thailand - novaland tours€¦ · visa for thailand tailormade tour guide thailand _2 thailand...

contents

Thailand brief Introduction & Climate map

Traditional FestivalTop Recommended Destinations

Major Airport in ThailandTop Airlines in Thailand

Train station in Major citiesType of train in Thailand

Top Recommended Historic AttractionsTop Recommended Natural Beauties

Top Popular Dive SitesTop Popular Markets

Top Popular Activities& showMost Popular Thai Dishes

Thailand Currency and Exchange InfoElectricity and Voltage

Helpful NumbersVisa for Thailand

tailormade tour guide

thailand

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Thailand Brief IntroductionThailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country at the centre of the Indochinese peninsula in Southeast Asia. With a total area of approximately 513,000 km2 (198,000 sq mi), Thailand is the world's 50th-largest coun-try. It is the 20th-most-populous country in the world, with around 66 million people.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and has switched between parliamentary democracy and military junta for decades, the latest coup being in May 2014 by the National Council for Peace and Order. Its capital and most populous city is Bangkok. It is bordered to the north by Myanmar and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the south-ern extremity of Myanmar. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast, and Indonesia and India on the Andaman Sea to the southwest.

Thailand's tropical climate is characterised by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. April and May feature the hottest temperatures while the weather in June sees the monsoon pattern bringing heavy rain through to October.

November to February is the best time to visit Thailand as the weather is relatively mild and sunny with humidity levels dropping and temperatures cooling from the North East breeze. Thailand's average climate ranges from 30°C at its lowest in December and up to 36°C from January to April. Rainfall generally averages from 5mm in December to 300mm in September in central parts of Thailand.

Light cotton clothing that is not too revealing is recommended year round when visiting Thailand. There are also plenty of retailers who can recommend and provide suitable clothing at an affordable price.

Climate and Temperature

Knowing what you really love is important. Your preferences, interests, favorite attractions, habits, travel purpose & budget, etc, please feel free to fill in the form. Or send email to [email protected]. Then we can tailor-make your most suitable tour proposal free of charge. Easy & save your time!

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After I grown up, I’ve learn how difficult to be a parent and hardships of parenting, the loves I received from them were such strong and with no regrets. I have been in searching for ways to return, hope to be able to make their life comfortable, easy and happy. I’d love travel very much, every well planned and enjoyable trips became a unforgettable experi-ence in part of my life. After hard works, I was always dreaming to visit different cities in different countries, it is not necessary to be a luxury and expensive trip, but a leisure and budget tour. In my mind, traveling is life's most luxurious enjoyment, so I want to arrange a wonderful trip for my parents.

I cannot wait to share my idea with my parents, I believe they would love of my plan. When I announce travel proposals, my father interrupted me, said he doesn't like to travel, he don't want to go out. I am very surprised why he is so against to it. They are not young, it is the time to enjoy life.

"My dear dad, you used to travel a lot, why you want to quit this time?" I asked.

He answer: “You are right, I’ve done lots of travel before, but none of them could really let me enjoy the time. I had to wake up early morning every day, and rush to each so-call must-to-visit tourism site with very short visiting time or only a photo time; also, I had been forced to shopping, without any consumes, you would receive anger from tour guide immediately. I would rather staying at home than paying money for nothing. Most importantly, many of the tour attractions arranged factually are not what I love. I don’t think I enjoyed them but wasted my time and money.

Now, I see what my dad worry about. He always took very old fashioned traveling: Group Depar-ture, which provides economic price with shopping sites, but everything is fixed, you have to stick to all arrangements provided, and there is no chance to have your own time for your favorites, and follow your own interested itinerary.

I explained my dad, we will choose a totally different style of traveling, a Tailor-made itinerary as per our requests, there will be no forced shopping, no rushing, we see what we would like to see, we go where we are really interested in. Finally, dad agreed to go.

Since then, I was thinking what if there was a travel company could do things as below: to tailor made very travel enthusiasts a unique trip, which will be enjoyable, leisure, full of fun and unforget-table memories. The traveling supposed not to be the way as my dad’s through; it ought to be : a road full of fun and happiness; a place where you could totally relax; very spots and destination will inspire you; experiencing a different life, which could be beautiful, warm or delightful; it will be unforgettable even you've return home. I guess, it might be the biggest enjoyment of travel.

