Bangkok

After you send us your complete flight itinerary we will send you an email titled 'Airport Pickup and First Few Days' with complete instructions on how your teams airport pickup will proceed. Depending on the size and budget of your team we have 4 options available for you to consider.

Option 1

Suvarnabhumi Airport

For teams of 3 or less, we will simply pick you up in a taxi and bring you back to the NRTC. The roundtrip cost is 400 baht.

Don Muang Airport

For teams of 3 or less, we will simply pick you up in a taxi and bring you back to the NRTC. The roundtrip cost is 800 baht.

Option 2

Suvarnabhumi Airport

For teams of 3 or less that are tight with funds, you can download a PDF map in English and Thai (http://www.ywamthai.org/hospitality). Estimated cost from the airport is approximately 250-300 baht including airport surcharge.

Don Muang Airport

For teams of 3 or less that are tight with funds, you can download a PDF map in English and Thai (http://www.ywamthai.org/hospitality). Estimated cost from the airport is approximately 400-500 baht including airport surcharge.

Option 3 (this is the default option)

Suvarnabhumi Airport

For teams that consist of 10-12 people and under we will use a specialized (covered non-air conditioned) picked up truck to bring you and your team (including luggage) back to the NRTC. The one-way cost is 800 baht.

Don Muang Airport

For teams that consist of 10-12 people and under we will use a specialized

(covered non-air conditioned) picked up truck to bring you and your team (including luggage) back to the NRTC. The one-way cost is 1,500 baht.

Option 4

Suvarnabhumi Airport

For teams that consist of between 12-20 people, we will use two (2) specialized (covered non-air conditioned) picked up trucks to bring you and your team (including luggage) back to the NRTC. The one-way cost is 800 baht per truck.

Don Muang Airport

For teams that consist of between 12-20 people, we will use two (2) specialized (covered non-air conditioned) picked up trucks to bring you and your team (including luggage) back to the NRTC. The one-way cost is 1,500 baht per truck.

Option 5

Suvarnabhumi Airport

For teams that consist of 20+ people we will use two (2) specialized (covered non-air conditioned) picked up trucks plus an additional picked up truck for every 10 people over the initial 20. The one-way cost is 800 baht per truck.

Don Muang Airport

For teams that consist of 20+ people we will use two (2) specialized (covered non-air conditioned) picked up trucks plus an additional pick up truck for every

10 people over the initial 20. The one-way cost is 1,500 baht per truck.

AIRPORT PICKUP – Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

After you send us your complete flight itinerary we will send you an email titled      ‘Airport Pickup and First Few Days’ with complete instructions on how your teams airport pickup will proceed. Depending on the size and budget of your team we have 3 options available for you to consider.

Chiang Mai International Airport

Option 1

For teams that consist of 10 people and under we will use a specialized (covered non-air conditioned) picked up truck to bring you and your team (including luggage) back to the HOSPITALITY HOUSE. The one-way cost is 400 baht.

Option 2

For teams that consist of between 11-20 people, we will use two (2) specialized (covered non-air conditioned) picked up trucks to bring you and your team (including luggage) back to the HOSPITALITY HOUSE. The one-way cost is 400 baht per truck.

Option 3

For teams that consist of 20+ people we will use two (2) specialized (covered non-air conditioned) picked up trucks plus an additional picked up truck for every 10 people over the initial 20. The one-way cost is 400 baht per truck.

We recommend that all teams prepare a budget for approximately $13-16 USD per person, per day, depending on your ministry location. Some ministry locations have different rates than the approximate breakdowns listed below. If you choose a ministry location with different rates (as set by the ministry host), we will send you an additional email with complete details on what to budget for. 

Please know that if your team is on a tight budget that we are able to provide your team discounts in several areas. Since 2001, we have hosted outreach teams from many countries with varying budgets. We can make your outreach work with whatever budget you have.

