Korean Job Discussion Forums

yawarakaijin · Joined: 08 Aug 2006

Slightly off-topic but I was wondering if some of you based in Thailand can give me an idea of the accomodation situation in Thailand over the Christmas/New Year holidays.

Flights to Canada from Japan are just crazy this time around so I'm using it for an excuse to visit Thailand. Tokyo is a city where every hotel room in the city can seem booked just over the course of a regular weekend.

I'm a pretty fly by the seat of my pants traveller and I'm just wondering what I'll have in store for me if I just show up in Bangkok. I'm planning a spending a few days there max and then maybe hoping down to Ko Tao or Ko Samui.

The proble is this. I have been having a bitch of a time securing a credit card here in Japan. If my final application doesn't come through it looks like I will be showing up in Thailand with just a debit card and some travellers cheques.

How hard do you think it will be securing hotel rooms throughout Thailand over the course of the holidays.

I have absolutely no idea what Thailand is like so I would appreciate any pointers. Thanks for your time.

sojourner1 · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 8:13 pm Post subject:

In Thailand, it truly is budget tourist friendly as you can go just about anywhere and secure guesthouse fan rooms for $5 to $10 per night by just walking in. I was in Thailand last Winter during high season and only once was a place completely full, but they did motor me down the road on a 3 wheeled motor cycle a half mile to another similar bungalow that was just as good. Guys hang out at bus stations to help you find a place for a small commission included in the room price and give you a ride there. Some places you need them and some places you don't.

It's OK, you can just show up in Thailand. No reservations needed. No CC's needed, but it's good to have T/C's, cash, and debit card.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

Thats the best way to do it. Personally I've never made a reservation in advance. You get the best deals if you just show up and rent a room. Don't let anybody help you find a room as they will get a massive commition from the hotel which will come out of your pocket. I've never had to look at more than three places before getting a room. I've also never paid more than 1000Baht a night.

Also never book a hotel at the airport. The people at the airport will take a commition. You can take a taxi from the airport to Kho Sarn road(the great unwashed). The rooms in this area are basic and cheap. They have a no guests policy. This is too keep the hookers out.

Getting a hotel is easy. Don't let anyone tell you all the rooms in a certain location are all booked. This is just a scam to get you to check into one of the overpriced hotels that pays commitions to taxi drivers.

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

Always ask other westerners the prices first. The thai people can smell a newbie and everything will be jacked up. I paid 400 for my room in Koa san rd and 300 for my hut on Koh pagnon last year.

Best to fly to koh samui. Don't take Korean money with you.

yawarakaijin · Joined: 08 Aug 2006

Thanks for the advice guys, it's appreciated. I will most likely be showing up with either my debit card or japanese yen. It's good to hear that accomodation won't be an issue even during high season. Thanks for your help! Smile

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

Bring yankie dollars

sojourner1 · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:21 am Post subject:

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

I rarely prebook in Thailand. I have been there for the last 4 high seasons. I have had a place to stay in Bangkok (my wife is Thai), so it has been a while since I have hunted during this time. The peak season can be problematic. It can take some walking during the peak of it. Christmas to New Years can be a real pain. I have spent a few hours walking around myself in the KSR area. I am also going this peak season. I have made a reservation for Bangkok from Dec. 30 - Jan. 3. I am staying on Sukhumvit Soi 7/1 at a place called Maxim's Inn. A friend simply gave them a 1000 baht cash deposit.

Many of the cheaper places do not take credit cards anyway, but they might do reservations by email. Check sites like Travelfish for reviews. Just out of curiosity, why can't you book with your debit card online?

yawarakaijin · Joined: 08 Aug 2006

If a place has direct deposit by debit card I have no problem with that. Last time I was in Canada very few business used direct debit from a regular bank card and not many of the places i have seen online offer that option.