Time difference
GMT: + 7 hours
Electricity & Voltage
Thailand uses 220V AC electricity.
Power outlets have usually two-prong round or flat sockets.
Language
The official language is Thai. English is a mandatory school subject, but the number of fluent speakers remains low, especially outside cities.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Thai Baht (THB).
ATMs are available in cities. In smaller towns, it is recommended to take enough cash as there is no guarantee you will find an ATM (even if the number is increasing).
Tipping
It is not a mandatory requirement to tip anyone in Thailand, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated.
Visas
Most of the citizen can go to Thailand on a tourist purpose for 30 days without a visa.
Visa on arrival (15 days): Andorra, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.
What to pack
We suggest you to bring warm weather clothes, a rain Jacket and hiking shoes. A day backpack and dry sacs for your electronics can be useful.
Public Holidays (dates depending on the calendar)
1 and 2 Jan: New Year's Day & Holiday
16 Feb: Chinese New Year
1 Mar: Makha Bucha Day
6 Apr: Chakri Day
12 to 16 Apr: Songkran Festival
1 May: Labour Day
14 May: Royal Ploughing Ceremony
29 May: Visakha Bucha Day
15 Jun: End of Ramadan
27 Jul: Asahna Bucha Day
28 Jul: Khao Phansa Day & King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday
30 Jul: King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday Holiday
12 and 13 Aug: Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday & Holiday
13 and 15 Oct: Passing of His Majesty the Late King & Holiday
Opening hours
Banks: 8.30am to 3.30pm or 10.30am to 7.30pm (closed on weekends)
Museums & Art galleries: 9am to 4pm (closed on Mondays)
Stores: 10am to 10pm
Restaurants: 6am until evening or 5pm to 1am
Pubs & bars: 8pm to 1am or 10am to 1am (for bars that are also restaurants)
Rules of good conduct
- "Wai": Join your hands to say hello in Thailand and return the gesture when someone does it to you.
- Remove your shoes before entering a place.
- Always use your right hand to give something to someone.
- Respect the monk by not touching them.
- Don’t use your feet for anything else than walking because they are considered to be the lowest part of the body. On the contrary, the head is considered as the most sacred part of the body, so don’t touch anyone’s head.
- Pointing someone or throwing objects is considered rude in Thailand.
- It is important to stay calm in every situation.
- Never disrespect the king, including the images.
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Climate
Thailand weather consists of six months of rainfalls during the wet season, three months of dry and cooling breezes during the cool season, and three months of heat during the hot season. The average temperature of Thailand ranges from 18 to 38°C.
The hot season is from the middle of February to the middle of May, with April being the hottest month.
The wet or rainy season starts from the middle of May to the middle of October, when rain will become less frequent and the weather in upper Thailand, especially the North and the Northeast, will get cooler, while rain in the South will continue until December. Rain is usually in short, intense bursts.
The cool season is from the middle of October to the middle of February. The temperature can get really cool in Northern and Northeastern Thailand in this period, especially on high hills and mountains.
Checking the weather before planning where to visit is vital to the success of your trip.
Festivals
For a complete immersion in the Thai Culture, here as some of the best festival to go to:
1. Songkran (water festival) – 3 days in April
Songkran is a crazy and fun festival to mark the Thai New Year. The water fight happens all around Thailand so be ready to be splashed with water guns, hose pipes and buckets.
2. Phi Ta Khon (Ghost festival) – 3 days in June or July
This festival is famous for the bright and colourful masks worn by the locals of Dan Sai Town. It’s a combination of religious traditions and beliefs to recreate the legend of a fun party attended by living and dead people. You can see a parade usually on the Friday.
3. Yi Peng (Lantern festival) – in November
During a spectacular evening, thousands of paper lanterns are released into the sky from the banks of the Peng River. You can attend to parades and fireworks as well.
4. Lopburi Monkey Banquet – in November
The city of Lopburi is famous for its 3000 monkeys playing and running around the central temple. But, in November, they have a huge banquet to enjoy. The scene is a special experience for the travelers.
Bangkok
Bangkok is a buzzing city of contrasts. It features ancient gleaming temples, magnificent palaces and traditional markets, but also, high rise buildings and a famous nightlife. Bangkok is often considered as a jam-packed concrete jungle but you can get away from the hustle and bustle in green spaces and by walking near the canals.
View tours to Bangkok
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of the country means “new city”. This is true that modern and traditional culture coexist. Get lost in the labyrinth of confusing streets of the Old City ringed by the ruins of defensive walls. But many sightseeing like Buddhist temples are outside the old city easy to reach by foot or scooter.
View tours to Chiang Mai
Sukhothai
Sukhothai is interesting to visit for its Historical Park. In this ancient site, you can explore rebuilt ruins of 21 temples, canals, ponds and vegetation surrounded by an ancient wall and moat.
View tours to Sukhothai
Koh Yao Yai Island
Koh Yao Yai is a remote Island between Phuket and Krabi. The Island offers a paradisiac landscape of untouched beaches and crystal clear waters. Many activities are available like kayaking, snorkeling, etc…
View tours to Koh Yao Yai Island
1. Meet the elephants
The elephant is Thailand’s national symbol, and there are many ways to meet this friendly pachyderm all over the country. You can choose rescue Nature Parks or try to see them in the wild of a Natural Park.
2. Immerse yourself in Hill tribe villages
Get off the beaten tracks and meet Akha, Karen and Yao tribes in Northern Thailand. Ensure to choose a professional guide to immerse yourself in the day-life if those hill tribes.
3. Floating markets on a wooden boat
Don’t forget your camera to shot amazing pictures of colourful local products. You will have a chance to meet the locals and try some authentic food.