Population – 65 million, Area – 198,115 sq mi (513,115 sq km), Currency – Baht (THB, symbol ฿) = 100 Satang, Flight times – New York is a 17 hour flight away, Los Angeles 18 hours and London 12 hours, Cities - Bangkok (capital), Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Time Zone - GMT +7, Weather – Northern and central Thailand have three seasons: hot (March through May), rainy (June through October), and cool (November through February), Southern Thailand has intermittent showers year-round, with daily showers in the rainy season, Thailand's monsoon season generally runs from July into November, Religion – Buddhism (95%), Islam (3.8%), Christianity (0.5%), Hinduism (0.1%), Electricity - 220 volts AC, 50Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

LOCATION, GEOGRAPHY:

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, bordering Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, and the Andaman Sea. Thailand is a tropical country with often hot and rainy weather and annual monsoons, with a range of geographic regions - mountainous, plains and plateaus, as well as a number of beach areas.

Thailand is as rich in geographic diversity as it is rich in history and culture. There are few places on earth that offer the visitor so much - jungles and mountains, rivers and countryside, islands and beaches, temples and palaces, cities and technology.

Thailand was for centuries known as ‘Siam’. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a long democratic tradition – political parties and elections. The current monarch is His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej – the world’s longest reigning monarch.

Thailand is a modern country with a thriving economy. Exports include computers, office machine parts, transistors, rubber, motor vehicles, plastic, seafood and rice. Although Thailand is recognized globally as a tourist destination, tourism accounts for only 3.6% of GDP.

Population – 65 million, Area – 198,115 sq mi (513,115 sq km), Currency – Baht (THB, symbol ฿) = 100 Satang, Flight times – New York is a 17 hour flight away, Los Angeles 18 hours and London 12 hours, Cities - Bangkok (capital), Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Time Zone - GMT +7, Weather – Northern and central Thailand have three seasons: hot (March through May), rainy (June through October), and cool (November through February), Southern Thailand has intermittent showers year-round, with daily showers in the rainy season, Thailand's monsoon season generally runs from July into November, Religion – Buddhism (95%), Islam (3.8%), Christianity (0.5%), Hinduism (0.1%), Electricity - 220 volts AC, 50Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

Thailand provides some of the best healthcare facilities at extremely affordable prices. The expertise, friendliness and support provided by the medical system - doctors and nurses - is world renowned. Thailand isn't the number one destination for medical tourism just thanks to its beaches and climate - it also is home to world-class medical facilities and highly skilled doctors and surgeons.

Many doctors in Thailand have trained in the United States and Europe, and many, if not most, speak English fluently (many hospitals employ translation services for those who do not). Top-notch facilities are available in Phuket as well as in Bangkok with technology comparable to that found in American hospitals.

Many of Thailand's modern medical facilities were funded in part by the Rockefeller Foundation, a U.S. based foundation which gives out money to worthy causes worldwide. So much has been invested in Thailand's hospitals that they have received ISO (International Organization for Standardization) accreditation for being run efficiently and professionally. In fact, hospitals in Thailand use pretty much the same equipment and procedures as hospitals in major U.S. and European cities.

While many patients travel to Thailand for major surgeries Thailand is known as a mecca for elective cosmetic surgeries as well. With the fall of the Thai currency in 1997, prices for these procedures are about an eighth or less, depending on the treatment, than what they cost in western countries.

Recovering in Thailand isn't exactly a chore either. Thailand is home to great cuisine, a number of the world's best beaches and the one of the largest shopping centers in Southeast Asia. You can spend your recovery lounging on a beach, taking in the sights or learning about the unique culture and people or Thailand. Thailand is also a great place to go for pre-arranged packages which can schedule your treatment as well as a relaxing vacation on one of Thailand's many beaches while you recover.

Thailand is a very welcoming country, and the Thais themselves are generally very forgiving. That said, you'll have a better time, and get better treatment from those you deal with if you just keep in mind a few basic rules. The most important is: Take it easy! Taking things in stride with a smile will ensure you have a good time and get the best service. Keeping one's cool is considered basic good manners in Thailand, and Thais will often choose to simply not deal with someone who appears visibly angry rather than try to solve their problems.

