A taste of Thailand

Fondly known as 'the land of smiles', Thailand is commonly associated with gorgeous golden sand, palm-lined beaches, warm aquamarine waters, glorious temples and verdant jungle-clad mountains. With sixteen million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand is the primary travel hub of Southeast Asia, offering a diverse range attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether exploring the teeming metropolis of Bangkok, relaxing on the tropical beaches of the southern islands, scuba diving in the underwater wonderland off the coast of Koh Tao, jungle trekking in the North, or discovering the ancient cities of Chiang Mai, Thailand is filled with attractions to satisfy any interest.

Currency

Local currency: Thai Baht
Symbol: ฿
ISO code: THB
Banknotes: ฿20, ฿50, ฿100, ฿500, ฿1000
Coins: ฿1, ฿2, ฿5, ฿10

Banking

Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Weekends: Closed, except for some mall and airport branches. Check hours with individual banks.
Public Holidays:Closed, except for some mall and airport branches.
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air:

Main airlines: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, Nok Air, AirAsia.
International Airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok), Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok), Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport.
Domestic Airports: Chiang Mai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Krabi Airport, Udon Thani Airport, Surat Thani Airport.

Road:

Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes, in rural areas.
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus:

Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes

Rail:

Railway system: Yes
Subway System: Yes (in Bangkok)

Water:

Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes

Food and water safety:

Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, but wash or peel before eating.
Ice: Yes, generally safe.
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes

Local cuisine:

Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavours, aromatic spices, and balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty tastes. Must-try highlights include dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Green Curry, and Som Tum (papaya salad). Popoular local drinks include Thai iced tea, Singha beer, and coconut water.
Tipping: 10-15%

Annual rainfall: 1500 - 3000 mm - varies by region.
Average temperature: 28°C

Summer:

Average highs: 33°C
Average lows: 24°C

Winter:

Average highs: 32°C
Average lows: 21°C

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, during the cool and dry season, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Spring and Summer

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No, but could be useful for Northern Thailand in winter (Nov–Feb) and for air-conditioned spaces.

Winter and Autumn

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No

General

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes

Internet cafes: Yes, less common now due to widespread Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and malls.
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes

Plug Type: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type O 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.