Travel & Hotel

Flight

Thailand Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

In 2024, Thailand has announced that tourists obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). It is still in the beginning stages and is NOT currently approved or required. It is only a proposal at this stage. While it may be approved in early 2025, nothing is confirmed yet. Please click the link and sign up for updates/changes to the status of this proposal. The good news is that it is free and usually takes 24 hours to approve.

Flight

Flying Tips!

We would suggest buying plane tickets to Thailand as soon as you are able as prices will only go up. Typical transit time between the U.S and Thailand averages 24 hours total. Depending on your flight, you will have a layover (most likely in Japan, China, Amsterdam or Turkey) of anywhere between 1.5-6 hours. Shorter layovers are always preferable but keep in mind if your first flight is delayed, you may have trouble/miss your connecting flight. Around 3 hours is the sweet spot. (Pro Tip: Take a photo of your luggage, both open and closed, in case your luggage is lost/there is a delay). Flight searches we found to be helpful are googleflights.com and kayake.com

Travel Note

Bangkok: Quick Tips

Currency: The currency in Thailand is "baht" and is around 34bht= 1USD conversion rate. Be prepared to use cash when doing most of your transactions, especially smaller ones (shopping, street food etc) but card is accepted at restaurants. Do NOT exchange (all of) your cash at the airport - instead just withdraw the money from ATMs. (Remember to check your ATM fees). Language: The local language is Thai (ภาษาไทย) but most people have at least a very basic understanding of English so communicating with others should not be too difficult/daunting. Transportation: Generally, taxis are how you will get around most places and are quite cheap. If you prefer apps, "Grab" is the "Uber" of Thailand. MRT is the public transportation system and is also quite good. Lodging: To book lodging, www.booking.com and www.agoda.com are the most popular site to use but feel free to use whatever site gives you the best deal (Google Maps gives you a nice overview of pricing when you search for the hotel). We recommend booking at least 6 months in advance. Temperature/Attire: Thailand is most temperate around the winter ranging with highs of high 80/low 90's to low of 70's with very little chance for rain. For clothing, it is recommended to wear natural fibers thar are flowy and loose fitting. Temple attire: you must cover your knees and your shoulders.

Hotel

The Kite Hotel (Preferred/Highly Recommended)

Modern, "typical" hotel vibes. No website yet as they are doing a soft opening, but you can see room photos on google maps. Contact me if interested! Regular rooms 990 baht. All private bathrooms.

Hotel

Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel

Boutique 2-star hostel in Old Siam with a cute European cafe/bakery on the 1st floor. Available options for private room and bathroom. 25 steps away from Jay Fai.

Hotel

Tim Mansion Bangkok Hotel

3-star hotel with a retro-Chinese lobby in Old Siam. Room options include a view of the Golden Mountain . 27 steps away from Jay Fai.

Hotel

Cherie Bangkok Boutique Hotel

Unsuspecting 4-star hotel in Old Siam. Mainly modern atmosphere with hints of Thai architecture. 50 steps away from Jay Fai.

Hotel

Baan Tuk Din Hotel

Raw and rustic - Baan Tuk Din Hotel is moody and eclectic. Connected with a restaurant serving international and Thai cuisine with cocktails along with live jazz concerts.

Hotel

Villa De Pranakorn

5-star hotel in Old Siam. Spacious lobby with a daily happy hour 5-7pm. One intersection away from Jay Fai.

Hotel

Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam, an IHG Hotel

This abstract Jenga hotel comes with a complimentary McDonalds in the lobby. Around the corner from the wedding venue, this hotel is in the center of Bangkok, across from MBK shopping center where you can get a bespoke suit for the half the price and shop until you drop. Not near Jay Fai. We will be staying in this hotel on Dec 27th and 28th.