The necessary tips when traveling to Thailand

Thailand is the land of beautiful beaches, watersports, half-moon parties, luxury resorts, delicious food and much more. A trip to Thailand is the perfect escape for beach bums and leisure seekers. All you need is a guide of Thailand travel tips to plan a safe and hassle-free trip. Once things are sorted as per these tips, your Thailand vacation is going to be a total blast!

Consider your footwear

There are many places in Thailand where you need to take off your shoes before entering. Temples are a prime example, though some government buildings, shops, museums, and other establishments also make visitors remove their footwear; wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off can be really convenient for days of cultural sightseeing.

If you are going trekking, however, sturdy boots or trainers are recommended. Flip flops do not really offer the best grip for scrambling up waterfalls or protection when hiking through jungles. Keep in mind too that flip flops can be lethal during the rainy season. Planning on visiting one of Bangkok’s swanky sky bars or high-class restaurants? You will need smart shoes. Think about your preferred activities when packing your footwear.

Do not drive a motorcycle in Bangkok

Many tourists come to Thailand and assume that they can drive a motorcycle simply because everyone else does. While this is certainly a convenient and easy way to get around the country, we do not suggest renting one in the City of Angels.

Thailand is home to the world’s second-most-dangerous roads in terms of deaths per capita, according to a 2015 report from information collected by the World Health Organization. Many of these accidents involve motorcycles, and Bangkok’s crazy roads and frequently reckless drivers are not the place to find out whether or not you can drive a motorcycle.

Avoid scams

Tourists are really good at getting ripped off in Thailand. From gems to jet skis, there are certainly more than a handful of con artists ready to prey on tourists. Be wary of what the most common scams are (taxis without meters, sex-show scams, etc.) and try to avoid them if you can.

Sharpen your negotiating skills

Haggling is common in many (non-food) markets around Thailand, and you should master the art of negotiation if you want the best deal on your souvenirs. Even something as simple as taking a tuk-tuk often requires a little bit of discussion to reach an agreeable price and, although they really should be using a meter, many taxi drivers will try and settle on a fixed price too. Good haggling skills can also help you get bargains on tours, activities, and even accommodation.

No Buddha images

Buddha images are regarded as sacred in Thailand. Any kind of Buddha souvenir, whether an image or statue, can leave the country without an export license or permit, depending on its size and whether or not it is considered to be an ancient or prehistoric object. The best advice is to not purchase any at all.

Drink bottled water

No particular organization recommends those traveling to Thailand to drink bottled water as opposed to water from a faucet. That being said, even the locals tend to steer clear of drinking water out of the sink. Just to be safe, we suggest following their lead. Diseases like typhoid and hepatitis A can also be contracted through contaminated water in Thailand.

See more: The most beautiful villages and towns in Thailand

Important Thai phrases

Hello – Swasdi
How are you? – Sabai dee ru
Yes – Chai
No – Mai chai
Airport – Sanaam bin
Thank you – Khob khun
I can’t speak Thai – Pood Thai mai dai
How much? – Nee tao rai
Can you give a little discount – Lot noi dai mai
I don’t understand – Mai kow jai

Source Culture Trip

What to eat in Ipoh, Malaysia

It’s safe to say that in any discussion regarding great foodie destinations in Malaysia, Ipoh is a constant presence. Here are the most delicious things to eat in Ipoh for a taste of foodie heaven!

Bean Sprouts Chicken

Ipoh’s most famous dish consists of two of the most common ingredients around: chicken and bean sprouts. As the name suggests, this popular dish consists of crunchy bean sprouts and tender chicken, usually steamed and drizzled with light soy sauce and garnish.

Also known as nga choy kai, it is often served with either rice or hor fun (flat rice noodles). The fragrant chicken and juicy bean sprouts combine well in terms of flavour and texture, easily cementing it as Ipoh’s most iconic culinary gem.

Gai Si Hor Fun

While Penang has its famous koay teow th’ng, Ipoh certain has its own popular noodle dish in the form of gai si hor fun. Loosely translated, it means chicken slices with flat rice noodles. It is usually eaten as a breakfast dish although, in true Malaysian fashion, gai si hor fun is also enjoyed during lunch, dinner, and supper.

Gai si hor fun is served in a piping hot bowl of prawn shell-infused chicken broth. The savoury broth blends well with the springy rice noodles topped with shredded chicken, shrimp, and chives. If you’re looking for a less soupy meal, you can choose to go for a dry version of the dish as well.

Hor Hee Noodles

Another breakfast staple in Ipoh is hor hee noodles. Despite sounding like a toothless toddler’s failed attempt of trying to say “horsey”, hor hee noodles make for an exceptionally hearty meal. Served in a flavoursome fish-based broth and topped with various fish-based ingredients, hor hee is almost exclusively only found in Ipoh.

