Thailand



Thailand is a Buddhist country where Buddha images are sacred. It is therefore necessary to dress appropriately (no shorts, T-shirts or miniskirts) before entering a Buddhist temple and shoes and hats must always be removed.

Bookings for travel and accommodation are essential in Thailand. It is advisable not to accept any complimentary tours offered by strangers. Reliable tourist information and safe tours are provided by tour agencies that have travel licenses.

It is unusual for the Grand Palace and other tourist attractions to be closed. If you are approached by a stranger, however well dressed, telling you such a place is closed for the day ignore him and proceed to your intended destination. The tout will try to convince you to go with him which usually means a visit to a jewellery warehouse.

There are hundreds of restaurants and coffee shops, noodle shops, snack bars and street-side food stalls scattered throughout Bangkok and many more in the provincial tourist centres. While it may seem authentic to eat a roadside food stalls it is not always advisable as food poisoning is not uncommon. If you wish to try cheaper, authentic Thai food most big shopping centres have a food hall where you buy coupons that are exchanged for food. The food is cheap, the premises air-conditioned and cleaner. It would be unusual to spend more than about 100 baht per person.

Restaurants of an international class abound in Bangkok. Bangkok can be a gourmet's paradise for more than just Thai food. Fast food outlets are also very plentiful. Printed tourist information, including a list of excellent restaurants, can be obtained from any leading hotel.

Tipping is optional except in hotels and some bigger restaurants where a service charge is added. If you feel you have had good service the serving staff will certainly welcome a token of your appreciation. As salary levels are very low service staff often rely on tips even though they would not solicit them.

Thailand has three distinct seasons: From November to March the weather is dry and a bit cooler. Very little, if any, rain falls at this time of the year. It is a pleasant time to visit if you are a tourist. The three months April to July leading up to the wet season are humid and generally unpleasant outdoors if you are not used to the tropical heat. From August to October/November is the wet season. It does not constantly rain nor is the sky always overcast but you can expect a tropical downpour lasting an hour or two on most days. There are very few days when it rains constantly. Taking an umbrella whenever you go out is advisable. Traffic can become gridlocked by flash flooding and accidents so travel can be extremely frustrating during a storm. However it is always warm, the run-off disappears reasonably quickly and life resumes after the storm, this is Thailand.

Public Holidays:

April 6 - Chakri Day

May 1 - Labour Day

May 5 - Coronation Day

July 1 - HM The Queen of Thailand's Birthday

October 23 - Chulalongkorn Day

December 5 - HM The King of Thailand's Birthday

December 10 - Constitution Day

December 31 - New Year's Eve

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