Travel Guide to Thailand

Location

Thailand, formally the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia.To its east lie Laos and Cambodia; to its south, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia; and to its west, the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. Its capital and largest city is Bangkok.

Shopping

Thailand offers a wonderful experience for the ardent shopper, with a tremendous variety of goods on offer. You can shop for designer goods in the Malls, or browse for handicrafts and knick-knacks in the many markets. There is something for everyone, no matter how deep or shallow your pocket may be. Department stores open around 10:00 am and do not close until 9:00 pm. Markets vary in their timing with produce markets opening before dawn, more general markets open during daylight hours, but in many areas there are Night Markets where you can sit in the open and eat before browsing the stalls.

Geography

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

History

Throughout its 800-year history, Thailand can boast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonised. Its history is divided into five major periods.

Nanchao Period (650-1250A.D)

The Thai people founded their kingdom in the southern part of China, which is Yunnan, Kwangsi and Canton today. A great number of people migrated south as far as the Chao Phraya Basin and settled down over the Central Plain under the sovereignty of the Khmer Empire, whose culture they probably accepted. The Thai people founded their independent state of Sukhothai around 1238 A.D., which marks the beginning of the Sukhothai Period

Sukhothai Period (1238-1378 A.D)

Thais began to emerge as a dominant force in the region in the13th century, gradually asserting independence from existing Khmer and Mon kingdoms. Called by its rulers "the dawn of happiness", this is often considered the golden era of Thai history, an ideal Thai state in a land of plenty governed by paternal and benevolent kings, the most famous of whom was King Ramkamhaeng the Great. However in 1350, the mightier state of  Ayatthaya exerted its influence over Sukhothai.

Ayatthaya Period (1350-1767)

The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the very beginning. No longer the paternal and accessible rulers that the kings of Sukhothai had been, Ayutthaya’s sovereigns were absolute monarchs and assumed the title devaraja (god-king). The early part of this period saw Ayutthaya extend its sovereignty over neighbouring Thai principalities and come into conflict with its neighbours, During the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic and commercial relations with western countries. In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. Despite their overwhelming victory, the Burmese did not retain control of Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin and his followers broke through the Burmese and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.

Thom Buri Period (1767-1772)

General Taksin, as he is popularly known, decided to transfer the capital from Ayutthaya to a site nearer to the sea which would facilitate foreign trade, ensure the procurement of arms, and make defense and withdrawal easier in case of a renewed Burmese attack. He established his new capital at Thon Buri on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rule of Taksin was not an easy one. The lack of central authority since the fall of Ayutthaya led to the rapid disintegration of the kingdom, and Taksin’s reign was spent reuniting the provinces.

Rattanakosin Period (1782- Present)

After Taksin’s death, General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri Dynasty, Rama I, ruling from 1782 to 1809. His first action as king was to transfer the royal capital across the river from Thon Buri to Bangkok and build the Grand Palace. Rama II (1809-1824) continued the restoration begun by his predecessor. King Nang Klao, Rama III (1824-1851) reopened relations with Western nations and developed trade with China. King Mongkut, Rama IV, (1851-1868) of "The King and I" concluded treaties with European countries, avoided colonialisation and established modern Thailand. He made many social and economic reforms during his reign.

King Chulalongkorn, Rama V (1869-1910) continued his father’s tradition of reform, abolishing slavery and improving the public welfare and administrative system. Compulsory education and other educational reforms were introduced by King Vajiravudh, Rama VI (1910-1925). During the reign of King Prajadhipok, (1925-1935), Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The king abdicated in 1933 and was succeeded by his nephew, King Ananda Mahidol (1935-1946). The country’s name was changed from Siam to Thailand with the advent of a democratic government in 1939.

Climate

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity).

Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.

Basic Information

Language
Thai is the official language although English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists.

Currency
Baht (Bt) = 100 satang (pronounced "stang"). Coins from 25 satang to 10 baht; notes from 20 to 1,000 baht.

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50 Hz. American- and European-style 2-pin plugs are in use.

Banks
Banks are generally open Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m.–3.30 p.m. Outside these hours, you can change money at hotels or in shops displaying the sign "Money Changer" (in English). Usually, the exchange rate in banks is the most favourable. There are also ATM machines.

Driving
Traffic drives on the left. Drivers need an international driving licence and the minimum age is 21.

Time Difference
GMT + 7

Tipping and Local Customs
Most hotels will add a 10% service charge and an 11% government tax to the bill. Thais do not normally tip, but some tourists do. 10% in restaurants is becoming the norm.

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.

Visas
Visas are not required for tourist stays of up to 30 days, provided they hold valid passports, sufficient funds and confirmed tickets to leave Thailand. Passport valid for six months beyond intended length of stay required.

Tourist information
www.tourismthailand.org
www.amazingthailand.tk

Tourist Info

What makes it so special?

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations within Asia because of its breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. Add to that its outstanding hospitality and superb cuisine and you’ll be able to understand why so many people choose to holiday in Thailand.

Where to Visit

Bangkok

The Grand Palace is a stunning architectural masterpiece while Wat Phra Kaeo is home to the world-renowned Emerald Buddha. Other temple sites to explore include King Rama I’s Wat Mahathat, home to the Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, and Wat Pho, an extensive temple housing a giant, gold Reclining Buddha.

For more details on where to visit in Bangkok click here

Phuket

Phang Nga Bay – Oddly shaped limestone cliffs rising sharply from the sea, mangroves, sea caves with crystalline interiors, and hundreds of tiny islands make up Phang Nga Bay, one of southern Thailand’s most fascinating areas. Located north of Phuket, Island tours operate daily, some combining a road/boat trip while others cruise up for the day. Prices can vary depending on the mode of transport, the lunch and the schedule. All tours visit Ko Ping Gan, or "James Bond Island", where Bond was served a bottle of Dom Perignon in ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’, and Ko Pannyi, an unusual sea-gypsy village perched on stilts above the water, against a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs

For more details on where to visit whilst in Phuket click here

Koh Samui

Anthong Marine National Park is a fascinating archipelago situated 30km west of Koh Samui. The park offers fantastic diving opportunities amongst some of the most stunning sub-aquatic scenery in Asia. For non-divers, there’s the picture-perfect scenery of crystal clear lagoons, the sparkling turquoise sea, picturesque rocky islands and fabulous secluded beaches.

For more details on where to visit whilst in Koh Samui click here

Hua Hin and Cha Am

Pa La-U Waterfall - An excursion to the Pa La-U waterfall is a must for every visitor to Hua Hin and Cha Am. It’s about 68 km from Hua Hin by road. At certain times of year there are large numbers of butterflies.

For more details on where to visit whilst in Hua Hin and Cha Am click here