Destination Guides

Thailand Country Guide.

Welcome to Thailand, what we believe to be the most fascinating country in Asia. About the same size in area as the UK, Thailand is divided into 76 provinces, with Bangkok as the capital city. The regions of Thailand are quite diverse, varying from the lush tropical islands of the South, to the semi-arid North-East and forested mountains of the North.

Thai people are extremely friendly and welcoming to Western visitors. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, banks etc – but outside of the main centres you may have to consult a phrasebook!

The Royal Family is upheld with enormous respect by the Thais, and the Head of State is King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The main religion is Buddhism (95%). Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

The country enjoys a tropical climate, with three seasons in the year:
Hot & Dry – Feb to May (avg temp 32-35 degrees Celsius)
Rain & Sun – June to Oct (avg temp 28-32 degrees Celsius)
Cool – Nov to Jan (avg temp 20-32 degrees Celsius)

The north can get quite cold at night, and the south clings to perfect temperatures year-round.

The electricity runs at 220 volts AC throughout Thailand. It’s a good idea to bring a universal adapter. In some very remote parts of the country, such as hill-tribe villages, and very small islands – there may be little, if any power supply.

Tap water is clean but should not be drunk. Bottled, UV-filtered water is available everywhere.

Roads are generally in a good condition, but beware of reckless drivers. The telephone system is reliable, and internet access is widely available.

Most businesses open 7 days a week, from about 9am to 9pm, except banks and government offices, which usually open from about 9am-4pm weekdays (excluding public holidays).

Thais celebrate Christmas, albeit at a lower scale than in the West, and New Year. The Songkran festival, in April (the hottest month) is a water-throwing event to mark the lunar New Year. Everyone gets involved, so prepared to get wet! Loi Krathong occurs in November, when ‘Krathongs’ are floated onto rivers and out to sea to send pay respect to the Goddess of the River – many other events accompany it.

Do’s and don’ts:

Do’s:
• Show respect for the Thai Monarchy.
• Dress respectfully in or around temples or shrines.
• Remove shoes when entering a temple or private home.
• Be aware of people offering their services as ‘guides’. For any tourist info, there is a nationwide call centre number (1672) for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
• Tips are not usually expected, but feel free to tip for good service.

Don’ts:
• Never point your feet at people, and especially Buddha images. This is considered very rude.
• Women should not touch a Buddhist monk.
• Don’t drop litter – heavy fines are imposed for this, especially in the major cities.
• Don’t get involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties are very severe.
• Avoid touching a Thai on the head

Bangkok Guide
Bangkok is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities – offering everything from superb hotels and shopping to fine dining and a huge range of tourist attractions. Bangkok is the cultural, spiritual, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre – and is also hosts many multi-national companies.

Some tips: • Don’t trust ‘Tuk-Tuk’ drivers who say they will take on a one-hour tour for B10. They will try to get you in Tailor and Gem shops.
• Take taxis displaying the ‘Taxi Meter’ sign, either coloured blue/red or green/yellow. Nearly all drivers use their meters.
• Try taking the ‘Skytrain’ or the new subway – these are the quickest ways around the city.
• For assistance or reporting any concerns, contact the Tourist Police on 1155. They also have many offices in tourist areas.

Chaing Mai Guide
The 2nd city of Thailand, Chiang Mai, is located 700km north of Bangkok (about a 1½ hour flight). The city and surrounding area is beautiful, with tropical forests, national parks and mountain ranges.

The region is home to many hill-tribes, which can be visited as part of trekking tours or simply a one-day trip – this is a really worthwhile and enjoyable experience. The nightlife scene in Chiang Mai is not as bright as in Bangkok, but there is a wide selection of bars, clubs and shows.

Chiang Mai offers everything for the tourist – from great hotels to fine dining and probably the best markets in Thailand. There is a vast array of handicrafts and clothing on sale in both night and day markets around the city – the main one being found at the ‘Night Bazaar’ in the centre.

