Things to Bring and Know About Thailand
Passport
You must have a valid passport from the country in which you reside, and the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Thailand. If you plan to stay more than 30 days in Thailand, you will need to contact a Thai Embassy for a visa. Click the following links to obtain and/or renew your passport in Seattle and the rest of the U.S.
Leaving Thailand
The journey ends upon arrival at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (BKK) on Sunday, March 19, 2023 around 1:30pm from Ko Samui. The cost of this domestic round-trip flight is included in your travel package. Any international flights back to the US or abroad from BKK should be scheduled for 4:30pm or later on March 19, 2023. Some people choose to extend their time in Thailand or visit other countries. The Bangkok airport is a convenient hub for international travel.
Thai Etiquette Links
What Do I Need To Bring?
Please pack the following items:
your new Thai Massage 3-ring binder (if I send you one in advance)
pen and journal
phone, alarm clock, watch and camera (these may all be part of your phone)
comfortable clothing for practicing yoga and Thai Yoga Massage
a warm layer (light jacket, socks, fleece) for possible cool nights
hat
sunglasses
day pack or shoulder bag
bathing suit
sandals or flip flops
comfortable walking shoes
toiletries, mosquito repellent, medications and sunscreen
Thailand power plug adapter (see below under “Electricity”
When visiting buddhist temples, shoulders and knees MUST BE COVERED. So, please bring thin, comfortable long pants and a t-shirt to wear for these portions of the trip. Do not bring anything fancy or valuable. You won't need it. If you forget something, there are plenty of shops in both Bangkok and Ko Samui.
Internet / Mobile Phones
Both our accommodations have free Wi-Fi, and internet cafes are plentiful in Thailand. If you have an unlocked mobile phone, it is very easy and inexpensive to buy a Thai SIM card and pay-as-you-go minutes at any 7-Eleven store. “AIS One-Two-Call” or “DTAC Happy” are recommended. All SIM cards are 4G-ready and allow you to browse the internet at very reasonable speeds and rates.
Money
The exchange rate is currently 33 baht to 1 US dollar. I recommend exchanging money at the Bangkok airport upon arrival in Thailand. ATM's are conveniently located throughout Bangkok and Ko Samui, but they do charge a fee. Most small shops, local markets and restaurants are cash only. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at higher-end boutiques. Notify your bank and credit card companies of the dates you will be in Thailand to avoid having your credit cards frozen due to "unexpected activity".
Budget
The price of this trip includes all accommodation, ground transportation, round-trip airfare between Bangkok and Ko Samui, course fees (if applicable), temple fees, guide fees and most meals. I suggest you budget about $500-$750 to pay for laundry, gifts, massage treatments, tips and extra meals. Of course, you may bring more money, if you like.
COVID-19 and Inbound Travel Insurance
As of January 9, 2023 proof of COVID-19 vaccinations is no longer required for entry into Thailand.
As of October, 2022 Thailand requires that all travelers coming from India and China have Inbound Travel Insurance, which covers COVID-19-related medical expenses. Otherwise, Inbound Travel Insurance is not required.
Travel Restriction Update Link (click here)
Immunization
The Centers for Disease Control offers guidelines here. At the moment, the CDC recommends being vaccinated against measles, though is it not required for travel throughout Thailand.
Drinking Water
Drink only bottled water when in Thailand. Bottled water is plentiful and available at all our accommodations.
Time Difference
Depending on daylight savings time, Thailand is 14-16 hours ahead of the west coast of the U.S.
Electricity
Electricity in Thailand is 220 volts. You'll need an adapter like this one.
Towels, Soap/Shampoo, Hairdryers + Laundry
Both accommodations provide towels, including one beach towel while at the Ko Samui retreat center. Shampoos and soaps are also provided. Hairdryers are available in Bangkok hotel, but not at the Ko Samui retreat. Laundry service is available at our accommodations with a next day delivery in most of the cases.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in Bangkok can reach 90-95 F / 30-32 C with temperatures dropping to around 80 F / 25 C at night. Ko Samui climate is tropical, and the average temperature ranges between 80-90 F / 25-30 C.