Elephant Sanctuary Thailand Tips
How to see elephants in Thailand?
The best way to see elephants in Thailand is by going to a reputable Elephant Sanctuary. This ensures the elephants have a better life than being a performing elephant. You'll learn about these animals while helping the sanctuaries buy food and land. You don’t have to attend the Sanctuary I did. BUT make sure the one you do is a no ride sanctuary. Meaning that you don’t ride the elephants. Why can’t you ride elephants? Elephants spines aren’t meant to carry human weight. I know that their size tells you differently. But carrying one human can cause pain and overtime damage their spine.
The Elephants living life at the sanctuary
Feeding elephants in Phuket
Best Elephant Sanctuary to Attend?
We went to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Which was around 3,000 BAHT ($100 USD). We booked this before we got to Thailand to ensure we got in. We choose a half day starting in the morning. This includes feeding and swimming with elephants. The sanctuary also feeds you lunch which is an added bonus. The sanctuary will pick you up from your hotel if you’re within a certain radius. They pick you up in a Songthaew and the ride from our hotel was about 1-2 hours. A Songthaew is a pickup truck with a covered flatbed you can sit in.
Since there are no lockers to store items. There’s an honor system but I suggest not taking anything valuable. If you’d like to buy a shirt or souvenir (I bought a shirt!) they range from 300-500 BAHT.
Hanging with elephants for the day was my favorite activity in Phuket. A true once in a lifetime experience. If you decide to partake don’t be afraid to get dirty. You’ll be happy that you did. A half day experience is more than enough.
TIFFY TRAVEL TIPS
Do not ride Elephants.
Take your essentials. You don’t need to take all your Baht and personal belongings. Take 300-500 BAHT and leave everything else at your hotel.
Take the morning slot if you want to deal with less traffic AND first dibs on the food.
If you get motion sickness to be aware that it’s a bumpy ride to the sanctuary. I felt fine but a few people sharing our truck got car sick.
Don’t take expensive camera or gear unless you’re okay with lugging it around this experience. Which would be a pain. Use your smartphone or a go-pro sized camera.
Get a waterproof pouch for your phone. They’re pretty cheap on Amazon and great.
They have photographers taking pictures. But don’t forget to take your own. Since I promise yours will be better!
Wear a bathing suit under your clothes and bring a towel.
WATCH THE VIDEO: 6 THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET THAILAND
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Bangkok, Thailand: Massage Cost and What to Tip
Get massages when you go to Thailand. As soon as you’ve settled into your accommodations book a massage that day. The prices are reasonable and you can spoil yourself.
Near our hotel was a place called “The Thai Massage and Spa.” It had wonderful customer service and clean amenities. I booked the oil massage with lavender oil, but you can also get a traditional Thai massage. The oil massage was 900 BAHT ($28 USD) while the Thai started at around 250 BAHT ($8 USD). That’s a steal for what you get.
The rooms were private and came equipped with showers. They give you disposable panties and a robe. The massages I booked lasted 60 minutes. But you can also get longer. After the massage, they gave us tea and cookies and coupons for a free drink at the in-house cafe.
If you’re staying at a hotel they will have a spa available. But, I would do a quick search around the hotel's area cause you’re likely to find as a great place for a cheaper price.
Tiffy Travel Tips
If you like massages book more than one massage during your trip. When I go back I plan on having a massage every day! Even twice a day.
A lot of the Spas stay open pretty late! So don’t let time stop you from having a relaxing evening.
TIP the masseuse. A lot of time it’s the only payment they receive.
Tipping 50-100 BAHT per 30 minutes is a good rule. I tipped 200 BAHT for my services.
Watch the video: Best Thailand Travel Tips (Bangkok)
Getting to Thailand: Hotel and Air Tips
For this trip, we choose Cathay Air. I’m sure there are more expensive options and cheaper options. I’m assuming this is somewhere in the middle. We took a redeye which helped with sleep on the plane and to adjust to the new time change. We had a minor 2-hour layover in Hong Kong on the way and a 7-hour layover in Hong Kong on the way back. I used my Chester Carry-onfor the entire trip.