Bangkok, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi and surrounding areas - $16 USD per person per day ($7 USD housing, $6 USD food, $3 USD transportation)

Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Puaw and surrounding areas - $14-16 USD per person per day ($5-7 USD Housing, $6 USD food, $3-4 USD transportation)

Chiang Rai, Mae Sai and surrounding areas - $14-16 USD per person per day ($5-7 USD Housing, $6 USD food, $3-4 USD transportation)

Khon Kaen, Buriram, Mahasarakham and surrounding areas - $13 USD per person per day ($4 USD Housing, $6 USD food, $3 USD transportation)

Mae Sot and surrounding areas - $13 USD per person per day ($4 USD Housing, $6 USD food, $3 USD transportation)

Pattaya, Rayong, Chantaburi and surrounding areas - $15-16 USD per person per day ($6-7 USD Housing, $6 USD food, $3 USD transportation)

Phang Nga, Khao Lak and surrounding areas - $14-16 USD per person per day ($5-7 USD Housing, $6 USD food, $3 USD transportation)

Phuket, Krabi, Nakorn Si Thammarat and surrounding areas - $16 USD per person per day ($6-7 USD Housing, $6 USD food, $3 USD transportation)

Registration Fee
There is a 3,000 baht registration fee per team. The registration fee goes towards all phone calls, faxes, emails and copies that have been incurred during the course of the set-up process. If your team is on an extremely tight budget we can offer you a discount.

Translators
All teams will need to use a Thai translator while on outreach in order to have a successful outreach. The job of the translator is to not only translate, but to serve your team as well. Sometimes we can provide your team with a translator, while other teams we ask our ministry host to provide a translator for you. Regardless of “how” you get your translator, we ask teams to budget a daily amount for translation services.

Based on the current minimum wage in Thailand you will need to factor into your overall budget 450 baht per day for translation services. On average that amounts to 38 to 45 baht per person per day (US$1.25 - $1.50 for a team of 10 to 12 people) In addition to the translator fee, you will also need to to cover daily meals, daily transportation and housing for your translator. (If staying at a local guest house or hotel - if staying at local Thai church or YWAM ministry - translators stay for FREE)

If using a translator “provided” for you by YWAM Thailand, you can pay the translator amount during your Leadership Meeting. If using a translator at a local Thai church or ministry, please pay the amount per day at the end of your outreach via a donation.

Overview of Translator Costs
450 baht per day + daily meals, daily transportation and housing (only if staying at a hotel or guesthouse)

During your first few days in Bangkok we have several housing options available for you and your team.

Bangkok

Nancy Ross Training Centre (NRTC)
www.ywamthai.org/nrtc 

Dorm Room

These rooms come equipped with air conditioners, bunk beds, and internet access while the bathrooms are western style with hot water showers. The cost is 200 baht per person, per night. As well, all sheets, pillows and towels are provided so no need to bring a sleeping bag or  your own bedding. (unless you are going to a location that requires a sleeping bag later on) Some people "prefer" to bring their own pillow but it's not "necessary". Also, bringing your own "towel" for other locations, swimming or beach time is a good idea.

Private Room

These rooms are perfect for visiting speakers, leaders, and couples and come equipped with air conditioning, refrigerator, writing desk, and internet access. The room cost is 400 baht per night. As well, all sheets, pillows and towels are provided so no need to bring a sleeping bag or  your own bedding. (unless you are going to a location that requires a sleeping bag later on) Some people "prefer" to bring their own pillow but it's not "necessary". Also, bringing your own "towel" for other locations, swimming or beach time is a good idea.

Chiang Mai

Hospitality House (http://www.i-m.mx/Len/thehospitalityhousechiangmai/)

During your first few days in Chiang Mai we have a housing option available for you and your team.

Located close to our YWAM Chiang Mai National Office, in World Club Land, our newest housing complex comes equipped with all the amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible! We have several types of rooms available. 

Dorm Rooms – These rooms come equipped with air conditioners, bunk beds, and WIFI internet access while the bathrooms are western style with hot showers. The suggested charge is 200 baht per person, per night (150 baht without air-conditioning).

Private Room – The private room is perfect for visiting speakers, leaders, couples etc and comes equipped with air conditioning, WIFI internet access etc. The private room costs 400 baht per night (300 baht without air-conditioning).

Eveybody will also have open access to the kitchen, dining room and conference area!

Prices listed for the HOSPITALITY HOUSE are for adults 16 years old and up. Children between the ages of infant–10 years old stay for free and 11–15 years old pay 100 baht per night. When staying at the HOSPITALITY HOUSE you will need to refrain from illegal drug use, smoking, alcohol consumption and sexual contact (if not married). Failure to follow these guidelines will result in you being asked to leave.

