Ratchada Bangkok – The Best Area to Stay in Bangkok for 24 Hour Cafés and Food
Not too long ago I wrote a post on the best areas to stay in Bangkok for first time visitors here. In this post I’ll point out which is the best area in Bangkok to stay for the night owls.
You know the type. They sleep during the day and go out when the suns down. Or you’re simply an insomniac or a writer with the late night inspiration looking to bang out that novel until sun up. What ever the reason I’m going to show you the best area in Bangkok for hanging out all night.
Luckily certain areas of central Bangkok is becoming night owl friendly. By that I mean there are plenty of 24 hour cafés and eateries to hang out in complete with free Wi-Fi and use of power ports. A full proper 24 hour supermarket. And of course the old stand by 7 Elevens which are always a plenty and reliable for quick late night munchies.
The best area in my opinion for tourists that plan on staying out all night and looking to stay in Bangkok for short and long term is called Ratchada.
Ratchada (Ratchadapisik Road) is a long stretch of road and is considered one of the main avenues in central Bangkok. So there are many hotels for all budgets including affordable condo and apartment rentals in the area.
3 Reasons Why Ratchada is the Perfect Area to Stay in Bangkok for the Night Owls (and Also First Time Visitors to Bangkok)
Three MRT stations are right in the heart of the busiest areas of Ratchada 1) MRT Huai Kwang 2) MRT Thailand Cultural Centre 3) MRT Phra Ram 9
Ratchada has the most concentration of 24 hour cafés and restaurants, particularly inside a mall called The Street. There are a few malls, big supermarkets and a very popular night market near MRT Thailand Cultural Centre station.
Lots of affordable hotels are in Ratchada that are really good for sightseeing in Bangkok.
The most 24 hour cafés and fast food restaurants can be found at The Street Mall on Ratchada Road…
The Street Ratchada Shopping Mall
The Street Shopping Mall is located on a busy intersection of Ratchada Road. This is the perfect mall for anyone visiting Bangkok and planning on staying up all night. If you’ve got a bunch of friends that love staying past midnight too than you’ll love this mall even more because the cafés inside, particularly Starbucks has huge tables and lounge space. There are electrical ports and free Wi-Fi too.
Only the basement level and ground level shops are open 24 hours. The shops on the upper levels have normal opening and closing hours.
This little outdoor bar near the side of the The Street Mall closes past midnight, sometimes…
If caffeine is not your thing then there’s a small outdoor bar right by the side of The Street Mall. Not a bad place to get some beers and chill out through the night when it’s a little cooler.
The upper floors have shops with clothes, an IT and mobile phone section and even more restaurants on the upper levels, but as I mentioned already only the basement and ground level shops are open 24 hours.
On the basement level there’s also Foodland Supermarket with a fast food restaurant also open 24 hours.
Best Way to Get to The Street Mall – The Street Shopping Mall is just a few minutes walk from Thailand Cultural Center MRT subway station, just be sure head out from Exit#4
All the 24 hour cafés and restaurants at the Street Mall are located on the ground and basement level…
Plus You’re Not Far From Huay Kwang Either…
Huay Kwang is also another popular local neighborhood which Ratchadapisek Road cuts right through. Huay Kwang is famous for it’s food scene, particularly street food hawkers and seafood restaurants. It’s where locals go to grab some good eats although prices at restaurants and hawker stands are more expensive it still manages attract locals living nearby and afar.
Huay Kwang is also an ideal location for budget travelers because there are many hotels with reasonable rates in the neighborhood with a MRT subway station. Check out a list of Huay Kwang hotels here.
You can walk from The Street Shopping Mall to Huay Kwang in 10 minutes. Check out my short little post on Huay Kwang and find out where I go to enjoy some awesome street food.
The New Rot Fai Market Ratchada – Just Another Reason Why You’ll Love to Stay in This Area
The New Rot Fai Market Ratchada – Rot Fai in Thai means train. But, there’s no trains. No worries, just go there and have fun. New Rot Fai Market Ratchada is perhaps one of Bangkok’s easiest to reach night markets. It’s just behind Esplanade Mall and you can get there by taking the subway train to Thailand Cultural Center MRT Station. Be sure to get out from Exit #3.
New Rot Fai Market is very popular with Thai locals but because its so easy to find many foreign visitors make it a must visit.
There’s lots of food from traditional and regional Thai to Asian, Western and European foods and desserts. And since it’s a market you won’t be hard pressed to find second hand items like clothes and shoes. But of course you’ll find new items as well.
Lots of bars line this market too so not a bad place to start the night out because New Rot Fai Marketopens from 5pm to Midnight only from Thursday to Sunday.
The Takeaway
Ratchada Bangkok is quickly becoming one of the city’s best hang out spots for locals due to the amount of 24 hour businesses in central Bangkok. Plus it’s not far at all from Huay Kwang, another night owl hangout for Thai locals.
And because there are 3 MRT stations within Ratchada it’s also a prime location which means if you pick a hotel in this area you’ll have easy access to exploring other areas in Bangkok, like Sukhumvit, Chid Lom and Silom.
Take it from me, as a guy living here for so many years I’ve seen Ratchada grow from quiet empty plots of land to a revitalized commercial center filled with restaurants and condos.
Ratchada, is a great area for any visitors to Bangkok looking to hang out in Bangkok all night. It’s also a very good area for first time visitors to Bangkok looking for a hotel or to hang their suitcases.
From Where to Book Your Phuket Tours to the All Important Travel Insurance in Thailand
Is it cheaper to book tours when I set foot on Phuket Island? Should I book Phuket tours in advance?
If you’ve asked both questions then you are essentially wondering what’s the best way to book daily tours in Phuket, Thailand.
By the time you’re finished reading this blog post, you’re going to have clear answers to booking a tour before or after you arrive on Phuket Island. Plus everything else in between, including tour travel insurance why you should not book tours with local Thai tour agencies using your debit cards.
Unless you’ve got yourself a fancy yacht courtesy of a generous trust fund or a Bond villain-style speed boat parked somewhere along Thailand’s Andaman Sea, you’re going to have to join a tour group to explore the beautiful islands and beaches of Phuket (ภูเก็ต pronounced Poo-ket).
Smaller wooden motor boats are made for private tours. But private tours cost more…
Don’t Own a Boat? No Problem.
You will learn where to go find the best prices for tours on Phuket Island. Also, the best online travel agencies to reserve island hopping tours in advance. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group of best friends and family, my Phuket travel guide will ensure you’ll find the best tour prices.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. With 32 smaller islands which requires hiring a boat or joining a tour group for island excursions. You can’t do it alone. So you will need local Thai guides and hired transportation.
Also in this post, I’m going to point out the benefits of booking tours online versus booking tours on Phuket island. I’m sure you’re eager to find out which is better.
Safety is Important These Days for Touring the Islands of Phuket
No one wants to get into accidents let alone think about it. I’ll cover what’s included in Phuket’s tour operators’ insurance coverage. This is important to know when you’re frolicking on the beach and cross paths with monkeys in a bad mood. And sometimes the causes of accidents aren’t entirely the fault of tourists alone.
Thai tour operators can be accident-prone as well. I’ll touch base on insurance coverage provided by Thai tour agencies and what to expect below.
Tourists waiting to board their boats on Khao Ping Kan (James Bond Island)…
Benefits of Joining a Phuket Island Tour
A visit to Thailand’s famous Phuket island is on most tourists’ must-do list. Joining an island and beach hopping tour is the best and most convenient way to explore Phuket and all of its beautiful surroundings.