We did a package deal of flight and hotels. You can find some great ones online that include flight and hotel. In Bangkok we stayed in the Novotel and in Phuket we stayed at the Hilton. These are 4-5 star hotels. Great quality for the deal with the flight. The setback is preparing for some layovers if you’re planning this on a budget. Which I’ll give you some tips to make the layover not too bad!
Long Airplane Travel
Aisle seats allow you to stretch at least one of your legs. Plus it allows you to walk around without sticking your butt in a stranger’s face or worse holding your pee.
When booking seats if you pick an aisle seat in the back of the plane you have more luck getting an empty seat next to you. This has worked for me a few times. Don’t go so far back you ‘re next to the lavatory. But people usually start at the front of the plane when booking and work their way to the back.
Compression socksandleggings are your friend. I find wearing compression socks and leggings help to keep my legs from aching on long flights.
If you’re a vegetarian order standard meal, they usually have a vegetarian option. Sometimes their “specialty” foods are lacking in comparison.
Travel From Airport to Hotel
If you’ve done your research about Thailand know the scams that happen there. A good rule of thumb for anywhere in the world. If a person comes up to you first and talks it’s a scam. Even if it’s not, best to assume it is. Once you know this you’ll be fine. Trust me. In Thailand, the taxi system has some scams of its own.
When you’re leaving your flight gate people will walk up to you and pretend they’re taxis or car services. They’re not, they’re trying to sucker you into some excursion or whatever. Ignore them and go outside to the Taxi area (follow official signs).
Once outside you’ll see lanes with marquees above them with numbers. There’s a kiosk where you can get a number it will say “Queue #” and match it to a lane that has a taxi in it.
At the taxi, let him know where you’re going and ask if he has his meter on. He will say yes or no. If he says yes, the meter should start at 35 BAHT.When the meter is on you’ll covering the cost of tolls on the way to the hotel. If the meter is turned off the rate is flat. Going to and from the airport I don’t think the meter matters too much. As long as you set your price beforehand. BUT if you’re traveling around the city, opt that they put it on so you save more money.
NOTE: When it’s rush hour traffic sometimes the taxis will NOT put their meters on. Negotiate ahead of time the price for taking you to your hotel.
For reference going from the Airport to the hotel with the meter on was about 300 BAHT (plus some tolls). Going from the hotel to the airport during rush hour with the meter off was 500 BAHT flat fee.
Watch the video: Best Thailand Travel Tips (Bangkok)
Makeup, Skincare and Haircare for Thailand
The best makeup for Thailand is definitely a bare minimum look. I love makeup but I knew I was going to have to scale it back on account of the humidity. I put my makeup on in the beginning of the day and would try to get some photos when it was still fresh. The rest of the day I was basically like “screw it” and let the makeup melt off my face. Keep reading to learn about the makeup, skincare and haircare I took on my trip to Thailand.
MAKEUP
Waterproof Gel for Mascara
NYX brand has a waterproof mascara top coat that you can put on after your favorite mascara to make it waterproof. I loved this product because I’m not a fan of any of the water-resistant brands. This allowed me to make my favorite mascara impervious to water!
SKINCARE
Sunscreen
If you don’t take anything else just remember to take you some sunscreen! The higher the SPF, the better. I loved Supergoop. It was so good that I hardly got a tan during my trip after just from one application a day. Mind you I’m brown BUT I usually get dark. I was actually a little disappointed in my lack of color but I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to my skin. One bottle of this lasted the entire trip but ALMOST ran out at the end. It was a bit pricey but worth it.
I had to get creative with my liquids due to the fact I only had a carry-on. I needed a lot of bug repellent so I opted for wipes. These did a great job for me as I only got bit twice the entire time. For the record, I only got a bit after I showered in my hotel room and hadn’t applied any wipes yet.
How to apply with sunscreen: Sunscreen first then wait 10-15 minute and wipe exposed body with bug repellent wipes.
I collect samples throughout the year from Sephora. I love using them on trips because they’re already small and travel-friendly.
Facial Spray
I put Thayer’s Witch Hazel in a small spray bottle. Makes a wonderful refresher and has aloe vera which is great for any sunburns.
