A to Z

Allergies & special diets

If you have food allergies or intolerances, or eat vegetarian or vegan, please tell restaurants and other providers explicitly.

When you book an excursion through us, let us know any special dietary needs at the time of booking if possible. We pass this on to the provider and try to make the necessary arrangements.

Please note that what is possible varies by excursion, restaurant and provider.

Banks & currency exchange

Banks and exchange bureaus can be found in most tourist areas. Exchange rates vary from one provider to another.

International credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. For local markets, smaller shops, taxis and other small expenses we still recommend carrying some cash.

Booking deadline

Bookings for all excursions close at 5 pm the evening before, except for tours with an afternoon programme.

Cancellation & no-show

If you cancel late, cancel altogether or do not show up, we reserve the right to pass on the costs and expenses incurred. As a rule: a 50% cancellation fee up to 24 hours before the tour starts, 100% on the day of the tour.

Car rental

If you would like to explore your destination independently by rental car, we can help arrange a suitable vehicle.

Thailand drives on the left. Make sure you hold a licence valid in Thailand for the vehicle class and have sufficient insurance cover. Inspect the vehicle on collection and document any existing damage.

If you are not familiar with local traffic or would rather not drive yourself, we recommend a private car with driver instead.

Cash machines (ATM)

Cash machines are widespread in Thailand and accept most international bank cards. The maximum withdrawal depends on the machine, the bank and your card. Amounts of up to THB 20,000 per transaction are often possible. If a withdrawal of that amount fails, try a lower one, for example THB 10,000.

With foreign cards a local fee is normally charged per successful transaction. Your own bank or card issuer may charge fees on top.

Check-in & check-out

Exact check-in and check-out times are set by each hotel; in many hotels the regular check-out time is 12 noon. If you arrive early, your room may not be ready yet.

If you would like to keep your room longer on your departure day, ask at the hotel reception early. A late check-out depends on room availability and may cost extra; depending on the hotel, a reduced rate may be offered. To guarantee a longer stay in the room, booking an extra night may be necessary.

After check-out most hotels will store your luggage. In many hotels the general facilities can still be used until departure; some also offer somewhere to shower or change. Please ask your hotel directly.

Clothing & temples

When visiting temples, palaces and religious sites, please dress appropriately and behave respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Some places have stricter dress codes. Shoes must be removed before entering certain temple buildings.

Always follow the notices on site and treat Buddha images and religious institutions with respect.

Complaints & support

Your satisfaction during your stay matters to us. If something does not meet your expectations, we are grateful if you let us know.

For a concern about your hotel or room, please contact the hotel reception directly first. That gives the hotel the chance to look into the situation and offer a solution as quickly as possible. If you are not happy with the solution or need further support, you are of course welcome to contact our team as well.

For anything else, send us a message and tell us as precisely as possible what happened. We try to support you and, together with the partners involved, find a suitable solution. The earlier you tell us about a problem, the better we can help you while you are still here.

Construction & renovation work

Construction, renovation, maintenance or road works can occur in tourist areas too and sometimes start at short notice. Necessary repairs or maintenance can occasionally take place within a hotel as well.

If works disturb you or you are unhappy with a situation, please inform the hotel reception first. That gives the hotel the chance to look into the problem and, where possible, solve it directly. If you then need further support, you are of course welcome to contact our team.

Culture & respectful behaviour

Thailand is known for its hospitality and friendly culture. A calm and respectful manner is highly valued. Treat religious sites, Buddha images, local traditions and the Thai royal family with respect.

If a disagreement or unpleasant situation arises, we recommend staying calm and avoiding confrontation. Do not get drawn into arguments or physical altercations. When in doubt, remove yourself from the situation and get help. Escalation is not worth it.

Departure & pick-up time

If we arranged your departure transfer, you will usually receive a message the day before you leave with your confirmed pick-up time.

Please check your flight number and departure time against your current booking. If your flight has changed or the details do not match, let us know as soon as possible.

Please be ready in the hotel lobby with your luggage about 10 minutes before the confirmed pick-up time.

Destination Concierge

During your stay our concierge service is your local point of contact. For questions, support, or information and recommendations about your destination, simply send us a message on WhatsApp.