Things to see & do:

Hua Hin & Cha-am Guide
The towns of Hua Hin & Cha-am are located in Prachuap Khirikhan province, about 300km south of Bangkok. They are slowly becoming some of the most popular seaside resorts, both with overseas visitors, as well as with Thais. The King enjoys the area too – there is a Royal Residence nearby.

There is a wide range of accommodation on offer, from budget hotels, to 5-star international properties and golf resorts (the region has some of the best courses in Asia).

Beaches are long, white and sandy in the area, and there is a good choice of local and international dining options. The best time to stay is from May to October. Hua Hin and Cha-am are a great choice for those who don’t want to be in amongst the crowds associated with Pattaya and Phuket.

Things to see & do:

• Hua Hin market
• A round of golf on one of the many international golf courses
• Lazing on a white sandy beach
• Sample some delicious fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants
• Rent a car or motorbike and explore the local area – there are some great view points
• Try some of the many Watersports on offer
• Visit the fishing port and old town in Hua Hin
Reaching Hua Hin & Cha-am takes about 3 hours by car from Bangkok, or 30 minutes flight.

Koh Samui Guide
The island of Koh Samui is located nearly 700km, or 1 hour’s flight from Bangkok. Once a coconut farming and fishing island with few inhabitants, Samui is now a thriving tourist destination. There is a wide choice of accommodation on the island, ranging from budget hotels to deluxe 5-star hideaways.

The main towns on Samui are Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam, Bophut and Nathon. There is an international airport a few minutes drive north of Chaweng, which fields regular flights from Bangkok, among other cities. You can also reach the island by ferry from Surat Thani on the mainland – the ferries arrive at Nathon hourly. Getting around on Samui is fairly easy – ‘Songthaews’ (converted pick-up trucks with bench seating) do a circuit around the island, and are quite regular. There are rates set for these by the local government, so you should not be paying more than the Thais.

Chaweng has many restaurants (and all the chains like McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks etc), bars, nightclubs, shops and a Muay Thai stadium. Lamai is a little quieter, with a more male-orientated bar scene but still with some fantastic restaurants. Maenam and Bophut are fairly small in comparison – ideal for those seeking a more peaceful break.

The beaches on Samui are generally very nice – we believe the best beach is to be found at Lamai – beautiful white sand bordered by the blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Chaweng can get quite crowded, especially in the high season from May to September and Christmas time.

A lot of the surrounding islands are protected, making for some great diving and snorkeling. Nearby is Koh Phanghan, which can make a great day or overnight trip – it is home to the infamous ‘Full Moon Parties’.

Things to see & do:

• Rent a jeep or motorbike and explore the island
• Visit one of the waterfalls
• Butterfly garden
• Big Buddha – a temple in the north of the island with a massive gold Buddha presiding over the ocean
• Monkey training school (to farm coconuts)
• Dive or snorkel in the Ang Thong Marine Park
• Catch some rays on the beautiful beaches
• Try a traditional Thai massage
• Samui aquarium
• Take in a ‘Muay Thai’ boxing match in Chaweng or Lamai
• Many nightclubs, including the ‘Green Mango’ and ‘Reggae Pub’ in Chaweng & ‘Bauhaus’ in Lamai.
• Many watersports, including jet-skiing, catamarans, banana boats.
• Sample some delicious seafood on the beach at night – many hotels set up BBQ’s on the beachfront.
• Visit the mummified monk, in a temple near Lamai
• Hinta Hin Yai – or Grandmother/Grandfather rocks, strange rock formations near Lamai

Krabi, Koh Lanta & Koh Phi Phi Guide
Krabi Province is located just over 800km or 1 hour’s flight from Bangkok. Some of the more popular tourist destinations include: Krabi Town, Ao-Nang Beach, Railay, Koh Phi-Phi and Koh Lanta.
We believe it to be the most beautiful province in the country – with huge limestone rocks towering out of the landscape and sea, magnificent forests, crystal-clear water and more than 100 off-shore islands.

