Thailand
Thailand has a fantastic mix of cultures, great night life, bustling markets, golden beaches with warm waters, lush green jungle and unrivalled cuisine, it is evident why it is such a popular destination for backpackers. As the pound and dollar are so strong against the Baht you can be sure to grab a bargain.
| Currency: | Baht |
|---|---|
| Language: | Thai |
| Capital: | Bangkok |
| Time Zone: | GMT/UTC +7 |
| Population: | 63,000,000 |
| VISA: | Most nationalities are allowed entry for 30 days on arrival |
Money Savers
1 Some of the cheapest and best food can be found along the street being cooked on stalls by locals. Grilled meats and noodles are popular options and can be bought much cheaper than in a restuarant or bar.
2 Try and time your travelling so your visit to Thailand coincides with when you need a hair cut. Men can easily get a cut and shave for £1.50 ( $2.50). Girls you can get a pedicure or manicure for a similar price.
3 To get around quickly and cheaply jump in a Tuk Tuk. A Tuk Tuk is Thailand's answer to a taxi except it is a bike with a small carriage/bench on the back. Make sure you agree a price before you get on to avoid an argument at your destination but well worth a trip just for the novelty.
Must See And DoBangkok is a must for any traveller in Thailand. The sights and sounds of this bustling city will leave you wanting more. Whether you are haggling in the markets for a bargain, visiting the Royal Grand Palace for a bit of culture or heading out on the town for some nightlife, this capital city ticks all the boxes.
Krabi is a great destination in south Thailand for beach lovers. This area boasts brilliant golden sandy beaches and uninterrupted sun, sea and sand when out of the rainy season. Be sure to get out onto the water island hopping for a day on Thailand’s many close knit yet unspoilt islands. Be sure to visit Ko Phi Phi to take a plunge with the tropical fish a visit one of the locations of the movie 'The Beach'.
The Grand Palace, Thailand
Khao Sok National Park located in southern Thailand is a great place to join a tour group. Accessible by train, it is a great opportunity to experience the dense jungle of Asia. There is accommodation in the National Park and great local food so you will not go hungry. You can ride elephants or go tubing down the river as monkeys follow in the tree tops. There is plenty to do during the day before the jungle comes alive at night!
Ko Pha-Ngan Ah yes, the full moon party. Ko Pha-Ngan is now famous world wide for its monthly wild parties held on the beach. Alcohol is cheap and the music is loud lasting until day break when you can wash away the morning after the night before feeling with a refreshing dip in the sea. What more could you ask for.
Phuket is the largest of Thailand's many islands but perhaps not a top spot for tourists or backpackers out to see the sights and sounds. It is a very good loaction for a break or a bit of relaxation on a long trip. Sandy beaches and good, cheap accommodation can be found if you just need to be lazy for a week and not break the bank.
Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand. It is not as humid as in Bangkok and not as frantic either. There are two main regions to Chiang Mai; the old city and the new city if you like. The old city is quiet and has pretty guest houses which are quite popular with backpackers while the new city, or down town if you prefer, has plenty of action both day and night. A must is to visit the night bazaar on Chang Klan Road. This is a large night market which has the hustle and bustle of Bangkok's Kho Sang Road. Pick up all you souvenirs, DVD's and fake handbags here. If you have had enough of the markets and stalls then wander around the many temples and monuments in the Old City.
Monkey Island, Krabi
In northern Thailand the weather is mostly dry between November and May. The monsoon season dominates the remainder of the year where the north experiences heavy rainfall.
On the south west coast the rain falls from April to October and on the south east coast the rain falls between September and December.
Vaccinations
| Disease | Required? | See doctor |
| Hepititus A | Yes | 2 weeks before travel |
| Diphtheria | Yes | 3 months before travel |
| Typhoid | Sometimes | 10 days before travel |
| Yellow Fever | Certificate may be required on arrival | 10 days before travel |
| Hepititus B | Sometimes | 2 months before travel |
| Rabies | Sometimes | 1 month before travel |
Festivals
Thailand has numerous festivals all year round. Thai new year happens in April and it is celebrated with an annual water fight which is unusual but would be great to be a part of. Another good festival to be a part of is the Kwai Bridge festival held in Kanchanaburi in late November. Dramatic light shows and costume are plentiful.
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