The Outreach Teams Department transportation coordinator will take care of all transportation arrangements to your ministry location on your teams behalf. Please understand that sometimes, your first choice of tickets may not be available depending on what season it is as well as other factors.

We will charge your team a small service fee of 300 - 500 baht to cover the roundtrip costs of traveling in a taxi to the bus station or train station (whichever method of transportation you request and which is available).

North – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Sot and surrounding areas

Tour Bus:

The cost is approximately 700–900 baht per person, one way.

Train:

The cost is approximately 700–800 baht per person, one way and dependent upon final destination (i.e. there is no train service to Chiang Rai).

Chiang Mai to Bangkok

Tour Bus: The cost is approximately 700–900 baht per person, one way.

Train: The cost is approximately 700–800 baht per person, one way and dependent upon final destination.

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and surrounding areas

Tour Bus: The cost is approximately 200–300 baht per person, one way. (i.e. no train service to Chiang Rai)

Chiang Mai to Mae Sot and surrounding areas

Tour Bus: The cost is approximately 350–400 baht per person, one way.

Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Border) and surrounding areas

Tour Bus: The cost is approximately 350–450 baht per person, one way.

South – Phuket, Phang Nga, Nakhon Si Thammarat and surrounding areas

Tour Bus:

The cost is approximately 800–950 baht per person, one way.

Northeast – Khon Kaen, Mahasarakham, Buriram and surrounding areas

Tour Bus:

The cost is approximately 400–650 baht per person, one way.

Central – Pattaya, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi

Tour Bus:

The cost is approximately 300–500 baht per person, one way.

Van:

The cost is approximately 2,000–3,000 baht per van (10-15 people) and dependent upon final destination.

Transportation to the Bus Station, Train Station

We will arrange transportation to either the bus station or train station for your team from the NRTC/BJD. We will use a specialized (covered non-air conditioned) to take you and your team (including luggage) to the bus station or train station. The one-way cost is 1,000 baht per truck (1 truck per every 10-12 people).

Transportation to the Cambodian Border

We can arrange transportation to the Cambodian border for your team from the NRTC/BJD. The one-way cost for a van (10-12 people) is 3,500 baht.

Transportation to Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Public Bus: The cost is approximately 900 baht per person, one way. The bus leaves from Mo Chit bus terminal daily at 8:15 am.

Transportation to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Public Bus: The cost is approximately 750 baht per person, one way. The bus leaves from Mo Chit bus terminal daily at 9:00 am.

Flights

Flying is also an available option. If you do want to purchase airplane tickets to your particular destination please consult with us prior to booking your tickets to make sure that the dates and times work with everyone involved.

It is current YWAM Thailand policy that any and all YWAM teams (SBS, DTS, SOE, CDTS, SOW, SBFM, MA, IPHC etc) that come into the country, come through the YWAM Thailand Outreach Teams Department. We currently have our main office at YWAM Bangkok and another office located at YWAM Chiang Mai.

Depending on where your team fly's directly into (Bangkok or Chiang Mai), you will receive a Thai cultural orientation as well as an overview of all the YWAM ministries in the country along with our national strategy and focus in reaching Thailand and its people.

The day after your Thai cultural orientation, teams usually go on our Prayer Walk (available in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai). This is a great opportunity for your team to lay a lasting spiritual foundation as you minister in the country. The cost for the Prayer Walk (in Bangkok) is approximately 300-450 baht per person. This includes local transportation and all temple entrance fees.

There is no cost for the Prayer Walk (in Chiang Mai) except for the transportation of 300 baht per truck one way. 

The Thai baht consists of: 

NOTES
1,000 baht, 500 baht, 100 baht, 50 baht, 20 baht 

COINS
10 baht, 5 baht, 2 baht, 1 baht

The baht is currently rated at around USD $1.00 = 35 baht. For the most recent currency exchange rate please refer to the following website at www.bangkokbank.com

When bringing USD it is best to bring $100 and $50 bills as they tend to get the best exchange rate when compared to $20, $10 and $5 bills. As well, the majority of banks and currency exchange counters will only exchange USD bills that have been printed after 2004. When bringing travelers checks, please be aware that there is usually a $1-$2 USD fee for each check cashed regardless of the amount.

