Travel & Stay
in Bangkok and Phuket
Recommended
Travel Plans
December 18 - 20
Arrive to Bangkok, Thailand
December 22
Wedding Day in Bangkok
December 23
Fly to Phuket, Thailand
December 23 - 30
Stay in 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.
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
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
Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention
Centre at Central World
999, 99 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
+6621001234
Hotels in Bangkok
Hotels in 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
THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK
THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK
Check the map for our Bangkok recommendations — hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions!
THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET
THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET
Check the map for our Phuket recommendations — hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions!
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
THAILAND TRAVEL TIPS
Things to Bring/Not to Bring
Bring
Toiletries
Bring your preferred American-brand products.
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 weight, quick drying, breathable clothing — it’s hot and humid most of the year.
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.
Travel Bag Scale: If you plan to shop, this helps you keep your checked and carry-on bags within weight limits.
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 public or direction signs are written in 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
Money Exchange:
Use Super Rich for the best rates — bring the newest U.S. bills. Locations include Bangkok airport and major malls.
Carry a crossed body bag for money, and passport.
Approximate $1 USD ↔ ฿ 32 Baht (Fall 2025)
฿ 20 ≈ $0.62
฿ 50 ≈ $1.50
฿ 100 ≈ $3
฿ 500 ≈ $15
฿ 1,000 ≈ $30
Transportation
Bangkok public transit is clean, efficient, and easy to use.
BTS Skytrain: Above-ground rail.
MRT Subway: Underground 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. There are attendants available at all stations to help navigate the system and purchase your fare.
Grab app: Use for rides and food delivery (similar to Uber for rides and food deliver).
Domestic Air-Travel: Baggage weight allowances vary by class. You can purchase additional weight for checked bags, but carry-on bags must not exceed 15 lbs.
Baggage Storage at Airport: You can leave extra bags at BKK Airport’s baggage storage service before traveling elsewhere.
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.