You will encounter places with no toilet paper and you will be happy I told you to take these.
You will feel sticky a lot and want to wipe your hands.
Doesn’t count in the liquid rule so it saves space in your toiletry bag
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Razors
Swabs
HAIRCARE
African American hair care is nonexistent in Thailand. So if you’re black, brown, mixed, curly or kinky take your hair products with you. I’m natural so I don’t need any heat activated tools. However, if you do need these tools, make sure you pay attention to the voltage as the outlets in Thailand might not be able to handle them. Trust me, the outlets fried my iPhone cables.
I didn’t know how my hair would react in Thailand. I found that the best way for me to pack enough of my products was to have a protective hairstyle during the first half of the trip. I let my hair down for the second half of my vacation. I liked this solution as it was low maintenance and allowed me to see how my hair performed in the climate. Hair Products include:
Headscarf
Bobby pins
Visit my Thailand Travel: Makeup, Skincare and Hair Kit- If you’d like to purchase some or all of the same items I took on my trip.
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Thailand: 11 Days in a Carry-On | Ultimate Packing List
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Carry-On Luggage
I somewhat overanalyzed my packing list for my trip to Thailand. I successfully did an 11 day trip to a foreign country with only a carry on bag, which is actually easier than it sounds! First things first, if you choose to travel carry-on style you’ll need good lightweight carry on luggage. I fell in love with Chester Travels and I’ve purchased their luggage before. For this trip I was lucky enough to have them send me the beige minima carry-on. The bag was perfect for my trip with its universal wheels and locking mechanism. I was able to leave my passport locked up within my bag in the hotel room during my day trips with no worries.
Remember when I overanalyzed for my trip? I didn’t end up needing half of the items I packed. You will buy stuff in Thailand. YOU WILL. So make sure that you have a lot of space in your luggage. Also, heading to Thailand they didn’t weigh my carry-on because I was able to check into the flight from home. However, the flights within Thailand they did check the weight. So make sure you know the weight of your bag so you aren’t charged with an excess weight fee at check-in. Luckily, I had free checked bags with my travel package so it was okay; but keep the weight in mind if you don’t have that option!
Packing For Thailand
I suggest finding a good mix of clothes that are neutral and can be worn in different combinations. I overpacked in terms of clothing; I could have packed less since I ended up buying a lot of clothes there. We were able to do laundry halfway through our trip as well, which was a huge help. Laundry was quite cheap, around $3 - $6 USD and they delivered it to our hotel. Do not get your laundry done at the hotel because they will overcharge you. Do a quick walk and you’ll find a local spot that’ll do a great job. My favorite clothing item was my Sarong! It was the perfect beach wrap and emergency skirt to get in the Grand Palace, which has a strict formal dress code. Keep reading to see all the clothes and shoes I packed for my trip to Thailand. Keep reading to find out how you can download the free Ultimate Thailand Packing List to make your trip easier!
SHOES
Sandals - I took Plaka Flat Sandals in black
Great for everyday walking around. Also good for going out and dressing up an outfit just a bit. I recommend finding a versatile pair that’s comfy because you’re going to wear them a ton!
Slip-on sneakers - I took TOMS black coated canvas slip ons
For traveling days. Also great for temples and religious landmarks that prefer closed toe shoes.
Water Sneakers
These will protect your feet during water activities. Especially when water is shallow or rocky. You don’t wanna knock a toe off when you’re swimming! I brought these, fair warning though pebbles can get into the shoe and cause minor discomfort but they do protect the feet.
CLOTHES
Sarong - Similar Style Here
The real MVP of my trip! If you don’t have one you can buy them VERY cheap in the country. I used it for a beach coverup and a skirt at the Grand Palace. I also tied it into a dress. I didn’t know the magic of a sarong until this trip!
Light Rain Jacket
It did rain lightly but I was never really caught in the rain. I also didn’t go during the rainy season (generally June-October). I would suggest you take a jacket but make sure it’s light and doesn’t take up too much space in case you don’t end up wearing it. They also sell cheap rain ponchos in every convenience store if that’s more your style.
