Flights and Travel Guide to Thailand

Thailand’s natural resources as well as its warm and welcoming culture are the secrets that make any Holidays in Thailand the best Holidays ever. The country is blessed with Abundant Islands nestled in the warm Indian Ocean like pearls, the wild life and lush forest with mesmerizing waterfalls and unbelievable mountains and rock formations in the heart of the ocean, like heavenly sculptures are all that make Thailand experience wonderful.

Another important thing to mention when answering Why Thailand? is affordability. Shopping, traveling, accommodation, pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, street food including flights to Thailand are available in all standards and prices.

Getting In, Around and More

Getting in the Country, roaming around and moving on for a multi-destination trip are easy in Thailand as the country boarders with some of the most toured nations.

• Thailand Geography:

  Thailand is nearly the same size as of France and covers a lush green area of 510,000 sq. km. The Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea bless is with the perfection of a top Beach holiday destination.

• Thailand Neighborhoods:

  Thailand borders four countries, Malaysia, Cambodia, Burma (Myanmar), and Laos.
  Myanmar is located in its west and north, Laos in the northeast, Cambodia in the east and Malaysia in the south. The country rims along the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia in South, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Burma (Myanmar).

• Thailand Climate:

  Being semicircle by the ocean, Thailand has a tropical climate. The temperature and humidity is high throughout the year. Temperatures in the capital, Bangkok, range between 68°F (20°C) in December and 95°F (35°C) in April. January and February are normally dry. Whereas, March to May is the hottest time of year.It rains around June to October with around 90% of the country’s rainfall occurring in this period and November and December are the coolest months. Best time to travel to Thailand is said to be from November to February as this is when it tends to be coolest and most bearable for Western tourists.

• Thailand Cities:

  The national capital of Thailand is Bangkok City while Pattaya, located about two hours drive from Bangkok holds the status of special governed.Other than Bangkok and Pattaya the most visited cities of Thailand include Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Islands of Koh Samui, Phi Phi Islands, Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Pha Ngan, Similian Islands, Ko Rang and Ko Samet.

• Getting in the Country Thailand:

  Thailand shares its maritime boundaries with Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast and with Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea to the southwest so travel by Cruise as well as travel by land through Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos are equally popular.For Westerner travelers, By Air is the quickest and most efficient way to get in Thailand.

• Flights / Airlines to Thailand

  Many International Airline offer cheap flights to Thailand from around the world airports. Among them, British Airways offers direct flights to Bangkok, so does Virgin Atlantic as well as the country’s own carrier Thai Airways.Indirect or scheduled flights to Thailand include flights with KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, Royal Brunei, Malaysian Airline, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airline, Air Morocco, Emirates Airline, Alitalia and Air China as well as many more.Domestic flights in Thailand can be booked with Bangkok air or Thai air.

• Accommodation in Thailand:

  As far as accommodation is concerned the generous and hostile country welcomes every one with open arms. You can stay in a world class chain like Hilton, Amari, Sheraton, Four Seasons or Andaman or find a room in a three or four star hotel which are everywhere in Thailand. Also renting apartments or Youth hostels is a common practice. In short, whatever your budget is, you can find from 5 stars to 1 star in Thailand. However Busy or Peak traveling season require advance reservation.Also many world renowned hotels offer special holiday packages to Thailand, Honey Moon Packages, Annual Galas and much more every season.

• Travelling around and Transport in Thailand:

  There are Tuk-Tuks, Taxis, Tourist buses, Car hire, Bike rental, BTS Sky train, Subway etc as options while going around in Thailand but it’s better to use services of a registered company or your hotel cab services. The roads in Thailand are wide and infrastructure is good.

Also, cruise, speed boat and ferry rides are popular at the Islands.

Places to See In Thailand

Thailand has plenty of sun shine, beach lazing, white sands, lush forest and Thai Elephants that are part of the religion. The culture fills you with spirituality and the food fills your mouth with rich flavors. So, there is plenty to do and even more to see in Thailand.

