TRAVELLING TIPS and INFORMATION
BANGKOK & KOH PHA NGAN , THAILAND
Passport
Please note that your passport must be valid for 6 months after your long-stay in Thailand . For example if you are staying in the country from Feb. 14- April 20,2005 … then your passport must be valid for six months after April 20 th , 2005 . Please check the expiration date of your passport to see if you need to renew it. In the case of renewal, give yourself plenty of time for the processing of your new passport.
Visa for Thailand
If you are coming for 30 days or less, you will automatically receive a free 30 day visa upon entrance to Thailand . If you are staying for longer, continue reading this section.
For visits to Thailand longer than 30 days it is advisable to apply for a 60-90 day visa .
Visa Applications from Canada - 60 day tourist Visa, cost approx.$40.
Website: www.thaicongenvancouver.org
Telephone: 604-687-1143
Visa Application for British Columbia residents :
If you do not wish to make the trip to Vancouver to the Thai Consulate and stay the next day to pick up your visa, then you may apply by mail:
Download the application for a tourist visa directly off the above web-site. Courier (or mail) your passports, visa application with ID photo & application fee over to Vancouver and it is processed within 36-48 hours. You may contact a courier in Vancouver and pre-pay them to pick up the passports when they are ready. You can make all of these arrangements with the Thai Consulate and they will telephone your courier when your visa/passports are ready . This saves a trip if you live on the islands. The Thai Consulates are very friendly & helpful.
Visa extensions once you are in Thailand and your visa is about to expire are possible. The extension is for an extra 30 days. The cost is approx. $65 CAD/$45-50 USD.
Important for visa holders :
When you arrive in Bangkok , Thailand , you will have your passport stamped to enter the country. It is important to check the stamp and make sure you got a stamp to stay for the 60 Days of your visa or the 90 days of your visa . Through habit the official will sometimes mistakenly stamp it for only 30 days. If you forget to check your stamp while still at the immigration window…. then after your stay in Thailand for 30 days you will be able to extend for 30 extra days at the Thai Immigration Office on Koh Samui (the island next to Koh Pha Ngan) but you will have to cross the border to get a second extension of 30 days . This is usually about a 20-24 hour return journey ( Burma via Koh Pha Ngan) by bus & ferry to Rangoon , Burma . It is easier if you plan to stay for 3 months to get a 60 or 90 day tourist visa and have it stamped properly at the airport.
Note: After your 30 day extension in Thailand we are told that it is possible to get another 15 day extension for the same fee as a 30 day extension (1900 Baht ). For this you would need to have an extra ID photo & photo-copy of passport (photo-copy of passport done in Thailand ). It is a good idea to bring a couple of extra photos for your visa extensions or you can have them done at the immigration office for an extra 150 Baht ($5 Canadian )
If you only end up staying an extra few days in Thailand after your visa expires; instead of renewing your visa you can just pay an over-stay fee at the airport. It is 200 baht per day per person. (approx $7 Cd. / $5 US )
Thai Currency:
Thai Currency is in Baht. Approximate exchange rates:
30 baht to the Canadian dollar/40-42 baht to the US dollar.
For the exact daily rate from each currency, check this website: http://finance.yahoo.com/currency
Travel and flights
Flights to Bangkok , Thailand from Canada can be as low as $1050-1200 return or $800-900 from the US . Some airlines have seat sales that you can be wait listed on.
Asiana, Korean Air, Eva Air, and United are common economical airlines from Canada and the US . Our experiences with Asiana and Korean Air being quite good.
Recommended Travel Agents:
Henry Ruckle at Athlone Travel: Victoria : 1-250-598-5252
Toll Free: 1-888-987-2351
E-mail: henry@athlonetravel.com
Yan at Pal Travel in Vancouver , BC :
Toll Free: 1-877-316-7280
Email: yan@paltravel.ca
Stacey Ashworthy at Cheap Tickets Canada
250 386-6868 ext 23
Toll free: 1-888-883-2929 extension 23
Email: stacey@cheapticketscanada.com
Other Travel Agencies are:
The Flight Center
Travel Cuts (University students)
Seat Sales usually run before the end of November or the first week of December, Christmas Day, New Year's Day & Chinese New Years . They also begin after the 9 or 10 th of January.