Ao-Nang Beach and the surrounds are home to some superb hotels & resorts, dive shops, kayaking trips and many sightseeing options. Getting around is fairly easy, with ‘longtail’ boats, motorbike taxis, samlors (3 wheel motorbike taxis) and ‘songthaews’ (converted pick-up trucks with bench seating) connecting many tourist spots.

Koh Phi-Phi is made up of 2 major islands, only one of which you can stay on. The islands are surrounded by great dive and snorkeling sites, as well as awesome white sandy beaches.

Koh Lanta is made up of 2 islands – Koh Lanta Yai is the main tourist area, with many dive shops, white sandy beaches and hotels, whereas Koh Lanta Noi is more of an administration centre and is less developed.

The best time to go is between October and April.

Things to see & do:

• Diving or snorkeling in the magnificent Andaman Sea
• Kayaking tour through caves and mangroves
• Sample some excellent fresh seafood
• Browse the local markets
• Rock-climbing at Railay Bay
• Wat Tham Seua (Tiger Cave Temple) – near Krabi Town
• Elephant trekking
• Relax on pristine white sandy beaches

Pattaya Guide
Situated only 1½ hours by car from Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the top tourist destinations in Thailand. Offering a wide range of accommodation and dining options, along with vibrant nightlife, it has a lot to keep you occupied.

There are plenty of sports on offer – from international golf courses to beach Watersports and some great scuba diving (Pattaya is Thailand’s centre for technical diving). The beautiful sandy beaches can get a little crowded, but you can rent a car or motorbike and venture a little out of town to escape the hustle and bustle.

Hotels are centred on two areas of the coast – Pattaya Bay, with its proximity to Pattaya’s legendary nightlife, and Jomtien Beach – a little quieter but still within easy reach of the action.

Things to see & do:

• Visit Koh Lan – an island just off the coast offering great beaches and snorkeling • Relaxing on Jomtien Beach – less crowded than Pattaya Bay, and offering a good range of Watersports
• Pattaya Waterpark – an ideal day out for families, offering slides and swimming pools with views over the city.
• Elephant village – also offering jungle rides. Located on Pornprapanimitr Road
• Pattaya Kart Speedway – high speed thrills in race-prepared go-karts
• Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum – a collection of curious objects and optical illusions
• Browsing the markets of Pattaya
• Sample some traditional Thai cuisine or fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants
• Experience the vibrant nightlife – from cabaret shows to lively bars

Phuket Guide
Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is also the country’s most popular tourist destination. It is separated into various different towns, with Patong, Kata and Karon being the most visited. It is 1 hour by plane from Bangkok, served by many airlines.

Phuket has some truly beautiful white sandy beaches, lapped by the waves of the Andaman Sea. Diving is a very popular pastime on the island, as are many other Watersports including windsurfing and jet-skiing. Nightlife is wild and vibrant in Patong, and somewhat quieter in Kata and Karon.

Accommodation in Phuket ranges from budget hotels right up to some of the World’s most exclusive resorts – there really is something for everyone. Restaurants are abound in Phuket, ranging from local cuisine to International dishes and some of the best seafood in Thailand.

The island really is suitable for every traveller – from those traveling on their own, to couples and families. The best time to go is from October to April.

Things to see & do:

• Relax on white sandy beaches
• Rent a motorbike/jeep and explore the island
• Dive or snorkel the crystal-clear Andaman Sea
• Phuket Fantasea – a great night out – amusement centre with various shows and cultural dances
• A round of golf at one of the many International golf courses
• Go-Kart speedway
• Take Thai cooking classes
• Jungle bungy jump
• Endless shopping opportunities at the malls and markets
• Take a tour of the coral reef in a mini-submarine!
• Crocodile Farm
• Deep-sea fishing
• Phuket butterfly farm & aquarium
• Chalong Temple
• Phuket Zoo
• Visit James Bond Island, made famous in the movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’

Enjoy your stay in Thailand, The Land of Smiles! For Further Information about any region of the country, Please contact us directly.