National Parks in Thailand

Thailand has one of the best National Parks systems in the world with over 70 National Parks in the country. The national parks are dense, green and filled with wonderful Waterfalls, Giant Elephants, Tall Mountains, pure streams, Tropical fish, Caves and a varity of birds and flora. Such as:

• The Tarutao Marine National Park
• Ko Surin National Park

Temples, Wats and Palaces in Thailand

A temple in Thailand is called a ‘Wat’, in Sanskrit ‘Wat’ means ‘pure’ or ‘clean’ and is also used for Brahmans, considered as the most pious among people. Watt in Thailand, are the identity of the country. The sacred places are well respected by all. Thailand’s majority is Buddhist and Montessori’s, Temples or Wats in Thailand are open to foreigners keen to learn about Buddhism. Some notable Thai Temples, Wats and Palaces are:-

• Temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok
• Statue of Buddha in Ko Samui
• Grand Palace, Bangkok
• Suan Pakkad Palace Bangkok
• Wat Hat Yai Nai, Hat Yai
• Wat Phra Keo, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok
• Wat Arun Bangkok
• Mummified Monk Ko Samui
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Chiang Mai
• The Wat Pho Complex (Phra Si Sanphet Chedi and Reclining Buddha statue) Bangkok
• Wat Traimit - Temple of the Golden Buddha Bangkok

Historical Buildings, Zoo and Museums in Thailand

For an afternoon or early morning, the best thing to do is visit a historical place, zoo or museum and get in touch with Thailand’s history. Some popular places include:

• Vimameck Mansion Bangkok
• Madam Tassau in Bangkok
• Bangkok’s Floating Canals
• National Museum in Bangkok
• Sri Racha Tiger Zoo Pattaya

Wondrous Beaches and Islands in Thailand

And Sun, Surf and Serenity is abundant in this Beach paradise, including:

• Jomtien Beach, Pattaya
• James Bond island, Phuket
• Pattaya’s beach, Pattaya
• Phang Nga Bay Phuket
• Waterfalls Ko Samui
• Patong beach Phuket
• Kata and Karon Beach Phuket
• Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks Ko Samui
• Phi Phi Island Paradise

Things to Do and Do again in Thailand

There are plenty of things that you would love to do in Thailand such as:

• Learn Thai Boxing “Muay Thai,”
• Attend Katoeys (Ladyboys/Transvestites) Performance in Ko Samui
• Go Biking in Ayutthaya
• Explore Safari World Bangkok
• Experience Elephants Safari Phuket
• Visit Maesa Elephant Camp, Chiang Mai
• Climb the Baiyoke Tower, Bangkok (the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere)
• Rent a Scooter and go to the countryside
• Visit the town of Long neck women in Chiang Mai
• Try a lot of water Sports including river rafting, Surfing, Water boarding, Dolphine and Seal watching etc

Thai Food, Wine and Dinning

Thai food needs no introduction. Slurping soups, Gulping Noodles, the aroma of Coconut cream and a lot of Green Chili based cuisines is the thought that comes in mind while talking about Thai Food.

• Food & Flavor:

  Thailand’s delicious mouth watering yet simple food has taken the world by storm in recent decades. You can find Thai restaurants in nearly every country around the world. However, to treat your taste buds with this luscious ecstasy in Thailand is itself an adventure.

• Restaurants / Eating Out:

  Restaurants in Thailand are mostly filled with customers and there are all types and sorts of places ranging from high maintained expensively decorated world class Restaurants, to beach shacks and street food. It’s recommended to give a try to good street food as well as experiencing fine dinning at a fabulous and tradition Thai restaurant.

• Weird & Rare Food:

  Thailand is also known for some weird dishes including animal parts, snake meat, scorpions or things like fried insects etc that many find interesting to give a try. Also, some rare items like Crocodile paws are also sold in some back street restaurants private areas however it’s recommended to check the Government policy about banned items first before ordering anything uncommon or unsual.

• Wine and Drinks:

  The Legal drinking age in Thailand is recently changed to 20. You can try locally manufactures bear as well as imported ones; Tiger Beer is most common in cheap bars. Coke is sweeter than you might be used to but tastes good. Night life and Bar culture is thriving and you can choose among a variety of spots.

• Sweets

  Lastly, sweets in Thailand are brightly colored and appealing. Though many hotels service fresh fruits but try some locally made confectionaries, baked sweets and other specialties that you may end up buying in bulk before coming home.