Travelers Cheques :
You may travel with Canadian / US or European Traveler's Cheques in Thailand . They may be cashed at a local Thai Currency Exchange or Thai Bank with your ID Passport.
Also they have ATM's in the airport, Bangkok & Koh Pha Ngan where you can get Thai currency (baht) out of your Home Bank account with you ATM card. If you have a PIN # for your Visa or Mastercard you can use it in the ATM Machines as well. (If you do not wish to get traveler's cheques, the ATMs may work fine for you.) Generally the rates are better.
It is helpful to have some US dollars while traveling for you may want to eat in one of the airports while crossing over to Bangkok . You may cash your US dollars in for Baht at the Bangkok Airport .
It is necessary to get some Baht at the airport in order to pay for your taxi into Bangkok . The cost of a taxi from the airport can range from 250-450 baht. It is good to get a metered taxi. You will get a better rate. If you are new to the country the Thai drivers may quote you much higher. This is when your bargaining begins J
How can I get to the Lovely Island of Koh Pha Ngan?
You may travel to Koh Pha Ngan by bus & ferry or train & ferry or take a plane to the island of Koh Samui & 1 hour Ferry ride to Koh Pha Ngan.
Purchase a joint bus / ferry ticket or train / ferry ticket at most of the guest houses in Bangkok or any of the local travel agencies.
Cost: *** Bus & Ferry Ticket: $20 US approx (400-500 baht)
Train & Ferry Ticket $ 25 US approx.
The trip by bus or train can be a bit of a long haul. The bus or train is over night and about 12 hours. The ferry ride is about 4 hours.
You can sleep over-night in an overhead compartment on the train but we suggest to you to bring ear-plugs and eye-cover. You will sleep much better! J Food is available on the train or you can bring on your own snacks. There is vegetarian food available on the trains .
Plane from Bangkok to Koh Samui : 3500 Bhat or $85 US approx plus $6 US for Ferry Ticket to Koh Pha Ngan. It is a good idea to book your plane ahead of time or when you arrive at the Bangkok airport, if you wish to spend a few days in Bangkok . These were the prices as of June 2004.
When you arrive on the island of Koh Samui there are many taxi trucks to take you to the pier in order for you to take a ferry over to Koh Pha Ngan. Ferry tickets are readily available to Koh Pha Ngan. It is best to take a taxi to the Nathon Pier in Koh Samui for the Ferry from here will take you into the main town of Koh Pha Ngan . The taxi driver will suggest you go to the Buddha Pier in Koh Samui because it is closer to the taxi. If you take the ferry from this pier you will end up on the far East end of Koh Pha Ngan and will have to take a taxi truck to the main town of Koh Pha Ngan called Thong Sala.
Taxi from Thongsala, Koh Pha Ngan to Pyramid Yoga Center :
From here take a taxi truck (called songtao) to the North West side of the island where the yoga center is located. The name of our location is : The Pyramid Yoga Center. We are located just above Mountain Hut Bungalows, on the road that passes the beaches of Haad Yao, and above Haad Salad.
We will help you book your accommodation in January 05. This is plenty of time. We have accommodations at the center and as well we are friends with a number of Thai Bungalow operations on the land which we will recommend. We will be in touch with you on this.
Taxi on the islands $ 1-2 US, 50 baht from Thong Sala to Pyramid or Haad Salad Beach
Motor Bike Rental $4-$6 per day 100 -150 baht per day
Laundry by local Thais $1 -$2 per Kilogram 40-60 baht per kilo
Bungalow Rentals $4 -$6 - $8 - $12 and up to $20 US
Dorm $ 3-$4 Tenting @ the Pyramid 80 Baht per day
We will also let you know how much accommodation is available on the land as well in December/January and we can make the bookings. It is convenient to be close to the yoga studio. We have a few bungalows, a yoga house (dorm) & tenting.
