About Thailand
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia, bordering Laos and Cambodia to the east, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south, and the Andaman Sea and Myanmar to the west. Thailand was also known as Siam, which was the country’s official name till May 11, 1949. The word Thai means "freedom" in the Thai language and is also the name of the majority Thai ethnic group.
FAST FACTS
BANKS
The central bank is the Bank of Thailand (established in 1942),
which issues the currency.
Electronic-based banking systems such as banking telephone system, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), digital signatures, smart cards and Internet Banking have been implemented by many banks in Thailand since 1990. Thai Farmer’s Bank and Siam Commercial Bank are such examples.
Banking hours are generally from 08:30-15:30, Monday through Friday, except on public and bank holidays. ATMs’ can be easily found all over Bangkok for the withdrawal of Thai Baht. At some machines it is also possible to take cash advances from Visa, Master Card or American Express provided you have a registered pin number.
CURRENCY
The currency in Thailand is the baht. One American dollar is
worth approximately 34 baht. However, these rates change frequently,
so click on www.xe.com for the latest.
ATMs: ATMs are located everywhere in major cities.
Tipping: It is not a common practice. Hotels and restaurants have service charges included in the bill.
Foreign currency changers are available at the airport and provide the same rates as in town and better rates than hotels. The baht is divided into 100 satangs. Paper denominations consist of 1,000- (gray), 500- (purple), 100- (red), 50- (blue), and 20- (green) baht notes. Coins consist of ten-, five-, one-baht disks, as well as 50- and 25-satang brass disks.
CLOTHING AND WHAT TO
BRING
Suits are worn for business and at many large hotels, but in
general Thailand lacks the formality of Hong Kong or Tokyo. It's
important to dress neatly. Women should avoid wearing anything
sleeveless. You’ll notice that Thai women are very modest in public
–they usually swim fully clothed. On the streets of Chiang Mai, all
the women wear tops with sleeves and long pants or skirts. No
tank-tops or shorts unless you want to feel out of place.
For casual events, light and loose in natural fibers or blends are
the best. Very few clothes – they are so cheap here and you’ll only
bring stuff that is too warm.
Sunglasses and hats are essential as is an umbrella during rainy season. Do not wear shorts when visiting temples and mosques. Shoes must be removed before entering temple buildings.
CLIMATE
Thailand has a tropical climate with three seasons:
Summer: March to May: These are the hot and dry months with temperatures running into low 100 degrees F.
Rainy: June to October: This is the rainy season.
Winter: November to February: Winter season is the best time to visit this Buddhist country.
CULTURE AND CUSTOM
The Culture of Thailand is heavily influenced by Buddhism. Other
influences have included Hinduism, conflict and trade with Southeast
Asian neighbors such as Laos and Myanmar, and repeated influxes of
Chinese immigrants.
One of the most distinctive Thai customs is the wai, which is similar to the Indian ‘Namaste’ gesture. Showing greeting, farewell, or acknowledgment, it comes in several forms reflecting the relative status of those involved, but generally it involves a prayer-like gesture with the hands and a bow of the head.
Physical demonstrations of affection in public are common between friends, but less so between lovers. A notable social norm holds that touching someone on the head may be considered rude. It is also considered rude to place one's feet at a level above someone else's head, especially if that person is of higher social standing. This is because the Thai people consider the foot to be the dirtiest and lowest part of the body, and the head the most respected and highest part of the body. Pointing at or touching something with the feet is also considered rude.
It is also considered extremely rude to step on a Thai coin, because the king’s head appears on the coin. When sitting in a temple, one is expected to point one's feet away from images of the Buddha. It is also customary to remove one's footwear before entering a home or a temple, and not to step on the threshold.
There are a number of Thai customs relating to the special status of monks in Thai society. Because of their religious discipline, Thai monks are forbidden physical contact with women. Women are therefore expected to make way for passing monks to ensure that accidental contact does not occur.
