Thailand

Thailand Flag

"Land of the Free"

Why visit Thailand?

Known for ancient ruins, architecture, beaches, birdwatching, canals, culture, cycling, fishing, freshwater angling, golf, islands, mountains, nightlife, outdoor markets, rivers, scuba diving, shopping, snorkeling, temples, trekking, tribe villages, vineyards, water sports, white-water rafting, and yachting.

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woriwihan, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand. Photo Credit: naturepost/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carved water buffalo bells, custom clothes, custom shoes, gold, lacquerware, painted umbrellas, pottery, silk, sand paintings, temple bells, temple rubbings, and tribal weavings. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Chok (porridge). Guay Teow (soup).Hor Mok Ma Prow Awn (seafood curry). Kao Ka Moo (stewed pork). Khao Phat (rice dish). Khao Soi (soup). Khao Tom (soup). Kway Teow (soup). Pad Kra Prao (pork dish). Pad Woon Sen (stir fry). Pla Kapung Neung Manao (lime fish). Mango Sticky Rice (dessert). Pad Phuk Tong (stir fry punpkin). Pad See Eiw (noodles). Som Tam (papaya salad). Yam Nua (beef salad). Yam Pla Dook Foo (fried catfish).
• Local Drink to Try: Change (beer). Cha Yen (iced tea). Mekong (whiskey). M150 (energy). Nom Yen (pink milk). Oliang (iced coffee). Sangsom (rum). Singha (beer).

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand. Photo Credit: kmarius/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Earliest evidence of rice growing dates back to 2,000BCE.
  
• One of the most visited countries in Asia.
  
• Royal birthdays are treated as national holidays.
  
• The king's anthem plays before every movie, and everyone respectfully stands.
  
• Critics of the King can be incarcerated for 3 - 15 years.
• Formerly known as Siam.
  
• Has 156 national parks.
• Has the 2nd largest economy in Southeast Asia.
• Each day of the week is associated with a color.
• Among the world's 10 countries impacted by climate change vulnerability with extreme weather and rising sea levels.
• Elephant Art School (Chon Buri) sells paintings created by elephants.
  
• Home to the world's smallest mammal, Kitti's Hog-Rosed Bat.
• Siamese cats are native and believed lucky.
  
• Cyclist enjoy Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, and Khao Yai National Park.
  
• Highly ranked in medical tourism.
  
• Thai cuisine is one of the most popular in the world.
• Home to over 200 golf courses and considered the "golf capital of Asia".
  

Phang Nga Bay (aka: Ao Phang Nga National Park & James Bond Island), Thailand. Photo Credit: Arek Socha/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Bankok International Film Festival, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankhampaeng Handicrafts Festival, (February) Burapa Bike Week, Chiang Mai Flower Festival, Maya Music Festival, Phuket International Blues Rock Festival, (March) King's Cup Annual Elephant Polo Tournament, (April) Pattaya Festival, Poy Sang Long Festival, Phuket Bike Week, Songkran Festival, Wan Lai Festival, Water Festival, (May) Chiang Mai Inthakin City Pillar Festival, Ko Samui Yacht Regatta, Rocket Festival, (June) Ghost Festival, Hua Hin Jazz Festival, Rocket Festival, (July) Candle Festival, Koh Samui Regatta, Phuket Yachting Race Week, (September) Jay Festival, (October) Buffalo Racing Festival, Naga Fireballs Festival, Vegetarian Festival, (November) Elephant Roundup, Lantern Festival, Lopburi Monkey Banquet, Noy Krathong Festival, Surin Elephant Festival, Yi Peng Festival, (December) Wonderfruit Music & Arts Festival, (December) Concert in the Park, and King's Cup Regatta.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Magha Puja, Chakri Memorial Day, Coronation Day, Farmer's Day, Vesak, Queen Suthida's Birthday, King's Birthday, Asalha Puja, Queen Mother's Birthday, King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day, King Chulalongkorn Day, King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Birthday, Constitution Day, and New Year's Eve.

Ko Nang YuanKo Nang Yuan, KoPhaNgan District of SuratThani Province, Thailand. Photo Credit: Tudsaput Eusawas/Pixabay 

Good to Know 

• Most popular visited islands are Koh Samui, Patong, and Phuket.
• Popular beaches are Ao Nang, Had Yao, Kata Beach, Khao Lak, Railay, and Ton Sai.  
• Rafting Season is from May - October.
• Sun is strong, so wear a hat and use sunscreen.
• Rafting is popular at Kek River (Phitsanoluk), Mae La Mao River (Tak), Mae Taeng River (Chiang Mai), Pai River (Mae Hong Son)
• Dry Season is prone to high temperatures and humidity.
• Mango Season is March - July.
• Avoid purchasing or use of hashish, marijuana, or opium.
• The bottoms of your feet should not be directed towards anyone including temples.
• Culturally the head is considered the most sacred and should not be touched by others.
• Non-lethal military equipment, night vision scopes, and/or protective vests are not permitted.
  
• Petty crime is known to occur bag-snatching, burglary, and pick-pocketing.
• Isan (northeast) is the least tourist region.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Cholera, Dengue, Hepatitis A & B, Influenza, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Melioidosis, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, and Zika.
• Request taxi drivers to use their meter otherwise agree on the fare before departure.
• English speaking medical care providers are rare.
  
• Between February - April agricultural burning is known to occur.
  
• Purposely tearing a Thai banknote (THB), with the image of the King, is punishable up to 15 years in jail (Lèse Majesté).
  
• Bar and entertainment venues are known to overcharge.
  
• Avoid southernmost provinces: Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala, 
• Monsoon Season is mid May - October.
  
• Prostitution is illegal.
  
• Avoid operators requesting to hold your passport as collateral for motorcycles, jet ski, and/or vehicle rentals.
• Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nan, and Samut Sakhon are known to pose air quality issues.
  
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  

Wat Rong Khun (aka: White Temple), Pa O Don Chai, Thailand. Photo Credit: Adissapong Praphantanathorn/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 30 days.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries. 

Subject to humidity, high temperatures, monsoons and tsunamis.

• Best Time to Visit: November - March
• Coolest Months: November - February 
• Hottest Months: March & April
• Peak Season: November - March

River Market, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit: Jörg Prohaszka/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ban Chiang, Dong Phya Yen Mountains, Khao Yai National Park, Luang Prabang, Sukhothai Historical Park, and Thungyai–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit: Sasin Tipchai/Pixabay 

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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.