There are plenty of perks for joining tours:
A driver picks you up from your hotel and drops you back off when the tour is over.
Knowledgeable English-speaking guides are on hand.
Lunch and refreshments are included in the price. Beers are extra.
Admission fees to islands are included as they are considered national parks. However, you should double-check trip descriptions to be sure.
Snorkel gear and life jackets are loaned out.
Better to bring your own snorkel gear. Because the equipments provided are reused repeatedly. Gross!
Tour agency inside a hotel on Phuket island
Like most things in life you get what you pay for. There are private yachts to the Phi Phi Islands you can hire outright for the day with champagne and caviar served. But you’ll be paying out of your butt hole for that privilege.
I’m like most folks. I’m looking for the best valued tour in Phuket. I don’t want a tour that is too cheap yet provides an amazing value and experience. Which is a polite way to say I want a lot. But I want to pay a little. And that’s okay.
Because in this little Phuket tour guide, I’ll show you where to book that dream tour to the Phi Phi Islands and where you shouldn’t be booking your overall Phuket tours to save money.
You’ll specifically know which areas are best to book tours on Phuket island after arriving.
But first, here’s a little nifty tip from your buddy the Wayfaring Soul:
Wayfaring Soul Tip #1901 for Booking Phuket Tours
“The bigger the boat, the cheaper the tour price. The smaller with less people and faster the boat, the more it’ll cost.”
Speed boats are better… but it’ll cost more
Smaller speed boats provide specialized tour services. It can carry approximately 15 passengers, not including crew. But they cost more. Speed boats are nimble enough to navigate to certain parts of the islands that are quieter and less frequented. Less people the better and that’s the way I like it. So I typically book Phuket speed boat island hopping tours. The cost is worthwhile.
Larger ferry boats are okay… and it’s cheaper
Ferry boats fit more passengers but don’t have much flexibility because they can’t pass through shallow waters. And also certain secluded locations due to the size of the boat.
However, because more people are sharing the boat the cost per passenger is lower. There are just too many people on these boats, approximately fifty onboard. I’ve only been on once and never again.
My friends have been on larger tour boats though and they tell me it’s not that bad though. So it all comes down to personal preference.
And now, let’s get to the big question you’ve been asking.
The wooden boats with single engines are used for short island hops and small tourist groups…
“Booking a Tour in Phuket After Arriving VS. Booking Phuket Tours Online” – Which is Better?
This is a question I’m asked often. Who wants to arrive in Phuket only to find out that the tour you wish to join is completely sold out?
Everyone wants the best tour for the best price. No one wants to overpay. More importantly, who wants a crappy Phuket tour experience?
This will happen if you book tours in all the wrong places. Booking day trips in Phuket within your own home country’s travel agency is a classic mistake. There are only two things to think about:
How Much Time You’ve Got Before Arriving in Phuket?
How Many Persons Are Traveling Within Your Group?
Here are your answers. Plus also my best tips on where you should book your tours and more examples of where you shouldn’t.
Time – You’ll Have Plenty of it to Join a Tour in Phuket
If you’re like me, a serial procrastinator, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of opportunities to purchase jungle trekking, snorkeling, or scuba activities and island hopping packages right on the main island of Phuket.
There are as many tour sellers as there are 7-Elevens in Phuket. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you’ll see when you get there.
So it’s not necessary to purchase day trip tours outside of Thailand. Nor book Phuket tours online in advance.
But there is an exception as to why you should book Phuket tours onlinebefore arriving.
I’ll get into that exception later. But if you can’t wait, click here.
Here’s a speed boat commonly used by Phuket tour operators. It has an approx. 15-person capacity excluding crew and is used for fast travel to cover more beaches and island stops…. I always book a speed boat tour.
Believe me, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to buy tour packages if you haven’t done so yet. The island is full of tour agencies, tour agents, tour kiosks, and tour touts.
The nice Thai lady running a laundry shop could also hook you up with a phone call.
Whether you want it or not airport taxi drivers will try to sign you up for a jungle trekking tour. Even though you are deathly scared of large hairy spiders like yours truly.
Unscrupulous locals train monkeys to shake tourists down if they don’t buy tours from them. Stray dogs are tattooed with tour advertisements. You can even buy tours from elderly Thai fruit vendors. Okay, so I’m kidding about the last three. But you get my point.
Here’s another scenario. Say you arrived in the cities of Bangkok or Chiang Mai first.
And it’s the high season (November to April). You’re concerned that all the island tour operators are fully booked. So you decide to book a tour through the hotel’s on-site tour agency.
Tour agencies in Phuket offer boat trips all around Phuket Island, possibly dropping you off certain beaches for a little while…
Never Book Phuket Tours Inside Hotels
That action will end up costing you at least 20% to 35% more compared to reserving that same tour on Phuket island. Hotel tour agencies in Bangkok don’t do it for free. And they shouldn’t as it’s a service they are providing. All hotels in Bangkok or any other tour vendors in Thailand outside of Phuket will charge extra.
I don’t even recommend purchasing day trip tours inside Phuket International Airport. Because renting a location inside an airport is expensive. In turn, tour operators pass some of the cost to you.
But we are savvy travelers, right? Don’t fret, book your tours on Phuket because you’ve got plenty of time to save yourself some money for a frosty piná colada.
Now that you know where not to book tours in Phuket, I’m going to show you where you should go for the best Phuket tour rates…
For the Best Tour Prices in Phuket, Head to Patong Beach
So I’ve already established that it’s best to purchase your tours right on the island of Phuket. To be specific, head to the Patong Beach area because there are so many tour operators all selling the same tours. But at slightly different prices. Chances are you’re probably staying at a hotel in the Patong Beach area anyway. Or at least be visiting Patong Beach for its nightlife.
The reason why you can get better prices from tour operators on Patong Beach is because that’s the area where most tourists are wandering around. And tour agencies in that area try to be as price competitive as possible to get your Baht into their grubby hands.
Patong Beach Road – Walk along this to find the best Phuket tour prices…
Where is Patong Beach?
Patong Beach is a seaside resort on the western coast of Phuket. The area is abuzz with Phuket’s nightlife including a smallish red light district.
Even then, Patong is family-friendly. With many restaurants serving Western food and seafood restaurants. Chances are, you’re going to visit Patong Beach at least once on your Phuket vacation. I guarantee it.
Patong Beach is the single best location in Phuket to find tours on arrival.
A tour agency desk right by Patong Beach, Phuket…
Here’s What to Look for at a Phuket Tour Agency.
Look for a Phuket tour agency with a business name clearly marked, with phone numbers.
I recommend dealing with a dedicatedtour agency only. I typically stay clear of tour agencies that double as a laundry shop or other businesses unrelated to tourism.
Make sure a Thailand Tourism License (TAT) is displayed. It looks like the image below but with a license number.
Here’s how a TAT license looks. A licensed tour agency will also have a license number displayed…
Check Around for the Best Tour Prices
I recommend speaking with tour agencies on the street level of Patong Beach. I also recommend checking prices with at least 3 different tour agencies. You’re more than welcome to check more than that if you have the time.
Me, I prefer to spend it under a beach umbrella with soft warm sand caressing my feet. While cradling a nice frosty boozy piná colada. I just love those cute little drink umbrellas.
