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 Thailand
is a place that has something for everyone. For those interested in foreign and ancient cultures, Thailand boasts
of having more visible historical evidence of past eras than any other Southeast Asian nation, so take your pick
of the ubiquitous historical ruins and temples to visit.
Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman
Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September.
Scuba diving in Thailand has always been considered world-class. If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with a whale
shark, this is the place to do it. Not only is the land diverse above water, but below as well with huge boulders
that create havens for both large & small fish. Keep an eye out into the blue for schools of tuna and other
large pelagics cruising around. You will find everything in this underwater paradise from large pelagics to ribbon
eels.
One of the first and still one of the most popular dive areas is Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand, just two hours
drive from Bangkok.  The main beach is located on a scenic bay, but facilities are available all along this coast.
the Ang Thong Islands National Marine Park, a group of more than 40 beautiful islands off the west of Surat Thani
province and near Ko Samui. In Pattaya, scuba divers can organize daily trips from the resort to the offshore islands
of Ko Lan, Ko Sak, and Ko Krok.
The other major water sport center is the southern island of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. The majority of diving
destinations close to Phuket are located in nearby Phangnga , where hundreds of limestone islands rise up from
the blue waters. Also popular are the largely uninhabited Similan Islands, recently listed among the world's ten
most beautiful spots for underwater scenery and the spectacular Phi Phi Islands near Phuket.
Climate: 70 - 93F (21 - 34C)
Water Temperature: 80 - 87F (27-31C)
Visibility: 30' - 130' (10 - 40m)
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With Bangkok serving as the international travel hub of SE Asia, the capital serves as the landing port for numerous
international airlines, most with direct flights from their destinations. Some chartered and regional flights may
land at one of the other international airports within Thailand, consisting of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai,
Phuket, and Ubon Ratchatani. The country's national airline is Thai Airways. Airport departure taxes for international
departures costs 500 baht/person. The check-in counters open 2 hours and close half an hour prior departure time.
Airlines Serving Thailand
(links are to Thailand sections)
KLM
Northwest
Airlines
United
Airlines
Lufthansa
Airlines
Aeroflot
Air France
Japan Airlines
Those traveling from neighboring countries may enter Thailand via road, rail, ships, or ferries.
Domestic Travel
Domestic travel during public holidays and on weekends, particularly to popular destinations, should be booked
well in advance for all modes of transportation. Booking is particularly difficult during the Songkran Holiday
and New Year's Holiday.
Local air carriers Thai Airways(TG) and Bangkok Airways (PG) fly to most major provincial airports beyond 250 km
distance from Bangkok. Thai Airways' 2 most popular routes are Chiang Mai and Phuket. Services to Koh Samui and
Sukhothai are only provided by Bangkok Airways. Other smaller local carriers include Angel Air (mainly servicing
Phuket) and PB Air which flies to fewer destinations. Air Andaman services is limited to the Southern cities only.
The domestic terminal is located at the southern end of the Bangkok International Airport. Normally, check-ins
for domestic flight is one hour prior to departure time and closes half an hour before flight time. Departure tax
has already been added to your ticket fare.
Domestic Airlines
Angel
Air
Bangkok
Airways
PB Air
Thai Airways
Thai Air
International
Air Andaman
Tickets can be purchased through travel agencies (cheaper for international flights, same for domestic flights)
or by booking with the airlines themselves, either via phone, internet, or e-ticketing kiosks (Thai Airways only).
Buses
Inter-city bus services offer a fast means of transport to all corners of the country. Air-conditioned buses service
many provincial areas and bookings for both regular and tour coaches (private companies) can be made through major
hotels and travel agents.
The government bus company, called Bor Kor Sor (BKS), provides the cheapest mode for getting around Thailand. Being
frequent and reliable, no advance booking is necessary. Both air-conditioned ones and open-aired ones stop almost
everywhere along their route, with the latter being the cheapest and slowest.
Trains
The State Railway of Thailand runs an efficient rail service linking Bangkok (Hua Lam Phong is the central train
station) to the rest of the country at very reasonable prices for express, fast and ordinary trains. Limited western
and southern routes out of Bangkok also operate from the Thon Buri Station, traveling to destinations as far as
Kanchanaburi province in the west and Chumporn province in southern Thailand.