The Tailor-made Tour Specialist(TTS) In Novaland Tours (NLT), who are familiar in every tourism spots, hotels, transportation, food, attractions in every destinations you are willing to go; fully understand what are your interests; provides you a one-on-one service, design you an exclusive trip ; arrange you appropriate tour guide, driver and hotel ect. let you totally out of tedious prepared and bad experience in the line

So right now, do not waste your time, let’s traveling out, to see the world attentively. Let’s bring real enjoyments back. This is what NTL’s goal is and what we insist to reach.

Introducing Novaland Toursnovaland tours story

_3Knowing what you really love is important. Your preferences, interests, favorite attractions, habits, travel purpose & budget, etc, please feel free to fill in the form. Or send email to [email protected]. Then we can tailor-make your most suitable tour proposal free of charge. Easy & save your time!


Tailor-made Travel / Tailor-making What You Really LoveNovaland Tours are very proud to give you a better travel experience. We specialize in tailor-made tour service based on your personal interests, tastes and budget. Your entire holiday is designed around your personal needs. Explore your interests at your own speed. Enjoy the tour what you really love.

Tailor-made Tour SpecialistOur Tailor-made Tour Specialists (TTS) are experienced and well-trained. Your 1-on-1 TTS pays attention to knowing you — your goals, desires, preferences, etc. He/she is patient, on standby 24-7, and full of useful suggestions. He/she wants to become your friend, think what you think, to arrange your best unique tailor-made tour.

Flexible, Time-saving, Fast, and Easy Tailor-making ProcedureIt could be so painful to plan a wonderful tour before journey. You need to do so much studying during your busy daytime job & life. In the end, you probably found that you still have not studied well to arrange a really good tour. In Novaland, you don’t need much time to study but just tell us your favorites, and we do the rest. It is flexible, time-saving, fast and easy.

Tailor-made Travel Price According to Your Personal NeedsTailor-making tour according to your travel budget. For us, tailor-making is not equal to high price. One enjoyable tour must be operated in a reasonable and worthy budget. Although it is truth that you get what you pay for, but it needs the help of professional judgment of what are really suitable for you. How much you spend is closely bound up the tour characteristics you choose. If you are comfortably fixed for money, we can provide more choice and more noble experience. But if you don’t want to live frugally after finishing travel, we will definitely recommend you cost-effective, affordable characteristic experience.

from others

What makes

Novaland Tours Different

10 Reasons Why Novaland Tours is #1 in Tailor-making Tour and You Should Choose Our Good Tour Service in

1. Tailor-making What You Really Love2. Tailor-made Tour Specialist3. Flexible, Time-saving, Fast, and Easy Tailor-making Procedure4. Tailor-made Travel Price According to Your Personal Needs5. See a Real Thailand6. In-depth Experience Distinctive Thailand Culture7. Worry Free Customer Service8. 4 Principles of Reception in Travel9. Standardized and Experienced Management of Reception10. Wonderful Membership Benefits



See a Real ThailandExperience the diversity of modern and tradition, the big differences between coun-tryside and cities, the natural and social complexity, fascinating and beautiful land-scapes, and the normal local life.

In-depth Experience Distinctive Thailand Culturein-depth experience distinctive Thailand culture Get beyond the tourist facade of the countries and enjoy a cultural holiday. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country (peo-ple)

Worry Free Customer ServiceOver 98% good & excellent satisfaction. 24/7 care while in travel. First time responses and 100% satisfaction of problem-solving. Money back guarantee.

4 Principles of Reception in Travel4 Principles of Reception for local tour guides, drivers and other suppliers to stan-dardize and ensure service quality and improving customer satisfaction. Principle 1: Who Serves, Who Answers for; Principle 2: Integral Cooperation Service; Principle 3: Standard Excellent Service, Customer First; Principle 4: People First, Safe Tour.

Standardized and Experienced Management of ReceptionWe are strongly capable of managing every parts of travelling, tour guides, drivers, cars, meals, etc. We have strict, experienced and the whole instructions, rules and specifications to supervise our tour guides, drivers, etc to serve our guests better. Even for emergency problems, we have concluded for a long time and full of experi-ence how to deal with them well. Our operation team are full of passion of nev-er-stop-pursing best service. We don’t fear problems or dissatisfactions but will deem them the pedals to be the best one.

