Quick Info Thailand
Location: South East Asia – and borders 4 different countries (Cambodia, Burma/Myanmar, Vietnam & Laos)
Language: Thai/Siamese (but you will find English is understood in major towns such)
Get Here: via Plane with SkyScanner or on an Organised Tour via Tour Radar (5% off through this link) – G Adventures (up to 25% off with this link!) or Intrepid
Currency: Thai Baht (THB) – check the latest exchange rate here
Electrical Plug Fixture: Type A, B, C & F & O (Grab yourself a universal adapter and you’ll never have to worry about having the right plug again!)
Time Zone: UTC + 7
Capital City: Bangkok, Thailand
Other Major Cities: Chiang Mai
Famous For: Temples, Amazing Street Food, Thai Massage (the vigorous body bending type) and Thai Massage (the sex trade scene)
When To Visit: You can travel to Thailand at any time of year. The dry season runs from November to February with mild temperatures and little rain, and Monsoon season is September to October where slightly highly temperatures and humidity prevail.
Visa Requirements: Most visitors from Western countries can obtain a visa on arrival which allows travel in the country for 30 days. Please check with your own government authority to check if you country is on the approved list.
Travel Within Thailand: As with most South East Asian countries, the scooters/motorbikes are the most common mode of transport for the locals, and can be rented for your own terror should you so desire. If you are planning to hire a bike, ensure your insurance covers you! For short trips around town, the humble tuk-tuk is a great option – just remember to negotiate your price before you get in! And for longer distances, a mini-bus and trains will almost always be on offer. When taking a mini-bus, add a couple of hours to any projected journey. These buses stop and start for locals, have designated ‘shop stops’ where they encourage you to buy stuff – or pay to use the toilet – and sometimes even restaurant stops. If you don’t want to buy anything en-route, stock up on snacks before you leave and just get out to stretch your legs at the many unscheduled stops. The trains can range from ‘local standard’ (wooden bench seats) to carriages with beds lining the walls, to full 4 berth cabins with bunk beds. If taking an overnight train just be sure you check which class you are booking.
Travel Vaccinations: As always, check your own government recommendations prior to traveling, however you should generally ensure your basic immunizations (such as Tetanus and Diptheria) are up to date and discuss with your travel doctor Hep A and Typhoid Inoculations alongside anything else they recommend at consultation. Malaria is a risk in rural areas, so make a decision surrounding prophylactic medication dependent on which areas of the country you plan to visit.
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Read More About Destinations in Thailand
- Get Your Foodie On: How to find (and what to expect!) from Authentic Thai Food throughout the country!
Chiang Mai
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