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Thailand is located in South-East Asia. It is bordered by Laos, Cambodia and Burma. Thailand’s total area is approximately 514,000 km2, divided into 76 provinces.
Thailand is an exotic country. 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.
Thai people are friendly to visitors. They are mostly Buddhist, while the rest are Moslem, Christian and Hindu. Most of them are Thai ethnicity, while the rest are Chinese, Indian, Malay, etc.
Main areas in Thailand
Thailand is divided into five main areas: Northern Thailand, Central Thailand, Southern Thailand, Eastern Thailand and Northeast Thailand.
Some of the major cities are:
Bangkok
The capital city, Bangkok, is the largest city in Thailand. It is one of the world’s best tourist destinations cities, with millions visitors each year. Many visitors come to see the spectacular Bangkok’s nightlife, taste its delicious street foods and enjoy Thai massage.
Chiang Mai
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.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is located 200 kilometers or 5 hours driving from Chiang Mai. The city is not as crowded as Chiang Mai and famous for its spicy food.
Ayutthaya
It is located 76 kilometers in the northern 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.
Phuket
Known as “The Pearl of The Andaman Sea”, Phuket is the most beautiful popular island in Thailand. Phuket boast its famous beaches and joyous nightlife.
Pattaya
Pattaya is located in the eastern gulf of Thailand, about 100 kilometers from Bangkok. Besides its stunning beaches, the city is famous for its nightlife and the ladyboy cabaret.
History of Thailand
Formerly known as Siam, the country now has a lot of names; Thailand, Mueang Thai and Ratcha Anachak Thai.
Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that has never been colonized by the Europeans. On 24 June 1932, Thai government has changed from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. The first constitution was signed by King Prajadhipok on 10 December 1932.
Thailand currency
Thailand’s currency is called Thai baht (THB).
How to get there
There are several ways to go to Thailand:
By plane
From abroad, you can go to Thailand through these six international airports:
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK) in Bangkok
- Don Muang (DMK) in Bangkok
- Chiang Mai (CNX) in Chiang Mai
- Hat Yai (HDY) in Hat Yai
- Chiang Rai (CEI) in Chiang Rai
- Pukhet (HKT) in Phuket
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.
Airport facilities:
- Luggage care
- Money changer
- Tourist information
- Post and telecommunication offices
- Free WiFi
- Internet café
- Electric car service (Buggy)
- Prayer room
- Smoking area
- Disabled toilets and other facilities for the elderly
Transportation to and from Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Taxi
Taxi stands are located on first floor of Passenger Terminal, at gate 4 and 7. If you choose a metered taxi, you have to add THB 50 as a driver’s tip.
Airport Rail Link
Airport Rail Link serves routes between Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Phaya Thai Station with six stops including:
- Rajaprarop Station
- Makkasan Station
- Ramkhanhaeng Station
- Hua Maak Station
- Tubchang Station
- Lardkrabang Station
It takes around 30 minutes to go to Lardkrabang Station from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Fares start from THB 15 to THB 45 baht.
The Express Lines are also available at:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport Express – Makkasan (Makkasan Express Line)
It takes around 15 minutes to go to Makkasan Station from Suvarnahbhumi International Airport.
Fares
One way: THB 90
Round-trip: THB 150
- Suvarnabhumi Airport Express – Phaya Thai (Phaya Thai Express Line)
It takes around 17 minutes to go to Phaya Thai Station from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Fares
One way: THB 90
Round-trip: THB 150
Bus
BMTA and Bor Khor Sor Bus operate to and from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The two serve different routes.
Several routes passed by Bor Khor Sor:
- 389 Suvarnabhumi Airport - Leamchabang – Pattaya
- 390 Suvarnabhumi Airport - Chachoengsau - Rongklua Market
- 825 Suvarnabhumi Airport - Nakhonratchasima – Khonkhaen – Udonthani –Nongkhai
Fares depend on distance.
Departure hours: 05:40 – 21:00
Several routes passed by BMTA:
- 550 Suvarnabhumi Airport - Happy Land
- 555 Suvarnabhumi Airport - Rangsit
- 558 Suvarnabhumi Airport - Samae Dam Garage
Fares start from THB 24 to THB 35.
Departure hours: depends on destinations.
(Prices may change at any time)
By land transportation
You can go to Thailand by bus or train directly from Cambodia, Laos and Burma.
