Location Information - Thailand


Thailand is a land of contrast and everything a destination could offer, from the vibrancy of Bangkok to the rural villages and hill tribes to idyllic islands. Be surrounded by stunning scenery, fascinating history, mouth-watering food, beaches, mountains, cities and villages. But more than these, it's the amazing people who will help you appreciate it. All in all your travels in Thailand will be a richly rewarding experience!

quick facts

  • Population: 64.8 million (2004)
  • Capital City: Bangkok (Krung Thep) Pop: 7.5 million
  • People: 75% Thai, 14% Ethic Chinese, 11% other ethnic minorities
  • Language: Thai
  • Religion: 95% Buddhist, 3.8% Muslim, 1.2% other
  • Currency: Baht
  • Time: GMT plus 7 hours
  • Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz AC
  • International Dialing Code: 66

visas

These requirements can change regularly and we will keep you informed of any changes.

religion, customs and conduct

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The King is the head of state, but he has little real political power. Thais hold the King in very high regard so please always show respect towards the royal family. Theravada Buddhism is often referred to as a way of life or a philosophy, rather than a religion for the Thai people. The major premise of Thai Buddhism is advocating balance in all facets of life and seeing material objects as barriers to greater happiness. Thais are very modest, especially when it comes to clothing - covered shoulders are a must and shorts should only be worn if they are a reasonable length - there will however, be situations where they are inappropriate, especially for females. The tribal people have a unique and especially fragile culture. We should regard ourselves as very lucky to be able to experience their lifestyle and take special care not to corrupt their way of life.

best time to go / climate

Any time of the year is a good time to travel in Thailand with each season having its advantages.
Northern Thailand: Three seasons are identifiable in the north, with November to February being the coolest of the three. It can be quite cold in the evenings especially in the hill tribe villages. From March to June is the hottest with temperatures in the high 30’s (Celsius) not uncommon. June to October is considered the wet season – the rain tends to be in the late afternoon/early evening and lasts for several hours. The rain offers no respite from the heat, with temperatures falling as low as 20°C. Southern Thailand: Monsoons hit the East and West coast at different times of the year. The wet season brings short, heavy outbursts of rain, followed by sunshine. From May to October, the monsoon occurs on the West Coast. The East Coast has a short, uncertain wet season from November to January.

food & drinks

Many people will be familiar with the delights of Thai cuisine as it emerges as an international favourite. The essence of Thai cuisine combines lemongrass, coconut milk, ginger, tamarind, basil, garlic, coriander and over 40 varieties of chillies. It’s important to remember that not all Thai food is spicy - even the most sensitive palate can enjoy a range of delightful flavours. Vegetarians can enjoy wonderful curries, noodles and salads and you'll also find an abundance of amazing fruits. The cuisine is as varied as the places in which you can enjoy it! Street stalls and night markets are great places to try everything from ‘Pad Thai’ (fried noodles) to bamboo worms. With Thai people being prolific snack eaters, street stalls are plentiful.

Water that has been purified (filtered or boiled) for drinking is called ‘naam deurm’ (drinking water) and is readily available throughout the country. You will also often find great fruit shakes and juices on offer.

public holidays

Those listed without a specific date are based on the lunar calendar that varies from year to year.
· January 1 - New Years Day
· February - Magha Puja
· April 6 - Chakri Day
· April - Thai New year
· May 1 - Labor Day
· May 5 - Coronation Day
· May - Visakha Puja
· May - Royal Planting Ceremony
· July - Khao Pansa
· August 12 - Queen's Birthday
· October - Ok Phansa
· October 23 - Chulalongkorn Day
· December 5 - King's Birthday
· December 10 - Constitution Day
· December 31 - New Years Eve

best buys

From the fabulous markets and shopping of Bangkok offering everything imaginable to the night markets of the north you will find something to suit your taste and budget. Some favourites include clothes (both tailored and cheap off the rack), traditional weavings and cloth, Thai triangle cushions, silver jewellery, hand crafted umbrellas, beautiful Thai silk material and hammocks.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai's historical centre is the walled city (City is chiang in the northern Thai dialect while 'mai' is new, hence Chiang Mai - "New City"). Sections of the wall dating to their restoration a few decades ago remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains.
Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality, in a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree. The most famous is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a mountainside.

Bangkok

A vibrant city rich in Thai and Buddhist culture with temples, markets, alleyways and canals that absorb even the most hardened international traveller. It is a city where poverty meets prosperity, where entrenched tradition embraces the global village. Many people leave Bangkok without being able to put their finger on why this city holds such an attraction.

Bangkok can be as beautiful as it is bizarre and is one of Intrepid's favourite cities. Excellent places to see with fabulous unique Thai architecture are the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Po. If shopping is more your style and you are in town on the weekend then the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market is the place to go - it has everything!! Go for a wander through Chinatown or simply explore life amongst the streets, lanes and canals. The Royal Barges are also worth a look and if all else fails remember you are on holiday! Indulge in a massage or eat your way around the street markets.