Other important customs includes to smile often, for all occasions. To show respect for the king as this isn’t just a guideline; it’s the law: to rise when the national anthem is played (typically at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.) in many public places, and before public events. To be dressed modestly as Thai’s now understand that Americans may show up in shorts and tank tops in public, but would never do so themselves. Wearing long pants, and clean, neat clothes, will gain you an extra measure of respect. To speak quietly and gesture softly as loud voices, calling attention to yourself, pointing at people or things, throwing things, and making big hand gestures, all seem graceless to the Thai sensibility.
MEDICAL MATTERS
Health standards in Thailand are relatively high for Southeast
Asia. Although not required, typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis
vaccinations should be considered if you're going to remote areas.
If you get nipped by a dog, even in Bangkok, get checked for rabies.
Skin infections are common - even the smallest wound should be
disinfected and covered with a bandage. Drink only bottled or boiled
water. Avoid eating food from street vendors.
TELEPHONES
At present, the TOT network of about 12 million telephone lines
is composed of up-to-date digital switching and long distance
telephone equipment. Its nation-wide services cover basic telephone
as well as many other value-added services such as telefax, paging,
cellular, on-line data, public telephone with coin or card, common
based radio telephone, videotext and ISDN - to cite some examples.
Country code: 66.
Outgoing international code: 001.
TRAVEL GUIDE
Home to some of the world's best hotels and guesthouses -- regardless of whether you're an independent traveler searching for that perfect backpacker hostel or a well-heeled, comfort-loving tourist looking for a slice of luxury -- you're in the right part of the world if you're in Thailand.
CLOTHING
Clothing choices for Thailand tend to be personal and depend on
activities, seasons and locations. A businessman planning a week in
Bangkok will probably want to bring lightweight suits and cotton
shirts. Short sleeve shirts are acceptable for most dining venues.
Location and season can make a difference if one is traveling to the mountainous areas of the North and Northeast. A long sleeved shirt or light jacket is often advised for night time outdoors.
Thai Temples and Palaces will usually ban shorts and tank tops, especially for women.
DRUGS
Thailand is a major hub for drug trafficking. Thailand takes
drugs very seriously and is trying to eradicate unlawful drugs
entirely. Don’t either partake or trade in illegal substances.
Trading in drugs [possession, distribution or manufacture] will lead
to the death penalty or likely decades in prison.
BEACH TIPS
There are a few travel tips given below which have been
summarized by travel advisors for prominent tourist spots in
Thailand.
1. Koh Chang – Don’t
stop at only Koh Chang because Koh Mak, Koh Kood and Islands
surrounding Koh Chang also have more beautiful beaches and water.
2. Phuket – Don’t pay too much attention to sea-view rooms
because the limitation in space. The sea could not be seen directly
from rooms in most hotels. The tourist should pay more attention to
the standard of the hotel and the distance from the beach.
3. Koh Samui – If you have limited fund, the best way to
travel to Koh Samui is by speed boat from Lomprayah Catamaran
Company. Lomprayah offers less expensive service than taxi for hire
and service provided by the hotel directly. Nevertheless, if you
have no problem with fund, you should hire a taxi because this would
create job for the locals.
4. Andaman Sea – Trang Sea is as beautiful and interesting as
nearby provinces such as Krabi. The prominent tourist spots in
Andaman Sea are Koh Libong, Koh Hai, etc.
5. Krabi – Although Railay beach in on the mainland, you
still have to travel by boat from Ao Nang beach because it is
surrounded by mountain and cannot get to by land transportation
6. Pattaya – North Pattaya beach and Central Pattaya beach have many
facilities but the true nature can be found at Koh Lan, which is 7.5
kilometer from Pattaya. You can get there in 45 minutes by regular
boat and 15 minutes by speedboat.
7. Hua Hin – Hua Hin is a popular beach that is close to
Bangkok but that does not mean that it is the most beautiful. Not
far from Hua Hin, Pranburi beach is much quieter and more suitable
for relaxation but the transportation may not be as convenience as
at Hua Hin.
8. Koh Samet – You should contact travel agency or the hotel
in order to find out which pier to get on the boat. Some hotels
provide their own service. Don’t trust strangers because you might
end up higher price.
