Travel & Stay
Hotels in Bangkok and Phuket
Travel & Lodging Recommendations
All hotels listed in Bangkok and Phuket are near each other. Hotels in Bangkok are near public transit, several major malls, and food. Hotels in Phuket are on the same beach, walkable to food, shops, and area transportation. Most hotels start booking 12-13 months in advance.
Bangkok
Pathumwan Princess Hotel
444 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand,
+6622163700
Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
392, 44 Siam Square Soi 6, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
+6622098888
Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World
999, 99 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
+6621001234
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
494 Ratchadamri Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini,
Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
+6622541234
Holiday Inn Bangkok by IHG
971 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand+6621001234
Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok
155, 1 Soi Mahadlekluang 1, Khwaeng Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
+6626901888
Phuket
SAii Laguna Phuket Resort
323 Moo 2 Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay,
Thalang, Phuket 83110
+6676360600
Sunwing Bangtao Beach Resort
22 Moo 2, Bangtao Beach, Cheungthalay,
Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
+6676337400
Arinara Beach Resort
72/9 Moo 3, Bangtao Beach, Cherngtalay,
Thalang, Phuket 83110
+6676314361-4
Best Western Premier Beach Resort
124/29 Moo 3, Bangtao Beach, Cheungthalay,
Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
+6676314350
Further north on a separate beach, away from the wedding party
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
(where some of White Lotus season III was filmed)
124/29 Moo 3, Bangtao Beach Cheungthalay,
Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
+6676314350
Recommended
Travel Plans
December 18-20 - Arrive to Bangkok
December 22 - Wedding Day in Bangkok
December 23 - Fly to Phuket
December 23-30 - Stay in Phuket
December 30 - Fly to Tokyo
December 30 - January 2 - Tokyo
January 2 - Fly home
Enjoy your adventure!
THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK
THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK
SIGHTSEEING/ATTRACTIONS
ICON SIAM (Amazing Mall Experience)
MBK (Counterfeit Mall, Use Cash Only)
WAT ARUN (Temple)
WAT PHO - SLEEPING BUDDHA (Temple)
THE GRAND PALACE (The Green Buddha)
CHINA TOWN (Street food)
CHATUCHAK MARKET DAY/NIGHT (bazar with unique 800 shops)
32 BAR X (Hidden chocolate boutique)
KING POWER MAHANAKHON (Rooftop Skydeck & Art Installation)
MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS (Thailand has the largest collection and most inexpensive Michelin Star restaurants in the world)
Massage 1
Massage 2
Massage 3
THAI & SEAFOOD
SUSHI 1
SUSHI 2
THAI FOOD IN ALLY
THAI FOOD ON RIVER
THAI FOOD AT MALL WITH FRIENDS
FANCY THAI FOOD
SUSHI 3
ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
RIVER CRUISE
NIGHT MARKET
STREET FOOD
WESTERN FOOD
SHAKE SHACK (CentralwOrld)
HENRYFRY’S CHICKEN (Original)
HENRYFRY’S CHICKEN (CentralwOrld)
DAIRY QUEEN (CentralwOrld)
PIZZA
ITILIAN
MONO (American breakfast)
AU BON PAIN (other locations)
IRISH PUB
AMERICAN GROCERY STORE
THE BIG C (walmart-like store)
7-11
FOOD COURT AT MALL
THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET
THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET
SIGHTSEEING/ATTRACTIONS
Beach everyday
Typical adventures Offered Through Your Hotel:
Charter Private Boat
Rock Climbing
Zip Lining
Kayaking
Trips to nearby islands
Snorkling & Scuba Diving trips
Deep Sea Fishing
Apsara Spa - (massage)
MASSAGE 2
MASSAGE 3
THAI & SEAFOOD
Local Bang Tao 1
Local Bang Tao 2
Local in Old Phuket
Beach Food 1
Beach Food 2
Thai Restaurant near James Bond Island
Sushi 1
Sushi 2
Expensive Thai Food
WESTERN FOOD
Hotel Food
Beach Food 1
Beach Food 2
Beach food 3
Local Bang Tao 1
Local Bang Tao 2
Local Bang Tao 3
Old Phuket
Expensive Western
THAILAND TRAVEL TIPS
Things to Bring/Not to Bring
Bring
Toiletries
Bring your preferred American-brand products (toothpaste, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
Note: Toiletries are available in Thailand, but U.S. brands can be harder to find or more expensive.
Medications
Bring your regular American-brand OTC meds (Advil, Cortizone, Neosporin, Pepto-Bismol, allergy meds, eye drops, Gas-X, Dulcolax, etc.)
If you take prescription or controlled meds, bring a doctor’s note listing the name, dosage, regimen, and signature.
Clothing
Bring light, breathable items — it’s hot and humid most of the year.
Gym/running shorts/shirts
Hawaiian shirts
Tank tops
Hat
Sunglasses
Long-sleeve sun shirts
Open-toed sandals (e.g., Chacos)
Walking or running shoes
Other Essentials
Cash: Bring $100 bills to exchange for the best rates.
International Driver’s Permit: Required if you plan to rent a car or moped.
Wall Plug Adapter: Thailand uses 220V; Apple charging cubes work fine.
Do Not Bring
More than one pair of jeans
Heavy cotton shirts
Cargo shorts
Extra sweatshirts or hoodies (unless for sleeping in A/C)
Things to Know
Extra vaccines are not needed for travel to Thailand, but make sure your flu shots are up to date.
Most signs are written in Thai and English.
Thailand has low crime, but stay aware of your surroundings.
Sunscreen is available at 7-11 or any drugstore.
Stay hydrated — it’s very hot and humid.
Money
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 | Bills: 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000
Exchange: Use Super Rich for the best rates — bring the newest U.S. bills. Locations include Bangkok airport and major malls.
Carry a fanny pack for money, and passport.
Tipping is not required, but small tips are appreciated. (Tipping a taxi driver 100 Baht for a 45 minute ride is a great gesture)
Approximate USD ↔ Baht (Fall 2025)
1 USD ≈ 32 Baht
20 Baht ≈ $0.62
50 Baht ≈ $1.50
100 Baht ≈ $3
500 Baht ≈ $15
1,000 Baht ≈ $30
Transportation
Bangkok public transit is clean, efficient, and easy to use.
BTS Skytrain: Above-ground rail.
MRT Subway: Underground system.
Assistance: Attendants are available at both BTS and MRT stations to help you buy fares and navigate the system.
How it works: Pay your fare at the station, then scan a token or travel card to enter the turnstile. At your destination, deposit the token or card into the turnstile on the way out. Most malls and major attractions are accessible via the rail system.
Download the Grab app: Use for rides and food delivery (similar to Uber for rides and food deliver).
Insurance
You can get travel health coverage from IMG (I’ve gotten the patriot platinum twice)
Phone Network
If you have Verizon, they offer an international phone plan for $100 that lasts 30 days and includes; unlimited data & texts, and 250 minutes of calling.
Thai Customs
DO NOT drink tap water.
Tap water isn’t safe to ingest. Yes — you can shower, brush your teeth, and rinse your face.
Everyone drinks bottled water.
Hotels provide 2 free bottles per day. You can buy extras at 7-11, grocery stores, or restaurants ($0.22 per bottle or $3 per case). Most hotel rooms have a fridge for storage.
DO NOT flush toilet paper.
Some hotels will charge you. Learn to use a sprayer bidet.