Excursions, transfers, restaurants, activities or general questions about your stay: our team is happy to help.

Doctor & medical help

If you need a doctor during your stay or are feeling unwell, feel free to contact us. We can recommend a suitable medical facility.

If illness or injury takes you to a clinic or hospital, please also let our team know briefly and tell us where you are. That way we know your situation and can support you locally if needed.

In an acute medical emergency, medical care of course comes first. Contact the hotel reception immediately or call the medical emergency number 1669.

Keep invoices, receipts and medical documents for your own travel or health insurance.

Drinking water

We recommend not drinking tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere and many hotels provide it in the room.

Drugs & controlled substances

Thailand has strict rules on illegal drugs and controlled substances. Stay away from illegal or unknown substances and never carry parcels, luggage or other items for other people if you do not know exactly what is inside.

Special import rules can also apply to certain prescription medicines. If you regularly need controlled medication, check the current Thai import rules before you travel and carry the necessary medical documents.

E-cigarettes & vaping

Please note that e-cigarettes and related products are subject to strict laws in Thailand and their import is prohibited. We therefore recommend not bringing e-cigarettes, vapes or related products to Thailand.

Electricity

The mains voltage in Thailand is 220 volts / 50 Hz. Many hotels have sockets that take different international plugs. Depending on the device, a travel adapter may still be needed.

Emergencies & tourist police

In an acute medical emergency, accident or other serious situation, your immediate safety of course comes first. Contact the relevant emergency service, then inform our team as well as soon as you can. It is important for us to know what happened and where you are, so that we can support you locally if needed.

Tourist police: 1155 Police: 191 Medical emergency: 1669 Fire / rescue: 199

Excursions & experiences

A wide choice of excursions, activities and experiences is available for your destination. What is included and not included, the programme and other important notes are in each excursion's description on our website. After booking you receive the pick-up time and pick-up details.

For special requests, food allergies and vegetarian or vegan meals, please tell us at the time of booking if possible. We pass your request on to the provider and try to make the necessary arrangements.

If you cannot find the excursion or activity you want on our website, or would like a private or individually arranged tour, contact our concierge service. Just tell us what you would like to experience. Our local team, together with our partners, tries to put together a personal programme around your wishes.

For weather-dependent activities, programmes, routes, pick-up times and whether the activity runs at all can change at short notice for safety or organisational reasons.

Flight times & changes

Flight times can change at short notice. Please check your current flight details again before departure, on your booking or directly with your airline.

If we arranged your departure transfer and your flight number or departure time changes, let us know as soon as possible so we can check your transfer time.

Hospital

If you need hospital treatment during your stay, we can recommend a suitable medical facility.

Please also let our team know briefly which hospital or place you are at. That way we know your situation and can support you locally if needed.

In an acute medical emergency call 1669 or contact the hotel reception immediately.

Hotel & hotel services

For questions and concerns about your room or the hotel's facilities – breakfast, restaurants, housekeeping, pool, gym, air conditioning or the hotel shuttle, for example – please contact the hotel reception directly first.

If a problem is not resolved satisfactorily or you need further support, feel free to message us.

Internet, Wi-Fi & mobile data

Most hotels offer their guests Wi-Fi. You normally receive the login details at check-in or from the reception.

Local SIM cards and eSIMs with mobile data are also widely available and a practical way to stay online during your trip.

Jewellery & gemstones

Caution is called for: we know of numerous cases of gemstone fraud. Cheap and valuable do not go together where gemstones and real jewellery are concerned — but the buyer can expect first-class value for money in Thailand; many European jewellery houses have their pieces made here.

Gems Gallery is the largest jewellery manufacturer and delivers worldwide. You receive a certificate of authenticity and a guarantee on the pieces you buy or have made; the showroom is most impressive. For safety reasons Gems Gallery offers every visitor a pick-up and return service, with no obligation to buy — simply arrange it through our concierge service.

Loss & theft

If you lose your passport, phone, credit card or other important items, act as quickly as possible. Have lost bank cards blocked by your bank immediately if necessary. In the case of theft or loss of important documents, a police report or further official steps may also be required.

If you do not know where to turn or need support locally, send our team a message.

