Thailand: Unseen Northern Experiences

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

Baht (THB; symbol ฿) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of ฿1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ฿10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 satang.

The import and export of local currency is limited to ฿50,000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but amounts over US$20,000 must be declared.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (which have the best rates), hotels (which charge high commissions) and bureaux de changes can be found in larger towns (generally open 0800-2000). Outside large towns and tourist areas, high value notes may be difficult to exchange, so visitors are advised to carry small change.

Banking

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1530.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are found in all major cities and almost all provincial banks.

Travellers cheques are accepted by almost all banks and large hotels and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Thai Airways International (TG) (www.thaiairways.com) runs services to all major towns, a total of 12 domestic destinations including Phuket and Chiang Mai. Bangkok Airways (PG) (www.bangkokair.com) flies several additional routes including Ko Samui. Discounts are available during off-peak seasons and during special promotional periods. Orient Thai Airlines, formerly known as One-Two-Go Airlines (www.flyorientthai.com) and Nok Air (www.nokair.co.th) also offer domestic flights.

Roads in Thailand range from multi-lane freeways around Bangkok to tiny lanes known as sois. Popular routes in the provinces are often four lanes.There is a reasonable road network comprising many highways, which are designated by numbers, and 52,000km (32,300 miles) of national and provincial roads. All major roads are paved.

Car hire services are available in all main towns and cities from both international and local companies. The minimum age for driving in Thailand is 18 years and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory. The speed limit is 50kph (31mph) to 60kph (35mph) in towns and cities and 90 to 120kph (52 to 74mph) on expressways and country roads. A national licence and International Driving Permit (IDP) are required. IDPs are valid for three months, after which a Thai driving licence is required. Cars are driven on the left side of the road in Thailand.

Taxis are easy to find and cheap to use in Bangkok. In other cities, such as Chiang Mai, local transport such as tuk tuks are much cheaper and more common.

Bike hire is available at most tourist locations throughout the country but, due to the erratic nature of driving standards and the heavy traffic, caution must be observed. It is however an excellent form of transport for those wishing to travel the quieter areas of the country.

There are many intercity bus services, which range from uncomfortable and crowded buses to luxury, air conditioned coaches. Prices are quite cheap but the appalling traffic in some areas of Thailand makes travelling by bus quite slow.

Conventional bus services in Bangkok are operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, but there are also extensive private minibus operations. Premium fares are charged for air-conditioned (cream and blue buses) and express buses. The ordinary buses are cream and red or white and blue and charge a flat rate regardless of distance travelled. Fares are generally low and are collected by conductors.

In Bangkok, taxis displaying the TAXI-METER sign are metered. Samlors or tuk-tuks are three-wheeled taxis without a meter; the fare must be negotiated before the journey commences. These are cheaper than taxis but are only suitable for short distances.

There are express, rapid and ordinary motorboat services operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat on the Chao Phraya River between Nonthaburi pier to the north of Bangkok to Rajburana pier in southern Bangkok. The express boats, marked with yellow, blue or green and yellow flags, are more expensive than the rapid orange-flag-flying boats. The ordinary flagless boats are the cheapest.

The Skytrain (BTS), an elevated mass transit system in Bangkok, runs from 0600-2400. The Metro runs from Hualamphong to Bang Sue. Trains leave every five to nine minutes between 0600 and 2400.

Chiang Mai public transport is limited to red songtaew (minibuses), tuk-tuks, rickshaws and distinctive yellow metered taxis mainly operating from the airport. There is now a limited bus service in operation.

The excellent railway network extends over 4,600km (2,860 miles), linking all major towns with the exception of Phuket. It is run by State Railways of Thailand (tel: 1690; www.railway.co.th; online booking: www.thairailticket.com). There are four main routes to the northern, eastern, southern and northeastern regions, and also a western line serving Thon Buri, River Kwai Bridge and Nam Tok.

There are several daily services on each route, with air-conditioned sleeping and restaurant cars on the principal trains. The journeys are leisurely and comfortable, and travelling by train is certainly one of the best ways to get around the country. The Southern Line Express stops at Surat Thani for those who wish to continue by bus and ferry to the islands off the east coast. Most railway timetables are published in English.

Ferry services operate between the mainland and several islands including Surat Thani to Ko Samui, Phuket to Phi Phi, Pattaya to Ko Samet and Trat to Ko Chang, and can be booked in person at the dock. Strong competition on all of the major routes ensures that fares are kept low. Reduced services operate during the monsoon season from May through to October along the east coast and Andaman coast, and from November until January on the Gulf coast. The more remote spots become inaccessible during these periods.

Vaccinations and Health

Vaccines and treatments:

If no vaccine is required to return to Thailand, however, it is strongly recommended to be up to date for universal vaccines and go to your doctor to make vaccines against diseases specific to South East Asia. Thus basic vaccines such as diphtheria, tetanus, polio with hepatitis A and B are strongly advised to be up to date.

The typhoid fever vaccine, which is transmitted through food or water, and Japanese encephalitis are recommended for all people traveling to South-East Asia who are long-term residents of rural areas.