Price comparisons from three different travel agencies along Patong Beach will give you a general idea of prices for tour activities during your visit.
How much can you save from checking around?
It’s possible that you can save a few hundred Baht or more, depending on the season, time of day, or whether or not a particular tour agency has reached a quota. The discounts can add up if you’re traveling in a group. It’s possible to ask for group discounts.
Matter of fact, ask for discounts. But be polite about it. Do not expect a deep discount. If they can’t sell to you, trust me, they’ll find somebody else to purchase a tour.
Patong Beach Road is crammed with tour agencies…
Use Your Common Sense
Whatever you do, do not book a Phuket tour from a local tour agency offering an incredible itinerary at a too-good-to-be-true price.
While doing your price research along Patong Beach you will eventually figure out the average cost. Finding anything unrealistically cheaper than the rest should set off alarms in your brain.
If you see a Phuket tour more than half off of what everyone else is charging you’re at a dodgy unlicensed business. No questions about it. They probably don’t have your safety in mind nor care whether or not you have a good experience.
Remember what your mother told you about talking to strangers…
Also not a good idea to have a tour tout approach you out of the middle of nowhere. These guys, girls, or ladyboys may not work directly with the tour agency. But rather as middlemen so they get a commission when you book which you end up paying for their lunch. Simply put, don’t speak to strangers who approach you with a fist full of tour pamphlets.
Bangla Road is also a good area to look for Phuket Tours
Aside from Patong Beach, I also recommend searching for Phuket island hopping tours along Bangla Road where you’ll find lots of tour agencies.
Bangla Road is a major street on Phuket Island that runs parallel to Patong Beach. You’ll find it with no problems.
Tour agencies in Phuket’s Patong Beach can speak English…
Here’s When to Book Tours in Advance Online
Now let’s talk about booking Phuket tours online. It’s not more expensive than booking on the island itself. In some instances, during low travel season, it’s about the same price. How that happened I have no clue.
If you’re traveling with just a few people go ahead and book the tour upon arriving on the island.
However, I highly recommend booking tours in advance online for bigger groups.
Book that Phuket Tour Online When You’re Traveling with a Bunch of Friends
Viator.com is a reliable online tour company where you can book your Phuket tours ahead of time…
So here’s the exception I mentioned before. If you’ve got a bunch of friends traveling with you to Phuket then I advise booking Phuket tours online in advance.
Like anything these days on the inter-web you can purchase Phuket day trips at home in the comforts of your underwear. Fuzzy pink bunny slippers are optional.
Online Phuket tour prices are priced slightly higher. I’ve never found them to be cheaper than booking a tour on-site at Patong Beach and Bangla Road. However, as I mentioned prices could be the same in some instances.
The biggest benefitof booking a tour online in advance is that there’s enough space for you and all your friends to chill out on the same boat. Because nothing drags down a vacation mood more than getting separated from your BFFs.
For me, I normally book tours ahead of time when I’m with at least five friends. If you’re popular and have even more friends you might even get your own boat.
Some tours are more popular than others. Obviously, the best tours get picked up and run out of space the quickest.
This is another reason why it’s a good idea to reserve that tour online ahead of time.
In most instances, you can reserve now and pay later, or cancel within 24 hours’ notice, just like the popular tours around Phuket I listed below.
Book Tours Ahead of Time for These Best of Phuket Island Beach Tours
One-Day Tour to Phi Phi, Maya and Bamboo Island – This trip is designed to pack in the Phuket travel experience of your dreams. As I recommended you’ll travel via speedboat to Koh Phi Phi where you can relax, swim along coral reefs, and possibly fend off monkeys trying to steal from you as you snap selfies. You’ll be visiting four islands on this tour package. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com
Similian Islands – If you want to spend more time in the water snorkeling instead of fighting off monkeys on a beautiful picturesque island then a tour of the Similian Islands you will enjoy. Similan Islands has some of the best coral reefs and diverse marine life in the Andaman Sea. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com
Raya Island – Imagine a long stretch of soft white sandy beach with crystal blue waters. And no pesky monkeys. That’s what you’ll find on Raya Noi. You’ll definitely enjoy a stop at Banana Bay for snorkeling. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com.
Here’s Another Reason to Book Online Ahead of Time
Best to book shows ahead of time, especially if you’ve got a big group…
Every time my friends come to visit Phuket for their very first trip, I always recommend checking out Simon Cabaret Phuket for a fun night out. But if you want the good VIP seats you need to book in advance. This all ladyboy cast cabaret is very famous in Phuket and a super popular tourist attraction.
Oh, and another reason why you want to book ahead of time for Phuket Simon Cabaret Show is you won’t get separated from your friends and have a table to sit together.
Trazy.com and Viator.com Are Some of the Best Online Travel Agencies for Phuket Tours
There are many reputable online travel tour operators selling all kinds of tours in Phuket from, island hopping, snorkeling, sunrise tours, jungle trekking and yes even tickets to Phuket Simon Cabaret Show.
I like online tour operators like Viator.com, you check out an example of their James Bond Island tour itinerary.
These tour boats are designed for shorter distance trips around Phuket…
Another online travel agency I recommend is Trazy.com which has a highly reviewed tour of Phuket’s 1 Day Similan Island Tour.
Both are reputable online tour operators in Phuket and the major reason why I recommend them is if there’s a problem you know how to find them. For instance if you’re back home and you want to complain about something you can write to them, leave a review or a feedback. Plus, they speak English.
Versus booking a tour through a local tour operator you may not want to pay for international calls or have some sort of communication problem.
Not that I’m saying local Thai tour operators across the scale are bad. Just saying things happen and if it did, don’t you want to be able to speak to someone you can easily communicate with?
I mean what if you want to cancel a tour and get some money back?
Cancellation policy from a tour on Viator.com, please check all tour cancellation policies as each may be different…
However a recent Tragedy in Phuket Has Swayed Me to Recommend Booking Tours Online
Due to a recent tragedy in July 2018 which resulted in the deaths of 41 Chinese citizens returning from an island tour in Phuket, I can’t stress enough to be careful about how you choose your tours in Phuket.
I believe that companies like Viator.com and Trazy.com are highly reputable online travel agencies that are more responsible for the safety of their customers.
Cancellations and Refunds – Pay Tours With Credit Cards (Not Debit Cards)
There are a lot of reasons why tour agencies cancel an outing. And reasons why you need to cancel a tour too. Rough weather is a big reason why operators will cancel a day’s worth of tours for safety precautions.
Your husband had some bad sushi a few days before arriving in Phuket. And don’t want him to blow chunks on the speed boat. That would be one reason why you as a customer need to cancel and request a refund.
For obvious safety reasons tour operators cancel trips due to inclement bad weather…
Why should you pay with a credit card? There are several reasons but one example is if there’s a cancellation due to weather. If you paid in cash but have no time to pick up the refund afterwards then it’s easier to get the money refunded back to your credit card.
However, a local Thai tour operator in Phuket might add a 3% surcharge for paying with a credit card. Which is not a big deal.
Though is another reason why I recommend booking a tour online with the web travel agencies I mentioned.
Also, if there’s a problem, say if you think you’ve dealt with a shifty tour operator you can always contact the credit card issuer to put a hold on the charge. And have the credit card company investigate and sort things out.
Never pay for tours with a debit card. I don’t want to get off topic so if you want to know the reasons why check this article here.