By boat
From Indonesia, there is a ferry trip from Padang to Phuket. It is available only from November to May, passing through these islands:
- Ko Phi Phi
- Ko Lanta
- Ko Ngai
- Ko Muk
- Ko Bulon
- Ko Lipe
- Langkawi
- Penang
The journey takes around 5 days.
Visa to Thailand
Visitors who come to Thailand for business, investment, medical treatment, study or work must apply for visa through Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General.
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.
Thailand also allows Visa on Arrival for 19 countries with the following requirements:
- The visit is surely for tourism purposes.
- Visitor must possess a return ticket within 15 or maximum 30 days after arrival.
- Visitor must prove that he/she has minimum THB 10,000 funds per person or THB 20,000 per family.
Visa on Arrival costs THB 1,000 per person.
List of countries that require Visa on Arrival:
- Bhutan
- China
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Hungary
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Poland
- Saudi Arabia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Taiwan
- Ukraine
Public Transportation in Thailand
There are various public transportations that is normally used in Thailand:
Bus
Thailand has no bus stops. You can get on and off anywhere, as long as you pay for your ride.
Taxi
Metered taxi can be found only in Bangkok. In other cities, taxi fare depends on agreement. If you use share taxi, the fare is equally divided among the passengers.
Motorcycle taxi
Motorcycle taxi or mor-deu-sai ráp jâng in Thai 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
Tuk tuk is similar to bajaj in Indonesia, but with 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.
Weather in Thailand
Thailand’s weather tends to be warm and humid, similar to other Southeast Asian regions. Thailand has three seasons:
- Hot season (March – May)
- Rainy season (June – October)
- Cool season (November – February)
The average temperature is 19-38 degrees Celsius. The best time to come to Thailand is around November until May.
Language used in Thailand
Thai is the official language of Thailand, but 82% of population speaks in regional dialects. Other languages such as Malay, Lao and Khmer are also spoken in several provinces.
Tourist attraction in Thailand
These are several tourist attractions in Thailand:
Madame Tussauds Bangkok
Madame Tussauds Bangkok is one of the famous Madame Tussauds museums in the world.
Entrance fee: THB 800
Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Siam Ocean World
Siam Ocean World is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia. The main aquarium is as big as three Olympic-size swimming pools. Siam Ocean World has more than 30,000 marine biotas.
Entrance fee: THB 1100
Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00 (last entry at 20:00)
(Prices may change at any time)
Phi Phi Island
No one can 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.
Cultural tourist attractions in Thailand
These are some of the cultural tourist attractions in Thailand:
Grand Palace
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.
Please dress properly when you visit Grand Palace.
Entrance fee: THB 500
Wat Arun
Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn is located in the west bank of 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. Entrance fee: THB 30
Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:30
(Prices may change at any time)
Big Buddha
There is a Giant Buddha statue as high as 45 meters sitting on Nakkerd Hill, Phuket. The statue is covered by sparkling white marble considered as a symbol of hopes.
Culinary in Thailand
Thailand’s culinary is famous for its sour and spicy taste.
These are some recommended culinary in Thailand:
Tom Yam
Tom yam is a clear, sour and spicy soup. Tom yang kung (with seafood ingredients) is the most popular. The second popular is tom yam nam khon, with milk or coconut milk added.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is fried rice vermicelli seasoned with tamarind, dried shrimp, red pepper, brown sugar, and garlic. It is often mixed with vegetables, seafood or chicken.
Thai Tea
Thai tea is the most popular beverage, easily be found anywhere in Thailand. It is made from black tea, sweetened condensed milk and sugar. Thai tea is best served with ice.
Red Ruby
Red ruby is a Thai dessert consisting of pearl sago, water chestnut and jackfruit. It is similar to “es campur” in Indonesia, but with coconut milk added. You can neutralize the spicy flavors of Thai food by having red ruby after meal.
Travel Tips in Thailand
- If you’re a backpacker, come to Khaosan Road, Bangkok. This area has many cheap hotels, spectacular nightclubs and delicious street foods.
- If you plan to visit both Madame Tussauds and Siam Ocean Park in Bangkok, you better buy a combo ticket with 30% discount. Buying the tickets online is usually cheaper
- If you like martial arts, you can try Thai Boxing or Muay Thai. Sasiprapa Gym in Bangkok offers practice session for tourist.