Wonderful Membership Benefits After booking one tour with us, get long-term benefits of Novaland Travel Club. For example: Free-design tailor-made itineraries whenever you need. Free travel guide books regularly elaborately designed for many countries. Freely join in membership activities. Membership club points for gifts. Exclusive tour packages for members. One community for making new friends with same interests. And many other Nova-land Travel Club benefits.




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◆ Songkran - Thai New Year (13th-15th April)The most well known of all Thai festivals, Songkran is for those who love a good water fight. It's the official Thai New Year in April and lasts around 2 to 3 days. Streets fill with people throwing water and smearing fragrant powder over the faces of revellers. Water is a symbol of cleansing and starting afresh, which is exactly what the Thai people want to do to start the New Year. Songkran is not only about splashing water around, it is also a time to pay homage to Buddha, to offer food to Buddhist monks, to pay respect to elders, and a time to clean out your home of anything old and useless. Buddha images are cleansed with water and fragrances to bring prosperity to the New Year. In some cities like Pattaya additional Songkran festivities are held after the official holiday and can extrand the activities for several more days.

◆ Coronation Day (5th May)The day when the reigning King Bhumibol was crowned as the 9th king of the Chakri Dynasty.

◆ Rocket Festival (11th-12th May)The Rocket Festival is a merit-making ceremony traditionally practiced by ethnic Lao people throughout much of Isaan and Laos, in numerous villages and municipalities near the beginning of the wet season. Celebrations typically include music and dance performances, processions of floats, dancers, musicians, and culminating on the third day in the firing of home-made rockets.

◆ Candle Festival (July/August)The Ubon Ratchatani Candle festival is held at the start of the Buddhist Lenten period. Artists create huge wax sculp-tures as a Buddhist offering. On Asanha Bucha day, the candles are taken to Thung Si Mueang, a park in the middle of the city, where they are decorated and then exhibited in the evening. Small processions with lighted candles can also be seen at several temples. The procession takes place on the morning of Wan Kao Pansa. The candles are paraded through the city centre on floats, accompanied by represen-tatives of the respective institutions. These are normally dancers or musicians in traditional dress.

◆ HM The Queen's Birthday (12th Aug)To celebrate the Queen's birthday and the Mother's Day, a grand celebration is held at Sanam Luang in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. There are free concerts and performances given by many popular Thai artists and a variety of entertainment. Buildings along Ratchadamnoen Road and other main roads are decorated with thousands of colourful lights, flags and portraits of the Queen.

Top Traditional

festivalTop Traditional

festival



◆ Boat Races (September/October)

In September and October boat-racing festivals are held in several provinces. The best known are held in Nan, Phichit, Phitsanulok and Chumphon.

◆ Loi Krathong (November)

Loi Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calen-dar and usually falls in November. Loi means to float and krathong is a floating boat or floating decoration. The traditional krathong are made from a slice of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant. Modern krathongs are more often made of polystyrene which local authorities are trying to discourage because they pollute the rivers and may take years to decompose. A krathong is decorated with incense sticks, a candle and a small coin as an offering to the river spirits.

◆ The River Kwai Bridge Week (November/December)

Held in Kanchanaburi province to commemorate the terrible ordeal suffered in the construction of the Death Railway during World War II. The festival features a historical exhibition, fun fair, bazaar and exciting light & sound presentation.

◆ HM The King’s Birthday

Huge crowds gather at Sanam Luang and on Ratchadamnoen Road in Bangkok on the evenings of the 4th and 5th to celebrate the reigning King Bhumibol Adulyadej birthday on 5th December. The King has reigned since June 1946, making him the world's longest reigning current monarch and the world's longest serving head of state. King Bhumibol is revered throughout Thailand and gained enormous respect from both Thai people and foreginers for his work in many social and economic development projects.

◆ New Year Celebration (31st December/1st January)

Thailand welcomes the New Year with various kinds of colourful events nationwide. You can head on over to any of their renowned beaches, mainly Pattaya and Phuket, or go up north to Chiang Mai to usher in the New Year with an official countdown. Bangkok also offers a load of parties and most celebrations include spectac-ular firework displays that will ensure you start the New Year right with a bang!



◆ Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.

