Thailand – Travel Guide
Thailand, known as the `Land of Smiles,` entices visitors with its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history. Bangkok, the capital, is a bustling metropolis with ornate temples, vibrant street markets, and a lively nightlife scene. The islands of Phuket, Koh Samui, and Phi Phi offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and opportunities for diving and snorkeling. Chiang Mai, in the north, is renowned for its ancient temples, lush mountains, and vibrant night bazaars. Thailand`s warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and diverse attractions make it a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.
All about Thailand
Thailand FAQ
What is Thailand known for?
The sunny tropical country of Thailand is known for its breathtaking beaches, idyllic islands, religious temples, fantastic food and soothing spas. From the bustling streets of Bangkok brimming with vibrant markets and a naughty nightlife to Thailand`s serene countryside dotted with verdant rice paddies and hill tribe villages you can eat noodles, curries, and fresh seafood until your heart`s content!
Relax, unwind, and feel rejuvenated at the many world-class spas found throughout Thailand and get in touch with your spiritual side at numerous wellness retreats. Snorkel and Scuba dive at hundreds of sites dotted around Thailand where vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish can be seen. Explore vast temples and ancient ruins found throughout the country with Ayutthaya and Sukhothai amongst the most famous.
Experience some of the best nightlife in the world boasting International DJ`s, soak in soaring sights while sipping cocktails at upscale sky bars, watch cabaret shows, and hit up the Full Moon Party in Ko Pha-Ngan! Shop until you drop at massive modern malls, bustling street markets, and exotic night bazaars or hop on a boat to check out the fascinating floating markets.
What are the best places to visit in Thailand?
Bangkok is Thailands bustling capital, known as the City of Angels. Marvel at magnificent palaces, gleaming temples, and soak in the vibrant street life with tuk-tuks whizzing past. Bangkok is the regional center for fashion, arts, and entertainment along with delicious street food, haute cuisine, and an unforgettable nightlife scene. Phuket is known as `the pearl of the Andaman Sea` and for good reason, blanketed by idyllic white-sand beaches and tropical turquoise waters. This gorgeous island features a mountainous verdant rainforest interior dotted with enchanting temples and spectacular shrines along with scenic views with a vibrant nightlife. Chiang Mai known as the `Rose of the North` and the former seat of the Lanna Kingdom and the northern capital of Thailand. A visually striking city nestled in the lush verdant countryside with stupendous mountains and intricate temples like the elaborate Wat Phra That on Doi Suthep Mountain. Kanchanaburi is known as the `city of gold` overflowing with national parks filled with cascading waterfalls, roaring rivers, hidden caves and mountainous scenery. This area is famous for the `Death Railway` and the Bridge over the River Kwai. There are numerous outdoor activities, watersports, and endless delicious dining experiences on the river. The Phi Phi Islands are some of the most breathtaking idyllic islands in the world. An archipelago of six stunning tropical islands boasting pristine beaches and the sparkling emerald waters of the Andaman Sea. There are many adventures to enjoy on the island including world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, rock climbing and cliff jumping. Thailand`s Countryside is blanketed by lush verdant countryside dotted with rice paddies, attractive landscapes and natural environments like nowhere else in the world. Longneck hill tribe villages are located in the hills along with impressive temples. Thai countryside is a major hot spot for tourists due to its richness in greenery, huge mountainous terrains, hilly areas, and captivating forests.
How many days should I spend in Thailand?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Thailand?
By Plane: Flying to destinations within Thailand is a great choice with a number of budget airlines providing a quick way to get from one city to another.
What is the currency of Thailand?
The Thai Baht is the currency used in Thailand and you will need to exchange your dollars to Baht. Try to avoid major banks and popular tourist areas as you tend to get the worst exchange rates. Super Rich is the most famous money exchange company in Bangkok with several branches across the city; you must have your passport with you to exchange money in Bangkok. Tipping is not a common practice in Thailand and is not customary. There is no requirement to tip but small gratuities for great service are appreciated, and most restaurants and hotels will include a 10% service charge on your bill.
For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Thailand.
Do people speak English in Thailand?
The spoken language in Thailand is Thai. Most Thais in Bangkok can speak and understand English especially those working in the service industry.
Best time to visit Thailand
Thailand can be enjoyed year-round and features a warm tropical climate with three distinct seasons, hot, cool and wet. The hot summer season runs from March through June when temperatures soar into the high 90`s with high humidity, and the hottest months are April and May.
