FAQ

Who can come along?

Currently, the Travel/Medical insurance only covers those adults between 18 and 64.

You must be in reasonably good health and be able to travel. Bangkok has a lot of stairs, and is not particularly ADA-friendly. So, you must be able to walk unassisted and ascend/descend stairways.

All tours depart from LAX, so you will need to arrange transportation to that location.

If you meet the above criteria, WELCOME ABOARD! We're going to have as much fun as you can have, considering a dentist is involved.

What will I need to bring with me?

You will need a US Passport, valid for AT LEAST six months past your travel date.
You will need the SAME credit card you used to book you airfare.
Take along a couple of credit cards and a couple of ATM cards.
Take some cash. $100 bills get the best exchange rate at the banks and change booths.
Sun block is a good idea. The sun is very strong that far south.
A little mosquito repellent may come in handy if you will be outside in the evening.
Bring a collapsible umbrella and a disposable rain poncho. They may come in handy.

How long is the flight?

The outbound leg, LAX – BKK, is 17 hours. The inbound leg, BKK – LAX, is 14.5. But it's worth every minute.

What is the time difference?

During Pacific Standard Time, Bangkok is 15 hours ahead of California. So, 1:00pm on Monday, in Los Angeles, is 4:00am on Tuesday in Bangkok. During Pacific Daylight Time the difference in 14 hours. So, 1:00pm on Monday, in Los Angeles, is 3:00am on Tuesday in Bangkok.

What's the weather like?

Thailand has a tropical climate. It has three seasons, the cool season, the hot season and the rainy season. Generally, the cool season lasts from November through February, the hot season lasts from March through May and the rainy season lasts from June through October.

Bangkok temperatures in the cool season run in the high 80s (F), upper 90s in the hot season, and high 80s in the rainy season. Rainfall can average about 1 inch during the cool months, about 3.8 inches during the hot months (with most of that coming in May), and around 8.2 inches during the rainy months (with much of that coming in October). Rain rarely lasts all day, and is usually one or two downpours on a given day.

Can I drink the water?

It's best not to drink the tap water, although all of the large hotels say that it is OK. It's best to stick to bottled water, as do the locals. Bottled water is readily available and very inexpensive.

Ice is generally safe. If it's a symmetrical shape (cube, cylinder, etc.) with a hole or depression in the center, it came from an ice machine. Ice machines there usually use purified water. Ice delivery to the smaller bars and restaurants is a big business, so having your foreign customers dropping like flies from bad water is very bad for business.

Can I eat the street food?

Thailand has perhaps the greatest street food in the world. The variety is seemingly endless, the prices unbelievably low, and you're bound to see something different every time you turn a corner. As the Thais always seem to be eating, you're never far from a food stall. Enjoy, but in moderation. Take the usual precautions – do not eat unwashed, unpeeled fruits. If you can watch the vendors peel the fruit in front of you, so much the better. Avoid raw fish where possible.

If you can't eat spicy food, don't worry. Lots of Thais don't like extremely spicy food, either. Just learn the words "My pet." (Think Fido). That means "not spicy" and the cook will tone things down.

What shall I wear?

It's going to be warm and humid. So, ladies are OK with summer dresses, conservative shorts (no Daisy Dukes), light blouses, etc. Men are OK with jeans or light slacks. In Bangkok, men almost never wear shorts, but special dispensation is given to tourists. So, cargo shorts, or similar, are OK. Sandals for men and women are perfectly acceptable.

Please be aware that many nicer hotels will not allow shorts during evening hours. So, if you intend to go out for a nice dinner in the evening, slacks are necessary.

Also, many attractions, like the Grand Palace, do not allow guests wearing shorts. They'll give you something to wear, but it's easier to plan ahead and wear long pants and, for the ladies, no bare shoulders.

Does the hotel have free Internet access?

Yes, all the hotels we use have free wireless Internet access in the lobby, at a minimum. Some have fee-based Internet in the rooms.

Can I use my ATM card and credit cards?

You can hardly walk down the street without tripping over an ATM. Your US ATM cards will work fine. Note that there is usually a 150 baht (about $5) charge for the privilege, plus your US bank will ding you about the same. Always take an extra ATM card, in case something happens.

Many banks in the shopping malls have a currency exchange desk. Most of the tourist areas have currency exchange booths. The rates are competitive with the banks, generally just a little bit lower. If you must take travelers checks, these are the places to cash them.

All large hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. Many smaller shops do, but many do not. Ask first, to avoid embarrassment.

Can I skip the Travel/Medical Complications insurance?

In a word, No. It's in everybody's best interest that, should something unforeseen happen, you are protected.