Top Recommended

Destinations

◆ Pattaya

Pattaya is a city on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast known for its beaches. A quiet fishing village as recently as the 1960s, it’s now lined with resort hotels, high-rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs. Nearby, hillside Wat Phra Yai Temple features an 18m-tall golden Buddha. The area also features several designer golf courses, some with views of Pattaya Bay.

◆ Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand. Founded in 1296, it was capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultur-al and religious center. It’s also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.



◆ Phuket

Phuket, a rainforested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, has some of Thailand’s most popular beach-es, mostly situated along the clear waters of the western shore. The island is home to many high-end seaside resorts, spas and restaurants. Phuket City, the capital, has old shophouses and busy markets. Patong, the main resort town, has many nightclubs, bars and discos.

◆ Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son is a remote, mountainous province in northern Thailand, bordering Myanmar (Burma). Though sparsely populated, it's ethnically diverse and home to hill tribes such as the Shan and Hmong. The capital, also called Mae Hong Son, is a gateway to the region's hills. It's overlooked by Wat Phrathat Doi Kongmu, a Burmese-style monastery with 2 ornate white chedis (stupas) built in the 19th century.

◆ Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a province in central Thailand, around 400 km north of Bangkok. The modern town of new Sukhothai is the capital of the province. The Sukhothai Historical Park, 12 km west of new Sukhothai, con-tains the partially restored 13th- and 14th-century palaces and temples of the Kingdom of Siam’s first capital within its walls. This classic ‘Sukhothai style’ of architecture left Thailand a lasting legacy.

◆ Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a city in Thailand, about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. It was capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and a prosperous international trading port, from 1350 until razed by the Burmese in 1767. The ruins of the old city now form the Ayutthaya Historical Park, an archaeo-logical site that contains palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues.



◆ Suvarnabhumi Airport ( Bangkok)

Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as (New) Bangkok International Airport, is one of two international airports serving Bangkok, Thailand. The other one is Don Mueang International Airport. Suvarnabhumi covers an area of 3,240 hectares (8,000 acres), making it one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia and a regional hub for aviation. Suvarnabhumi was officially opened for limited domestic flight service on 15 Septem-ber 2006, and opened for most domestic and all international commercial flights on 28 September 2006.The airport is currently the main hub for Thai Airways International, Thai Smile Airways, and Bangkok Airways. It also serves as regional gateway and connecting point for various foreign carriers.

◆ Don Mueang International Airport ( Bangkok)

Don Mueang International Airport (or also [old] Bangkok International Airport) is one of two international airports serving Greater Bangkok, the other one being Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The airport is considered to be one of the world's oldest international airports and Asia's oldest operating airport. It was officially opened as a Royal Thai Air Force base on 27 March 1914, although it had been in use earlier. Commercial flights began in 1924, making it one of the world's oldest commercial airports. The first commercial flight was an arrival by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Don Mueang Airport was closed and replaced by the new Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2006, before reopening on 24 March 2007 after renovations. Since the opening of the new airport, it has become a regional commuter flight hub and the de facto low-cost airline hub. In 2015, it became the world's largest low cost carrier airport.

◆ Chiang Mai International Airport

Chiang Mai International Airport is an international airport serving Chiang Mai, the capital city of Chiang Mai Province in Thailand. It is a major gateway to Northern Thailand, and currently the fourth busiest airport in the country. The airport resides at an elevation of 316 metres (1,037 ft) above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 18/36 with an asphalt surface measuring 3,100 by 45 metres (10,171 ft × 148 ft). There are two terminals, one for domestic passengers and the other for international flights.

◆ Phuket International Airport

Phuket International Airport is an international airport serving Phuket Province of Thailand. It is in the north of Phuket Island, 32 kilometres (20 mi) from the centre of Phuket City. The airport plays a major role in Thai-land's tourism industry, as Phuket Island is a popular resort destination. It is the third-busiest airport in Thai-land in terms of passengers, after Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. The airport set a record 15.1 million arrivals and departures in 2016, up 17.8 percent from 2015. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 is used for international flights, and Terminal 2 for domestic flights. Terminal X for charter flights opened in February 2014.