Where should I stay in Bangkok ?
In Bangkok there are many, many Guest Houses and Hotels. Usually the taxi drivers will take you straight to Khao San Road where all the travelers like to go and shop. It is a funky area but very busy all day on the main road.
When leaving your guest room please keep your valuables on you or leave with reception or deposit box of guest house. Ie: passport, visas, cameras. It is helpful to carry a money pouch around your waist for your passports & ID. In Koh Pha Ngan things are much more relaxed regarding personal items.
Some affordable guest houses in behind a Thai Temple a short distance from Khao San Road are:
The New Merry V Guest House , Sa Was Dee Guest House , Charter Guest House, Green Guest House
(ear plugs are good to have in Bangkok )
These guest houses are traveler style and range from 200-450 Baht per day. The taxi drivers know of all these guest houses. There are fancier hotels on Khao San as well for approx. $15 -20 US per day.
Guest House Away from Khao San Road :
Also approx. 20 minute walk from Khao San road are some other good guest houses. We usually stay at one of these.
We usually stay up on Thewet & Sri Ayuttaya. It is approx 20 minute walk to Khao San Road or you can get a Tuk Tuk (3 wheel moto-bike cab) for 60 bt.
This area is also close to the Chao Phraya River where you can catch a local river ferry to the various temples such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
The Guest Houses we recommend here in this area are:
The Shanti Lodge
37 Sri Ayuttaya Road off Thewet (behind national library)
Telephone: 628-7626
It is good to have the address on a piece of paper for the driver and tell him it is behind the National Library. Shanti Lodge is a funky place where lots of travelers meet.
Tavee Guest House
83 Sri Ayuttaya (off Thewet) (behind National Library)
Intersection of Ratchavithi Rd. & Samsen Rd.
We have stayed here often. It is a very reliable and clean place. It is just down the alley from the Shanti Lodge. It is open 24 hours. If you arrive late….you walk down the alley and see a wide , wooden door on your left. You may ring the bell and the hostess will let you in. It is very safe in this area as well.
Your guest house can usually recommend a taxi back to the airport as well.
Costs of rental at the Shanti or Tavee Guest Houses are : $6 - $10 US
They have cheaper dorms as well. They also have a safe deposit box for passports etc.
A guest house close to Khao San Road which was recommended to us is:
Suk Pasath Hotel
Chawfar Road & Soi Rongmai ($8-$10 US)
02-2816862
Temples :
It is fun to take the Chao Phraya river ferry to look at some of the local Thai Temples and Thai culture.
The Grand Palace & Wat Pho are amazing temples to see. You may only want to see one per day for they are BIG! These temples are usually free to visit on Mondays. The cost is usually 200 Baht . There are lots of other free Buddhist Thai Temples to visit in Bangkok . You can also arrange a tour of the temples at your guest house or travel agency.
Thai Cultural Dance:
The Tavee Guest house & other places sell tickets & transportation to an authentic Thai Dance and Dinner Theatre. It is wonderful!
Other tours such as the Floating Market & Rose Garden good too!
Internet Café:
There is an internet café across the street from the Tavee & Shanti Lodge Guest Houses. It is usually 40 Baht per hour. There are a number of internet cafes on Khao San Road as well.
Phone Card:
There are is also a 7-Eleven next to the Tavee where you can buy international phone cards. These are also on Khao San Road .
Joint Ticket to Koh Pha Ngan
As mentioned before you can get your joint bus or train / ferry ticket to Koh Pha Ngan at most of these guest houses or at a local travel agency in the area.
Vegetarian Restaurant in Bangkok
There is an excellent Thai Vegetarian Restaurant called May Kai Dee's close to Khao San Road . It is off 117/1 Tanao Road . This road is close to Ratchadamnoen Rd. as you are walking away fro the land mark of the police station on Khao San Road . It is definitely worth the visit! She also gives a one-day Thai Cooking Class where you can learn 10 dishes in one day! Yummy!