It comes in a variety of noodles and the usual accompanying ingredients include springy fish balls, sliced fish cakes, fried shallots, and spring onions. The star of the dish is the fish dumping: minced fish paste wrapped in chewy dumpling skin. An excellent start to the day if I dare say so myself.

Chee Cheong Fun

Chee Cheong Fun in Chinese means pig intestine noodles (well, directly translated anyway). But don’t worry, this is not some twisted Malaysian version of haggis. It is named such because of the way the steamed rice rolls resemble pig intestines. In most parts of Malaysia, these silky smooth rolls are topped with a generous serving of various thick sauces.

In Ipoh, the dish takes on a lighter touch. Drizzled with some soy sauce and sesame oil, chee cheong fun here is topped with sliced green chilies, sesame seeds, and fried shallots. It is delectably simple and makes for a good snack suited for any time of the day. According to the locals, the best chee cheong fun in Ipoh can be found at a hawker stall in Canning Garden.

Nasi Ganja

Despite the name, you actually won’t find any illegal substances mixed in with the rice. That being said, the flavours on the plate alone are enough to make this one of the most addictive dishes in the city (hence its name). Operating out of Yong Suan Kopitiam, the nasi ganja stall is often packed during lunch hours and long queues are to be expected on most days.

The key ingredient of nasi ganja (apart from the fluffy rice) is the ayam masak merah, fried chicken braised in a spicy tomato sauce. Make sure to also ask for “kuah campur” (mixed gravy) for that extra kick in flavour!

See more: 10 destinations to visit in Ipoh, Malaysia

Source: Internet

Explore the cuisine in Bui Vien street, Saigon

Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh backpacker area is one of the most hustle and bustle places in the city. The crowd from all over the world gather in the street every night for eating, drinking, chatting leisurely. Eating and drinking are the things to do in this street which is overwhelmed with many budget restaurants.

Ong Cao

Ong Cao is in in Bui Vien’s top 5 the street’s first craft beer tap room, with beers from 7 of the city’s brewers. They serve decent food too. Opened by Jeremy and May, a Vietnamese couple with French origins, the goal was for a beer bar with a distinct French bistro feel. Somewhere welcoming, where locals could relax, drink a beer, snack on cold cuts.

Located at the far end of Bui Vien in a building that has been in the family for 70 years, the bar’s decor combines vintage classic design with a modern, hip ambience. Home-fashioned wood tables are set against black and white walls covered with graffiti from Vietnam’s first generation of graffiti artists. It all combines to develop a distinct and welcoming environment, appealing to mixed generations of beer drinkers.

Lost in Saigon

Image Tya

Lost in Saigon is a frequently-packed dive bar along Bui Vien Street, where you can enjoy Vietnamese and Mexican-style fare as well as strong cocktails, beers, and liquor until late. Located in the bustling Pham Ngu Lao, there are plenty of tables on the open-air sidewalk with views of local vendors, street performances, and pedestrians.

Highly recommended dishes include cheese nachos (VND 79,000), pho with beef or chicken (VND 65,000), and banh mi bo ne (VND 129,000), which is a Vietnamese-style sizzling steak served with bread. For drinks, classic cocktails are priced at VND 130,000, while whiskies start at VND 70,000 per shot and VND 1,500,000 per bottle.

Chicken Coop

Home of Phat Rooster beers, this unassuming, hole-in-the-wall dive bar offers an unpretentious, no-nonsense place to sink an above average craft beer at a below average price.
As Phat Rooster’s unofficial tap room, they have a choice of 6 craft beers, including Saigon Blonde, a refreshingly drinkable session beer, and their Phat Shiv, a 7% ABV German beer with a flowery aroma and a distinct hint of berries.

Owned and run as a family business, expect to see the owners’ child and young relatives interacting with customers as they enjoy their food or beer. Managed by Don, a Chicago native who understands the meaning of customer service, the staff are friendly and welcoming.

Pho Quynh Saigon

Pho Quynh Saigon is a fuss-free dining venue that is heavily frequented by the local population thanks to its quick service and generous portions. Occupying a busy corner on Pham Ngu Lao Street, a bowl of pho costs about VND 65,000 and although it is pricier than other local venues, you get a substantial amount of beef slices, meatballs, brisket, and fresh greens. Another must try at Pho Quynh Saigon is pho bo kho, which consists of rice vermicelli with a thick and flavourful beef stew.

Sandos Restaurant Saigon

Sandos Restaurant Saigon boasts a good selection of local and western cuisine, cheap beers, fresh fruit juices, and efficient service in Pham Ngu Lao Street. Exuding a casual and cosy setting, this quaint eatery features a spacious patio section with plenty of colourful wooden furnishing while its indoor dining section is ideal for those looking to escape the city’s often scorching afternoons.

Read more: Top things to do in District 1, Saigon

Source Internet