11 Truths and Lies About Thailand
So you’re travelling to Thailand for the 1st time, and maybe it can be a bit daunting. I mean, Thailand has many a whisper.
Especially from the stories you may have heard about many crazy things in
Thailand, things that just do not happen in your own country. We have to admit,
Thailand does things different. But there are tales that are just not true.
Yet, there are tales that have a hint of truth in them. So we thought we'd
clean up a few myths and tell some truth in some of those whispers you've
heard.
Let's
take a look at some below:
Nothing
is free if offered to you around the tourist areas
You'll have to pay.
Especially in the Khao San Road area, you'll be offered many things like scorpions
to jewellery, buy only if you want.
Tuk tuks
are cheap
They're not, get a metered taxi and they work out cheaper. Make sure
the taxi driver switches on the meter before departing.
Scam alert
Tuk tuk
drivers get their fuel paid by owners of shops; more notably suit shops, to
take you there to look around. So, many drivers will ask you for a ride to wherever
you're going; then mid ride they'll try and take you to a store. Be careful, it
is a scam, although it is less harmless than others and it generally happens to many travellers. It can
be inconvenient for you.
Yes, Ladyboys
are here in Thailand
Each to their own of course and they are people too. They
may be flirtatious with you if you’re male, but just smile and walk away if you feel
uncomfortable.
Thai street kids
They may ask for money or challenge you to paper, rock, scissors for you to purchase a flower, but it isn't great you do this. Sometimes they are trying for money because they are part of human trafficking.
It is heartbreaking to see, and we wish we could do more but giving them money is not the answer.
Everything
is cheap
If you're earning a better currency like the Sterling, Euro, or Dollar you'll be in luck to find prices are cheaper than home. But because
tourism is getting bigger and bigger in Thailand prices are steadily
increasing. Still, if you eat the local food and Thai way, things will be cheap
for you!
You
can't pay everyone off
In some countries bribery is common, especially
countries in Latin America. If you do something wrong especially with violence
or use of drugs, Thai police will come down on you hard. Travel responsibly and
abide by the laws in Thailand.
Solo
men
Unfortunately there is a bit sex tourism industry in Thailand, especially
in Pattaya where you'll see many middle aged western men visiting for sex. We strongly do not agree with this. However being fair, it doesn't apply to everyone, as some solo travellers are just being
independent and wanting to see things for themselves!
Chang
beer is 6.4% alcohol
Years ago at one point of production, Chang beer was
being produced unregulated. Rumour spread, and kept spreading that even today it still is whispered amongst travellers You've probably heard the story, the alcohol content ranges from anywhere from 4%
to 12%. Nowadays, that's not happening and all Chang has the same alcohol
content.
Thai
Massages and happy endings
It is true some massage studios in the more sinful
areas of Thailand provide sexual services during and after massages. Generally
though, a lot of massage studios are just normal booths providing Thai and Oil
massages. It's quite a common thing for travellers and tourists. Relax and get a proper one!
Khao San
Road
The place where many backpackers begin their travels in Thailand is based
in Bangkok. You can enjoy the craziness of the markets, bars and bright
colours. Khao San Road is like one giant street party, every night. You can
even eat fried insects for the novelty! We at Nappark are only two streets
away!
