tourist towns, ‘fl ashpacker’
hotels have dressed up the
utilitarian options of the past
with stylish decor and more
creature comforts.
International chain hotels
can be found in Bangkok,
Chiang Mai, Phuket and
other high-end beach re-
sorts. Many of these upscale
resorts incorporate tradi-
tional Thai architecture with
modern minimalism.
Most top-end hotels and
some midrange hotels add
a 7% government tax (VAT)
and an additional 10% service
charge. The additional charg-
es are often referred to as
‘plus plus’. A buff et breakfast
will often be included in the
room rate. If the hotel off ers a
Western breakfast, it is usu-
ally referred to as ‘ABF’, mean-
ing ‘American breakfast’.
Midrange and chain hotels,
especially in major tourist
destinations, can be booked in
advance and some off er inter-
net discounts through their
websites or online agents. They
also accept most credit cards,
but only a few deluxe places
accept American Express.
National Parks
Accommodation
Most national parks have
bungalows or campsites.
Bungalows typically sleep as
many as 10 people and rates
range from 800B to 2000B,
depending on the park and
the size of the bungalow.
These are popular with
extended Thai families who
bring enough provisions to
survive the Apocalypse. A few
parks also have reu·an tăa·ou
(longhouses).
Camping is available at
many parks for 60B to 90B
per night. Some parks rent
tents and other sleeping
gear, but the condition of the
equipment can be poor.
Reservations for all park
accommodation must be
made in advance through the
central booking system
(%0 2561 0777; web2.dnp.
go.th/parkreserve). Do note
that reservations for camp-
sites and bungalows are
handled on diff erent pages
within the website.Business Hours
The following are standard
hours for diff erent types
of businesses in Thailand.
Reviews in this book list only
variations from these stand-
ards. All government offi ces
and banks are closed on
public holidays (see p 758 ).
Banks 9.30am to 3.30pm
Monday to Friday; ATMs
accessible 24 hours.
Bars 6pm to midnight (of-
ficially); closing times vary
due to local enforcement
of curfew laws; bars close
during elections and certain
religious public holidays.
Clubs (discos) 8pm to
2am; closing times vary
due to local enforcement
of curfew laws; clubs close
during elections and certain
religious public holidays.
Government offices
8.30am to 4.30pm Monday
to Friday; some close for
lunch (noon to 1pm), while
others are open Saturday
(9am to 3pm).
Live-music venues 6pm
to 1am; closing times vary
due to local enforcement
of curfew laws; clubs close
during elections and certain
religious public holidays.Restaurants 10am to 10pm;
some specialise in morning
meals and close by 3pm.
Stores local stores: 10am
to 6pm daily; department
stores 10am to 8pm daily.
In some small towns, local
stores close on Sunday.Customs
Regulations
The customs department
(www.customsclinic.org) main-
tains a helpful website with
specifi c information about
customs regulations. Thai-
land allows the follow items
to enter duty free:» (^) reasonable amount of
personal eff ects (clothing
and toiletries)
» (^) professional instruments
» (^) 200 cigarettes
» (^) 1L of wine or spirits
Thailand prohibits the import
of the following items:
» (^) fi rearms and ammunition
(unless registered in advance
with the police department)
» (^) illegal drugs
» (^) pornographic media
When leaving Thailand, you
must obtain an export licence
for any antique reproductions
or newly cast Buddha images
(except personal amulets).
Submitting two front-view
photos of the object(s), a
DIRECTORY A-Z
BUSINESS HOURS
COMMISSION HASSLES
In the popular tourist spots you’ll be approached,
sometimes surrounded, by touts or transport drivers
who get a commission from the guest house for bring-
ing in potential guests. While it is annoying for the trav-
eller, this is an acceptable form of advertising among
small-scale businesses in Thailand. As long as you know
the drill, everything should work out in your favour.
Touts get paid for delivering you to a guest house or
hotel (whether you check in or not). Some places refuse
to pay commissions so in return the touts will steer
customers away from those places (saying it is closed
or burned down). In less scrupulous instances, they’ll
tell you that the commission-paying hotel is the one you
requested. If you meet with resistance, call the guest
house for a pick-up as they are often aware of aggres-
sive business tactics.