On express trains, sleepers are available in three classes: first and second class (air-conditioned), and second
class (non air-conditioned, but with fans).
Advance tickets are available at all principal stations or the Bangkok Railway Advance Booking Office at (662)
225-0300 ext 5200-3.
Entry Requirements
Visa: Visitors to Thailand who hold valid passports or travelling documents issued by any country included in an
officially issued list of eligible countries are permitted one-month visa-free visits. If planning a longer stay,
a Tourist Visa valid for 60 days must be obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. Visa extensions
can be applied for at the Immigration Department in Bangkok.
Each traveler to Thailand may bring in the following duty free: 200 cigarettes, one liter of wine or spirits, one
still camera (plus five rolls of unused film), and one movie camera (plus three rolls of unused film). Thailand
customs strictly regulates the import and export of items such as firearms, explosives, and narcotics. All books,
magazines, videos or tapes which may be considered obscene or subversive are completely forbidden, as are certain
species of fruits, vegetables and plants.
Upon leaving Thailand, visitors may take out gold jewelry free of duty, but export of any other gold is subject
to licensing by the Ministry of Finance. Exports of Buddha images (except small ones), antiques and genuine works
of art require export license from the Fine Arts Department. Ask for assistance at the shop where you purchase
the item(s).
Getting Around Thailand
Travel within Thailand is relatively cheap and convenient. When traveling from one center to the other, unless
connected by an air-route can be negotiated by rail or road. The train routes though not extensive, are cheap.
A bus route links all centers and the more out of the way places can often be reached by Songtaew (truck-bus),
both are cheap and run regularly.
Car and motorbike rental is also easy on the purse strings. Your home country’s driving license or an International
one is required for all vehicle hire. The road accident rate in Thailand is extremely high and it is recommended
that the traveler choose the former as their mode of rental transport. Thai law requires car drivers and front
passengers to wear seat belts. If renting a motorbike, helmets are required by the driver only. Ask for a second
helmet if carrying a pillion passenger.
When opting for public transport especially when renting a Tuk-Tuk (small van taxi) or one of the motorbike taxis
it is recommended that you agree on a price before you set off or you may end up paying more.
Traffic lights are a relatively new occurrence in a number of areas in Thailand. Koh Samui is one of these places.
Be warned, a red light isn’t always heeded. The safest way is to stop at a red light and be prepared to give way
at a green one.
Sports and Activities
Sailing
If sailing is your game, then Thailand is your playground. If you haven’t heard of the amazing cruising grounds
in this part of the world, you either haven’t been sailing for very long or have simply never set foot on a boat.
They are world-renowned, not only for their almost perfect sailing weather but for the spectacular scenery and
idyllic islands scattered along both its coasts.
Golf
No other sport in Thailand has attracted so much attention in such a short span of time as has golf. An increasing
numbers of foreign visitors have realized that Thailand possesses many qualities to make it a preferred golf destination.
Thailand has been chosen to host many top international tournaments, including the World Cup and the Ladies Asia
Professional Circuit. Thailand has the reputation for being a very cheap golf country. Compared with Europe and
industrialized Asian countries, it’s true that Thailand is a cheap golf destination.
Surfing
The end of July sees Phuket’s Surfing Competition. Although still in its infancy on the international circuit,
this is fast becoming a popular surf spot. The week-long event is proving popular with both spectators and participants
alike.
Shopping
The warm climate in most parts of Thailand makes it wise for the avid shopper to visit the country with almost,
empty bags and a pocketful of money. Here your entire wardrobe can be replaced for considerably less than you’d
pay in most western countries and still leave room for gifts for friends and family on your return.
Shopping Tip
- Generally unless the prices are marked on goods for sale within the country, one may bargain with the salesperson.
Many places will double their prices, especially the clothing and jewellery stores one sees everywhere. These shop
owners expect you to bargain. If you don’t you are the one that’s going to lose by paying a high price for something
worth half its value.