BUSINESS HOURS
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week
basis. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 AM and
4.30 PM with a noon to 1.00 PM lunch break, Monday through Friday,
except on public holidays. Private businesses maintain much the same
hours - - perhaps 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM, with certain exceptions. Many
stores open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Banks open from 8:30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Banks and government offices are closed on public holidays.
IMPORTANT DOS AND DON’TS
* Do use the wai correctly. A Westerner should never wai first and
anyone who is paying for any service is the boss and the bosses
don't wai first.
* Do offer and receive anything with your right hand always.
* Do keep both feet on the ground when sitting.
* Do make sure your laundry is your laundry when its returned.
* Do make sure you know a person well before accepting a tempting
offer.
* Do sit in the place indicated by your friend.
* Do wai an elderly person.
* Do exercise tolerance, particularly when it comes to order food,
pay a bill or waiting for change.
* Do ask for a receipt if you pay for a room/apartment in advance
more than a day.
* Do make sure your laundry is your laundry when its returned.
* Don't be upset...Expect it to be done (whatever it is) in a longer
time than where you come from.
* Don't lose your temper at all.
* Don't feel let down if you have done a favour for a Thai and he
does not seem to bodily express his thanks.
* Don't hug a Thai to show him your appreciation. In Thailand, a
firm 'Thank you very much' is enough. Though your intension are good
and clean, he will not like it.
* Don't touch anyone's head for any reason. The head is the most
important part of the entire body.
* Don't point with the forefinger at anyone.
* Don't place your feet so that they point towards a person,
religious image or picture of the royal family.
* Don't step over any part of another person.
* Don't walk into someone's house with footwear on.
* Don't step on the door threshold.
* Do not wear shoes inside a temple where Buddha images are kept.
* Don't keep your valuables in a hotel safe deposit box. This is a
thought one. Some safe deposit boxes are the most unsafe places for
safekeeping, the reason is that not all staff really care for their
guests. Entrust your valuables only to respectable hotels, which you
have to decide by yourself.
* Don't leave your postcards to the hotel reception; they will
probably never reach the destination. To be safe, go to the post
office or post them into the public mailbox yourself.
* Kissing, cuddling and similar behavior are frowned upon if in
public – especially amongst older Thais.
* Smoking in the street is illegal – you can be fined 2,000 Baht.
* Dropping litter in the street is illegal – the same fine applies.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit is between November and February when the
weather is kind and the beaches are at their finest. This period is
Thailand's main season for national and regional festivals.
The peak season is November to late March, with secondary peak months in July and August. If your main objective is to avoid crowds and to take advantage of discounted rooms and low-season rates, you should consider traveling during the least crowded months (April to June, September and October).
WHERE TO GO
Bangkok: Bangkok is to Thailand what London is to England: the
metropolis, the hub of business, economic and political affairs.
Through the city flows the Chao Phraya River, on the banks of which can be found some of the best hotels in Bangkok. It is also where visitors will find the Grand Palace which, covering a huge area, is one of the major sites. Here also is Wat Phra Kaeo, a temple complex which houses the Emerald Buddha. This Buddha statue is not covered in emeralds, as the name suggests, but is made of translucent green jade. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 47.5m (156ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. The Floating Market is an interesting place to visit .
Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai, Thailand's second city in the north, in complete contrast, has a beautiful cultural personality of its own, with historic temples, scenic mountain beauty, teak forests and their working elephants, caves and waterfalls, and a distinctive culture. The main attractions are the Doi Suthep temple and elephant trekking. Doi Suthep is one of the most famous temples in northern Thailand. Perched high on a hilltop, it offers fine views over the city on clear days. Chiang Mai makes a great base for touring northern Thailand, visiting hill tribe villages, or trekking in the hills.
Central Plains
The Central Plains, located between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, form
the prosperous heart of the country, a rich environment that has
seen the rise and fall of great cities and kingdoms. Phitsanulok
makes a convenient base for excursions into the area. The town is
also the site of the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. This important
monastery houses the well-known Phra Buddha Chinnarat, reputedly one
of the most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand. From Phitsanulok,
one can visit the ancient city kingdoms of Kamphaeng Phet and
Sukhothai. UNESCO included Sukhothai and its environs on its list of
World Heritage Sites.