Many people also have the impression that 'anything goes' in Thailand. It's actually hard to argue with this, but the important thing to remember is that it only applies to things done in private. In public, Thais are rather conservative. This is why one must wear long pants and shirts that aren't too revealing to enter palaces and major temples. Showing too much skin in public anywhere is generally unacceptable. There are very, very few 'nude' beaches in Thailand.

Archaeological evidence so far dates settlement of Thailand back at least 5,000 years. Successive migrations of Mons from the west, Khmer from the east and Tai from the north settled more of the country. By the height of the Khmer kingdom based in Angkor in the 11th century, Cambodia controlled much of what is now Thailand.

By late in the 13th century, Angkor's power was on the wane, and several northern chieftans came together to form the first "Thai" kingdoms of Sukhothai, Lanna and Phayao. Although the period is heavily romanticized by the Thais themselves, a visit to Sukhothai itself demonstrates that there was a significant kingdom established here, capable of erecting huge monuments which must have required a good sized economic and social base to achieve.

Sukhothai flourished and expanded for nearly 200 years, but power eventually shifted southward to Ayuthaya, which was founded in the mid-fourteenth century. Under the 33 kings of Ayuthaya, Thai influence expanded until they held sway over the entire Malay peninsula and much of what is today Laos and Cambodia. During this time, the first formal contacts between Siam and Europe were established, and around Ayuthaya today there are the remains of the Portuguese village as well as a Japanese area.

Late in the 18th century, the Burmese launched an attack on Siam and managed to take Ayuthaya, burning and sacking the entire town. The Thais regrouped under a general named Taksin, who managed to expel the Burmese and then established a new capitol in Thonburi, on the east bank of the Chaophraya river across from what is today Bangkok. Taksin's commander of the army, general Chakri, later returned from subduing rebel provinces in the East to find that Taksin had gone insane.

General Chakri had Taksin executed and himself crowned king Rama I, the first of the Chakri kings that rule Thailand to this day. Rama I moved the capital across the river to the more defensible village of Bangkok. His successors managed to maintain Thailand's independence by dealing away the vassal states - Laos and Cambodia to the French, the Malay peninsula to the British - in the late 19th century. Thailand remained an absolute monarchy up until 1932, when a coup (the first of many) forced a new constitution on the then king Rama VII.

Places of Interest

Bangkok, Thailand's capital, mixes the old with the new while maintaining its position as a modern, international city. Bangkok is perfectly attuned with its modern skyscrapers, ancient palaces and temples, and infamous nightlife. A shopper’s paradise, there’s the famed Chatuchak Weekend Market and shops with everything from handcrafts to luxury items. The excellent cuisine is a also a result of Bangkok’s rich ethnic history.

The cultures and ethnic groups in Chiang Mai reflect Thailand’s diversity: skyscrapers surrounding the Old City, monks chanting, hill tribes selling their wares, carved teak houses, modern markets, and condominiums. This is the place to shop for high-quality handcrafts, fine antiques, huge Buddhas, and even furniture. The nightlife is equally diverse, offering the Night Bazaar, discos, lounges, and small bars. Chiang Mai, meaning ‘new city', is the capital of the north of Thailand and the region's most important town. Ideally situated at the crossroads of northern southeast Asia, it is a bustling transport centre. It is also a great place to hang out in its own right, and an ideal spot from which to launch a trip into the surrounding region to see the hill tribes. Although Chiang Mai is considered Thailand's second city, the lifestyle and atmosphere here is a world away from frenetic Bangkok, particularly in the old quarter, which has retained its traditional wooden houses and tranquil garden spaces. Once the focus for trade in silk, timber and opium, Chiang Mai is now a hub for cross-border trade with Myanmar and Laos. It is also northern Thailand's primary tourist destination. The city's temples are its primary draw, but interestingly these still function as community centres rather than just as museum exhibits. A thriving craft industry, an increasing number of cultural and spiritual learning opportunities, excellent and varied cuisine, lively nightspots and good-value accommodation add to the city's appeal.

Phuket (pronounced "Poo-ket") is Thailand's largest and most popular island. The topology alone is fascinating: rocky peninsulas, limestone cliffs, tropical forests, tranquil bays, and white-sand beaches. There’s a beach for every budget, from luxury resorts to bungalows, and Phuket is well-known for its fine seafood. The Patong nightlife is wild and has something for all tastes and inclinations.