If you are looking for a hassle-free and secure way to handle your teams funds while here, we recommend that you use an ATM card issued by your local bank. Please be advised that all Thai banks charge a 150 baht withdrawal fee. This is on top of any additional fees that your local bank may levy or any international fees. This means that you could potentially pay up to $10 USD per withdrawal.

We are not able to give medical advice to teams or individuals about which immunizations to get before coming to Thailand. You will need to contact your local travel clinic to receive thorough medical advice by people that know what immunizations and pills your team will need for your specific situation. We are not medical professionals and we do not want to be held liable for any illnesses that you may contract while here.

We encourage all outreach teams to purchase medical insurance prior to arriving in Thailand. We recommend http://www.talent-trust.com. They have been providing our YWAM Thailand staff with long-term and short-term medical insurance since they started in 1991. To benefit from YWAM Thailand's short-term group discount of 35% please ensure to include YWAM Thailand as your mission on their online enrollment form, or when contacting them.

All ministry locations, except for remote hill-tribe locales, have internet access for your team or are located within villages, towns, or cities that have internet shops on every corner. While there is a tremendous amount of freedom on what you can email or post on Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media, Thailand has some very strict lese majeste laws. Please ensure that any and all internet communication from your team abides by these laws.

We would love to provide warm Thai hospitality and take care of any and all details relating to a visit by your school leader/base leader. Please send us all pertinent details regarding airport pickup and housing and transportation needs and we will take care of the rest.

You can have your letters and packages sent to the following address: 

Bangkok

POSTAL MAIL
Team Name – Team Member's Name
℅ Outreach Teams Department
P.O. Box 20
Thungsetthi
Bangkok 10263
Thailand 

FEDEX/DHL/UPS
Team Name – Team Member's Name
℅ Outreach Teams Department
6/479 Ramkhamhaeng 2 Road Soi 6
Dokmai, Prawet
Bangkok, 10250
Thailand 

Chiang Mai

POSTAL MAIL
Team Name – Team Member's Name
℅ Outreach Teams Department
178/603 World Club Land, Moo 7
T. Nong Kwai,
A. Hang Dong
Chiang Mai
50230

FEDEX/DHL/UPS
Team Name – Team Member's Name
℅ Outreach Teams Department
178/603 World Club Land, Moo 7
T. Nong Kwai,
A. Hang Dong
Chiang Mai
50230

Once we receive any letters or packages for your team we will hold on to it until you return to the YWAM Thailand National Office, NRTC. Please make sure that any and all letters or packages are clearly marked for the intended recipient. If it is not clearly marked, we will open the letter or package to determine who it is intended for. 

You can also receive faxes during your time here. Our fax number is +66-2-752-8014 (when dialing from overseas). Please have the cover letter addressed to: 

Your Name
℅ Outreach Teams Department

Bangkok
We do have cell phones available for teams to use, if needed. This will be offered to you in the leaders meeting following your teams Thai cultural orientation. If you choose to borrow a phone from the OTD (available for free) and the phone is lost or broken during the time that you are using it, you will need to pay a replacement fee of 1,000 baht. If you would like to buy a cell phone while here they are available almost everywhere. You can expect to pay approximately 1,000 - 3,000 baht for a basic model while SIM cards can be purchased for as little as 99 baht per card.

Chiang Mai
We don’t have cell phones available but if you would like to buy a cell phone while here they are available almost everywhere. You can expect to pay approximately 550-3,000 baht for a basic model while SIM cards can be purchased for as little as 99 baht per card. 

Border runs have been effected by the new visa law, effective, May 2014. Entering on a free 30-day visa, granted upon arrival at the airport, has no longer the benefit of visa (multi-entry) runs to Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos. If anyone leaves the country during the 30 days, they will not be allowed to re-enter. If you are planning on coming for longer than 30 days you will need a government issued multiple entry Tourist or Non-Immigrant O visa for your time here.

We suggest that you allot extra space to bring a sleeping bag. The majority of ministry hosts will provide a thin sleeping mat, sheets and pillows. Yet, if you are looking for additional comfort and/or warmth (especially during November-February) bringing you're sleeping bag would be a wise choice. You may also want to consider bringing your own pillow and/or thin sheet, however, you can also buy those items once here. If you suffer from occasional or frequent back pain we would recommend that you bring a “Therma-Rest” to help alleviate the pain. 