Gem Shop Tuk-Tuk
Beware of the Tuk-Tuk drivers that offer to take you on a tour to the temples or around town for 10 Baht. They will stop at many Gem Shops along the way and hope that you will buy the gems from there friends.
Also with shopping on Khao San Rd. you will find many people bargaining with the Thais. They like to barter so therefore they have their prices raised on many items.
Bangkok
In Bangkok you will find the landscape a mix between the modern world and developing world. The Thais are friendly people. They love it when you smile at them and they love to have there picture taken too. J They also love it when you try to speak some phrases in Thai. But like anywhere else …. Some merchants are also tired at times for they have long hours of work.
You may ask some Thais about the famous Jatujak Weekend Market in Bangkok as well. It has many good things at great prices.
Thai Phrases
Hello - Sa wa dee ka (all women say sa wa dee ka)
Hello - Sa wa dee Kop (men say)
Good bye - La Gune Ka (F) La Gune Kop (M)
Thank you - Kop Kun Ka (Fem) Korp Kun Kop (Masc.)
How are you? - Sa Bai Dee Mai? ( sah bah dee my ?)
Please- Garuna
You are welcome- Mai Pen Rai (My Pen Ry)
How Much?- Tow-Rai?
You many access the Lonely Planet Guide for more Thai Phrases .
Thailand is a very friendly and safe country to travel in.
The culture of Buddhism resonates all around!
We wish you lots of magic and adventure on your travels!
Remember to smile and be optimistic. If you like to practice mantra or affirmations ….this is a good practice to do while traveling. It will bring you good luck and a pleasant mind!
What to Pack
Cargo
If you do intend to bring any supplements to Thailand we suggest that you put them in your cargo luggage. Also please note that any sharp objects such as nail clippers, nail files, tweezers, traveling pocket-knife etc. is best kept in your cargo luggage. The security will confiscate them if you have them in you carry-on luggage.
Pocket-Knife : great to cut your fruit etc. (available on Koh Pha Ngan)
*Flashlight: you will need a flash-light to travel to and from the night classes in the Pyramid Yoga Studio as well as for your own personal outings - cheap to bet in Bangkok as well.
Mosquito Repellent : a blend of tea tree oil and citronella oil is good as a natural repellent, even citronella oil on its own is good. Lavender oil is a good anti-septic for abrasions and mosquito bites. Various mosquito repellents are available on the island. Mosquitoes are significantly less in dry season (mid-January to April )….. except they can be plentiful during sunset.
It is important to avoid the intake of too much sugar . Hence a detox-cleanse is helpful. Also it is helpful to refrain from wearing sweet perfume oils . Mosquitoes are attracted to this sweetness.
Bed-Sheet: It is helpful to bring a top bed sheet. The Thai Bungalows do not provide this. They give you a mattress, bottom sheet and pillows but they do not always provide you with a top sheet. I imagine that they think it is warm enough but sometimes it can cool down at night. Some people also use a sarong.
Ear-plugs: Ear-plugs are essential for traveling in Bangkok , on the trains & buses and sometimes for meditation in your bungalow. We would highly recommend you bring some. Eye-pillows are great for shavasana as well as for the trains & guest houses.
Camping pillow: A camping pillow that you can stuff into a small sack is nice for traveling on the buses or for relaxation in your hammock. More of a comfort thing.
Sunscreen
Water – Bottle bag or holder is helpful.
Yoga-Mat Bag for traveling to & from your bungalow (we will have some available at the center as well) Yoga Mat.
Long-sleeve blouse or jacket is good to bring. At night ,if you are riding on one of the bikes or taxi trucks it can be very cool with the wind effect. The long-sleeve blouse is helpful in the sun as well. You can get sun-hats.
