Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
COMMISSION HASSLES
In the popular tourist spots you'll be approached, sometimes surrounded, by touts or transport drivers who get a
commission from the guesthouse for bringing in potential guests. While it's annoying for the traveller, this is an
acceptable form of advertising among small-scale businesses in Thailand. As long as you know the drill,
everything should work out in your favour. Touts get paid for delivering you to a guesthouse or hotel (whether
you check in or not). Some places refuse to pay commissions, so in return the touts will steer customers away
from those places (by saying they are closed or burned down). In less scrupulous instances, they'll tell you that
the commission-paying hotel is the one you requested. If you meet with resistance, call the guesthouse for a
pick-up, as they are often aware of these aggressive business tactics.
Hotels
In provincial capitals and small towns, the only options are often older Thai-Chinese hotels, once the standard in Thail-
and. Most cater to Thai guests and English is usually limited.
These hotels are multistorey buildings and might offer a range of rooms from midrange options with private bath-
rooms, air-con and TVs to cheaper ones with shared bath facilities and a fan. In some of the older hotels, the toilets are
squats and the 'shower' is a
klong
(large terracotta basin from which you scoop out water for bathing). Although these
Thai-Chinese hotels have tonnes of accidental retro charm, we've found that, unless they've been recently refurbished,
they are too old and worn to represent good value compared to guesthouses.
In recent years, there has been a push to fill the budget gap for older backpackers and young affluent travellers who
want the ambience of a guesthouse with the comforts of a hotel. 'Flashpacker' hotels in major tourist towns have
dressed up the utilitarian options of the past with stylish decor and more creature comforts.
International chain hotels can be found in Bangkok, Phuket and other high-end beach resorts. Many of these upscale
resorts combine traditional Thai architecture and modern minimalism.
Most top-end hotels and some midrange hotels add a 7% government tax (VAT) and an additional 10% service
charge. The additional charges are often referred to as 'plus plus'. A buffet breakfast will often be included in the room
rate. If the hotel offers Western breakfast, it is usually referred to as 'ABF', meaning 'American breakfast'.
Midrange and chain hotels, especially in major tourist destinations, can be booked in advance and some offer inter-
net discounts through their websites or online agents. They also accept most credit cards, but fewer places accept
American Express.
National Parks Accommodation
Most national parks have bungalows or campsites available for overnight stays. Bungalows typically sleep as many as
10 people and rates range from 800B to 2000B, depending on the park and the size of the bungalow. These are popular
with extended Thai families who bring enough provisions to survive the Apocalypse. A few parks also have
reu·an
tăa·ou
(longhouses).
Camping is available at many parks for 60B to 90B per night. Some parks rent tents and other sleeping gear, but the
condition of the equipment can be poor.
Reservations for all park accommodation must be made in advance through the
central booking system
( reser-
vations 0 2561 0777;
www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve
)
. Do note that reservations for campsites and bungalows are handled
on different pages within the website.