Massage, spa & wellness

Thailand offers a wide choice of massages, spa treatments, manicures and pedicures. Choose a clean, professional establishment. For manicures and pedicures in particular, check before the treatment starts that instruments and materials have been cleaned and disinfected.

If you already have back, joint, muscle or other health problems, be sure to tell the therapist before the treatment begins. Some traditional massages can be very intense and are not suitable for every guest or every health condition.

Our local team is happy to recommend massage and spa establishments that can cater to different needs.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are part of Thailand's tropical climate and can transmit diseases such as dengue. Many are most active around sunrise and sunset, while others – including those that can carry dengue – also bite during the day. So use a suitable repellent regularly, not only in the evening.

Lighter clothing can help too, as some species are more attracted to dark colours. Long, light clothing gives extra protection.

Mosquitoes like sheltered, darker spots; in rooms, for instance behind curtains or furniture. Keep doors and windows closed when the air conditioning is on and use any mosquito nets provided.

Motorbike & scooter

Because of the high accident risk we generally advise against renting motorbikes or scooters.

If you decide to anyway, make sure you hold a licence valid in Thailand for the vehicle class and have sufficient insurance cover. Always wear a helmet. Ride especially defensively and carefully – the traffic can be unfamiliar, and vehicles overtake on both the left and the right. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you still need a reliable motorbike or scooter rental, you can contact our team.

Passport & travel documents

Keep your passport, cash and important travel documents as safe as possible, for example in the hotel safe. We also recommend keeping secure digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, flight tickets and other important documents.

If you lose your passport, inform the relevant authorities and contact us too if you need information or support locally.

Payment

Excursions are paid in cash, by credit card or via a payment link (+3.5%) directly to the guide or the operator. The exact terms are given when you book.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies are widespread in Thailand and usually easy to find in tourist areas.

For more serious complaints, injuries, or if you are unsure what treatment you need, we recommend seeing a doctor.

If you do not know where to turn, just message us on WhatsApp. Our team can recommend a suitable medical facility.

Photography & filming

Photography and filming are allowed almost everywhere. Be discreet with people: when in doubt, ask first so that nobody is hurt or offended.

Pick-up for excursions

Siam Travel confirms the exact pick-up time from your hotel when you book.

Programme and price changes

Programmes and prices are subject to change.

Public holidays

Thailand has various Buddhist, national and royal holidays. Tourist facilities, restaurants and malls often stay open. Banks, government offices and some establishments may be closed. Special legal rules can also apply on certain holidays.

Restaurants & food

Thailand offers a wide choice of local and international cuisine. Looking for a particular restaurant, something special to eat or a recommendation? Our local concierge team is happy to help.

If you have food allergies or intolerances, tell the restaurant explicitly before you order.

Safety & valuables

Keep your passport, larger amounts of cash and other valuables in the hotel safe where possible. Do not leave phones, bags and valuables unattended on the beach, at the pool or in public places, and do not leave valuables visible in an unattended vehicle.

If an offer or situation makes you uneasy, better not to take an unnecessary risk.

Sea, beaches & tides

Always heed the local warning signs and flags on the beaches. Dangerous currents can occur, especially in the rainy season or in rougher seas. Do not go into the sea when red flags are flying. Do not underestimate currents even when the sea looks calm, and keep a close eye on children.

Thailand has tides, so a beach can look very different over the course of a day. At low tide the sea can retreat a long way, exposing large areas of sand or rock – a lovely chance to explore the beach on foot. At high tide the water rises again; on some beaches a large part, or at times almost the whole beach, can be under water. Around full moon and new moon the difference between low and high tide is greater.

If you walk further along a beach, around rocks or into more remote areas at low tide, remember that the water will rise again later. Watch the tides and make sure you can always get back safely.

On boat trips and water sports, always follow the crew's or provider's safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

Shopping & markets

Thailand offers plenty of shopping, from modern malls and boutiques to local markets. In malls and regular shops prices are normally fixed. At local markets friendly bargaining is sometimes customary.

With high-end branded goods, pay attention to origin, quality and authenticity.

Street food

For many visitors street food is part of the Thailand experience and is available in many places. Choosing a stall is up to you: look for a clean impression, good food hygiene and freshly prepared dishes.