Snorkeling gear is available on the island for sale or rent. There are beautiful snorkeling reefs to explore or you can bring your own which is more convenient. J Rental: 150 Baht per 6 hours
CD Player or Walkman or Lap-Top:
If you plan to carry a CD player or walkman in your carry-on luggage make sure the batteries work in these players. You will have to show security if they are operating. If the batteries do not work, the CD player may be confiscated for security reasons. Same goes for a lap-top computer….it must show that it is working at the security gate or it may be taken away.
Sandals are the best walking gear unless you plan to do some hiking. Some people prefer to have runners when riding the motor-bikes around the island. It is safer. Runners are available to buy here. Also if you do plan on renting a motor-bike we highly recommend that you use a helmet. It is quite dangerous biking on the back roads. There are many motor-cycle accidents each year but we can give you some tips that work for us….when you arrive.
First-Aid
It is helpful to have a small first-aid kit on hand such as : band-aids, gauze & tape, iodine, tea-tree oil, lavender oil, arnica cream or tablets, ointment etc.
These are just suggestions. Try not to over-load yourself. We will have things available at the center as well.
Thong Sala is the main town on Koh Phangan. Here, you can purchase some of the items such mosquito repellent, sunscreen, candles, sunglasses etc. It has an ATM Machine as well as Internet Cafes.
What do I need to bring for the Yoga Teacher Training:
· Comfortable exercise clothes: for example – lycra shorts, tank tops, sports exercise wear or casual wear (please note: with due respect to “Thai Culture” – nudity or bikinis are not appropriate in the yoga classes or restaurant) J
· Journal or notebook for journal writing
· Notebook: separate notebook on Hatha & Pranayama Yoga; another note book for Chakra Theory & Yoga Philosophy / Mantra Yoga & Yantra Yoga (Suggestions)
· Colored Markers for Mandala Raja Yoga / Good Pencil for Mandala drawings
· Yoga mat
· Yoga belt
Self –Study on Anatomy:
Recommended Anatomy books are:
Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais-Germain
Atlas of Skeletal Muscles by Robert Stone & Judith Stone
(this book is very clear and concise for the anatomy of bones & muscles)
A Chakra Yoga Book:
Eastern Body Western Mind (Psychology of the Chakras) Anodea Judith
The SevenFold Journey Anodea Judith & Selene Vega
Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation Harish Johari
These are only suggestions. We will also have some of these books on hand.
Other books : The Sutras & Bhagavad Gita as mentioned before.
Suggestions of Supplements to bring:
For those of you wanting to bring some supplements to sustain you during all the Hatha Yoga & Pranayama Yoga practice…..some suggestions are:
· Garlic Capsules (as well as eating raw garlic on salads & veggies)
· Grapefruit Seed Extract (good boost for the immune system & neutralizing for bacteria; antiseptic
· Emergence-C Electrolytes : to keep your mineral content balanced in the body especially if you find you are releasing a lot of sweat thru the Hatha Yoga practice & heat
· Green Food such as spirulina, greens RX etc. ( most bungalows will let you store it in their fridge with your name on it and put it in your shakes when you want if you are there for a long stay). Treetops, our restaurant, may carry spirulina.
· Protein Powder: balancing your intake of protein is good when you are exercising a lot. You can also eat tofu & cashew nuts , beans & fish etc. here on the island as well. (Treetops may sometimes offer shakes with raw egg.)
Note: For those of you who are not strictly vegetarian we do not recommend the eating of pork or chicken. Often these foods spend a lot of time in the heat before being cooked and may not be cooked thoroughly - this can cause sickness. Tree-tops restaurant at pyramid yoga center serves tofu, brown rice, beans, nuts, great salads, fruit drinks, herbal teas, etc. Meals are natural, healthy and delicious.
Boost YOUR Immune System :)
We request that you (required for Yoga Teacher Training students) do a detox cleanse in the Fall as preparation for your immune system and then begin to boost your immune system with some of the suggestions listed below. It is very helpful to boost your immune system before coming to South East Asia . . This will help you ward off any curious, bacterial visitors. We recommend that you Do Not do a colonic cleanse just before arriving for you will loose a lot of your friendly bacteria. Do a cleanse earlier and then take acidophilus/bifidus and other supplements at least a month before your flight to Asia .
