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 is one of northern Thailand's most popular destinations , combining historic temples and old city walls with night markets, modern cafés, mountain scenery and a much more relaxed pace than Bangkok. I spent many years living in Thailand and creating videos about the country through Land of Smiles Thailand. Although I'm now based in the UK, I've kept this guide focused on the practical things I'd want to know when planning a Chiang Mai trip today, with key travel details checked and updated for 2026. Below you'll find a Chiang Mai map, the best areas to stay, places worth seeing, transport information and a practical packing list. I've also included a few hotel and travel-product links where they genuinely make sense. Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book or buy through one of them, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps support SimonLOS and Land of Smiles Thailand 2. Ch...

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 ...

If you are visiting Thailand for the first time, there is one form of transport you are almost guaranteed to notice: the tuk-tuk. These noisy, colourful three-wheeled vehicles have become one of the most recognisable sights in Thailand. For visitors, taking a tuk-tuk can be part transport and part experience. I lived in Thailand for years and travelled around the country extensively while making videos for Land of Smiles Thailand. I have had plenty of tuk-tuk rides along the way, from busy Bangkok streets to Chiang Mai, and they can certainly be memorable. But if you have never used one before, you probably have a few questions. How much should a tuk-tuk cost? Are tuk-tuks safe? Do you need to negotiate? What about scams? And is a tuk-tuk actually better than taking a taxi or using an app such as Grab? This guide explains what you need to know before taking a tuk-tuk in Thailand. What Is a Tuk-Tuk in Thailand? A tuk-tuk is a small motorised three-wheeled passenger vehicle...

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...