Lunch on the Tour
If you’re booking a full-day tour package it will include lunch. Maybe even a light breakfast in the morning. Most half-day tours include lunch also.
Try and stay away from tours where for lunch they stick you inside a large shared restaurant.
Here’s an example of why from my last Phuket island tour:
Recently, a large restaurant was made somewhere off the island near Phuket where all the surrounding tour agencies shuffle in hungry tourists and serve lunch.
There are restrooms and snack shops as well, which is all good.
This restaurant was built a while ago to handle the influx of hungry tourists in Phuket…
There were 10 to 12 tour mates at a table. Everyone was quiet as we stared at the dishes that were presented to us. Awkwardly silent I must add. Like everyone was thinking the same thing in unison.
Where’s the nearest McDonalds? We’ll swim through shark-infested waters if we must for some McNuggets and fries!
We were served cold french fries. Some tepid water with root vegetables and chicken (me thinks) that’s supposed to be soup de jour.
Did we have sweet and sour pork? Or was it chicken? There were a few other Thai dishes but let’s not get into that.
Was there a chance our tour group’s lunch was made by a cadre of less experienced cooks?
While the real chef was out on the back pier enjoying his afternoon siesta with an icy cold beer. Possibly…
Andaman Seafood restaurant, is packed and crowded because most tour agencies stop off here so tourists can have their lunch which is included in the tour package…
So what’s the lesson here kids? Ask your tour operator if they provide tours where lunch is served on the beach. Search around until you find an itinerary somewhere specifically stating where you’ll be having lunch.
Remember, all tours are usually priced about the same as advertised by other Phuket tour operators. So why would you want to pay for a crappy lunch and location when you can get something better? For roughly around the same price.
Because I have joined tours where you can enjoy a lunch buffet on a nice sandy beach with a view. Believe me, it’s a whole lot better than eating at a packed restaurant and looking at the faces of disappointed tour mates.
The Ultimate Goal is to have the Best Phuket Island Tour Experience
For example, here’s an itinerary from Viator.com showing their list of pit stops along with other helpful info about their Phi Phi Island Adventure Tour.
Too lazy to check the link? Here’s an excerpt from that tour itinerary:
“Then, cruise to the white beaches of Bamboo Island. Go ashore for a delicious buffet lunch at an island hotel, and enjoy free time to relax on the beach and swim.” – From Viator, Phi Phi Island Tour
Phang Na Bay, located in Khao Phing Kan, is also called James Bond Island. This limestone landmark is the island’s claim to fame…
Insurance on Phuket Tours – Bad Things Can Happen
Sure, we don’t want bad things to happen. But it’s still a good idea to have some accident insurance coverage. Especially if you’re planning on zip lining up in the air and short trekking through jungles filled with rabid monkeys in heat.
All licensed tour operators in Thailand are required to carry insurance for tourists under their charge. Keep in mind, that some tour agencies may charge a little bit extra for insurance to cover children.
Accidents can happen so be sure to book with tour operators that have insurance clearly listed…
Here’s a look at one of Trazy.com’s Zipline experiences in Phuket. It clearly states what’s included in the price, including insurance.
By Law, Local Thai Tour Operators Must Provide Insurance Coverage
As indicated in this Bangkok Post article, in case of an accident involving tourists, local tour operators are required to cover up to 500,000THB ($16,500USD) for injury.
In the instance of death, a tourist’s estate receives 1,000,000THB ($33,000USD) per tourist. All licensed tour operators in Thailand must have insurance as dictated by the Tourists Authority Thailand (TAT).
Phuket Island Tour Operators with Insurance
Nutticha Marine Co., LTD – They have a good selection of on and off-island itineraries. Their full-day Phi Phi, Maya, and Khai Island tour provides a good experience and is recommended.
Flying Hanuman – If zip-lining through the air while screaming like a maniac does it for you then check out this tour operator. And yes they have insurance.
Trazy.com – This online travel tour agency provides tours in many countries but has a good selection of Phuket tours at reasonable rates.
Trazy is a web travel agency offering insurance on their tours…
When searching for local tour operators in Phuket, if you see one that you are interested in but don’t see them listing insurance you can always email them and ask if they provide any for peace of mind. Because if they are licensed tour agencies on the island they are required to provide it.
Because information changes from time to time, and if travel insurance is your concern on any tour excursions in Phuket please contact the tour operator and inquire about their company tour insurance policy.
Final Thoughts on Booking a Phuket Tour…
Booking tours in Phuket is usually smooth sailing (pun intended) as most tour operators on the island are doing their best to provide the best experience for their customers.
The locals depend on tourism because it’s very important to the island’s micro-economy.
A few of the crew members working on a tour boat in Phuket…
I’ve been to plenty of island tours in Phuket booking online and on the island and I have to say all were good fun. Local tour guides spoke English or one other language.
Most have a great sense of humor and fun conversations were had. The crews look out for the welfare of the passengers under their care and want everyone to have a good time.
6 Tips for Booking Tours in Phuket, Thailand
April through October is the monsoon season. Tours during these periods are cheaper. But be sure to have plenty of time in Phuket so you can rebook the next day in case of cancellations.
Patong Beach is the best area in Phuket to find the lowest rates on day trips in and around the island. Check and compare with at least 3 different tour agencies on Patong Beach for the best tour rates. Not far from Patong Beach is Bangla Road which is also a good alternative to find tour packages.
Never purchase Phuket tours inside a hotel lobby travel agency.
For a better experience book tours from well-established online travel agencies with reviews of itineraries.
Be sure to read up on tour itineraries, pit stops, what’s included, and what to expect during a tour. Some tour agencies include admission fees to islands and some don’t
Pay tours with your credit card to get refunds conveniently or dispute charges.
Now that you’ve learned that Patong Beach and Bangla Road on Phuket Island are the best areas to look for tours. As well as the importance of having insurance included are you ready for your awesome tour experience in Phuket?
Being near Phuket and able to travel around the islands is one of the reasons why I love living in Thailand…
I hope so!
If you have any questions regarding booking tours in Phuket drop a comment below and I’ll reply as soon as I can. Until then, happy travels in beautiful Phuket!
A Popular 3 Star Hotel Along the River Kwai Kanchanaburi
This month my wife and I decided to head over to the province of Kanchanaburi for a week. One of Thailand’s most well known scenic and natural province. Kanchanaburi’s center is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes drive (143.7 kilometers) from Bangkok proper. Which qualifies it as good as anyplace in Thailand for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Big Mango.
Most of all we were looking forward to our stay at the (แคว ธารา ริเวอร์ไซด์ วิลลา) Kwai Tara Riverside Villas in the district of Sai Yok. We heard so much about it on various media outlets so we decided to go check it out for ourselves. The Kwai Tara is well known for it’s quiet serene location, right on the meandering Kwai Noi river or River Kwai.
Many hotels and guesthouses along the River Kwai, but we chose to check out the Kwai Tara Riverside Villa…
Even though I’ve been in Thailand for many years I’ve never really traveled around Kanchanaburi. Just through it and never stopped over to check out the area. And I am aware of it’s history and the area’s claim to fame or infamy, the Kanchanaburi Death Railway. Plus the bridge which was the basis of 1950’s action drama movie, “The Bridge over Kwai”.
During this trip I’ve booked two other hotels in Kanchanaburi to do a comparison. And I can confidently say Kwai Tara Riverside Villas is the best hotel in the district of Sai Yok, or at least amongst the three we’ve stayed in.