Ko Samui is an international resort with the attendant comforts, nightlife, and crowds. Most visitors come to have fun and the island offers plenty of it: basking on the beaches, trekking in the hills and forests, scuba diving, parasailing, Thai boxing, sightseeing, or watching working monkeys on coconut plantations. The nightlife reverberates with discos, open-air bars, and dance parties.

Near Samui, Ko Pha-ngan is famous for its monthly full-moon beach party hosted by DJs. Popular with international travelers, Pha-ngan offers a full complement of activities from sightseeing to jungle trekking. For a more peaceful vacation, the island also has laid-back resorts.

Must Do’s

Explore Pang Nga Bay by Sea Canoe

This bay, near the resort island of Phuket, is full of fantastical rock formations and mangrove forests. One of the best ways to explore it is by Sea Canoe.

Lumpini Park

This large park in central Bangkok provides many options for outdoor activities.

Phuket Deep Sea Fishing

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but there is excellent fishing to be had in the Andaman sea.

Phuket Diving

Offers a variety of scuba tours, including live-aboard options.

• Take a memorable train trip across the notorious River Kwai Bridge at Kanchanaburi, which was built by Allied prisoners under the direction of the Japanese during WWII (website: www.kanchanaburi-info.com).

• Admire the skills of the kite fighters. Opposing teams fly male Chula and female Pakpao kites in a surrogate battle of the sexes.

• Cast off all cares through traditional meditation. Thailand has dozens of temples and meditation centres specialising in vipassana (insight) meditation. Attend a class for just one day or a retreat lasting several weeks.

• Get to know northern Thailand better, particularly the remote provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son by trekking, riding an elephant or rafting through this spectacular region. Check out the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.

• Enjoy Thailand's spectacular coastline. Have a go at sea canoeing and kayaking through the spectacular limestone islands in Phang Nga Bay and explore the half-submerged caves and grottoes.

• Learn traditional massage and the healing properties of herbal medicine at ancient Wat Pho (website: www.watpho.com).

• Try Thai cooking at one of many cookery schools. Learn how to blend the many herbs and spices that provide the unique flavours of Thai food.

• Take a boat trip through Bangkok's Floating Market, or along the klongs; a network of canals leading off the river, and lined with dwellings opening directly on to the water.

• Dive with the sharks in the aquarium at Bangkok's Siam Ocean World (website: www.siamoceanworld.co.th), and live to tell the tale.

• Have afternoon tea at the Oriental Hotel (website: www.mandarinoriental.com) in Bangkok, one of the most famous hotels in the world. Once the haunt of the likes of Somerset Maughan and Joseph Conrad, it is now frequented by royalty and celebrities.

• Be entertained by the infamous 'lady boys' or katoeys of Bangkok at the outrageous Calypso Cabaret at the Asia Hotel (website: www.calypsocabaret.com).

• Be wowed by the spectacular cultural production of a Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Thailand with hundreds of performers and special effects at Siam Niramit in central Bangkok (website: www.siamniramit.com).

• Join a wine-tasting tour at the Siam Winery near Bangkok (website: www.siamwinery.com).

• Marvel at Bangkok's glittering Grand Palace (website: www.palaces.thai.net/gp) and Wat Phra Kaeo - a temple complex housing the Emerald Buddha. Upriver are the Royal Barges (website: www.thailandmuseum.com), ornate barges used for special processions on the Chao Phraya River.

• Don't miss Wat Pho (website: www.watpho.com), the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and home to the Reclining Buddha. The Buddha's statue is enormous at 46m (150ft) long and 15m (49ft) high.

• Discover the delightful 81-room Vimanmek Palace (website: www.palaces.thai.net) which was once a royal summer retreat that was rebuilt in Bangkok in 1900.

• Travel north to Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city and a centre for excursions to the region's ancient temples, hill tribes and the Golden Triangle. Climb the 300 or so steps to Doi Suthep temple for sweeping views of the city.

• Visit Kanchanaburi, inextricably linked with the horrors of WWII and the allied forces who were forced to build the Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Use the town as a base to explore the area's waterfalls and jungles, and spend the night on a floating raft house.

• Step back in time with a visit to Ayutthaya, once the capital of Thailand. Ramble through the ruined palaces and wats on foot, by bicycle or even on the back of an elephant.

• Head to Phang Nga Bay, which is world-famous for its stunning seascape, with its hundreds of limestone islets emerging from a translucent sea. Easily reached from Phuket, many visitors will recognise scenery featured in the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun.