Shopping in Thailand-Shoppers Heaven

Shopping in Thailand is best when done in bulk and always ask to lower the price as Bargain is a ritual. The best shopping spots you can hit include:

• JJ Market Bangkok
• Floating Market Bangkok
• Walking Street Pattaya

And more..

Thai Festivals Year Round joy

Take part in a Thai Holiday There are many to choose from,

• Loy Krathong (night of the full moon in November), celebrated nationwide
• King’s birthday (December 5th), celebrated in Krung Tep.
• The Rocket Festival (2nd week of May) celebrated in the North-East.
• The Vegetarian Festival (late September to early October) celebrated in Trang and Phuket.
• Songkran Festival the traditional Thai New Year celebrated on April 13th, nationwide.

And many more ….

Night Life in Thailand

Thailand is best known for its thriving night life and performance filled lively culture. There are a variety of unique theater experiences you can have in Thailand such as:

• Khon and Nang Yai. Khon is a dramatization of Thailand’s myths and ancient tales, while Nang Yai, on the other hand, is portrayed through puppets of shadows.
• Another such show is Alcazar in Pattaya which is a cabaret performed by stunning lady boys.
• Other attractions of Nightlife in Thailand include going to the clubs and bars at the two red light districts of Bangkok Patpong and Soi Cowboy where many sex clubs, massage parlors, cocktail bars and restaurants are concentrated.

Massage / Spa and Beauty Treatment in Thailand

Spa, Facial, Body Massage and Acupuncture are greatly relieving after a long day of roaming around the city on foot. Plus, it’s cheap to return beautiful and stay relaxed with Thai Massage, Sauna and Spa services available in every nook and corner of the big cities.

Travel Safety Warnings in Thailand:

Though Thailand is a very safe place, but there are a few things that you should pay attention to:

• When going to a Temple or Wat, do not wear revealing cloths like minis, shorts, tube tops etc and remember that Monks do not shake hand.
• The penalty for child prostitution or sex with Child is huge and can follow prison time. Although, Child prostitution is almost unheard of in the tourist areas of Bangkok, Pattaya and other large cities but it’s better to check identities first Most bars require STD and HIV testing for employment.
• Lady boys are part of the culture and there can be’gender confusion’ as they look gorgeous. The trick is pay attention to their voice as they sound like dudes.
• Anywhere in Bangkok, you can see a lot of fake and imitations things including big brands like apple ipods, DVDs, ladies bag etc so be aware, as these things may not work after a while!
• Beggars are common. Avoid eye contact and keep your belongings close to you.
• Do not buy admission tickets from touts
• Touts could be well dressed, friendly and speak fluent English selling fake admission tickets at inflated prices. Do not fall for that. Tickets are sold at the entrances of temples.
• Tuk Tuk drivers can be very annoying at times and will insist on taking you somewhere to buy things. Do not fall for it.
• Take Taxi form the Taxi stand at Bangkok Airport as there can be fare difference at other points.
• Use a lot of sun screen or sun block while beach lazing or sitting by the pool.
• At Bangkok Airport keep 500 B per person for the airport taxes.
• Penalties for drug offences are severe in Thailand. So, DO NOT get yourself involved with drugs at all costs.

Passport/Visa Entry Requirements for Thailand:

• Passport should be valid for six months on date of application and are required by all nationals.
• Visas is Not required by British, Australian, Canadian, USA and Other EU nationals for touristic stays of up to 30 days (if entering via an international airport) or 15 days (if entering by land from a neighboring country), provided they hold valid passports and sufficient funds (10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family).
• The total duration of stay in Thailand for persons who enter Thailand without a visa cannot exceed 90 days during any six month period, counting from the date of first entry.
• If you intend on staying or working in Thailand for longer than 30 days you must obtain a Tourist visa for stays of up to 60 days or a Non-immigrant visa for stays of up to 90 days.
• Return tickets, issued and confirmed (eticket number assigned) is required and tourists are required to leave Thailand within the time allowed by their visa, except nationals of Bulgaria, Romania and Malta who do need to obtain a visa before travelling to Thailand.
• Nationals of Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, India, Kazakstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Poland, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, Romania, Bulgaria, Malta, Andorra and San Marino may apply for visas on arrival for stays of up to 15 days.

For more and specific information with regards to your nationality, passport and visit type it is advised to contact your nearest embassy or consulate for up to date information.