On the Road to Kwai Tara Riverside Villa
Lots of road construction along the highways leading to Kwai Tara Riverside Villas…
These days it’s just so much easier finding your destination with google maps. We went during the weekday and didn’t expect a lot of traffic. But some areas were still congested due to road construction as of writing. By the time you’re reading this I’m guessing most of the major road constructions are all finished.
Kanchanaburi province is growing thus the need for more roads and wider highway lanes are needed.
Overall, it was a very easy to find the Kwai Tara Riverside villas because highway signs are clearly marked. But I have to admit the last few kilometers to the villas could get a bit tricky so make sure you’ve got plenty of battery on the phone for google maps.
The last few kilometers leading to Kwai Tara could get a little tricky due to less signage…
Now if you’re considering staying at the Kwai Tara it’s best to self drive. It’ll be a whole lot cheaper than hiring a driver with a car. And you are going need your own wheels to get to restaurants and places to explore. Which there are a few and you’ll find out where we went below. Because I can tell you there’s really nothing to do at the Kwai Tara’s resort ground.
Though there is the Mahawangchang Elephant Camp directly next to Kwai Tara’s property. But we’ve had our fair share of elephant rides earlier this year when we went to Koh Chang where I made a review of the Emerald Cove Koh Chang hotel.
For my wife and I we consider this as a road trip just like we did it in Khao Sam Roi Yod. And the Kwai Tara is a good enough place to rest our heads, if not a bit overpriced.
This is the backside of the mountain villa rooms. You do get a good view of the mountains, but not so much of the river in these rooms…
We booked a floating house villa which at the time I paid about $130USD per night including taxes and breakfast. That is pricey considering it’s listed as a 3 star hotel. But there’s no gym and no swimming pool. And those were the weekday rates.
I guess you can consider jumping into the river if you choose to for a dip in which you are more than welcome to. And believe me, walking down and than back up from the floating houses could give anyone a quick workout.
These are the mountain view villa rooms which are the closest to the reception area…
But I got to say, the floating houses are big. It’s about 80 square meters with very high ceilings so you get this really nice spacious feel. There’s a private front with cargo nets you can stretch out on top while the river waters below pass gently underneath. It was quite nice. Though whether it’s worth the +$100USD price tag is up to ones personal bank account.
A Look at Kwai Tara Riverside Villa Floating Houses
These floating house style rooms are 80 square meters and uses two A/C units to cool the room…
The room’s size get’s the winning point plus having the river just footsteps out the sliding doors with a beautiful view of the river is the cherry on top.
It’s a sparsely decorated room with a fridge that is filled daily with complimentary sodas and snacks. Which is pretty much unheard of. There are not a whole lot of channels on the television and the Wi-Fi, if you need it is unreliable.
There was one morning where the electricity was shut off for nearly an hour and a half so the room got warmer. But luckily it kicked on just before afternoon when it gets hotter.
A big bathroom. Be sure to bring your own shower gel as the ones provided by the hotel is not enough…
As I mentioned earlier breakfast was included in the price we paid. Basically, you get two choices, American breakfast which is eggs to order, some bacon and ham. Then there’s the Thai option which is Khao Tom Moo (ข้าวต้มหมูสับ), rice porridge with ground pork. You can order multiple plates and the kitchen staff were more than happy to oblige.
Then there’s a table where guests can serve themselves cereals, toast, salads and juices. And that’s pretty much what we had the entire week for breakfast.
The breakfast area is located right by the hotels reception area…
There’s one thing I have to mention and I can’t really blame the hotel for this problem. And that is the flies.
As soon as the food ordered hits the tables flies seemingly materialize out of nowhere and started dive bombing my sunny side eggs and bacon. There are numerous electric fans set on high located throughout the eating area but even that was not enough to keep the pests away.
Maybe by the time you’re reading this Kwai Tara’s hotel management have figured out a way to solve this problem.
You can enjoy a view of elephants marching by in Mahawangchang Elephant Camp…
The Final Verdict
I really like to like the Kwai Tara Riverside Hotel. It’s great I think for a short visit. But I can’t really say I would go back again. But the reason also is there’s really not much to do overall in Kanchanaburi. And you really do need to drive about an hour just to find some nice place to eat or chill out at a café.
If you’re looking to be pampered then you might want to look elsewhere. They do have staff to help with your bags down the steep steps if you choose the floating houses. But after 8pm there’s no one at the reception desk for assistance until sometime sun up.
Everyday the hotel provides a free raft ride in the early evening and it was very enjoyable…
There are numerous time we’ve stayed at the same hotel property in Hua Hin like the Escape Hotel and La A Natu Bed & Bakery. We usually like to stay at our favorite hotels because we already know we’re going to experience great service and enjoy the going ons around the hotel’s location.
And because there’s nothing of real interest for us at least near the Kwai Tara there’s just not much reason for us to return again.
But here are a few points of interest you might enjoy in Kanchanaburi, but as I mentioned quite a drive from the hotel:
Giant Tree Kanchanaburi or Giant Monkey Pod Tree Kanachanburi (just google it) is about an 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Kwai Tara Riverside Villa.
Sringarind Dam National Park is about 2 hours drive from Kwai Tara Riverside Villa. It’s a scenic drive with plenty of restaurants and rest stops along the way.
A long drive up mountains and hill afforded us this beautiful view of Srinagarind Dam…
As I mention already during this road trip we stayed in several other 3 star hotels in Sai Yok. And Kwai Tara is hands down the winner in terms of hotel quality and uniqueness. I guess if I could choose one word to describe the Kwai Tara the word would be unique.
There’s sort of a new catch phrase in Thailand and it’s called the “slow life”. Well if you want a taste of the slow life or even just a glimpse of it then go check out the Kwai Tara Riverside Villa.
The Emerald Cove – A Five Star Hotel on Klong Prao Beach Koh Chang
A few weeks ago my wife and I drove down to Koh Chang, a popular island destination located in the gulf of Thailand’s Trat province.
We were excited because we had booked the 5 star rated Emerald Cove Hotel for 4 nights. We heard a lot of good things about it because the hotel earned a good reputation for being secluded with a beautiful beach.
The Emerald Cove is located on Klong Prao Beach, the west side of Koh Chang. So you’ll have a beautiful sunset view…
And we love our quiet, peaceful, privacy. Normally we stay at La A Natu Bed and Bakery for some beach and seclusion.
This time around we really wanted to swim in some clear blue waters like we enjoyed in Koh Samui’s Impiana Resort on Chaweng Beach. Without having to fly out.
Koh Chang’s Emerald Cove Hotel was the perfect compromise for us.
This photo was taken right on the edge of Emerald Cove Hotel’s beach. The water is so clean and clear.
Koh Chang is an ideal destination for some clear and clean waters because it’s far enough and away from Bangkok. And the Emerald Cove Koh Chang is right on Klong Prao beach which has a long stretch of clean sand to have a nice stroll on.
I always say, the further you get away from Bangkok, the cleaner and clearer beach water you will find.
Entrance of the Emerald Cove Koh Chang Hotel
Emerald Cove Koh Chang Info
The Emerald Cove used to be a part of the Amari group of hotel chains. It was built in 2004. Which is quite old when it comes to hotels. But of course the Emerald went through a series of renovations since then. There are 165 rooms and 3 floors.
For me the hotel is fresh and modern with Thai style designs throughout the property. Only problem is there were intermittent power outages. But that is not the fault of the hotel. The island of Koh Chang has it’s own power plant.