• Take time to explore the little-visited northeastern part of Thailand, especially Phimai, one of the most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand, dating from the 11th century. The intricate structures bear some resemblance to Angkor Wat and many lintels depict scenes from the epic Ramayana. The story of Prince Rama is one of the most important literary works from ancient India.

• Thailand isn't just beaches and temples. Go on an adventure into Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand. Here dripping rainforest covers majestic limestone formations laced with sparkling streams and waterfalls. Stay in tree houses or on bamboo rafthouses.

 

Hotels

Accommodation styles cover every range, from high-end luxury boutiques to fantastic options for the budget traveller. There is cheap accommodation throughout Bangkok but Banglamphu is the main area for budget accommodation. Hotels outside the capital and developed tourist areas are less lavish but are extremely economical and comfortable. Visitors can book hotels on arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and also at some of the provincial airports.

Bangkok and many tourist destinations around Thailand have some of Asia's finest hotels, with thousands of rooms meeting international standards. Many hotels belong to the large international chains. All luxury hotels have swimming pools, 24-hour room service, air conditioning and a high staff-to-guest ratio. There are many online hotel booking sites which are worth checking out, but also check the hotel's own website for special Internet offers.

Guest Houses

Guest houses with shared bathrooms and no air conditioning are cheap and popular with tourists, as are bungalows, which often have cafes and English-speaking staff on site. Beach bungalows/huts are particularly popular with backpackers and can be found on many of the beaches and islands around Thailand.

Self Catering

Holiday villas and flats can be rented, especially for long-term visitors. For details, look for advertisements in the English-language newspapers or on the Internet before travelling.

Camping/Caravanning

In general, visitors will find that camping in Thailand is not popular, as other accommodation is available at such reasonable prices. Most of Thailand's campsites are in the area of the national parks where tents can be rented; there are also some private tourist resorts which provide camping facilities. Camping is allowed on nearly all of the islands and beaches.

Backpacker Hostels

YMCA and YWCA hostels are located in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and small, cheap hotels are available all over the country.

Accommodation Information

Thai Hotels Association (THA)

203-209/3 Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, Bowonniwet Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Tel: +66-02-281 9496.

Website: www.thaihotels.org

 

Thai Youth Hostels Association

25/14 Phitsanulok Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand

Tel: +66-02-628 7413/5.

Website: www.tyha.org

Credit Cards, ATMs, Traveler’s Checks

Foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, airports, railway stations, ports and major hotels at the official exchange rates.

Credit & Debit Cards: Major credit cards - Visa, Mastercard and American Express, are accepted at most hotels and restaurants. Department stores and other large shops will also generally accept all cards. However, smaller merchants may not accept any cards, or add on the credit card processing fee (3% for Visa and Mastercard, 5% for American Express) to the price of items purchased.

Traveller Cheques: Accepted by all banks and large hotels and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

ATMs:

While widely available, think of your ATM card as a backup measure, since machines are not always as dependable in Costa Rica as you maight expect, and may display compatibility problems. So it's always a good idea to carry some cash.

Shopping

Thailand has long been known as a bargain hunter's paradise. Here's a list of the kinds of things you can get the best deals on, if you remember to bargain!

 

Antiques

Generally speaking, the term "antique" in Thailand refers to goods designed in an old or traditional style. Genuine antiques - things more than 100 years old - require special permission to be taken out of the country. Our advice is to ignore the purported age of an item when negotiating the price, and if the seller insists on an unreasonably high price because of an item's age, ask to see the export permit for the item from the Department of Fine Arts. If the shop-keeper says they will provide a letter saying the piece is a reproduction, then you're advised to leave the shop right away.

As is probably obvious, prices for "antiques" can be outrageous in places that cater to tourists. Don't be afraid to offer half or even a third of the initial asking price, if you think it's high. Don't be afraid to walk away if the merchant isn't coming down enough in their price, it's the quickest way to get them to change their minds!

 

Bags and Luggage

Handbags, backpacks, wallets, purses, briefcases and suitcases in just about every size and style can be purchased in markets throughout the kingdom for a small fraction of the price you might pay elsewhere. Its quite easy to pick up a good backpack suitable for use as a catch-all / camera bag in your travels for less than US$5.

