Thailand
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South of Lamai, Koh Samui (Thailand): Two digital nomads over forty
As you know, after two weeks of quarantine in Bangkok, we took the first flight to get to Koh Samui, one of the paradise islands in the Gulf of Thailand. We visited Koh Tao , and Koh Phangan during our first round-the-world trip, but we carefully avoided Koh Samui (too touristy), until Covid emptied the island of its usual crowds. Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal I’m glad I found a moment to write this travel diary. JB and I are swamped with work and are in “pad thai, work, sleep” mode or “need to be taken care of” mode, meaning we’re in such a…
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After state quarantine (ASQ) in Thailand, where to go? Koh Samui, Krabi, Phuket…
Good news! Right after leaving state quarantine (ASQ), you can go anywhere in Thailand. Be aware that some regions are stricter than others, and currently (June 2021) they require a PCR test less than 72 hours old from those coming from red zones (Bangkok, where there are many Covid cases). So if you go there on the very day you leave quarantine, and even if your PCR test is more than 72 hours old (since it was done on the 12th day of your quarantine), that’s not a problem, you can still go. The regions requiring this PCR test include, but are not limited to: Phuket Surat Thani (Koh Samui,…
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Logbook of a traveler in quarantine in Bangkok (Thailand)
Having a nomadic lifestyle and being a permanent traveler may seem tricky during this covid period, but honestly, this health crisis has so far been synonymous with opportunity for us. Apart from the two months of lockdown in Francewe have multiplied unforgettable experiences : a tour of France, 3 months in Italy, skiing in Montenegro, discovering Albania, … All of that with a lucky timing allowing us to avoid the bulk of restrictions and having only had to undergo a single PCR test so far. While we were considering continuing our exploration of the Balkans by going to Kosovo and North Macedonia, the call of Asia became too pressing. About…
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[Covid] How We Got the CoE (Certificate of Entry) for Thailand + 45-Day Visa Exemption
We managed to get the CoE for Thailand in two working days, without going through an agency. I think we’re already paying enough for quarantine, no need to shell out extra for an agency. It’s very easy and quick, you just need to understand English and have a fairly well-stuffed wallet (we estimate €1600/person in expenses before even setting foot on Thai soil). Note, we’re showing you the process for those who decide to do quarantine in Bangkok. If you opt for the Phuket Sandbox, there’s another article hereSoon there won’t be any quarantine in Bangkok, so keep an eye out because things change fast! Should you opt for a…
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[Covid] How to get the 90-day STV visa for Thailand?
In this article, I will show you how to get the STV visa and COE to travel to Thailand. This article was written based on information gathered from people who obtained it at the Thai Embassy in Paris in April 2021. Warning This article is only for those who want to apply for a STV (Special Tourist Visa). For those who want to enter without a visa (45-day visa exemption, extendable by 30 days)… the process is slightly different, I’ll cover that in another article. Some prefer to apply for the STV because it allows you to stay in Thailand for 90 days, and extend that by 2 periods of…
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[Covid] How to enter Thailand right now? (Visa Exemption, CoE, Tourist Visa, STV)
After asking around here and there, I found several ways to enter Thailand during this Covid period. Here, I’ll just talk about visas, not PCR tests, doctor’s documents, etc. The list is long, but it’s totally doable without going through agencies if you’re in Paris and you understand English. There are 3 ways to enter Thailand right now for tourists: Visa Exemption Tourist Visa (TV) Length of stay: 45 days max (including quarantine) Length of stay: 60 days max (including quarantine) Quarantine: 10 days Quarantine: 10 days Extension possible: yes, 30 days for 1900 baht (about 50 €) without leaving the country Extension possible: yes, 30 days for 1900 baht…
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Speed / internet connection speed in Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai)
To learn more about these surveys, click here. Date of measurement Type of connection Location Donwload speed Upload speed Ping speed 01/12/2017 Wifi Bangkok 7 13 19 03/12/2017 Wifi Bangkok 5 1 418 05/12/2017 Wifi Bangkok 21 2 6 05/12/2017 Wifi Bangkok 22 16 8 05/01/2018 Wifi Chiang Mai 21 10 22 08/01/2018 Wifi Chiang Mai 31 11 22 13/01/2018 Wifi Chiang Mai 1 2 24 14/01/2018 Wifi Chiang Mai 26 10 22 24/01/2018 Wifi Chiang Mai 33 11 21 27/01/2018 Wifi Chiang Mai 13 17 33 29/01/2018 Wifi Chiang Mai 17 23 29 03/02/2018 Wifi Chiang Mai 9 2 31
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How to get VAT Refund in Thailand: Tax Refund in Thailand
As soon as you buy something over 2000 baht in Thailand, you can ask for a VAT refund. The VAT refund (around 4.5%) will be done in cash at the airport. It’s very easy, just follow the instructions below. First step When you buy more than 2000 baht in the same store, ask for a Tax Invoice. To do this, simply give your passport at the checkout, you will receive a yellow sheet and the original invoice stapled on top.You can see that the VAT is 6.5% (361 baht) of the purchase amount (5530 baht), but I will only be refunded 250 baht (because the state still takes a small…
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Chiang Mai (Thailand): What to visit, Travel Travel Guide, Addresses & Tips
Unlike the southern islands of Thailand, Chiang Mai offers mountain scenery and a cuisine slightly different from the southern islands. Here is the list of our favorites and what to visit in the region To know For me, Chiang Mai is a starting point to other cities in Northern Thailand. The city is a bit polluted, not very pedestrian friendly (except in the evening). If you come all the way from Bangkok just to spend 2 days in the North, I tell you sincerely: it’s not worth it! Come to Chiang Mai if you plan to go then to Luang Prabang, or spend a few days in the surrounding cities…
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Chiang Mai (Thailand): Silk and paper umbrellas, Silver Temple: continuation and end
In spite of our 4 weeks in Chiang Mai, we spend so many weekends in the surroundings that we have the impression that we have not visited anything of the city So, we take advantage of our last 2 days in Chiang Mai to visit the top attractions in our wish list First of all, you have to go and see the famous handcrafted umbrellas of Chiang Mai Umbrella Making Centre We first go through the souvenir store which is extremely tempting because the prices are very correct (between 2€ and 10€, depending on the size of the umbrellas). Super cheap for handmade umbrellas In the garden, beautiful umbrellas are…
