Epic Classic Thailand

The Royal Kingdom of Thailand offers something for everyone. Its historic culture, lively arts, beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, friendly and hospitable people and with one of the best cuisines in the world makes Thailand a fascinating country to visit.

Most visitors get their first introduction to the country in Bangkok, the “City of Angels”. A contrast to its traditional sister cities, Bangkok is a glitzy metropolis with towering skyscrapers, gleaming shopping malls, hip restaurants and international nightclubs. From Bangkok, most visitors head either north or south. Northern destinations include the former capital city of Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle. The north is known for its fantastic trekking possibilities, colourful hill tribes, and peaceful Lanna culture. In recent years, Chiang Mai has become a centre for learning with places offering classes in Thai culture like Thai massage, Thai cooking, fruit carving, meditation, and yoga. Southern Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, most notably Krabi, Koh Samui, and Phuket. Luxury resorts along with lively entertainment and international restaurants are a common feature at these beach destinations. Thailand offers an endless array of activities and attractions which is the reason why many travellers make more than one visit to this fascinating country.

Please ensure your passport is valid more than 6 months from the date of return for every country you are visiting. Please also ensure there is sufficient space in your passport to allow for all immigration procedures, taking note that some South East Asian countries take up a full page for the visa sticker and need yet more space on a separate page for entry & exist stamps.

Kindly note that visa service is not included in our proposal. Please contact Epic for any visa service or guidance. 

Thailand: The visa is free and obtainable on arrival for most nationalities; however Mexican nationals must apply in advance.

CURRENCY: Thailand’s currency, the Baht (THB), typically trades around 35 Baht to 1 US Dollar. US Dollars are not accepted in shops, restaurants, taxis, etc. Therefore, currency should be exchanged to Thai Baht for use within Thailand.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE counters can be widely found in the major tourist areas. For more remote areas and small towns, it is better to bring local currency with you.  If you are not changing at a local bank, please check several counters to gauge the exchange rate.

ATMs: You will have no trouble finding ATMs in Bangkok or other major tourist centres including Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui. It can, however, be difficult to find an ATM if you are travelling to a remote region of the country. If you are unsure, it is wise to bring adequate funds in Thai Baht.

CREDIT CARDS: The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa and MasterCard, followed by AMEX and JCB.  Credit card fraud can be a problem, so please exercise caution and do not allow vendors to take your credit card out of your sight.

Motor vehicles are well equipped with air conditioning and modern. Luxury cars such as Mercedes or limousine are available for hire but incur an extra charge. Wearing a seatbelt in Thailand is the law and it is a common practice.

HEALTH: Please consult your doctor to discuss your particular health or immunisation requirements. For further information, please refer to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov

MEDICAL: Thailand’s major cities have health care that meets international standards. However, if you find yourself in need of medical attention in a rural region, public hospitals may be unsanitary. If a problem arises where you are in need of medical attention, the best option is to visit an international clinic. Please contact your hotel or guide for information on clinic services and to find one that is appropriate for Western visitors.

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION:  A Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate is only required for travellers coming from – or in transit through an airport of – a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The vaccination requirement is imposed by this country for protection against yellow fever since the principal mosquito vector Aedes aegypti is present in its territory.

If you are visiting Vietnam and you live in or have travelled through a yellow fever zone, then you need to have a yellow fever certificate to show that you have been vaccinated against the illness.  When you arrive in Vietnam, you will be asked for your yellow fever certificate. You need to show this at the medical counter before queuing for immigration.

Check to see if you have been in any of these places during the last six months. Please consult your doctor to discuss your particular health or immunisation requirements.

AFRICA - Risk of yellow fever transmission exists in these countries:

Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda.

AMERICAS - Risk of yellow fever transmission exists in these countries:

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.

Validity of Certificate:  A yellow fever certificate is valid for ten years after vaccination.

Children: A vaccination certificate is required for children over one year of age.

