, there are other activities to partake in. There are numerous markets that open at night, where food as well as other goods can be purchased.

Money and Costs

Traveling in Thailand can be ridiculously cheap or expensive depending on your lifestyle. For starters, the currency in Thailand is known as the Baht. The exchange rate is 40 Baht to the US dollar and minimally fluctuates from that.

Keep in mind, whenever you buy something in Thailand there is a "Thai" price and a "Tourist" price. Usually if you pay the tourist price you are getting ripped off. You should bargain and try to pay somewhere in between not to pay the Thai prices.

Ease of communicating with Thais

Many Thais know how to speak English. Unless you are in a remote area far from a big city, you should have no problems finding someone that speaks English.

It would be to your benefit to know some common phrases. For example: How much something costs?, or Help, Yes and No...etc..

Hotels and Accommodations

Another great aspect about Thailand is that there are a broad range of accommodations to suit every lifestyle and budget.

Generally, hotel rooms nationwide in Thailand can cost as little as $3 per night to upwards of $400 USD.When I visited Thailand I used to pay between $3 to $15 USD per day for a hotel, bungalow, or guesthouse. The places I stayed in were well kept. For $3 USD a night I had a spacious room, dresser, desk, fan, closet, and maid service. In addition, there was a restaurant in the lobby that served Thai and western dishes and also a booking service for tours nationwide waiting for me.

There are various places one can stay at besides hotels such as Guesthouses and Bungalows. These are usually Thai owned and are generally lower priced compared to commercial or western hotels.

Transportation

Whether you are on an almost deserted island or in the chaotic streets of Bangkok there are several ways to get around.The common ways of getting around are by taxi, tuk tuk (basically a three wheeled motorcycle with a canopy covering it), bus, and, for the brave, motorbikes. There is also the BTS, or the Bangkok Transportation System, which is a rapid transit system keeping you away from the traffic-ridden streets.

If you decide to go by taxi or tuk tuk make sure you negotiate with the driver beforehand. I took a Taxi once from Silom Rd. to my hotel where it cost me 60 baht or $1.50USD, which was the norm. The next time I wanted to take this same route the driver wanted to charge me $10 USD. Fortunately, I did not fall as the victim to the Taxi driver since I knew the norm. Unfortunately, many tourists pay too much so it pays to find out from locals what the normal fare is.

Social Etiquette

Thais are among the kindest people in the world that I have met so far. They are constantly smiling, helpful, and are warm-hearted toward visitors.

Even though they are very kind, there are some aspects of communicating with them that one should consider. For starters, if you are put into a situation where a disagreement may emerge with a local, it is best not to "lose face". It is considered very disrespectful to get angry toward a Thai. It is best to smile when in doubt and resolve the issue in a peaceful way.

When visiting homes, you may need to take your shoes off before entering.

Also, you may need to greet people by directing a prayer like gesture toward a Thai as a sign of respect.
Tipping in Thailand is not common in terms of local people due possibly to low income. However, as a visitor it is highly appreciated.

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