Is it safe to travel to Thailand amidst coronavirus outbreak?
Hi everyone, I am Dhiren and welcome to my channel.
Today is going to be an exciting day because....
I am traveling from Mumbai to Bangkok
in just Rs. 6,800 and I am flying by Air India
which means better services and complimentary food
I will share all the details in this video
I am also a bit nervous because...
of the coronavirus outbreak. I am a bit scared.
I'll share my experience of the entire trip at the end of this video
but mostly I am excited about today
So keep on watching and also, don't forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE :)
Just got done with the immigration and the officer asked me 2 questions -
1. Where am I going? 2. When Will I come back?
and now I going to make the best of free 'loyalty lounge access'
You can ask your branch manager to get this service and it is valid on many ATM cards.
Who knows the card in your wallet may also have this service?!
You can enjoy a spread which includes a 3-course meal with soft drinks and liquor
But the best part is comfortable seats. <3
So, I am now sitting next to my gate
BTW, I booked my tickets from Skyscanner
I usually check Skyscanner, Wego, and Google Flights for best rates
I eventually booked my tickets from MakeMyTrip
for 13,600 (return)
I was lucky to get such a good deal as all the other low-carrier flights were more expensive
Tip: Before booking always check for convenience fees.
some websites charge an exuberant amount and some charge a fair price
Also, always look for coupons. I got one for  Rs. 800 (cashback)
You can also get a discount code for sign-ups. I've used these codes many times to save some money.
so, always check for these things and yes, don't forget to check the convenience fees
Carry face-masks as there is a shortage of masks in south-east Asia.
In-fact wherever you go, carry some with you as coronavirus is spreading all over
Don't let COVID ruin your plans, but also take these precautionary measures.
I never understood why people stand in a queue to get in.
It's not like we can select our seats on a first-come-first-serve basis.
nor we have to worry about the luggage space (in a premium flight)
peanuts and drinks were served immediately after the take-off
Lunch was served shortly after that
I chose non-veg meal which consisted of butter chicken, rice, paratha, and ras malai
I don't know why people keep complaining, but I've always had a great experience with Air India.
and after 4 hours of comfortable journey, I've finally reached Bangkok. Now time for VISA
For VOA, you need to fill in 2 forms - 1. Immigration form 2. VISA form
You will get these forms at the counter.
Carry a pen and glue to save time
After you fill your form, you have two options-
1. Stand in the regular line which can take more than 2 hours for the process to complete
2. Take the express line for 200 BAHT and get done with it in just 2 minutes
The choice is yours ;)
My advice is to take the express line and save time for other things as the express line is not that expensive
As I said, I got my VISA in just 2 minutes
You can see all the bags there as it will take at least 2 hours for people standing in the regular line
I've saved a lot of time in just 200 BAHT which I think is a pretty good deal
Here's the list of documents...
1. Passport
2-3. VISA form and Immigration form which you will get it from the E-VISA counter
4. Passport size photograph
5. Hotel booking of at least first night (Mandatory)
6. Return ticket or any ticket that proves that you will leave the country within 15 days
7. 10,000 BAHT for solo travelers & 20,000 BAHT for a family
You can get this any form like - dollars, cards & cash combined, etc
All these documents are mandatory and they can ask to show any of these
So, carry all the documents and enough funds with you
This is it....
Unlike other countries. you can buy a SIM card at a 'fair price' from the airport.
I bought the 15 days pre-paid card for 449 BAHT with unlimited internet access
Next thing is - how will you travel from the airport to your hotel?
Option 1: Take the sky train (Express Line) which is the cheapest option but limited to only some places in Bangkok.
Option 2: Take a cab and get scammed. This is the most expensive mode of transport
For my hotel, they are charging me 500-600 BAHT
GRAB taxi is a better option as you can rely on the app. (It shows are 400 BAHT to my hotel)
GRAB is only accessible to travelers with a SIM card and internet access
OPTION 3: Go to gate no. 3 of the departure section...
cross the road and take a taxi from there to save money.
One of them charged 200 BAHT for the same trip
However, you must know the rates. So, it's better if you ask any local to know the fare
This is your best 'Taxi' option followed by GRAB followed by Airport Taxi Service
In case if you're traveling directly to Pattaya then...
You can take the shuttle bus from the airport which starts at 7am and the last bus is at 11 pm
Buses leave every hour and will drop you at the south Pattaya except the last few buses...
which will leave you at North Pattaya. So, plan accordingly...
I am recording this bit after my trip
I went to Thailand when COVID was spreading in the country.
The situation was quite intense at that time but now it's a bit in control (In Thailand)
So in case if you're planning or if you've already planned...
Don't worry... Just take care of yourselves and you will be fine
Remember to wear a mask all the time
Keep washing your hands
carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
wash your hands before eating anything
Do not touch your face
especially your mouth, nose, and eyes
and wash your face immediately after you reach your hotel/hostel
these basic measures should be enough
The situation is not as bad as it seems...
or else our govt would have taken some measures as it did for other countries
so, don't worry but also, stay alert
With this, I end this video here
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my channel
In the next video, you will see me traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya
Also, don't forget to like and share this video
You can ask me anything in the comments section below or DM me on Instagram
I'll try answering as many questions as I can
Thank you for watching this video and stay safe ;)