The hotel’s reception is in a large open air room…
I think most people will be pleasantly surprised about how big the rooms are. Even the superior rooms are a minimum of 50 square meters. That’s the thing about older hotels. Many of them were built with more guests space.
You’re not on an island if you’re not surrounded by palm trees…
The hotel ground is spacious with several swimming pools in the center for guests to enjoy. But the property’s highlight is the centrally located 50 meter beachfront swimming pool.
A view from our premium deluxe ocean facing room. This is a 50 meter swimming pool. There is another small swimming pool suitable for children nearby…
There are several restaurants highlighting Thai and Italian cuisine. But during our stay the busiest restaurant was the Cove Terrace where a large buffet breakfast spread is ready for hungry guests every morning.
A view from the guest reception area…
Our Room
We booked a corner room called “Premium Deluxe Ocean Facing Room”. It is 56 square meters in size which was more than enough room for just my wife and I alone.
There is a work desk and a couple of sofas and chairs around to lounge in. Plus a large balcony with outdoor seating to take in the view.
We paid about 5000THB (approx. $150USD) per night with all taxes and a buffet breakfast fixed in the price. Which is not a bad price at all.
All of Emerald Cove’s rooms are at least 50 square meters.
As I mentioned before even the basic superior rooms at Emerald Cove are 50 square meters big yet cost between 1800THB to 3000THB per night with breakfast included.
At this point rooms at the Emerald Cove are priced according to location. The better the beach view or swimming pool view the more the room will cost.
A view from the main swimming pool. Our room was located on the building to the right, second floor…
Our premium ocean facing room had a spectacular view of the swimming pool. Because we had a corner room we had a decent beach view too.
So if you’re looking for big comfortable rooms with affordable prices in Koh Chang you should definitely check out Emerald Cove.
Everything that you’d need for a comfortable stay are provided in room. You’ve got a few bottles of complimentary drinking water provided daily in the refrigerator. A kettle to make hot tea and coffee. A room safe, slippers, robes and even a carry bag for visits to the beach.
Big bathroom complete with a full bath tub and walk in shower…
My only grip is I wish there was a larger television provided in the room.
Food at the Emerald Cove Koh Chang
The breakfast was perfectly fine and we ate at the Terrace Cove every morning. There were all the usual suspects. Eggs cooked to order, home fries, sausage and bacon with a good selection of breads.
There’s a large selection of fruit and salad options too for healthy eaters.
Then there’s a section of Thai breakfast options like noodles and ข้าวต้มหมูสับ Khao Tom Moo Sap which is a Thai styled rice porridge with ground pork
There was a planned buffet dinner by the beach but because of rain was cancelled…
On a Thursday there was an awesome dinner buffet that was supposed to take place by the beach where all the guests can enjoy the beautiful view and cool weather. But too bad the outdoor dining was cancelled as rain was in the forecast.
But the dinner buffet was very good and worth the 600THB price tag.
Breakfast was served daily at the hotel’s Terrace Cove restaurant…
While on our first night at the Emerald Cove we had dinner there because we were a little tired after the long 6 hour drive from Bangkok.
We ordered some pastas, a classic margherita pizza and crab cakes as pictured below. The pizza was good and the crust was thin which isn’t’ really what I like but the mozzarella cheese to tomato sauce ration was good.
Our first night dinner was at Emerald Cove’s Terrace Cove restaurant…
The pasta I ordered was a Beef Bolognese. For me the sauce was too watery. My wife ordered a chili and oil pasta which she said didn’t have much taste. This was the only let down on our meal.
The real winner was the crab cakes with sriracha mayo sauce. I could eat that all day long with a nice cold glass of Singha.
Be sure to look out for meal specials at Terrace Cove, one of Emerald Cove’s in house restaurants…
You can walk outside the hotel property to search out other restaurants. There is a decent Thai seafood restaurant not far from the hotel which I will write about on another post. But outside you can find a few small restaurants with western and Thai foods too.
There’s even a 7 Eleven about a 100 meters from the hotel entrance so you can easily pick up snacks to take back to your hotel room.
Overall Experience…
My wife and I really enjoyed our stay at the Emerald Cove Hotel. No surprise at all. Koh Chang is not a big island and other 5 star hotels on the island have got to be on their top game to win customers.
It’s a great hotel property with good service and even though we brought our car with us we didn’t need to drive around because everything we needed was in walking distance.
Their on site spa and massage was fully booked and the prices looked very reasonable…
We tried to make an appointment for an Emerald Spa Package but it was fully booked for that day. They had a couples’ spa for 3900THB which includes a 15 minute foot spa, 45 minute body scrub and a 60 minute relaxing massage which I assume is a body massage. That’s an excellent deal in my book.
Since we couldn’t get in we opted for another massage and spa shop which was just a 3 minute walk from the hotel’s driveway called Hatta Thai Spa and Wellness. Try out their foot scrub, I highly recommend it if you’ve got a load of dead skin like I did on my feet.
Just a few steps down from the hotel and you’re right on the beach. The water was low enough you can actually walk out 100 meters…
The Emerald Cove Hotel Koh Chang is well worth the money. It’s priced just right and very affordable for a 5 star rated hotel.
How We Got There
We drove in our car from central Bangkok all the way down through Chonburi,then Rayong and ended up at Ferry Koh Chang. The total time took about 6 hours on a weekday. Be sure to use google maps for GPS because it will come in very hand although the directions to get there is fairly simple.
The ferry boat takes about 30 minutes to cross from the mainland to Koh Chang…
You can drive your car right on to the boat and the fare for the car 120THB and the fare per person is 80THB.
Ferry boats leave depart every 30 to 45 minutes from 06:30 to 17:00. But there really is no set schedule. When the boats fill up, it leaves.
280THB to get a car across plus 2 persons one way is not a bad price at all…
If you’re not self driving you can easily catch minibus services all around Bangkok. Even Suvarnabhumi International Airport have minibus services that will take you down to Koh Chang. I believe the cost is 600THB one way.
Watching a sunset during Emerald Cove’s Happy Hour…
One big tip is to be sure you use the toilet before you get on the boat. Believe me you will thank me for this advice. It’s not a fancy ferry boat but it’ll get you to the beautiful island that is Koh Chang.
The Cicada Market – A Place You’ll Enjoy Even When You Hate Shopping…
But that’s just me. I’m a big grump when it comes to shopping. However I do love taking a stroll through any of Thailand’s famous night markets like Bangkok’s Talad Liab Duan. And certainly around Hua Hin’s Cicada Market. Which technically isn’t a night market. But who am I to disagree.
Now there really isn’t that much to do in Hua Hin (in my most humble opinion). So checking out Cicada Market at night is most likely on your to do list. It’s a highly recommended must visit in Hua Hin by travelers on tripadvisor.com.
My wife and I always make it our mission to visit Cicada Market every time we stay several nights in Hua Hin. Because it truly is a lovely market to stroll around even when you don’t plan on buying anything.
The best thing I enjoy about Cicada Market is eating all the street food I can get my grubby hands on.
When the weather is cool in Hua Hin, Cicada Market is a pleasure to walk around at night…
Cicada Market’s Location and Hours
This popular Thai night market by the sea is just south of Hua Hin’s city center. About 4.11 kilometers from the city’s equally famous Hua Hin Night Market.
