Thailand is an exotic country in Southeast Asia that It shows a beautiful mixture of Thai and Western culture. You can see skyscrapers and Buddhist temples stand side by side in Thailand’s major cities. Bordered by Laos, Cambodia and Burma, Thailand is also famous for its gorgeous beaches and natural wonders. In addition, the Land of Smiles is home to happy and hospitable Thai people.

Fast Facts

Languages: Thai

Currency: Thai Baht

Visa

For a short visit, Thailand has a visa-free policy. It allows visitors from 52 countries, with maximum 30 days if they come through the international airport and maximum 15 days if they come through land border. A complete list of visa-free countries can be found on www.thaiembassy.com.

How to Get There

From abroad, you can go to Thailand through these six international airports:

Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the largest airport across the country and the popular gateway for visitors. It is located in Samut Prakan, 40 minutes driving from Bangkok.

There are many types of transportation you can get to travel to and from the airports. These include buses, trains, taxis, airport transfers, and other private arrangements.

Getting Around

There are various public transportation that is normally used in Thailand: bus, taxi, tuk tuk, or motorcycle taxi. You can also choose to rent your own vehicle like motorcycles or cars for convenience and comfort.

If you are taking a bus, keep in mind that Thailand has no bus stops. You can get on and off anywhere, as long as you pay for your ride. Meanwhile, metered taxis can be found only in Bangkok. In other cities, taxi fare depends on agreement. If you use shared taxi, the fare is equally divided among the passengers.

Motorcycle taxi or more-deu-sai ráp jâng in Thai, on the other hand, is the best choice for short distance ride. It can be found easily at the crossroads. The drivers wear numbered t-shirt, easier to be identified.

Tuk tuk is similar to bajaj in Indonesia, but with a slightly larger size and more comfortable seats. It can be found easily all over Thailand. Tuk tuk is used sometimes to pick up visitors from or to the hotel.

Things to Do in Thailand

Depending on what you want to explore in Thailand, there are many things you can do in each and every one of its cities, islands, and beaches.

The capital city, Bangkok, is the largest city in Thailand. It is one of the world’s best tourist destinations cities, with millions of visitors each year. Many visitors come to see the spectacular Bangkok’s nightlife, taste its delicious street foods and enjoy Thai massage.

Chiang Mai is one of the most modern cities in Thailand. It offers the beauty of contrast between Thai and western culture. You can see hundreds of temples, lots of condominiums and malls, surrounded by lush mountains scenery. Located 200 kilometres or 5five hours driving from Chiang Mai is Chiang Rai. The city is not as crowded as Chiang Mai and famous for its spicy food.

Meanwhile, Ayutthaya is located 76 kilometres north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya was Thailand’s capital city before being destroyed by the Burmese. The city was never built again and UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site in 1991.

For beach lovers, Phuket is one of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand. Known as “The Pearl of The Andaman Sea,” Phuket boasts famous beaches and vibrant nightlife. No one can also ignore the beauty of Phi Phi Island. It is located in Phuket and it will look like it appears from the sea if you come by boat. Other great beaches include Pattaya, Koh Samui, Krabi, and more.

Some of the notable cultural attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Big Buddha. The Grand Palace functioned as the kings’ residence. Now, the palace is used for ceremonies. You can see the sacred Buddha statue or visit Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred temple in Thailand, inside the palace area.

Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn is located in the west bank of the Chao Praya River. Contrary to its name, Wat Arun looks the most beautiful at sunset. You must see the temple’s stunning silhouette on the horizon from across the river. Meanwhile, the Giant Buddha statue as high as 45 metres sits on Nakkerd Hill, Phuket. The statue is covered by sparkling white marble considered as a symbol of hope.

Where to Stay in Thailand

Thailand offers a diverse selection of accommodation wherever you are in the country. You can choose from 5-star hotels, unique Thai-style properties, budget-friendly hostels, resorts, or even homestays. Your choice of accommodation will depend on which area you want to base yourself and. It can be hotels near tourist attractions, accessible by public transport, somewhere quiet, or anywhere as long as it will fit your budget.

Nightlife in Thailand

Thailand is known as one of the best places in the world for an exciting nightlife. Whether you’re having fun in the city or revelling at the beaches, you’ll definitely have a great time. The top five destinations for an unforgettable nightlife in Thailand are in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.

Meanwhile, one of Thailand’s legendary nightlife happens during the Full Moon Party at Koh Pha-Ngan. This is an all-night beach party is held each month when there’s a full moon and attended by tourists.

Thailand Travel Tips