Do not hesitate to consult the website of the Institut Pasteur https://www.pasteur.fr/en

pharmacies:

Pharmacies in Thailand sell a wide range of products and medicines, produced internationally or locally produced. Generic drugs are cheaper than drugs signed by major pharmaceutical companies. In some cases, pharmacies are able to sell you drugs that require a prescription. Only bring basic products: anti-mosquito lotion (dengue fever during the rainy season), disinfectant, dressings, paracetamol, analgesic, lozenges to purify the water, sunscreen, anti-diarrhea, antihistamine (for the colds and allergies).

Doctors and hospitals:

Medical facilities in Thailand are relatively good in large hospitals. The tourist areas and the big cities are all equipped with several clinics. Many doctors are available, experienced, and generally speak good English. If you do not want to go to the hospital, large hotels can provide you with the care of a doctor on request. In case of emergency, contact the tourist police or your embassy.

Precautions:

Mosquitoes, dengue and chikungunya:

There is no known cure for dengue and chikungunya, which is manifested by high fever of viral origin. Transmitted by mosquito bites, the best way to avoid catching it is to protect yourself from mosquitoes with body-covering clothing and strong repellents specially designed for tropical mosquitoes.
 

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.

The weather in Thailand is generally very hot and humid, particularly between March and May. The monsoon season runs from June to October, when the climate is still hot and humid with torrential rains. The best time for travelling is November to February (cool season), although the southern islands are best from June to September.

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing and lightweight rainwear are advised year round. A bathing suit, sunscreen, sunhat and beach wear are essential. A good pair of walking shoes is recommended.

Electricity in Thailand is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Thailand with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Outlets in Thailand generally accept 2 types of plug: type A and Type C. Plug adapters are available in Thailand but it is advisable to buy one before you leave home to avoid the hassle of trying to find one when you arrive.

Thai savoir-vivre:

Thailand is a very welcoming country and Thais are quite tolerant and friendly people, but of completely different culture. If a trip allows you to discover another culture, you also need to know the do's and don'ts in order to respect the Thai way of life ...

The monarchy:

The monarchy is venerated by all Thais. A lack of respect towards members of the royal family will not only be frowned upon, but will be punishable. Thailand maintains strict lèse-majesté laws.

The representations of the king are respected, including on banknotes and coins. Take care of your tickets, do not crumple and especially do not tear them. If a coin or note falls to the ground, do not put your foot on it.

Religion:

Buddhism is the state religion and is practiced by 95% of Thais, governing their daily lives, but many other religions coexist and are respected.

In Thailand, animist beliefs coexist without concern with the practice of Buddhism and Hinduism. It is therefore common to see, next to a house with spirits, a statue of Buddha or Shiva.

The head and the feet:

Thais regard the head as the most sacred part of the body - the temple of the body so to speak, the feet are the lowest. In fact, do not touch someone's head or point to someone or something, that's totally inappropriate. In the West, a friendly pat on the head, especially that of a child or someone younger than you, will be considered a friendly gesture; in Thailand, a gesture to the head will be very badly received.

Greetings:

Thais do not shake hands, do not kiss each other, they do the "Wai", a gesture that consists of joining the hands in the shape of a lotus, to greet, thank and show respect. The hands are brought to different heights of the face depending on the age of the person you respect, his social or religious hierarchy. However, these rules are a bit more flexible as far as a foreigner is concerned, the Thais to whom you are doing the Wai will usually be very happy to see you dive into local customs and practices. Avoid touching your interlocutors and when a Thai greets you, it is polite to answer him.

Keep a cool head :

In Thailand, screaming and getting upset in public is very badly perceived, whatever the situation. If you are experiencing dissatisfaction or annoyance, be sure to keep calm. You will not get what you want by shouting or showing signs of discontent. In Thailand, this reflects a lack of discipline and education, and this places you in a position of inferiority. Drive in the Thai way: try to "save face" with a smile and laugh (even yellow) to defuse the situation. Getting angry, getting angry only serves to poison a situation. Take into account this subtle aspect of culture, keep calm and stay patient ...

Proposals too easy:

Thais are generally reserved and unlikely to meet you and engage in conversation. If this happens and the conversation is about any purchase, beware! If something seems too good to be true, it's most likely a scam.

Bargaining:

In most stores where prices are displayed, prices are fixed. Bargaining is practiced mainly in local markets or shops (tailors ...). Make sure the bargain stays nice; offer a lower price and accept a compromise as long as you keep your smile. Getting angry or haggling to get an insignificant discount is losing face.

Tipping:

Are inherent in any trip. For Thailand, it takes ± € 6 per day and per person for tips for local guides, drivers, porters and others.

Car or motorcycle rental:

If the Thai road network is generally in good condition, we must get used to driving on the left and risk venturing into a traffic where the majority leads without faith or law! Thai drivers are not always concerned about the code of conduct; a red light is not always red and if a police officer witnesses the offense, there is often a way to make it ...

Another obstacle is the deciphering of written signage most often in Thai (except on major roads).

If you are ready to face these realities, you will need to bring an international driver's license (and good insurance before you go!).