If you have a sensitive stomach, food allergies or intolerances, be correspondingly careful and, when in doubt, skip dishes whose ingredients or preparation you are unsure about.

Sun & heat

The tropical sun in Thailand can be very intense. Use enough sun protection, drink plenty of water and avoid long direct exposure during the hottest part of the day. UV radiation can be strong even on cloudy days.

On excursions, boat trips and long spells outdoors, pay particular attention to sun protection and fluids.

Tailors

There are countless tailors who make made-to-measure clothing in no time. Sadly many of them are not reputable and deliver poor quality. Beware too of the “bargain offers” — two suits, three shirts and a tie for 100 dollars — the quality is often unusable.

Good tailoring, which in Thailand can be far cheaper than in Europe, takes a little time and the right tailor, one who understands European sizes. Best make your appointment in advance; our concierge arranges advice and transfer. At the tailor we recommend you are collected from your hotel without obligation, advised in German or English and visited at the hotel for the fitting. If time runs short, the clothes are sent on to your next destination or to your home address.

Taxi & transport

For individual journeys, various local transport options are available depending on the destination. For booking rides easily we particularly recommend the apps Grab, Bolt and inDrive, subject to availability. Prices and availability vary by location, distance and time of day.

If you would like to explore your destination in more comfort and flexibility, we can also arrange a private car with an experienced driver. Your driver is available for the agreed time and waits for you while you visit sights, shop or eat. This is especially practical with several stops; shopping and ordinary luggage can stay in the car by arrangement with the driver. Passports, cash, jewellery and other valuables should always stay with you or safely at the hotel.

Just message us on WhatsApp if you need a driver or transfer.

Third-party providers & liability

We cannot accept any liability for tours, excursions or services you book with other providers or private individuals — taxi, samlor and boat drivers included. Despite promises to the contrary, insurance cover for vehicles and passengers is often insufficient or missing altogether. Drivers are not guides; the content and delivery of such tours often leave much to be desired, and tourists are unfortunately cheated all too often. We are happy to recommend reputable companies where quality, price and guarantee are right.

Time difference

Thailand is in the UTC/GMT +7 time zone and does not use daylight saving time. Compared with Switzerland, Germany and Austria the difference is +5 hours during European summer time and +6 hours during European winter time; compared with the UK it is +6 and +7 hours.

Tipping

Tipping in Thailand is voluntary in principle but much appreciated for good service. In restaurants about 5–10% is appropriate for good service, unless a service charge is already included. Hotel staff, drivers, guides, therapists and other service staff also appreciate a tip. The amount is of course up to you.

Traffic & road safety

Thailand drives on the left. The traffic can differ a lot from what you are used to in Europe: vehicles, and motorbikes in particular, overtake on both the left and the right, change lanes or make unexpected manoeuvres. So be especially alert as a pedestrian too, and always look both ways before crossing a road.

If you drive yourself, drive defensively, keep your distance and expect motorbikes beside you at any time. If you are not comfortable with the local traffic, we recommend a taxi or a private driver.

Transfers for excursions

Transfers from and to your hotel are included unless stated otherwise.

Travel insurance

We recommend that all guests have adequate travel and health insurance. In a medical or other insurance case, keep all invoices, receipts and relevant documents.

For questions about coverage, reimbursement, documentation or claims, please contact your insurer directly. In a medical emergency or other serious situation we only ask that you also inform our team and tell us where you are.

Weather

Thailand has a tropical climate and the weather can change at short notice. Short, sometimes heavy showers are normal, especially in the rainy season, and do not necessarily mean it will rain all day.

For boat trips, excursions and other weather-dependent activities, programmes, routes, departure times or whether the activity runs at all can be adjusted at short notice for safety reasons. The decision rests with the responsible provider and depends on the current weather and safety conditions.

What to wear on excursions

We recommend light, comfortable cotton clothing on excursions. To be safe, take a towel, water shoes and a second T-shirt on every trip — and do not forget the sunscreen.

WhatsApp & contact

WhatsApp is the easiest way to stay in touch with our concierge team during your stay. For questions, support, arranging something or a local recommendation, simply send us a message. Our team is happy to help.