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In Phuket, the weather is hot and humid year round, with the hottest months being March through May. November and April are the most popular times to visit the island with a high number of travelers seeking the tropical temperatures.
The country is prone to monsoons from July to October with the heaviest rainfall taking place from August to September when flash flooding is most common. The cooler winter months are from November to February which is the most pleasant time of year to visit the country. During these months temperatures hover in the mid 80`s during the day and low 70`s at night with less frequent rain.
December and January are very popular times to visit Thailand with numerous holiday festivities people flock to this area and airline tickets and hotel prices are at their highest. The northern areas of the country such as Chiang Mai experience much colder temperatures during the winter due to their location in the mountains where frost is sometimes present. Chiang Mai`s rainy season is from May to October with warm weather and high humidity. October and November are a spectacular time to visit Chiang Mai when the hills and mountains are bright green after the rainy season.
April – October
Temperatures in Thailand start to heat up beginning in May, the country`s shoulder season, with the hottest months occurring in March and April when temperatures reach the high 90`s with high humidity. This is also the rainy season which begins around May and runs through October when the southwest monsoon generates moisture that is gathered from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Storms tend to pop up for a few hours during the late afternoon and evening time, each day throughout the season; flash floods can occur but tend to drain away pretty quickly. May to October is the low tourist season in Thailand.
Events and Festivals
– Songkran (Apr) Thailand`s traditional New Year`s Day
– Vegetarian Festival (Oct) This festival takes place in Phuket and lasts for 9 days.
November – March
Thailand`s cooler season takes place from November through to March, the country`s high season, where temperatures in Bangkok the capital can get as low as 60F degrees, average temperatures this time of year range from the low 60`s to mid 70`s. The northern cities such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai tend to experience the coldest weather with lows dropping into the 40`s where frost is also present. This time of year is also the high season in Thailand due to the cool dry temperatures when most visitors find it comfortable, however, rates and crowds increase at this time of year due to the holiday season. The colder season offers a great time to visit Thailand when winter flowers are in full bloom and the waterfalls are brimming. Visiting the hills and mountainous regions during this season offer some of the most spectacular scenery boasting beautiful blooms of flowers and lush green rice terraces.
Events and Festivals
– The Loy Krathong Festival is held in November during the full moon, a water ritual is performed.
– Chinese New Year Festival (dates vary) is celebrated across the country.
– Chiang Mai Flower Festival takes place the first weekend in February, a vibrant 3-day festival.
Tipping in Thailand
In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades.
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Tipping in Thailand is not customary and there are no requirements to tip anyone, leaving a small gratuity for great service is appreciated, but unlike other parts of the world you will never see a Thai service provider with their hand out expecting to be tipped.
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Thai Baht?
The Thai Baht is the currency used in Bangkok you will need to exchange your dollars to Baht. Try to avoid major banks and popular tourist areas as you tend to get the worst exchange rates. Super Rich is the most famous money exchange company in Bangkok with several branches across the city; you must have your passport with you to exchange money in Bangkok.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
It is not un-common to leave your small change behind at a restaurant in Thailand at a high end restaurants tips are more common and you should the 10% rule for good service but only if you did not receive a service charge on your bill. Tipping small roadside or street food vendors is not common and might be seen as an overpayment, if there is a tip jar visible you can tip a few baht coins.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
At hotels in Thailand it is always nice to tip the staff as they earn very little, so a small tip goes a long way. You can tip the bellboy 20 – 50 baht (.60 – $1.50) depending on how many bags you have, a tip will not be expected but will be appreciated. The maid at your hotel will not expect a tip but a small 20 – 50 baht (.60 – $1.50) in an envelope under your pillow would certainly be appreciated.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Most taxi drivers in Thailand will not expect you to tip but it is common to round up the fare to the nearest bill and leave the change as a tip when taking a taxi in Thailand.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
You can tip the equivalent of $10 – $20 per day for a tour guide in Thailand; this amount should be shared with the driver.
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?
Thailand is a common place for spa services and massage; if your treatment is at a high end hotel then you should tip at least 10% for good service. A masseuse only earn a small wage and commonly receive a more substantial tip of 100 baht ($2.85) or more based on the length of the service.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
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What to expect while traveling