We also ask that you prepare yourselves to use “Thai” style bathrooms, squattie potties, as opposed to “Western” style bathrooms. It is also recommended that you brace yourselves for cold water showers when staying at many ministry locations. While it may be likely that your team will encounter “Western” style bathrooms and warm showers at some ministry locations it is not available everywhere which is why we ask you to be prepared.

This following list has been compiled by veteran travelers. Use this list as a general guideline in preparation for your trip to Thailand.

Valid passport (with at least 6 month validity).
Visa
Air tickets
Emergency information
Luggage ID tags
Credit card/ATM card
Medical Insurance
Photocopies of Passports and any other important documents 

Suggested Items to Bring
(an asterisk '*' means items can be easily and cheaply available in Thailand)

Day Pack
Passport/Money Carrier
* Toiletries (most things easily available in Thailand)
Sanitary napkins are readily available at any grocery store. Tampons (insertion type) are less so.
* Contact Lens Solutions/Preparations
* Rain gear (rainy season May-October)
Camera
* Film
Diary
Bible, journal, notebook, pens
* Small flashlight
* Small sewing, repair kit
* 1 lightweight sheet/small pillow
* Small alarm clock
* Mosquito repellent
Sunblock/sunscreen/lip balm
* Towel
* Small pocket knife
* Water bottle
* Kleenex
Wet Wipes
* Umbrella
1 guitar for the team
Personal medical prescriptions (as necessary)
Prescription for glasses/contact lenses 

Optional Items
1 team travel iron (220 volts used in Thailand)
1 team hair dryer
Electric converter/adapters

There are still certain areas in Thailand that dress very conservatively (i.e. North, Northeast) and this dress code reflects that. However, different regions have different expectations when it comes to dress. While one or more of your ministry locations may be more relaxed when it comes to dress (i.e. Phuket, Pattaya), we do ask your team to dress as neat and proper as possible.

Women and Men
Long pants and slacks; cotton pants and slacks are preferred for comfort in this climate, must be dressy, nice and neat. Nice shirts and blouses and short sleeves are fine such as button up or polo style, and other tops, etc. are permissible. 

Women Only
Again, dressy, neat, and clean are the important guidelines. In addition to pants and slacks, modest dresses and skirts are fine, as long as they at least reach around the knee. Capri pants that reach down to at least mid-calf can be worn during most activities. 

If doing ministry at a school or business, it is most important to dress properly. Nice t-shirts of any type are fine. Nice jeans are fine also. If you are in the villages it is better for the guys to wear either polo shirts or a button up shirt when not doing practical work but nice t-shirts will be OK for many things. In the villages the girls will need to move more towards skirts (longer than the knees). Please bring clothes that are modest and neat. For example, no 80’s style mesh cut-off shirts, sleeveless tops, mini skirts or ridiculously short shorts (i.e. 1970’s style) during ministry times although in your room to relax will be fine. You can bring several pairs of shorts to wear inside your rooms or to play sports, but shorts are not typically worn when doing ministry. Many clothing items are also cheaply and easily available in Thailand.

Shoes
1 pair hiking or trekking (if going to hill-tribes), 1 pair walking, 1 pair nice for church. Sandals/flip flops are extremely useful for entering houses or using for showers. If wearing sandals, be sure to wear socks to schools. Pay close attention to where others have taken off their shoes and follow their lead. If your shoes are expensive, you may want to carry them in with you and store them inside. If you are going to be doing extensive trekking in the hills, please bring the appropriate shoes. 

Piercings and Tattoos
Pierced ears on women are fine here in Thailand. However, teams need to be concerned about all the other kinds of piercings (both male and female) that are currently in vogue. Any unusual piercings may not cause a fuss for the average Thai person, but it will cause concern amongst some in the Thai Christian community. Please understand that we understand this is an amoral issue. However, we need teams to understand that this is where some of our brothers and sisters are at here in Thailand. Therefore, we ask teams to respect this and come willing to remove lip, navel, eyebrow, tongue piercings for the duration of their outreach, if requested by the ministry host. It is also possible for people with these types of piercings to be creative in this endeavor. Pierced ears on men are usually frowned upon by the Thai Christian community. In the hill-tribes, pierced ears on men are frowned upon because sometimes it is associated with thugs and hooligans.

For more information about visa requirements, please email us at outreach@ywamthailand.org.