Thailand

This lovely country in southeast Asia can cater for every traveller, regardless of what you are looking for. From tropical beaches to opulent royal palaces, and from ancient ruins to world class diving sites. With a largely developed tourism industry, nice and welcoming population, a rich culture and delicious food, there is something to love for everyone.

Highlights

Bangkok

Hill-tribe villages

“The Lady and the Pipe” by lynhdan is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Ayuthaya and Sukhothai

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Islands and beaches

“File:Ao Sunset, Koh Lipe (2007-03-321).jpg” by Vyacheslav Argenberg is licensed under CC BY 2.0

National parks

“_POL0213” by Pol TaTham is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Diving and snorkelling

Surin and Similan islands underwater. Corals and fish IMG_2092Bs2 by Phuketian is licensed under CC BY 2.0

“Underwater photo. Phuket Thailand. Coral reef and schools of tropical fish” by Phuketian.S is licensed under CC BY 2.0

When to go

The best moment to visit Thailand is between late October until mid-April with warm days and cool nights. In general terms the weather is tropical year-round with a rainy season (from May to October) and a dry season (from November to April). But consider that the monsoon does not start or stop from a day to the next and it takes longer for the rains to disappear in the south than in the north. Temperatures are lower from December to February, which are probably the best months to visit; while April and May are the hottest months.

Snorkelling and Diving and Beaches: the water temperature is warm year-round (26º- 30 º C), but the best time for diving and snorkelling is November until mid-May, when the see is quieter and there is better visibility.

Historical places and ancient ruins: from late October-early November to early April if you want to avoid strong heat and the heavier rains.

Hiking: from October to May is the best time to discover Thailand´s nature, particularly in the north. Avoid June to September, since the heavy rains can affect the condition of the routes.

Practical information

Currency

The Thai Bath is the official currency. Typically 33 to 40 Bath per Euro and 30 to 35 per US Dollar.

Language

Thai. English is widely spoken in tourist areas but can be limited or very limited in some areas of the country where foreign visitors are scarce.

Visa

Visa is required by all visitors, available on arrival at international airports by air 30 days, visa by land borders 15 days, and 60 days from Thai consulate before leaving home.

ATM & credit card

ATM are available pretty much on every medium-size town and credit card are widely accepted for medium and high-end accommodation and restaurants.

Opening times

Typically Monday to Friday at 8:30am- 4:30pm. However, in cities busy with travellers opening hours of most tourist attractions are extended. Also some temples remain open until sunset.

Time: GMT + 7 hours

Main airports

The main internacional aiports in Thailand are Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and Phuket International Airport (HKT). Other airports also have some internation flights but are mainly used for domestic flights, such as Hat Yai International Airport (HDY), Krabi International Airport KBV) and Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI),

Public transport

Two types of buses run in Thailand: Non-air-conditioned buses, and air-conditioned buses. The non-air-conditioned buses are operated by the government and are cheaper and slower. Air-conditioned buses are more comfortable and faster. Also, there is another alternative if you are travelling long distance, typically called a “VIP” or “sleeper” bus. Tuk-tuks are used for short distances in most Thai cities. They can carry around 2-3 passengers each. The train network does not cover all of Thailand, however, it is a good way of travelling over long distances if you can. Trains are one of the most comfortable ways to travel for those who do not want to go via plane. Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station is the center of all train travel in Thailand. The railway network is divided into four sections: Eastern line: main line goes to the Cambodian border and continues to the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. The other branch of the Eastern line goes along the coast passing Pattaya, but there is only one train a day. Northern line: goes directly to Chiang Mai, Southern line: goes to Malaysia, Western line: goes up to Nam Tok. There is a rapidly growing of metropolitan train and subway lines in Bangkok, which are comfortable, fast and cheap.

Things to avoid

Bargaining too low can be offensive.

Cover your knees and shoulders when visiting temples. A strict long trouser/skirt policy is enforce for the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Be wary of business organizing elephant riding trips or elephant sanctuaries, some of them do not treat the animals properly.

Food

Thai food has a great variety of dishes full of flavour. Actually, Thai cuisine have mutually influenced by India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and various types of meat and seafood combined with rice, local vegetables, herbs, and pungent garlic and pepper.

Typical dishes include: “Guay Teow” (Noodle Soup), “Tom Yum Goong” (Spicy Shrimp Soup), “Som Tam” (Spicy Green Papaya Salad), “Yam Talay” (Spicy Seafood Salad), “Pad Thai” (Thai Style Fried Noodles), “Pak Boong” (Morning Glory).

Electricity and plug types

Thailand uses 220V AC electricity. Power sockets usually allow Type A and B (US), as well as C and F (Europe) plugs can be used with no need for adaptors.

Health and insurance

There are a lot of private health clinics providing very good services at acceptable prices. Private insurance is not needed but recommended, specially if you will be practicing sports like climbing or diving, or if you will be staying in rural areas.

Other

Tipping is not expected. In traveller busy areas, people may approach you trying to sell day-trips, souvenirs, massage, etc. They are just trying to get a commission, so just decline politely if you are not interested.