Compression Socks - I took BlueTree Compression Socks
You’ll wonder why you need these but they’re for the long flight so your legs don’t ache. You’ll notice a difference if you don’t wear them, trust me!
3 Bikinis
You can bring 2. I just wanted to get my Bikini’s worth in!
12 Pair Panties
3 Pair of Socks
I used washable shoe liners for my slip on sneakers; they’re less hot than socks.
3 bras
Only needed 2!
Sleep shirt + Shorts
2 Dresses
2 tank tops
4 t-shirts
Only needed 3! Especially with laundry.
2 shorts
I wore both because I had them but I could have just used one.
Leggings
Easy to pack, better than jeans AND, as an added bonus, you can also sleep in them...win!
Athletic leggings
Another great compression option for the plane ride to keep legs from getting sore. Also a must for any traveling hikes.
Sweatshirt
I took a light sweatshirt that I used on the plane and for sleeping in the AC at night.
Day Backpack/Crossbody bag
If you rock a backpack as I did, make sure that it has an inside pocket that lays against your back. Basically, a secret compartment that can hold your passport and money that no one can stick their hands in there! When you have the crossbody, wear it ACROSS your body and aim the purse to the front. Always be aware and alert if you’re in a large crowd.
That is everything clothing-wise that I packed in my Chester carry-on. The next post I will go over my skincare, makeup and hair routine while in Thailand.
TIFFY TRAVEL TIPS
Get 10% off your own Chester Travels Carry-On. With the promo code 10AF
Pack light because you can buy a lot in Thailand for cheap.
Laundry is everywhere and cheap. They’ll clean, fold and delivery it to your hotel.
Check Weather before trip.
Take items you can easily mix and match for multiple outfits.Watch the video: Best thailand travel tips (Bangkok)
Before Your Trip: Thailand Travel Tips
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Before your trip to Thailand I have some useful travel tips. I get so excited when I have an upcoming trip that I often over prepare for it. I love to plan ahead and read about the areas I’ll be visiting. I find myself following a lot of travel vloggers and bloggers, stalking their suggestions and posts. Since I had never been to Asia before, I took a lot my research into account when planning my trip to Bangkok and Phuket Thailand. I’m gonna share what I did to prep for my travels.
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Medical:
You’ll probably need a vaccination or two before you go. You can contact your primary care doctor or, if you’re like me, you can do a yelp search. Most travel vaccinations aren’t covered by insurance; I know because I checked. However, I found a great clinic in Los Angeles called Travelwise. It’s run by a lovely and helpful woman named Carla.
Carla was awesome because she went over my trip with me to discuss all the shots I should get based on where I was traveling. If you’re going to rural parts of Thailand and far away from large urban areas you’ll want to consider more vaccinations. I was going to Bangkok and Phuket, which are pretty touristy and well populated, so I didn’t need to get EVERYTHING. It was nice of her to not upsell me on every damn shot!
The shots I got may be different than the ones you need based off where you’re traveling. Just make sure that you get your shots at least 2 weeks before your trip so that they're in your system before you begin your journey.
Black Travel - Bangkok and Phuket Thailand
Financial:
Be sure to call your banks and credit card companies to let them know you’re traveling. This ensures there won’t be any delays or complications if you need to use your ATM or credit cards.
I ordered some BAHT through my bank before the trip so I would have some currency on me when I arrived in Thailand. You can also use ATM machines when you get to your destination but you can be charged exorbitant foreign transaction/non-bank fees so it’s nice having cash ahead of time. Plus I had never used BAHT so I wanted to get familiar with the currency denominations.
When I went on my trip I also took about $140 cash in new $20 bills. When trading money in Thailand the currency exchanges prefer clean, crisp bills. The less worn out the money is means they’re more likely to exchange it. Also, it just never hurts to carry around USD in case of an emergency.
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TIFFY TRAVEL TIPS
Get your vaccinations at least 2 weeks before your trip. I used Travelwise.
If you want to save money get the vaccinations that you need based on the locations of your trip and what you’ll be doing.
When ordering BAHT from your bank only get small denominations. Everything is so cheap there that it can be hard to break large bills.
Take crisp new money if carrying emergency USD.