There are many budget, mid and high end hotels in Hua Hin. I’ve stayed in many of them. If you’ve never visited Hua Hin before and this is will be your first visit, be sure to book a hotel near Hua Hin’s beach because it’s a lot more affordable then you’d think.
Here are some hotels I reviewed near Cicada Market:
The Escape Hotel (3 stars)- This hotel offers guests complimentary scheduled shuttle service to the market.
Ibis Hua Hin (2 stars and pet friendly) – 5 minute walk to Cicada Market.
Amari Hua Hin (4 stars)- 2 minute walk to Cicada Market.
Cicada Market’s operating days/hours are from Friday to Sunday, from 4pm to 11pm (cicadamarket.com).
Please note on Sunday the market closes 1 hour earlier at 10pm. Hua Hin Night Market closes at 1am.
The fact that they’re not open past midnight to me hardly qualifies it as a night market. Because it’s not. Everyone has been calling Cicada Market a night market.
Even Cicada Market organizers don’t refer to themselves as a night market.
Though I have to admit, the market looks beautiful at night with all the cool incandescent lights placed through out the market. It’s a real shame they can’t stay open longer.
There is also a small amphitheater where plays and even stand up comics can be enjoyed. I haven’t purchased a ticket to catch a show inside so I can’t provide too much information on that.
Cicada Night Market in Hua Hin is a must to visit while you’re in the area. It is open Friday thru Sunday from 4pm to 11pm…
What to Buy in Cicada Market
You’re going to see a common theme while strolling around. And that theme is art. Cicada Market is the kind of place where local Thai artists gather. Whether they be amateurs or professionals they come to showcase and perhaps make a bit of cash selling their art creations.
All kinds of modern art paintings are sold from contemporary to modern. Art lovers will certainly appreciate Cicada Market even more.
In the center of Cicada Market are a few small buildings that double as art exhibitions showcasing local art talent.
I came across this artists creating glass-blown art at Cicada Market…
You’ll also find handmade arts and crafts. Many are run by young enterprising Thai entrepreneurs. Need a bedazzled iPhone case? You’ll find it there. T-Shirts with unique graphic designs? You bet, you’ll see it there.
Amongst the arts and crafts is a family I came across making glass-blown figurines of animals. They can create a lot of animals with glass like giraffes, elephants, tigers and even all types of fish, right on site.
This guy is a master craftsman of glass figurines. His son is learning the art too…
And you can watch the process from start to finish. And it involves a blow torch. In my opinion nothing else is more entertaining then watching a guy wielding a blow torch to work at night. The glass figurines they create are also very affordable and a wonderful souvenir to take home.
Cicada Market is a haven for Thai artists in Hua Hin…
A caricature souvenir of yourself. Check. Many artists are available to paint a caricature of you starting at 300THB, depending on the size of the portrait. That’s a reasonable price. Plus you’ll be helping to feed a starving artist. Speaking about food…
The Food at the Cicada Market
When is it never about food?
Any self respecting market anywhere in the world has got to have an area where people can sit back and enjoy a meal.
I know there are people not keen on eating Thai food because they’re worried about consuming spicy foods. And we all know children are fickle eaters when they don’t recognize a food.
Cicada Market has a smorgasbord of international food selection. Don’t be surprised if you see Italian pizzas and pasta stalls selling next to a stall with American BBQ pork ribs and steaks. Even sushi is available. Halal food is also well represented.
There is a food court with an impressive array of Thai food to recognizable Western foods…
Cicada Market has quite a vast assortment of offerings. And because you’re in Hua Hin seafood is the specialty.
But I would skip the seafood inside Cicada Market because even though I know it’s fresh it’ll be more expensive. I know of a really good seafood restaurant right across from Cicada Market that I highly recommend. I’ll write a post on that restaurant really soon.
But if you find the seafood prices reasonable for your budget then go ahead and enjoy your seafood feast. Giant grilled prawns are available and sold by the kilo. A cook grills the prawns over a bed of hot coals while you wait and enjoy a nice frosty beer.
Lots of grab and go food are sold. But there is a big area with tables and chairs to sit down and enjoy your meals…
I haven’t really tried all the food in Cicada Market because I already have a couple of favorites nearby. But it’s a good place to grab desserts as there is a decent variety.
During peak hours, about 7pm to 9pm Cicada Market’s food seating area is filled to capacity so finding a seat could be difficult.
But with a bit of patience and perseverance you’ll eventually get a table. Plus standing over a seated table while glaring at the current occupants that have finished eating usually helps.
Western style food is hugely popular in Hua Hin and most certainly at Cicada Market…
The Atmosphere
Cicada Market is a fun place to just chill out. The atmosphere is non rushed and less crowded as other major bazaars and markets in Thailand, for example Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok.
And because the beach is nearby you get this nice ocean breeze during the evening.
This kid is quite amazing with what he can do with empty bottles of beer…
In a way it’s one of the biggest attractions in Hua Hin. Which is why many hotels in Hua Hin with shuttle services offer rides to Cicada Market. And spending an evening wandering around there is a perfect way to end a night in Hua Hin.
Like I always say, Cicada Market has a great chilled vibe. It’s a great place for locals to hang out too. Even for local folks in Hua Hin there’s not much to do except coming to these places.
Many festivals take place on the grounds particularly during seasonal holidays like Songkran Thai New Years and especially Western New Years Eve for the big countdown.
Don’t Forget to Check Out Tamarind Market Too – It’s Right Next to Cicada Night
Tamarind Market opened right next to Cicada Market. It’s a totally separate and new to the “night” market scene in Hua Hin. It’s so called because of the location of the market is surrounded by tamarind trees.
However, because both are super close together I think most would think it’s Cicada Market the same. One big difference though is that there’s more local Thai food sold inside Tamarind Market.
Tamarind Market also opens a day extra and an hour earlier: Thursday – Sunday 5pm to 11pm
Cicada and Tamarind Market are both easily the best areas to spend 2 or 3 hours in Hua Hin.
Tamarind Night Market offers Hua Hin visitors more food variety and plenty of seating to eat…
Getting The Best Manicures, Pedicures and Nail Art in Bangkok
So how would I know which is the best nail salon in Bangkok? Okay, so if you don’t already know by now I’m a guy. And I don’t know much about nail salons. Or even what the difference is between gel color manicures and regular color pedicures.
The answer is the same way I did my research for my post on where to find the best stinkiest durian in Bangkok. Even when I don’t eat durian myself.
I asked my wife and her Thai friends and friends of friends which nail salons they go. After all, locals know best.
And who would know where to find the best nail salon for manicures and pedicures in Bangkok than the locals that work and live in the city.
And it has to be a nail salon that they recommend to you.
I know a fair share of my blog readers are females. So I have been getting emails with questions about where they can find an inexpensive salon with nail spa services in Bangkok.
But the catch is not only do they want to know where they can find the best salons for manicures and pedicures in Bangkok. They also want to know which salon has talented nail artists that don’t charge crazy prices.
So what did I learn from my Thai friends?
They tell me one of the top five best budget nail salons in Bangkok with a reputation for fine nail art skills is a small little shop called Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon(2022 Update they moved to a new location in Huai Kwang). And they do a pretty good job on gel manicures and gel pedicures too as I learned (psstt… I finally found out what the difference is).
I checked out their Facebook business page and saw they have 13,000 likes. And they have four salon branches. That’s quite impressive. But I can’t rely on Facebook for my first ever nail salon review for Bangkok.