Some ways to boost the immune system and prepare your body are:
- start eating a diet which includes lots of greens & salads, and eliminate (or greatly decrease) sugar and refined food products from the diet.
- include a daily Green Drink in your diet ( ask at your local health food store about spirulina based health products)
-Acidophilus : to create an abundance of friendly bacteria in the large intestine it is recommended to take acidophilus for one month or 6 weeks before coming to Thailand and you can take some with you as well.
Garlic: “Research has shown that certain components of garlic are very effective in enhancing overall immune function … studies have shown that garlic stimulates the ability of natural killer cells to destroy tumor cells, virus-infected cells and foreign invaders….garlic boosts the overall functioning of the liver and has been very effective in preventing and expelling parasites from the body. Garlic has been shown to be a powerful, natural anti-biotic, anti-bacterial, anti –viral as well as anti-fungal food.” (A Keats Good Health Guide by Earle L. Mindell)
I (Marina) take garlic as a supplement everyday. I also take a couple of bottles of garlic capsules to Thailand with me as well . I take two capsules in the morning and two at night. It definitely seems to keep the bugs & parasites away!…..I also eat raw garlic in my salads & vegetable stir-fry as well as sometimes I put garlic cloves in my drinking water. Eating lots of raw garlic before coming will prepare your body for any invaders. J Yes, I still have some friends .
Chlorophyll: Possesses great antibacterial action, heals and repairs tissue, and increases circulation to the organs. It also serves as a blood purifier and detoxifier, as well as an internal deodorizer. Chlorophyll is an essential green food made from the extracts of alfalfa leaves. It is high in potassium iron and is an excellent source of liquid food to add to your drinking water …research has shown that it boosts the immune system with oxygen, prana, amino acids & vitamins
Bee-Pollen : is a source of natural, essential vitamins & amino acids
Tumeric : has excellent anti-parisitical properties as well as great healing properties for inflammation of bone joints and ligaments
Black-Walnut : excellent herb powder to cure and eliminate most parasites
Dulse ( Sea –weed) & Kelp : good source of iodine for the thyroid gland
Health Shake:
A combination of green food such as spirulina or Greens+ etc; bee pollen, protein powder, flax seed oil, aloe vera juice, tumeric & kelp, added to blended apples with grapefruit juice or organic apple cider juice (dilute with water) is a wonderful immune booster drink each day. Add chlorophyll every second day or so. This type of green drink can be modified as well. Make one as you can afford it. The Greens, flax oil & apples would be great on their own as an immune booster drink! J
Acidophilus & Bifidus : (friendly bacteria) take up to 30 days before traveling.
Grapefruit Seed Extract: great to boost the immune system as well as to bring over to Thailand . You can dilute it in water and put it over your salads to neutralize any bacteria. You can add 10-15 drops to 4 ounces of water and drink each morning.
Vitamin C / Electrolytes / Aged Garlic Capsules
Try to stay away from too much dairy & sugar during your preparation in boosting your immune system and maintain your yoga practice with daily rest. Balance in your life will keep your immune system in a good place…..Add lots of Pranayama, Hatha Yoga, Chanting & Meditation !
Set the intention to prepare your immune system for Asia and it will optimize each day as you put your intention into practice!
Tip of the Day:
If you give a smile you may receive a smile back. Positive vibrations make traveling a lot Lighter! J OM MANI PADME FUN!
Pyramid Yoga Center , Koh Pha Ngan Thailand
The address of the Yoga school in Thailand is:
The Pyramid Yoga Center
Mr. David Goulet
c/o Narong Thongthip
118 Moo. 7, Koh Pha Ngan
Surat Thani , Thailand 84280
Telephone: 66 05 784-2139
or Canada: NA
E-mail: marina@chakrayoga.com
Website: www.chakrayoga.com and www.pyramidyoga.com
(You can easily have things mailed to the above address )