Thailand

The land of smiles

Information

Over 68 million people call Thailand home in an area of around 513,000 km2 and gives visitors an amazing variety of experiences. Thailand will be worthwhile to visit for anyone interested in basking on beaches, tasting the amazing variety of food from street food to gourmet, in addition to visiting temples, immersing in culture and spotting wildlife. Here you can easily do nothing or fill everyday with a new adventure. Therefore this country has something for everyone.

QUICK FACTS:

Currency: Thai Bhat

Language: Thai and English. English is spoken to some degree in most areas, even so you will still come across many people who do not speak English – even in tourist areas. But not to worry though it is easy to get by with a bit of patience.

Visa: Constantly changing rules means it is essential to check in advance. For instance currently EU, UK, AUS and US citizens can gain 30 days on airport arrival and longer visas can be obtained in advance from immigration offices in your own country. Other nationalities though need to gain a visa in advance. There are other visas such as retirement and working.

Power: 220 volts AC. Plug types A & C – some places have both and some one or the other so worth carrying both.

Safety: Thailand is generally a safe place but of course like most places it pays to be careful with your belongings and especially if driving or riding a bike. However make sure you take out Travel Insurance and have an International Driving Permit as otherwise your insurance may not be valid.

TRANSPORT:

Flights are relatively inexpensive between cities but as a result can increase the budget fast.
Trains we think are the best option as they are cheap and reasonable. But be advised to book in advance at least a week in advance as many get booked up.
Buses are also very cheap and therefore a good option.

FESTIVALS:

There are many festivals in Thailand for an amazing variety of reasons. These can be bright and colourful and good to join but be aware that if you like to have a drink or two many festival days and public holidays alcohol is restricted so plan in advance. Some of the more known ones are listed below.
Songkran – April
Boon Bang Fai – May
Candle Festival – July
Phuket Vegetarian Festival – September/October
Mekong Naga Fireballs – October/November
Surin Elephant Festival – Late November

Planning

Thailand weather is tropical with 3 seasons. Hot (March to May), Cool (Nov to Feb) and Wet (May to Oct). The Wet season can be a great time to go as the crowds are much less, the prices reduced and still plenty of sun. But Northern Thailand is not so great in March and April as the farmers burn crops and the air can be very smokey.

Packing:
As little as possible if moving around. For instance in the north you will need a jumper for the cooler evenings but most other places are casual and warm. Above all remember your camera – and an underwater one if snorkelling or diving is your thing. Most hotels have umbrellas therefore if you like to keep dry and are staying in dorms you may want to bring one.

BUDGET:

Accommodation:-
Dorm beds 100-200B
Basic Double Beds with air cond 300-500B
Mid range Double 500-1200B
Luxury 1300B and up
Food:-
Stalls 20-80B,
Local restaurants 45-140B
Resort or similar 120B and up (more for seafood). It is easy to spend 350-900B on a single dish in some places.
Transport:-
Minimum Tuk Tuk is 200B even if only 1km. Taxi’s are the same price as a Tuk Tuk in most areas and are cheaper for longer runs.
6 hour Bus journey 200B and 4 hour
Train 400B – of course these are dependant on route and class.
Scooter hire 180-300B per day.
Car hire 400-1000B per day (plus fuel