And I’m sure as hell not going to get my nails painted for the sake of this blog.
Thankfully two of my wife’s best friends wanted to have their nails done at Glamour Girls recently. So my wife and I tagged along so we could check out the place and snap some photos too.
According to my female Thai friends, Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon is the place to be for quality professional nail art as well as manicures and pedicures…
The Best Nail Salon in Bangkok (With reasonable rates you won’t find in major tourists areas)
Bangkok is a huge city and nail salons with manicure and pedicure spa services are plenty. So I primarily focused on an area that I’m very familiar with and one that is super easy for foreign tourists to get to.
And said salon has to be easily reached by train, which is the best way to get around central Bangkok in my humble opinion.
Also, I know that the best nail salon in Bangkok I recommend to my blog audience also has to have staff on premise that can speak and understand some English.
The fact is, if you don’t want to pay a lot of money but still want fantastic looking nails for 250THB within Bangkok, you will have to get out of the main tourists areas like Sukhumvit, Siam Square, Thonglor and Pratunam, where tons of expensive nail salons businesses can be found.
Even MBK Mall which has a lot of nail salons charge expensive prices. I’ve been told most of the customers inside MBK nail salons aren’t even locals but practically all tourists.
Which is why most local Thais would rather go to the Amantara Hotel where Glamour Girls is located to get their nails done at prices reasonable for Thai people.
Amantara Hotel Front Entrance on Soi 5 Pracharat Bamphen Road
Where to Find Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon
My Thai lady friends recommended I write a blog review about Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon which is located inside the Amaranta Hotel in Bangkok’s fun and exciting Huai Khwang district. Out of the four GG nail salons in Bangkok, the Amaranta hotel branch is the easiest for tourists to reach as it’s closer to Chatuchak Weekend Market and train station.
Glamour Girls is a tourist friendly shop because it’s easy to find, has plenty of nail polish colors, a large selection of glitters, nail accessories and charms. And they usually have someone who can speak English too on site.
However, from what I’ve gathered out of all the nail shops in the area, Glamour Girls has a reputation for nail artistry like tattoo artists pride themselves for their own specialized craft.
Plus Glamour Girls have a popular hand and feet spa package that cost only 1300THB. A popular choice for most customers before getting colors painted on their nails. And yes they do provide spa mani and pedi service for men.
Top Five Reasons Why My Thai Friends Recommend Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon to Tourists
For a budget nail salon in Bangkok, Glamour Girls Nail Art has strict hygiene guidelines.
They pay a higher than standard industry salary to attract the best nail technicians and artists.
Just like a tattoo parlor, this nail salon specializes in creative one of a kind nail art.
They have English speaking staff on premise.
Glamour Girls uses genuine branded nail polish products only. I learned that a lot of small budget nail salons in Bangkok use fake knock off or inferior nail polish products that won’t last long.
Glamour Girls’ nail technicians also specialize in acrylic extensions and gel extensions. As a man, I’m not even going to pretend I know what those are. I just thought nail salons paint nails on fingers and toes.
But if you’re reading this and enjoy getting your nails done all pretty then you know what I’m talking about.
In Bangkok Glamour Girls Nail Salon is Best Known for Acrylic Extension and Gel Extension Nail Services
Also one of the primary reasons why Thai locals go to Glamour Girls Nail Salon for acrylic and gel nail extension is because one or two of their salon technicians won nail competitions.
It’s like you can win anything for doing anything these days. I’m still waiting for my blogger of the decade award…
This shop can get quite busy, best call them to make an appointment 063-875-2276. Have your hotel receptionist help you call to make an appointment…
Anyways, Glamour Girls is well known in the Huai Khwang area as the best nail salon in Bangkok to get your acrylic extensions and gel extensions done professionally at reasonable prices.
I’ve been informed if you do the same services in central tourists areas you’ll be paying 2 to 3 times more. And that’s without any nail art and other extras.
With a hotel right above the salon even hotel staff recommend their guests to Glamour Girls for nail and spa services. That’s what I heard while I was inside a few flight attendants from Jordan Airlines came in to get a set of French acrylic nail extensions that cost 1800THB.
How Much They Charge: Mani and Pedi Prices
You can check out their website for how much they charge for their nail salon services. But here is the basic rate for their most common services:
Regular Color – 200THB
Gel Color Polish – 250THB/300THB/400THB/450THB (Price depends on which brand of nail polish you choose)
PVC Extensions – 450THB
Acrylic Extension – 1300THB full set. They use OPI products. I don’t know what OPI is but somehow my wife says it’s important to note. And I always listen to my wife.
Gel Extension – 1800THB with no gel polish color included. They use CND products for gel extensions.
They only charge 50THB for removing old colors.
A short price menu at Glamour Girls Nail Shop…
Going to Glamour Girls
We got to Glamour Girls on a Sunday afternoon and they were busy with customers. Our friends had to wait on queue but the wait wasn’t too long because the nail technicians worked fast and customers looked happy as they left.
The nail salon isn’t huge nor is it small. They have about five tables and two sofa chairs that double as spa chairs. But no doubt they look quite serious about the nail salon business and full of nail polish choices even for the uninitiated like myself.
Busy nail technicians and artists working professionally and quickly…
My wife’s friends are already familiar with Glamour Girl’s salon technicians so they knew which nail polish products they liked. They picked some nail polish brand called Gelly Fit.
When finished my friends were so happy with their newly painted nails. Who knew shiny nails could put such a huge smile on a lady’s face. Women…
Next time I do something stupid to my wife I’ll just take her to Glamour Girls. Just kidding. Even for a guy I have to admit hand painted nail art looks pretty cool.
So for a guy that doesn’t know anything about nail salons, Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon seems like a decent place to get your nails done.
Are there any other places that can do it cheaper and better? My Thai lady friends tell me there are many that charge really cheap. But it’s cheap those shops use cheap products which won’t last long.
So they go there because they know their gel polishes will last long because they use top quality products applied by experienced nail technicians.
I saw a lot of happy faces walking out of that shop so they must be doing something right. Which is why many Thais say Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon is one of the best nail salons in Bangkok.
The Best Nail Salon in Bangkok is Mainly Known for Nail Art
At Glamour Girls they mainly focus on nail art. Inside the shop customers can browse through photo albums, books and magazines for examples of cool unique nail art. Just point which one you like and they’ll paint it on your nails.
Glamour Girls has tons of nail polish to pick and choose from including nail art samples…
If you see a particular nail art photo on Instagram or anywhere else on the internet just show a Glamour Girls Nail Tech and they’ll be able to reproduce it on your nails too.
Prices aren’t that expensive for nail art but obviously the more difficult the nail art the more they charge for time and material.
That’s about it. I’ve learned more about the nail salon business then I have ever wanted.
I’m going to get a beer. Watch some basketball and find something manly to do like barbecue some meat.
How to Find Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon
The best way to get to there is to ride the MRT subway train to MRT Huai Khwang subway station.
Once out of the train, find Exit #1, which is the exit for Pracharat Bamphen Road.
Walk 200 meters to Pracharat Bamphen Road Soi 5 and make a left hand turn at 7 Eleven. You will see Amaranta Hotel to your right.
Walk straight through the lobby where you see a set of glass doors and Glamour Girls will be to your immediate right.
And by the way, the amazing Chatuchak Weekend Market is just six stations from Huai Khwang MRT subway station.
Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon accepts credit cards. I’m assuming Master Cards and Visas only.
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