Simon Los

  Essential Dos and Don’ts at Thai Temples – Respectful Travel Guide Introduction Visiting temples in Thailand can be a deeply enriching experience. As centres of cultural and spiritual life, they offer a glimpse into the heart of Thai heritage. However, it’s important to respect the local customs and religious practices. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the dos and don’ts at Thai temples. The Dos Dress Appropriately : Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Shirts with sleeves and long pants or skirts are recommended. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Show Respect : Bow slightly when passing by monks and temple statues. Sit with your feet pointing away from Buddha images and monks. Be Mindful in Photography : It’s usually acceptable to take photos, but always look for signs indicating photography restrictions. Avoid posing in a disrespectful manner in front of Buddha statues. Observe Silence : Temples are places of worship, so keep your voice low and tur...

Thailand Trip Planning Guide – Best Time to Visit & Top Travel Tips Dreaming of Thailand? Golden temples, turquoise beaches, buzzing night markets, and spicy street food are waiting for you. This guide combines the most important planning tips: the best time to visit Thailand , the top searches travellers make when planning their trip, and practical advice to make your journey smoother. ☀️ Best Time to Visit Thailand Thailand’s climate is tropical, which means warm weather year-round, but the seasons matter: Cool Season (Nov–Feb) – The best time for most travellers: sunny skies, cooler evenings, and perfect for sightseeing. Hot Season (Mar–May) – Temperatures soar, but it's great for beach trips and water festivals like Songkran in April. Rainy Season (Jun–Oct) – Tropical downpours, but also lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower hotel prices. Tip: Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) is coolest Nov–Feb, while the southern islands shine best Dec–Ap...

Chiang Mai City Map & Travel Guide: Where to Stay & What to Pack Chiang Mai is one of my favourite cities in Thailand. Tucked into the mountains in the north, it’s full of golden temples, buzzing night markets, and the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this simple guide gives you a clear map, top hotel picks, and the travel essentials you actually need. 🗺️ Chiang Mai City Map A visual guide to Chiang Mai’s Old City and main attractions — temples, markets, and key landmarks all in one view. 🏨 Where to Stay in Chiang Mai All of these are trusted, top-rated picks available via Agoda (my affiliate partner): U Nimman Chiang Mai – A stylish, modern hotel right on Nimman Road, ideal for food and nightlife. De Naga Hotel – Elegant Thai design right inside the Old City walls. Green Tiger Vegetarian House – Cosy, eco-conscious, and ideal for peaceful travellers. 🎒 What to Pack for Chiang Mai Every item below is...

Thailand has changed a lot when it comes to banking. If you’ve tried to send money here recently — especially to Bangkok Bank — you might’ve noticed something’s not right. Payments bounce back. Transfers fail. Even tourists are running into card declines and ATM headaches. I’ve found a simple way to bypass all of that — and it works whether you live here full-time or you're just visiting. 💳 What I Use Now: Wise (Formerly TransferWise) I use Wise to send money and to pay for everything when I’m in Thailand — all without touching a Thai bank account. Here’s what I like about it: ✅ I got a free borderless account — it gives me multiple bank accounts in different countries (handy if you're paid in GBP, USD, etc.) ✅ I use the virtual debit card on Apple Pay and Google Pay ✅ You can also request a physical debit card that works anywhere ✅ Transfers to Thailand are fast (literally seconds to Krung Sri Bank) ✅ It’s cheaper than PayPal, Western Union,...

  This could happen to you. How to Get Around Thailand’s New Banking Restrictions in 2025 If you’ve been following the news from Thailand recently, you’ll know that banking has suddenly become a major headache—especially for foreigners. New restrictions from the Bank of Thailand are starting to bite, and they’re affecting everyday people who just want to move money around, pay bills, or live normally. I’ve been digging into this topic, and I want to break it down in simple terms so you can understand what’s happening and what you can do to work around the mess. What’s Happening With Thai Banks Right Now The Bank of Thailand has introduced new rules on mobile banking transfers. Officially, these changes are meant to crack down on fraud, but the side effects are sweeping: Transfer limits: Customers are now being split into categories. Some people will only be able to transfer 50,000 baht a day (about £1,100), while others may get 200,000 or slightly more. Anything over 200,000 baht ...

 Thailand Tuk-Tuks: A Complete Guide to the Iconic Ride You Can’t Miss The Colourful Chaos of Thailand’s Tuk-Tuks: More Than Just a Ride The first time I climbed into a tuk-tuk in Bangkok, I wasn’t just hopping into a three-wheeled vehicle. I was stepping into a cultural experience—one that was loud, fast, slightly chaotic, and completely unforgettable. If you’ve ever been to Thailand, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The buzzing streets are filled with neon lights, the scent of sizzling pad thai from a nearby street stall, and in the middle of it all, the unmistakable growl of tuk-tuk engines weaving in and out of traffic like bees in a hive. More Than Just Transportation Tuk-tuks aren’t simply a way to get from point A to point B. They’re a part of Thailand’s identity. Sure, you could take a taxi or book a Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber), but a tuk-tuk ride gives you something those options never will: a front-row seat to the life of the city. Think of it this way:...

Best Markets in Thailand – Night Bazaars, Floating & Street Food Sawasdee, travellers! Bangkok is calling, and its street markets are the beating heart of this dazzling city. Picture vibrant stalls spilling with treasures, the smoky aroma of sizzling street food, and vendors flashing warm smiles as you weave through the chaos. These markets aren’t just places to shop—they’re a full-on Thai experience, bursting with colour and charm. I’ve wandered Bangkok’s bustling streets for years, and I’m thrilled to share my favourite markets with you. Whether you’re after silky fabrics, quirky souvenirs, or a late-night snack, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive into the prettiest, liveliest street markets in Bangkok—your adventure starts now! Chatuchak Weekend Market Why It’s a Must-Visit Chatuchak Market is Bangkok’s superstar—a sprawling wonderland with over 8,000 stalls that transforms weekends into a shopping paradise. From fashion to trinkets, it’s a whirlwind of beauty and...

🏨 NEW: Best Hotels in Thailand Guide Get my personal hotel recommendations with exclusive deals View Hotel Deals → Thailand Maps Guide – City, Tourist & Transport Maps Explained When planning a trip to Thailand, having reliable maps makes life so much easier. Whether you want to see the whole country at a glance, find your way around Bangkok or Phuket, or figure out trains, buses, and airports, the right map can save you time and stress. To help, I’ve put together a handy collection of Thailand country maps, tourist city maps, and transport maps you can use before and during your trip. 🗺️ Thailand Country Maps If you’re starting with the big picture, these maps show the country’s provinces, geography, and political layout. Full Province Map of Thailand (World Atlas) – great for understanding the regions and provinces. Detailed Political & Physical Map of Thailand (Nations Online) – includes r...

  Thailand Travel Guide 2025 – Culture, Food, Maps & Smart Travel Tips Thailand, the "Land of Smiles," beckons travellers with its turquoise waters, golden temples, and fiery cuisine. But beyond the postcards, navigating Thai culture and traditions can be a delicate dance. To ensure a smooth and enriching experience, let's delve into the top 10 things to do and not to do as a traveller in Thailand. Top 10 Things to Do: Temple Time: Thailand's Buddhist heritage unfolds in dazzling temples adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering mosaics. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok houses the revered Emerald Buddha, while Wat Arun's towering prang pierces the skyline. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) and remember to remove your shoes before entering.     Island Hopping Paradise: From the limestone cliffs of Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands' emerald lagoons, Thailand's islands offer a spectrum of adventures. Kayak through emerald mangrove forests, snorkel vi...