The variety of goods available in Thailand is extensive, from clothing to antique woodcarvings, gold to handmade
paper, cameras to coloured sand; the list is seemingly endless. No matter what your budget, you’ll be able to buy
some worthwhile memorabilia of your trip to this fascinating country.
Dining
Dining in Thailand is a highlight in any visitors visit. The Thai’s are expert cooks and the menu extensive. Generally
it is considered safe to eat the dishes on offer in any restaurant or from a street cart. As with many countries
there is the risk of hepatitis or other food and water born diseases but if you choose wisely, you will be rewarded
with a taste sensation only Thai food can offer.
Tipping for service is generally up to you but some eateries do have a service charge. If you are not a lover of
hot-spicy food, learn the words, ‘Mai Phet’ which means ‘not hot’. It will come in handy when ordering your meal.
Medical Tips
It is advisable when traveling to any foreign destination that you check with your local hospital as to what inoculations
or medications you may need for your trip. This applies even more so when traveling to tropical areas. If there’s
a Tropical Diseases hospital nearby, contact it before departure for Thailand. If not, then chat to your local
doctor.
Private hospitals generally require a deposit before admission and a possibly a copy of your passport may be required
as well. Doctors will, however, attend to any patient in an emergency situation, without asking for money in advance.
Private hospitals in Thailand generally accept credit cards in payment of bills and credit card holders will probably
never be required to make a deposit.
Traveler Tips
Water
Drinking water and washing water are two separate entities in Thailand. Do not, under any circumstances, drink
tap water. Although there are some areas where it's safe to do so, generally it's a better bet to buy bottled water
for drinking.
Electricity
Thailand uses 220 voltage. To use a 110/120 volt appliance where there is only 220/240 power available, you must
use a step down or combination converter. Your appliance's wattage and circuitry will dictate the converter you
need to purchase. It is recommended that one uses dual voltage appliances. They are designed to work with both
110/120 or 220/240 volt electricity and tend to work better than using a converter with your existing appliance.
Most currencies can be exchanged at the banks or local moneychangers. Travelers cheques denominated in most countries
can also be exchanged. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments and the transfer of funds into the country
through one of the banking systems, though generally slow by western standards, can be achieved.
Emergency Help
The Tourist Police in Thailand are very helpful. They generally offer a 24 hour service and can be found in any
of the main centres around the country. They are also helpful in directing one if lost.
Sun Exposure
Cover up! The seas around Thailand are generally crystal clear and warm, the kind that beg you to go swimming.
Make sure you put sun cream on and wear a hat and sunglasses when venturing onto the beach. If your skin is sensitive,
it’s a good idea to limit your tanning time to a cooler time in the day or tan for a few minutes at a time. It
is also suggested for those with particularly fair skin, to wear some form of protective clothing even when swimming.
Some of the worst sunburn cases seen here have been when a fair skinned person has been off snorkeling for a few
hours, not realizing the water magnifies the suns rays, they burn even faster, particularly across their backs
and legs.
Customs and Rules
Thailand’s culture is vastly different to the west and it is much appreciated when foreigners respect both its
laws and heritage. There are certain Do’s and Don’ts that should ALWAYS be adhered to and then there are other
rules that, though generally frowned upon are at times accepted.
One of these ‘accepted’ rules is that topless-ness on the beaches is in fact banned by law. Though it is generally
advised, especially in Muslim areas, to abstain from this practice, some beaches do turn a blind eye to it. Be
prepared for onlookers.
Other than that, rules that are custom to the Thai culture should always be followed. One of the foremost of these
is NEVER SHOW ANGER OR RUDENESS in public. If you do, you will find that all it achieves is to be ignored completely.
Thai people are extremely polite and rudeness is not tolerated in any form.
When visiting a Buddhist Monastery, please remember the grounds are holy so appropriate attire must be worn. Shirts
with sleeves for women is recommended and it is preferred that women wear either a skirt or neat shorts (not high
cut ones). For men a neat shirt and shorts will do fine. Women should be careful as no monk may come into physical
contact with any women.
Two customs considered impolite are sitting with your feet pointing towards another person. Where possible tuck
them out of the way. The other is touching another person’s head in public. |