Major Airport in

Thailand



◆ Thai Airways

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, is the flag carrier airline of Thailand. Formed in 1988, the airline has its corporate headquarters in Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Chatuchak District, Bangkok, and primarily operates out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. THAI is a founding member of the Star Alliance. The airline is the largest shareholder of the low-cost carrier Nok Air with a 39 percent stake, and it launched a regional carrier under the name Thai Smile in the middle of 2012 using new Airbus A320 aircraft.

◆ Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited is a regional airline based in Bangkok, Thailand. It operates sched-uled services to destinations in Thailand, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam. Its main base is Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok.

◆ Thai AirAsia

Thai AirAsia is a joint venture of Malaysian low-fare airline AirAsia and Thailand's Asia Aviation. It serves AirAsia's regularly scheduled domestic and international flights from Bangkok and other cities in Thailand. Thai AirAsia was the only low-cost airline operating both domestic and international flights from Suvarnabhu-mi Airport. The airline transferred all operations from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang International Airport effective 1 October 2012. According to Flight Stats, as of 2013, Thai AirAsia is the second best on-time airline in Asia, with an estimated 96.08% of flights arriving on time.

◆ Thai Lion Air

Thai Lion Mentari Co. Ltd, is a Thai low-cost airline, operating with Thai partners as an associate company of Lion Air based in Indonesia. The carrier operates from Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport, with plans to serve domestic and international scheduled flights from other cities in Thailand. Its head office is in the Don Mueang District, Bangkok.

Its inaugural flight was on December 4, 2013 on Bangkok - Chiang Mai route, with full services one day later. Thai Lion Air concluded the agreement with fellow Lion Air subsidiary Malindo Air on December 10, 2013, allowing both carriers to serve the flight between Kuala Lumpur–International and Bangkok.

ThailandTop Airlines in



Train station in

Type of train in Thailand There are generally four types of 'Train Services' available within the classes, Local / Ordinary, Rapid, Express. Prices gradually increase along with both speed and comfort. All Special Express and Express Service Trains have sleeping berth carriages (First and Second-Class Air-Condi-tioned), but only some of the Rapid Service Trains do Second-Class only (Air-Conditioned or Fan). Second-Class Fan Sleepers are only on Rapid Service Trains. There is no Third-Class on Express Service Trains. Certain Long-Distance trains, (such as the 'Daytime Express' from Bangkok to Chiang Mai), schedule a 'Get out and Stretch' stop of about 15 minutes. Rapid, Express, and Spe-cial-Express are fast, Long-Distance Trains.

◆ Ordinary (Local)Ordinary (or Local) Trains are Older, slower services which stop at every station. a. Ordinary Service Trains offer Third-Class Service and Second-Class Fan (Seated or Sleeper) Service.

◆ Rapid (Long-Distance trains)a. Not All Rapid trains have sleeping berths carriages. (Check first) b. All Rapid Service Trains have inexpensive, delicious Thai food available.c. Rapid Train Service Trains offer Third-Class and Second-Class Fan Service.

◆ Express (Long-Distance trains)a. All Express Trains have sleeping berths available.b. There is no Third-Class Service on Express Service Trains.c. All Seated Express Service Trains (Air-Conditioned or Fan) serve delicious food, but it can be a bit pricey.d. There is no budget food available on Express Trains.

◆ Special Express (Long-Distance trains)a. All Special Express Trains have sleeping berths available.b. Special Express Service Trains offer only First-Class and Second-Class Air-Conditioned Service (Seated or Sleeper). c. There is no Second-Class Fan or Third-Class on Special Express Service Trains.

Major cities

◆ Bangkok Railway Station ( Bangkok)Bangkok Railway Station, unofficially known as Hua Lamphong Station, is the main railway station in Bangkok, Thailand. It is in the center of the city in the Pathum Wan District, and is operated by the State Railway of Thailand.

◆ Chiang Mai Railway Station ( Chiang Mai)Chiang Mai Railway Station is the 1st class station and the main railway station in Chiang Mai Province. This station is on the east side of the Ping River in the city of Chiang Mai. There are 10 daily trains,[1] not including Eastern and Oriental Express trains servicing this station. There are also 4 to 6 special trains at New Year, Songkran and other special festivals. In the 2004 census, Chiang Mai Station served nearly 800,000 passen-gers.