The Northeast
In the northeast, about three hours by road from Bangkok, is the
Khao Yai National Park & Wildlife Reserve. The most popular of the
country's national parks, it has been developed into a modest
resort. There are also some excellent Khmer sites in the northeast,
including Lopburi, Phanom Rung and Pimai. The northeast also
provides its own special festival celebrations, the most exciting
being the elephant roundup at Surin each November.
Phuket: Phuket is the most fancy place and the most expensive. Just 70 minutes flying time south of Bangkok, Phuket is Thailand's largest island and offers all the essential ingredients of a fantastic holiday.
Phuket has beaches of duvet-soft sand, offshore islands, lots of activities like diving, snorkelling or big game fishing; superb restaurants, excellent resort hotels, world class golf and some of the outstanding natural scenery. The main town of Patong has a reputation for sex and sleaze, but many of the resort hotels that are dotted around the beautiful beaches of the island are superb. Diving is popular, though visibility can be a problem. Eco-tours, rafting, nature walks, elephant trekking; adventure in the cool green forest interior, mountains, rainforest, coral reefs, idyllic islands, you will find everything here.
Ko Samui: Koh Samui
is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket.
Over the last decade or so Ko Samui, once a backpacker's haven, has
developed into a more sophisticated beach resort, complete with an
airport that offers regular flights to and from Bangkok and Krabi.
Although tourism is now the main industry, its lingering rustic
charm is summed up by the fact that coconut farming is still a major
industry. Despite its size, nightlife is very good with lots of live
music, clubs, pubs and restaurants.
Krabi : Krabi, a southern province on Thailand's Andaman seaboard, is rich in history, culture and natural attractions, providing the visitor with a feast of things to do and see. Krabi's beaches are some of the best to be found anywhere and lie within easy access from the main town. In the coastal waters off Krabi, lie more than 200 islands such as Koh Phi Phi, Mu Koh Hah, Koh Lanta.
NIGHTLIFE
Bangkok has a reputation for wild and rowdy nightlife. In fact, 'sanook' or 'fun' would be a better description. The city's nightlife is relaxed, safe and very enjoyable. You don't need to dress up, and you won't break the bank.
For tourists, the main centers for evening entertainment are concentrated around Silom Road (Patpong, Thaniya, Silom Soi 2 and 4), Sukhumvit (Soi Nana, Soi Cowboy, Soi 33) and most recently Khao San Road. First-class hotels are often good centers for nightclubs and discotheques, which are generally quite cheap and of very good standard. Pubs and bars can be found all over the city.
EVENTS
January
Chiang Mai Winter Fair
Beauty pageants, boxing competitions, stalls selling a range of
locally made goods and very loud music make this an exciting, if
unsophisticated, event.
World Animation and Cartoon Festival - Thailand (Nonthaburi) - 7-15 January 2008 tbc (Every year)
Visitors can meet the world's most popular cartoon characters at Thailand's annual cartoon festival, held at the Impact Convention Centre in Bangkok.
February
Underwater wedding - February 2007 tbc (Every year)
Thirty couples from Thailand and around the world stage a special
wedding ceremony, held on St Valentine's Day under the crystal clear
waters of Trang in South Thailand. If you're planning to wed around
February, or are already married but wishing to renew your vows, you
are eligible to participate - but you must be a qualified diver!
Bangkok Chinese New Year
Festival - February 2007 tbc (Every year)
Thailand's largest Chinese community, in the Yaowarat area,
organises an annual fair to bring in the New Year. Expect
international and Chinese music, lion dancing, local Chinese
cultural performances, Chinese opera and fireworks, as well as
plenty of stores selling products and food like grilled pork, Peking
duck, Chinese desserts and noodles.
Bangkok International Film
Festival - February 2007 tbc (Every year)
Not to be mistaken for the Bangkok Film Festival, the Bangkok
International Film Festival was first organised by the Tourism
Authority of Thailand in 1998, and is now an established world
player on the cinematic festival scene.