Common Procedure:

1.   Complete yellow fever form

2.   Wait in queue for an assigned health counter

3.   Submit required documents to immigration officer and proceed to arrival immigration counter

• Thailand is quite a safe country. Petty theft is a problem in tourist centres, and violent crime against foreigners, while rare, does occur.
• When possible, secure your valuables in the hotel safe. Remember to record your traveller’s cheque numbers and credit card info - just in case.
• Do not leave your wallet or mobile phone in the back pocket of your pants or anywhere else that’s easily reached (like an outer zip-up compartment on a backpack). Be especially vigilant in markets and other crowded places like ports and train stations.
• If you take a tuk tuk (motorized three-wheeler) negotiate the price ahead of time.
• Some taxi drivers will refuse to turn on their car’s meters. If this happens, we recommend that you get out of the taxi and find another driver who charges according to the meter.
• Turn down offers for cheap gemstones. Many travellers have fallen prey to gemstone scams. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Tuk tuk drivers who offer very cheap tours will take you on a tour of shops, then collect a commission on your purchases. Thailand’s Tourist Police advises visitors to turn down all offers of free shopping or sightseeing help from strangers.
• As anywhere, use common sense and don’t walk alone after dark. If confronted by a mugger, do not resist. You’re always better off skipping tuk tuk at night; ask your hotel or restaurant to call a reputable taxi firm.
• Traffic is chaotic. If you choose to ride a motorcycle or bike, wear a helmet. Remember that traffic drives on the left in Thailand so take extra care when crossing the street.
• A long-running civil disturbance has blighted the far southern provinces of Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani. Foreigners at no stage have been particularly targeted, but these  provinces should not be considered as safe for extended touring in remote, rural areas. The area is considered safe to travel through but not to stay overnight.

Use only bottled or boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Unpasteurised milk should also be boiled, although pasteurised or homogenised milk is available. Tinned or powdered milk is safe as long as it is reconstituted with sterile water. Beware of dairy products that may have been made with unboiled milk. Stick to meat and fish that have been well cooked, preferably served hot, but not reheated. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit.

Thai food is traditionally fairly hot and spicy, but most tourist restaurants tend to tone down the heat for the more fragile Western palate. Most Thai food is prepared with fresh ingredients such as lemon grass and coriander and rice is commonly eaten with most meals. Popular fruits are papaya, jackfruit, mangosteens, rambutans, pomelos (similar to grapefruits) and, above all, durians, which farangs (foreigners) either love or hate. The thorny fruits have a rather malodorous scent which has even resulted in many hotels banning them from their premises.

Excellent food can be found at the stalls of the many street vendors around the country as well as top-notch eateries. There are also many Asian and European restaurants throughout the major cities and smaller towns.

Thailand can best be described as tropical and humid for the majority of the country during most of the year. The area of Thailand north of Bangkok has a climate determined by three seasons while the southern peninsular region of Thailand has only two.

NORTHERN THAILAND (SUKHOTHAI, CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI)

In northern Thailand the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and May, the weather is mostly dry, however this is broken up into the periods November to February and March to May. The later of these two periods has higher temperatures. The other northern season is from May to November and is dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time rainfall in the north is at its heaviest. The average high temperature for this region is 32ºC (90ºF) and average low is 21ºC (70ºF), although it can drop down to as low as 8ºC (46ºF) in the winter months.

Please note: It can sometimes be smoky during February and March (in Northern Thailand) when local people burn the rice fields and forests to prepare for the annual crops. This may affect visibility and result in minor respiratory irritation.

CENTRAL (BANGKOK, AYUTHAYA)

The central region of Thailand has a hot, tropical climate with daytime temperature reaching the mid-30 ºC (91ºF) throughout the year. November to February is the driest time of year and the most popular with tourists. March, April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season runs from May to October. During the wet season short showers are likely during the afternoon, though some days it will rain all day.

