Travel guide – thailand

thailand
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Overview

From idyllic, unspoilt beaches with turquoise seas and pure, white sands to bustling cities sporting exotic markets and a vibrant, colourful nightlife, it is easy to see why Thailand has become one of the most popular tourist destinations for the adventurous and young at heart.

A turbulent, and often bloody history has left Thailand scattered with ruins, forgotten temples and deserted cities that reveal a rich tableau of past eras to those willing to explore.

Thailand’s booming tourist economy, driven largely by Hollywood (the country has been the setting for The Man with the Golden Gun, The Bridge over River Kwai and most recently Alex Garland’s The Beach) has resulted in the opening of a number of expensive and luxurious international hotels. Those looking for the rustic splendour of the beaches and islands will find plenty of cheap and comfortable accommodation.

The size and geographical diversity of Thailand provides for a variety of activities. Snorkelling, diving and a host of watersports are very popular around the Islands, while inland enthusiasts can trek into the mountains or cycle across the flat river areas of the northeast.

Regions and cities within Thailand...

Bangkok
Chiang Mai
The Coast

Climate

High temperatures and humidity levels are experienced throughout the year. The country is hottest between March and May, and monsoon season runs from June to October. In September and October much of the country suffers from flooding, particularly in the north, north eastern and central regions. The cool season, most favoured by visitors, runs from November to February.

Health

Travellers should take medical advice at least three weeks before travelling to Thailand. Malaria is a risk outside Bangkok and the major tourist resorts and most physicians will advise immunisation against hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required from those travelling from infected areas. Since January 2005 there has been an increase in reported cases of dengue fever in the south, particularly the area near the border with Malaysia. There have been recent outbreaks of bird flu among poultry, and several human deaths, although the risk of travellers contracting the disease is slight; contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. HIV is rife in the major cities and resorts and food and water-borne diseases are common; drinking bottled or sterilised water is strongly advised. Medical facilities are good in major cities, but good medical insurance is vital: without insurance, or cash/credit card, travellers will not be treated.

The basics

Time

GMT +7.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz; both flat and round two-pin plugs are used.

Language

Thai is the official language, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected, but is becoming more common. A 10% service charge is added to the bill at most hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers are not tipped.

Safety

The vast majority of visits to Thailand are trouble-free, but travellers should be aware that there is a continuing threat to westerners from terrorism throughout South East Asia and should be particularly vigilant in public places, including tourist resorts. Visitors are advised to avoid the border areas and not camp in undesignated areas in national parks. Visitors to major cities are advised to keep an eye on their passports and credit cards and ensure they don't carry around too much money or jewellery. Political demonstrations should be avoided. In Bangkok visitors should be aware of scams, often involving gems recommended by kind strangers. In tourist areas, and in particular at the Full Moon Party on Ko Phan Ngan, visitors should be careful about accepting drinks from strangers, as there have been several reported incidents of drinks being heavily drugged. Incidents of sexual assault, on women in particular, continue to occur, and female travellers should be cautious. The security situation in the southern provinces is unstable and travel to the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat and Songkhla is to be avoided; recent bomb explosions and fighting have killed and injured many people in public places and the government has announced a state of emergency in the area. Further attacks could take place in areas frequented by foreigners, although the Thai authorities have put additional security measures in place throughout the country, including in Bangkok. Several explosions have occurred in Bangkok since December 2005. Since the beginning of 2006 numerous political demonstrations have taken place in Bangkok and provincial towns, and more demonstrations are expected due to opposition to the Prime Minister. Since January 2005 there have been several sinkings of passenger boats causing loss of life, thought to have been caused by overloading. Asian Tsunami: Services and facilities in most parts of Thailand that were affected by the tsunami on 26 December 2004 are now operating normally, but remain disrupted on the coast of Khao Lak and on Phi Phi island where many hotels, shops and houses were destroyed. Some of the larger resorts have reopened, but it is advisable for those planning to visit these areas to check with their travel agent that their accommodation is fully functional before departing.

Customs

Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Dress is informal, although beachwear should be confined to the beach. Drugs are illegal and travellers should know that possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment, and that drug traffickers risk the death penalty.

Communications

The international country dialling code for Thailand is +66. The outgoing code is 001, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). Thailand also has city codes (Bangkok 2, Chiang Mai 53). International direct dial facilities are available throughout most of the country. Mobile phone networks cover most towns, cities and holiday resorts; operators use GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 networks. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Duty Free

Travellers to Thailand do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes, or 250g tobacco or equivalent amount of cigars; alcohol up to 1 litre; 1 camera with 5 rolls of film or 1 movie camera with 3 rolls of 8 or 16 mm film. Goods to the value of Bt10,000 per person for non-residents with transit visas and Bt20,000 per person for holders of tourist visas. Family allowances are double the individual allowances. Prohibited items include firearms and ammunition without licenses, fireworks, and drugs. Trafficking in drugs carries the maximum penalty. Restrictions apply to meat imported from any country affected by BSE or mad cow and foot-and-mouth diseases. Antiques or objects of art and religious articles may not be exported without a license.

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