March
Hae Pha Khun That: Magha Puja - March 2007 tbc (Every year; full
moon of third lunar month)
Southern Thai devotees of the Buddha come to this famous and very
beautiful shrine to pay homage to the relics and to remember the day
when a few thousand of the Buddha's disciples spontaneously gathered
to hear him speak.
Thai and International Kite
Festival - March 2007 tbc (Every year)
Every year, when the southerly wind sweeps across the open fields of
the south of Thailand, the kite-flying season begins. For one long
weekend each March, the skies above Hua Hin fill with kites from all
over the world.
Bangkok Fashion Week -
March 2007 tbc (Various dates - see below)
Over 30 Thai designers and a select number of international fashion
gurus send their latest designs down the catwalk at Bangkok's
Fashion Week. Shows take place in The Fashion Dome - a large dome
tent set up in the middle of the lake at Benjakitti Park, beside the
Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
Floating Market Fair -
March 2007 tbc (Every year)
Thailand is famous for its floating markets and some of the best are
found outside the major tourist metropolises. Damoen Saduak has a
daily market but in the month of March this is bolstered by "sea
boxing", cookery demonstrations and boating competitions; all taking
place after the 6am-11am market period.
Bangkok International Motor
Show - March - April 2007 tbc (Every year)
Billed as "the greatest automotive show in Southeast Asia", this
international motoring event attracts an estimated 1.7 million
people to Bangkok's Trade and Convention Centre. Whether you have
money to burn or are just happy to stick with your jalopy, it's a
fascinating day out and a chance to see the latest advances in
motoring technology.
April
Chiang Mai Art and Culture Festival - Thailand (Chiang Mai) 1-9
April 2007 tbc (Every year)
Chiang Mai's annual Art and Culture Festival features nine days of outdoor music, puppet shows and stage performances at Three Kings Monument, an Art Pavillion at Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Centre, and other art demonstrations and exhibitions typical of the local Lanna art and culture.
Songkran in Thailand - Thailand (Various towns) 13-15 April 2007 tbc (Every year)
An incredible water-throwing festival takes place in Thailand to celebrate the New Year. Songkran, as it is known, consists of three days of parades, beauty contests, traditional meals and colourful costumes. It's also a carnival time in which the drenching of passers-by with water from buckets, pitchers, water-guns and balloons is not only allowed but almost obligatory. Don't wear your best clothes.
May
ISPA 2006 Thailand - Thailand (Bangkok) 3-5 May 2007 tbc (Every
year)
In 2006 the annual International Spa & Wellness Conference and
Exhibition (ISPA) takes place at the Queen Sirikit National
Convention Centre in Bangkok, reinforcing Thailand 's position as a
leading world spa destination.
Coronation Day - Thailand
(Bangkok) 5 May 2007 tbc (Every year)
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned as Rama IX, the 9th
king of the Chakri dynasty, on 5th May 1950. The anniversary of this
day has been observed as a public holiday ever since.
Yasothon Rocket Festival - Thailand (Yasothon) 13-15 May 2007 tbc (Every year)
Firing massive rockets into the sky may not seem the best way to lure the rain gods, but that's how the villagers of Yasothon do it. Every May things get very noisy at Phaya Thaen Park.
June
Hua Hin Jazz Festival - Thailand (Hua Hin) - 2-4 June 2007 tbc
(Every year)
The Hua Hin Jazz Festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors
this year, all keen to enjoy local and international bands on four
stages in a mellow sunny seaside setting.
July
Pattaya Marathon - Thailand (Chon Buri) - 16 July 2007 tbc (Every
year)
Road running is a popular sport in Thailand, and the Pattaya
International Marathon offers a pleasant beach front route that
attracts a mix of professional and fun runners from around the globe
to join local entrants. Events are broken into marathon,
half-marathon and quarter marathon.
August
HM The Queen's Birthday Celebrations - Thailand (Bangkok) -12 August
2007 tbc (Every year)
Throughout Thailand, public buildings are decorated to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her birthday. The most splendid are to be seen in Bangkok, particularly along Ratchadamnoen Avenue and in the area around the Grand Palace, where both government offices and streets are garlanded with colored lights.
