Thailand in a Nutshell

Thailand Fun Facts:

-$1 US = 33.3 Thai Baht

-Thailand’s population is 63 million, 10% live in Bangkok

-There are approximately 3,912 7-Elevens in Thailand

-Thailand is the world’s number one rice exporter (over 10 million tons in 2008)

-To be especially polite in Thailand, lower your head slightly when passing between two people having a conversation or when passing a monk.

-Thailand’s literacy rate is an impressive 92.6%

-Pad Thai costs roughly 40-80 Baht, or $1.20-2.40

Thailand Superlatives:

Best Thailand experiences:

Krista - Swimming at Nui Beach (Koh Lanta), snorkeling in Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi), and motor-scootering around Koh Samui on Christmas Day.

Scott - Dinners and drinks on the sand in Koh Samui; paying $6 US for an hour Thai message on the beach (Koh Samui)

Worst Dance Moves:

Krista - Scott's, after being called up onto stage at a random Thai Dancing Show at a restaurant on the beach in Koh Samui (see photo below for reference)

Best iconic attraction:

Krista - The Big (Golden) Budda in Koh Samui. It’s huge and randomly placed on the beach!

Scott - The clear, green and warm ocean water…everywhere!

Favorite Thai dish:

Krista - Pad Thai and I ate it almost once a day. I also liked the Nutella Thai pancakes for dessert that are made on the streets. In general, I LOVED the Thai food and we plan to eat a lot more of it when we return back to the US. Let us know if you have any Thai restaurant suggestions in San Diego!

Scott - I never got tired of trying Thai dishes. The food is awesome and deliciously cheap. I discovered some great curry dishes along the way. I guess I was just warming up my stomach for India.

Biggest surprises about Thailand:

Krista - The Thai people are very nice and helpful, although they do not appear to have much in the way of material possessions. The Thais also speak/understand English quite well which made our visit less stressful.

Scott - I was surprised that I liked Koh Samui 10 times more than Koh Phi Phi, which is so highly regarded internationally. Although prices were doubled here during the peak holiday season, I was constantly surprised by stunning deals, like $7 US for a new backpack and $8 for a 24-hour scooter rental.

Weird animal sightings: Bats, elephants, wild monkeys, and (too) many stray cats.

Best Beach:

Krista - Nui Bay Beach on Koh Lanta (Dec 30)

Scott - Chaweng Noi Beach on Koh Samui (Christmas Day)

Favorite Thai adult beverage (since we can afford them here):

Krista - Spy wine coolers. $1.35 US each :)

Scott - Chang beer. After my first tasty one, I never tried any other brand. I even bought the t-shirt.

Most helpful suggestions we can offer for YOUR trip to Thailand:

Krista - “Taxis” are usually not air-conditioned cars. They tend to be pickup-truck beds or motor scooters with side-cars. If possible, try to have your hotel pick you up and bring you back to the airport. Also, make sure to take a boat trip around the islands - they are beautiful. Make sure to pack a sarong and lots of heavy deet bug spray!

Scott - We heard great things about Northern Thailand but sadly ran out of time. I suggest getting off the beach after a bit and getting up there to explore the mountains. Also, and as soon as you land in Bangkok, get out!

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