Contiki FAQ - general Thailand.

Q: What are Thailand ferries like?

A:These ferries are old, crowded and very rarely run on time. There may be a snack bar, but there may not be one. They are also slow, but they do get to the destination in the end.

Q: What is Thai boxing like?

A: Thai boxing seams to be like ordinary boxing. However in places around Thailand – phuket and phi phi included, tourists can go in the ring and box each other. If you want to do this, you will get equipment and a medal at the end. You will also get a free bucket. It is also good just to watch and cheer on someone.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Thailand.

A: You shouldn't. Bottled water is cheap. Tap water can give you health issues. Most of the ice in the country is made from bottled water or it should be. Just be safe and drink bottled.

Q: What are the toilets like in Thailand?

A: The public toilets are hard to find, go into a maccas or starbucks and you may be able to get one. Other ones cost a few bht to get in. They are usually clean and tydy inside. You can't throw toilet paper in the toilet, it needs to go into the bin – just like Greece.

Q: Before going to Thailand, should i learn some Thai?

A: It is always good to know the basics, but nearly everyone speaks some sort of English, so you will have no problem.

Q: In Thailand am i able to hire cars and scooters?

A: Just because you can, does not mean you should. There is lots of traffic on the roads and not many road rules, it is safer to get taxis, but if you want more independence, then go for it.

Q: Do i need to tip in Thailand?

A: In general it is not really expected, except for massages and really good service. Also your tour manager will need to be tipped.

Q: What are the Thailand buffet breakfast like?

A: These breakfasts have a mixture of Asian and western breakfast foods. There is cereal and toast, eggs, bacon, pancakes as well as fruits, muffins, rice, pork and chicken dishes and omelet stations.

Q: In Thailand is prebooking things to do worth it?

A: If you have limited time in an area it is worth it, however there are all these short tours everywhere for cheap that you can book the night before or even a few hours before, especially on the islands, so you can prebook things or you can wing it and see what happens, it is up to you.

Q: Are there atms in Thailand?

A: Yes there are plenty around, however they have a massive fee to take out money - $6 – 8 per transaction. So be sure to take out a lot.

Q: In Thailand, is the voltage any different to what is used in Australia in terms of power adapters?

A: Thailand the voltage is similar to Australia. The plugs are different. They have two straight plus, they may be round, so one like a European one, the other a slightly different one. So you do need an adapter.