SOUTHERN (KOH SAMUI, KRABI, PHUKET)

The southern region of Thailand really has only two seasons - the wet and the dry. These seasons do not run at the same time on the east and west sides of the peninsular. On the west coast the southwest monsoon brings rain from May through to October, whilst on the east coast the most rain falls between September and December. The average high temperature is 33ºC (91ºF) and average low is 25ºC (77ºF).

In general, the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February when the northeast monsoon is blowing cool dry air. During this cool season, the temperature ranges from 18ºC (64ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF) in Bangkok, while in northern and northeast Thailand, temperatures can get quite cool with morning temperatures as low as 8º C (46ºF) to 12º C (54ºF) with the occasional 20ºC (68F) day. Nights can be particularly chilly and at high altitudes the temperatures can and do drop below freezing.

Since the weather is consistently warm throughout the country, it is advisable to bring comfortable lightweight, loose fitting, cotton clothing and long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and the sun.

During the rainy season, an umbrella and open-toe sandals are recommended. Thailand is a very casual country and a lightweight jacket may only be needed in the more upmarket hotels and restaurants. A hat and high-factor sun block is advisable for protection against the hot sun when sightseeing.

T-shirts and knee length shorts are acceptable for visiting temples or pagodas.

Thailand has 220V, 50Hz electricity. Wall outlets are usually the round, two-pin type, although some fit two flat blades. In all countries protect sensitive electronic equipment like laptops from power fluctuations by using a surge-protector.

BUDDHA IMAGES IN THAILAND: According to Thai Law, foreigners are not allowed to take any Buddha images out of the country. However, if you can produce proof of purchase with a certificate and receipt from the shop, customs may allow you to take the image out but this is not guaranteed and Trails of Indochina cannot influence the decision of the Thai Customs Department. Please be aware that if you are travelling through Thailand and have Buddha images from other countries, i.e. Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam, Thai Customs Officials will require the same proof of purchase. Trails of Indochina cannot assist with Thailand Customs department and cannot be held accountable for any confiscated items.

CULTURAL ETIQUETTE: For men and women greeting either men or women of the same approximate age, greeting those of higher social status (monks, teachers, doctors, government big- shots), or greeting someone who is your elder - the “wai” (hands are placed in a prayer position and then touched to somewhere between the chest and top of the head) is used.

• In Thailand, revealing clothing is unacceptable off the beach. Shorts are generally fine—as long as they aren’t too short.
• When visiting pagodas and temples, shorts and tank-tops are unacceptable. Your knees and shoulders must be covered. Footwear and socks must be removed in religious sites. Shoes are often removed upon entering private homes too. Visitors to the Royal Palace in Bangkok are required to wear closed-toe shoes, long pants (or skirts) and sleeved tops. Some upscale nightclubs and restaurants in Bangkok will refuse entry to men wearing flip-flops.
• For women, it is best to avoid touching or sitting next to monks.
• The Thais are devoted to their royal family. It is unacceptable to make disparaging comments about the monarchy. Everyone is expected to stand upon hearing the national or royal anthem. If you go to a movie in Thailand, you should stand during the tribute to the king.
• Thai people are deeply religious, and that for most of them, Buddhism plays an important role in their lives. Buddhism and traditional values place great importance on family, friends and social harmony.

E-CIGARETTES: The Thailand Foreign Office warns that any e-cigarettes found by Thai officials are likely to be confiscated, with the owner fined or sent to prison for up to ten years.  In November 2014, Thailand approved legislation outlawing the import of e-cigarettes into the country. This has since been expanded to the export as well as sale of e-smoking devices and equipment. Although it is common to see people vaping in Thailand offenders are technically breaking the law as possession is illegal.