Bangkok Fashion Week - Thailand (Bangkok) - 17-21 August 2007 tbc (Various dates)
Over 30 Thai designers and a select number of international fashion gurus send their latest designs down the catwalk at Bangkok's Fashion Week. Shows take place in The Fashion Dome - a large dome tent set up in the middle of the lake at Benjakitti Park, beside the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
September
International Festival of Dance and Music - Thailand (Bangkok) - 5
Sep - 7 Oct 2007 tbc (Every year)
Thailand's Cultural Centre in Bangkok welcomes high-class performers from around the world to come and take part in this annual festival of Dance and Music.
Chinatown Festival - Thailand (Bangkok) - 22-23 September 2007 tbc (Every year)
Yawaraj, or Chinatown, is Thailand's largest Chinese enclave and celebrates each year in true style with its own festival - lots of food and partying included.
Food Festival at Yaowarat - Thailand (Bangkok) 22-23 September 2007 tbc (Every year)
Yaowarat Road in Bangkok is in the heart of Thailand's biggest and most vibrant Chinatown. During this festival it sizzles and crackles with the delicious sights, smells and tastes of traditional Thai and Chinese food.
October
Wax Castle Procession and Long Boat Race - Thailand (Sakon
Nakhon) 4-7 October 2007 tbc (Every year)
The people of north-eastern Thailand celebrate the end of the annual Buddhist Rains Retreat, Ok Phansa, at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum by moulding miniature Buddhist temples and shrines out of beeswax. They believe the act confers merit, which will enable them to determine their future rebirth by giving them good karma.
World Film Festival -
Thailand (Bangkok) 15-24 October 2007 tbc (Every year)
The annual World Film Festival, held at EGV Metropolis Bangkok,
presents more than 80 films focusing on contemporary Asian and world
cinema.
Ngan Kin Jeh - Phuket Vegetarian Festival - Thailand (Phuket) 21-30 October 2007 tbc (Every year)
Every year on the first day of the ninth lunar month (usually in late September or early October), the streets of Phuket come to life with the strange festival of Ngan Kin Jeh - otherwise known as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Hungry people push steel rods through their cheeks and tongues in a gruesome display.
Bangkok Pride Week - Thailand (Bangkok) 28 October - 5 November 2007 tbc (Every year)
Bangkok's annual celebration of gay and lesbian identity has grown to encompass a broad range of activities including art, film, sport, the Pride in the Park party and a parade. Festival events take place at a variety of venues and veer from camp self-expression to cultural interests and relaxing social gatherings.
November
Sukhothai Loi Krathong Festival - Thailand (Sukhothai) 1-5 November
2007 tbc (Every year)
According to tradition, Loi Krathong originated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital. It is therefore fitting that Thais hold this memorable festival in the atmospheric ruins of the ancient city. Highlights include displays of lighted candles and fireworks, folk dancing and a spectacular light & sound presentation.
Lantern Festival & Loi Krathong Festival - Thailand (Chiang Mai) 4-6 November 2007 tbc (Every year)
Chiang Mai's Lantern Festival & Loi Krathong Festival includes the launching of Lanna-style hot air balloons, which locals believe will rid them of their troubles. Traditional floats (Krathongs) are set adrift on the Ping River to form a necklace of lights on the water - a mesmerising sight.
Andaman Sea Festival - Thailand (Krabi) 17-19 November 2007 tbc (Every year)
The Andaman Sea Festival takes place in November and celebrates the opening of the tourist season in Krabi, the jump-off point for many travelling on to the beautiful islands throughout the region. Water sport competitions, cultural shows and plently of good-natured fun are on the schedule for anyone who's in the area.
Pattaya Gay Festival - Thailand (Pattaya) 4 November - 2 December 2007 tbc (Every year)
Beautiful Pattaya plays host to Thailand's biggest gay festival, a full month of sun, sea and flamboyant fun.
December
Birthday Celebration for HM The King - Thailand (Bangkok) 5
December 2007 tbc (Every year)
This is the largest and most important of all His Majesty's birthday celebrations in Thailand. It takes place at the royal field, Sanam Luang.