Leather items can also be found in abundance, especially in tourist areas. Prices are competitive and quality is usually quite good.

 

Clothing

Thailand is a major clothing manufacturer and exporter. A wide range of garments are made, from "K-mart specials" to designer goods. Locally made goods will usually be much cheaper than imported name brand items, although not as cheap as the many no-name products available.

When buying clothing designed mainly for the local market, you will need to keep in mind that, although Thai clothing is usually sized according to the US system of 'S' for small, 'M' for medium and so on, these sizes generally run one size smaller than their standard American usage. In other words, if you normally wear medium sized items, you will probably have to purchase large sizes in Thailand.

Men with a waist bigger than 34 will likely have a very hard time finding clothes that fit in most stores. However, you will find a few specialty stores at most shopping malls around the country where you can find casual clothing to fit. Keep an eye out for "Export Shops" or "XL for Men". These are effectively small outlet shops where, curiously, most of the items are made in Cambodia. You may not find much selection, but you will find name brands such as Old Navy, Eddie Baur and Izod.

Fabrics

Thai silk is world famous for its vibrant colors and patterns, not to mention its price. You can purchase silk in the north and northeast where its made, or you can often get it just as cheaply in Bangkok. A visit to one of the "factories" just outside of Chiang Mai is a must, although these are generally showcases for tourists and not real factories.

Tailor shops also abound in just about every tourist area of Thailand. You can have shirts, suits, dresses or whatever you can imagine made to order, and often ready within 24 hours. Be wary of shops touted by taxi drivers, etc. They're almost never very good. Another tip is to avoid places offering deals too good to be true, such as a suit for $25. The work is often slipshod.

Cotton has increased greatly in popularity recently. There are traditional patterns of woven colored thread as well as many variations on the popular "raw" weaves that are useful for jackets and upholstery.

Gold

You will find gold shops in every city of the kingdom. Thais, like most Asians, buy gold as a savings mechanism - sort of an alternative to banks. Because of this, the gold sold in gold shops is pure 24 karat solid gold, or at least it's supposed to be. Attempts to sell plated items as solid gold are not unknown, so it's wise to be on your guard.

Pure gold is quite yellow compared to the 18 karat gold that is more common for jewelry in the west. The color alone is not to everyone's taste. Add to that pure gold's inherent softness, which can make pieces difficult to maintain and frequently in need of repair, and you have reason to consider whether or not pure gold jewelry is right for you. While the workmanship of gold items can be quite fine, it accounts for nothing when it's sold. The price of an item is based solely on its weight. The unit of measurement for the sale of gold is the Baht - the same as the currency. One Baht weight of gold is 15 grams, a tiny bit less than half an ounce. Most gold shops will have their buying and selling rates posted outside the shop.

Jewelry

Thailand is a major exporter of gems and gemstones; and in recent years has developed the industry of cutting, finishing and setting stones as well. You'll find jewelry stores in any tourist area, and in Bangkok there are several centers specializing in almost nothing but jewelry. While prices are very competitive, common sense is highly advised. A deal that sounds too good to be true probably is. The "resale" value of a stone may be exaggerated. Our advice, as always, is to determine an item's value to you and don't pay more than that. Don't consider an item's purported resale value, age or other factors.

Lacquer ware

This traditional craft has evolved with the times, although old style goods are still widely available. Some of the nicest Thai items are those with mother of pearl inlaid in black lacquer. You'll find this technique used in temple doors as well as bowls, boxes and other items for daily use. The modern variations include bright metallic finishes that can make a simple piece the focal point of a room.

Silver and Bronze

You'll find silver shops throughout the kingdom, and several "factories" outside of Chiang Mai where you can find just about anything you can imagine in silver. Most silver jewelry and almost all place settings, frames, trays, etc. are sterling silver, often labeled "925" meaning they are made of 92.5% pure silver. Some jewelry items as well as buttons on traditional style costumes are made with ”old" silver, which is a traditional method yielding a lower silver content. Such items are usually easy to recognize as they lack the luster of sterling, sometimes coming close to pewter in color and finish.

Wood Carving

Traditional Thai houses are made of wood, so the Thais have developed wood carving to a high art. You'll find a large number of shops in the north selling furniture as well as decorative items, all hand carved. You needn't worry about getting large items home, as most shops in major tourist centers have facilities to ship items for you.