• Please be informed that tourists cannot bring vaporisers (like e-cigarettes and e- baraku) or refills into Thailand.
• These items are likely to be confiscated and they could be fined or sent to prison for up to 10 years if convicted.
• The sale or supply of e-cigarettes and similar devices is also banned and they could face a heavy fine or up to 5 years imprisonment if found guilty.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: It is highly recommended that all clients obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance. Please provide Epic with a copy of your insurance policy prior to travel. If you require assistance in obtaining travel insurance please contact us.  Policies should be checked to ensure that they include ALL medical situations as well as the following:

• Hospitalisation and repatriation
• Cancellation
• Missed flight connections
• Loss of baggage
• Loss/breakage of valuables such as cameras (care should be taken on rough roads)

TOILETRIES: Imported beauty products are readily available in Bangkok and tourist centres. If you plan to venture to remote areas, bring staples like sunscreen, contact lens solution, tampons and mosquito repellent, as well as prescription medication. It is advised that your prescription medication is in its original box with the label along with the prescription to avoid any complications that may arise at Customs. Many medicines are available in Southeast Asia without prescriptions. If you plan to purchase medication, choose a reputable supplier and read the labels carefully, particularly paying attention to expiration date, but they may be out-of-date or of poor quality. In Bangkok, chains like Boots and Watsons are good places to stock up on western toiletries and medicines.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: You should bring a money-belt to safely carry your travel documents and cash, and ensure that your luggage has a lock. Bring photo-copies of your passport and visa, plus some extra passport-sized photos if you’re applying for visas to other countries. When flying into or within Thailand, you will probably be given baggage claim tags (they will be stuck to the back of your ticket). Keep these, as you will need to show them when leaving the airport.

PACKING ESSENTIALS: What you take will naturally depend upon where you are travelling, and it can often be difficult to decide what to pack, nevertheless the following should act as a useful checklist of essential items worth thinking about taking.

• Passport – Ensure that it is valid and in good condition with empty pages available.  Make a photocopy as well
• Copy of visa approval letter (if visa is to be obtained on arrival)
• Insurance – Ensure that it will be valid for the whole journey
• Passport Photos – Will invariably be needed for identification passes and certain overseas visas
• Debit/credit card cancellation numbers
• Air tickets and Itinerary
• Money belt – Ensure that it is discrete and comfortable to wear
• First Aid kit - Basic travel kit to cover basic mishaps which may occur along the way
• Personal Medication –with international doctors’ note to ensure easy passage of medication across international borders
• Sun block – High UVA protection ideally
• Sunglasses & sunhat
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals/flip flops for visiting temples or pagodas.
• Mosquito spray & insect repellent
• Long sleeve top and trousers – Useful to protect against mosquitoes at dawn and dusk and the sun through the day
• Camera & battery
• Security code pad lock
• Electricity adapters
• Sufficient amount of currency in USD small and large notes to last the duration of your stay.

GRATUITIES: While not compulsory, tipping is greatly appreciated throughout Southeast Asia, especially in the service industry. If you are pleased with the services provided, please use the below guide for reference. Please note all prices are quoted in USD

• Guides (>4 travellers): $10 - $15 per day per traveller
• Drivers (>4 travellers): $5 - $7 per day per traveller
• Guides (<5 travellers): $5 - $10 per day per traveller
• Drivers (<5 travellers): $3 - $5 per day per traveller
• Restaurants: 5-10% of the total bill
• Hotel Maid Service: $2 - $3 per day
• Porters: $2 - $3 at time of service
• Local Boat Transport: $5 - $10 per boat
• Overnight Cruise: $20 - $30 per person per night (to cover all crew)

TIME ZONE: Thailand operates on Greenwich meantime +7. Please note that Thailand does not have daylight saving hours.

COUNTRY CODE: Thailand Country Code is +66

MOBILE PHONES: International calling cards for mobile phones come in denominations of 300 Baht and 500 Baht, and are available at airports, post offices and many shops in tourist centres and around town. Thailand has four mobile phone networks: AIS, True and DTAC.

INTERNET: Many hotels have Wi-Fi internet access available in the lobby or business centre and sometimes in the rooms themselves. Public places such as shopping malls, cafes, and restaurants may also have Wi-Fi access. Be careful to not save your password or sensitive information on public computer terminals.