Your handy guide to the beautiful Asian destination of Thailand!
With beautiful beaches, lush mountains, delicious cuisine, rich culture and party spots, Thailand should be on every traveller's bucket list!
Thailand is a country that appeals to both backpackers on a budget and travellers with luxurious tastes. This jewel of Southeast Asia is popular for all types of holidays. Indeed, it is ideal for both short and long holidays. But it is also welcoming to expatriates and new digital nomads.
We offer you all the information you need to plan the perfect trip to Thailand!
Important information about Thailand
Thailand in a nutshell: You will find mountains and lush jungle in the north of the country. In addition, you will find beautiful islands in the south. Chiang Mai is the largest city in the north and a cultural centre. While Bangkok, the capital, is where most international flights will land.
Most popular places to visit in Thailand:
Bangkok: Thailand's capital is a bustling metropolis with tons to do!
Chiang Mai: This city in northern Thailand is the cultural centre of the country and has a good reputation for its excellent cuisine.
Thai Islands: take your pick from party islands, yoga getaways, top diving spots, resorts and laid-back beaches. There really is an island for every type of traveller. Tip: Research the weather at the time of your visit before choosing to visit the Andaman Coast or the Gulf. In fact, the weather conditions are almost opposite.
Currency in Thailand: Thai Baht
Tipping in Thailand: Unless you are in a luxury location, tipping is not expected. However, it is common to leave change in restaurants, and the gesture is appreciated. Tipping after a massage is also common.
Religion and culture: Buddhism is the official religion of the country. You will find temples and shrines throughout the country. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and legs above the knees.
Transport in Thailand: Getting around Thailand is easy and cheap. Domestic flights are actually very cheap and the most convenient way to get around the country if you are short of time. Taking a ferry is the best way to travel between the islands, and minibuses (or 15-passenger vans) are a good way to travel short distances.
Best time to visit Thailand
The climate varies from region to region, but you'll generally find the most pleasant temperatures and least rain from November to April.
Weather in Thailand: Tropical with 3 distinct seasons. Although there is a 'rainy season', rainfall is possible at any time of the year, so it is best to be prepared.
March to May: Hot season
November to February: Cool season
June to October: Rainy season
The peak season for tourists is usually from November to February, so this will be the most crowded and expensive time.
Times to avoid travelling to Thailand:
Chiang Mai: If possible, avoid visiting from mid-February to early April. This is the 'fire season' and the air quality can be very poor.
Andaman Sea (Krabi, Phi Phi, Phuket, Koh Lanta): the rainy season is from May to October
Gulf Islands (Koh Tao, Koh Chang, Phang Nga Samui): rainfall is heaviest in October and November
Major festivals in Thailand; Thailand has many colourful and exciting festivals that entertain visitors and locals alike.
Songkran, 13-15 April: Thai New Year festival with lots of water gun fights in the streets of Thailand's major cities.
Loi Krathong & Yi Peng, November: These two festivals take place around the same time and are often referred to as 'festivals of lights' for the lanterns released into the sky and the 'boats' lit by candles and released into the river. The best place to celebrate these festivals is in Chiang Mai.
But be sure to check the exact dates as these festivals follow the lunar calendar. So the exact dates vary every year.
Best things to do in Thailand!
Scuba Diving
With its clear, calm waters, Thailand is one of the best places in the world to learn to dive. There are many high quality (and inexpensive!) diving schools. If you are a certified diver, consider taking a dive cruise for an unforgettable experience!
Thai cooking classes
Thai cuisine is often considered to be one of the best in the world (and we can't disagree!). Learn how to prepare your favourite Thai dishes in a hands-on cooking class! You can easily find cooking classes all over the country, but Chiang Mai is home to the most famous (and best!) cooking schools in Thailand.
Elephant Sanctuary (don't go up there)
Spending time with these gentle creatures is on most travellers' must-do lists when visiting Thailand. Be very careful when choosing a tour with elephants and never ride them! As this does them a lot of harm.
Meditation Retreat
Learning to meditate with monks in the middle of the beautiful mountains of northern Thailand is a potentially life-changing experience, and will certainly be the highlight of your trip.
Thai massage
After a long flight or just a day of exploring, nothing will feel better than a Thai massage. The best part is that you can get pampered without spending a fortune! Prices vary around the country, but expect to pay between $6 and $15 depending on your location.
Thai massages are quite intense and involve a lot of stretching. So be careful. If you're sensitive, you may prefer a head, neck and shoulder massage.
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