{"id":114,"date":"2016-09-23T09:00:16","date_gmt":"2016-09-23T06:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devp.karmagroup.com\/blog\/?p=114"},"modified":"2017-11-09T08:01:28","modified_gmt":"2017-11-09T05:01:28","slug":"7-steps-to-prepare-for-your-holiday-in-phuket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devp.karmagroup.com\/blog\/7-steps-to-prepare-for-your-holiday-in-phuket\/","title":{"rendered":"The DO’s and DONT’s of Travelling to Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"

This are the DO’s and DONT’s you want to know before travelling to Thailand:<\/strong><\/p>\n

DO\u2019s: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Perfect your haggling skills<\/p>\n

Phuket is renowned for its many markets that grace the bustling streets of Phuket and beyond from dusk \u2018til dawn. With many great deals just waiting to be snapped up, first priority is perfecting your haggling skills. By doing so you can buy everything for at least half the asking price! For some, haggling can be a bit daunting, so the best advice I can give is simply to smile, be friendly, and have fun with it! If you\u2019re not sure what to say, start by offering half of the asking price, and negotiate with the sales person from there. However, keep in mind this is only customary at market stalls, not established stores. Most of all, remember to always come across pleasant.
\n<\/p>\n

Get walking! <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Thailand<\/p>\n

Exploring Phuket by foot is an excellent way to discover the hidden beauties of this stunning island. From romantic strolls along the beach, to full-blown hikes around Phuket\u2019s tropical national parks, walking from time to time is inevitable. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is one of Phuket\u2019s last remaining forests that haven\u2019t been altered by humans, with countless protected species of plants and animals finding their home in this tropical paradise. The perfect place to put your fitness to the test. What\u2019s more, the park has a number of trails with the added offer of guided tours, taking you all the way to the stunning natural Ton Sai waterfall. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is located just 20 minutes by car from Karma Royal Boat Lagoon.<\/p>\n

Practice your boat legs<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Phi<\/p>\n

Phuket boasts some of the world\u2019s most beautiful islands discovered world wide. The likes of Phi Phi, the Similan Islands, Coral Island and Koh Bon are some of the most revered in the area, and very popular amongst tourists. With varying distances between each island and the mainland of Phuket, you\u2019re looking at trips of up to an hour. Trust us when we say, you really don\u2019t want to skip out on this part of Phuket! For an effortless island-hopping experience, let Karma Royal Boat Lagoon book a few day trips for you.<\/p>\n

Get your vaccinations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Travelling to another country usually requires that you get at least one vaccination, whether it be the United States, Australia, Thailand and beyond. This is because our body hasn\u2019t yet built an immunity against local viruses. Check with your local GP to clarify any concerns or questions regarding vaccinations. Another great tip is packing some sort of hand sanitation. This will prevent the spread of germs and significantly reduce your chance of getting sick. After all, you don\u2019t want to spend your holiday tucked up in bed!<\/p>\n

Tip: Make sure you do this at least 4 -6 weeks before leaving for Thailand, so the vaccinations have enough time to become fully effective.<\/p>\n

DON\u2019T\u2019s <\/strong><\/p>\n

Disregard Thailand\u2019s local customs: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Phuket is a beautiful Island with some of the friendliest people you\u2019ll ever meet, but in order to blend seamlessly amongst the people that inhabit this harmonious place, it is very important to understand the local customs. This not only offers respect to the residents, but it also ensures you\u2019ll be treated with the upmost respect from them in return. To make it a little easier, we\u2019ve included the basic customs that you\u2019ll want to know when travelling through Thailand.<\/p>\n

\"Greeting<\/p>\n

\u2013 The ‘Wai’ is the traditional greeting in Thailand, that you will almost inevitably encounter immediately, and more than once. This is essential in Thai culture to show your gratitude for another person, to express thanks, or to say \u2018hello\u2019 and \u2018goodbye\u2019. To do so, simply press your palms together at chest level and bow your head slightly.
\n\u2013 Do not speak ill of the royal family. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, with the royal family being regarded very highly around the country. You\u2019ll quickly realise this when visiting, as the King\u2019s image is posted here, there and everywhere. To show your respect, always stand when the King\u2019s anthem is being played, and refrain from making remarks about the royal family. In fact, speaking poorly of the royal family is punishable by imprisonment. So basically, just don\u2019t do it.
\n\u2013 Buddhism teachings say the head is the most valued part of the human body, with the feet representing that of the opposite, a symbol for human suffering. Its for this reason that locals don\u2019t touch the head of others, nor do they point their feet at people or religious symbols.<\/p>\n

Travel without an international license: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Tuk-Tuks and taxis are among the most popular forms of transport throughout Phuket, with services on every corner, literally. However, for those that want to guide themselves around this beautiful island, with the leisure to stop wherever you please, hiring a motorbike or moped is a fantastic way to do so. But there are a few key things to remember before donning the leather jacket, including getting your international license.
\nMany reviews will tell you that simply having a valid license from your own country is enough, and in some cases this is true, however, it\u2019s really not worth taking the risk if it means forking over your hard-earned spending money to a policeman. What\u2019s more, be very careful on the road and be sure to get insurance. Thai streets can get a little crazy from time to time, so its important to be completely confident on the road before hiring a motorbike. Avoid riding in wet weather and always, ALWAYS wear a helmet. If you\u2019re not sure where to hire a moped from, or you need help organising transport, contact Karma Royal Boat Lagoon, and we\u2019ll be happy to assist.
\nRates will differ depending on where you hire your motorbike or moped from, however to give you a ballpark figure, we paid about 500 Thai Baht per day, which is around USD $15.<\/p>\n

Forget Sunscreen! <\/strong><\/p>\n

Phuket is famous for its comparatively cheap prices; from food to clothing, services and transport. But unfortunately, decent sunscreen is not one of those things. For a tube of sunscreen (that actually protects you from the sun), you\u2019re looking at about USD $22, which for most of us, is simply astronomical. Due to the particularly hot Thai sun, it\u2019s strongly recommended to pre-purchasing a few bottles or tubes before heading off to Phuket. Keep in mind that different airlines will have varying allowances when it comes to carrying liquids, so make sure you check before packing!<\/p>\n