◆ Grand Palace (Bangkok)Bangkok's paramount must-see sight is this architectural and spiritual treasure, which is twice as dazzling if you see it on a sunny day, while observing the ban on sandals, shorts and bare shoulders. Nearly 2km (1.5 miles) of walls with lotus-shaped crenellations enclose what was once a self-contained city of throne halls, royal chambers, servants' quarters, ministries and a prison. Begun in 1782, it was modified by each Chakri king. Since King Rama IX moved to Dusit, its use is mainly ceremonial, but it still remains one of the king-dom's holiest landmarks.

◆ Wat Pho ( Bangkok)There's more to Wat Pho than just the impressive reclining Buddha. The temple harbours a fascinating collec-tion of murals, inscriptions and sculptures that delve into various subjects, from warfare to astronomy and archaeology. The huge temple complex also contains a landscaped garden with stone sculptures, a souvenir shop and the College of Traditional Medicine

◆ Wat Phra Si Sanphet ( Ayutthaya)One of the loveliest and historically important temples in old Ayutthaya. Its three large chedis and numerous smaller ones make this wat - also known as the King's Temple - one of the most impressive sights in the ruined city.

◆ Sukhothai UNESCO World Heritage Site ( Sukhothai)Without doubt this is the number one attraction and a definite must see for anybody interested in the history of Thailand. This very large park is probably best seen by bicycle (which can be easily hired) and will take at least a full day to explore. For the less energetic the ruins can be explored by motorized rickshaws, motorcycle or on foot with a tour guide. The area is divided into separate areas, the best of which charge separate entrance fees. The most interesting are the northern, western and central zones although you will be hard pushed to see everything in one visit.

◆ Wat Prathat Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)This is one of Thailand's most famous temples, overlooking the city from its spectacular mountain location. The winding road up to the temple passes a couple of nice waterfalls and the view from the temple platform is impressive. The site dates from 1386 and is revered among Thais as one of the country's most important religious sites. With its distinctive gilded chedi and marble-floored courtyard, the temple is full of symbolism and is usually busy. If the 300 steps leading up to the temple are too much for you, a lift offers a quick short-cut.

◆ Wat Phra Kaew ( Chiang Rai)This wooden structured Royal Buddhist temple dates back to the 14th century and is the most revered in Chiang Rai. It was here that the Emerald Buddha, the most highly revered of all Buddha images was discov-ered Built in traditional Lanna style the building has been remarkably well preserved. Adjacent to the temple is a modern wooden museum which houses many Lunna artifacts. Although a tourist attraction the temple is very active with monks studying and living on the premises.

Top Recommended

Historic AttractionsTop Recommended

Historic Attractions



◆ Phang Nga Bay – James Bond Island (Phuket)

Made famous by the James Bond movie 'The Man With The Golden Gun' the entire area around the island is truly spectacular. The main features of this famous bay are the sheer limestone karsts that rise up out of the emerald green waters. Being a major tourist destination it does get very crowded in the high season with an armada of tourist boats all vying for the best viewpoints. Fortunately the bay is now a national park and boats are not allowed to land on the island. The island can also be viewed from the beach at nearby Koh Ping Ghan.

◆ Koh Phi Phi (Krabi)

Most hotels in Krabi and Phuket arrange boat trips to Koh Phi Phi which is in fact made up of six islands Phi Phi Don is the largest and has some splendid beaches. Those after a quiet relaxing day head for beaches at Hin Khao,Laem Thong and Lanti. Those after more action usually end up at Ton Sai Beach with its bars and restau-rants. The second largest island is Phi Phi Leh, a beautiful pristine island, totally uninhabited and now has national park protection. The island is home to Maya Beach which became famous as the setting for the 1998 movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio. The other islands also offer stunning natural beauty and diving and snorkeling are popular pastimes.

◆ Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui)

The last two decades the beach has been witness to a huge transformation. From a few simple wooden houses Chaweng Beach is now swamped with go-go bars, pubs, pizza joints and bars. The nightlife has become legendary which sometimes doesn't always attract the best in quality tourists. It does get crowded at peak times so always book ahead for accommodation.

◆ Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park covers more than 2,000 square kilometers of forest and grassland in central Thailand. More than 50 km of hiking and biking trails wind through the long-standing nature preserve, and its many waterfalls include 150m-tall Haew Narok and 20m-tall Haew Suwat, immortalized in the Danny Boyle film 'The Beach.' The park also shelters diverse wildlife such as bears, gibbons, elephants and hornbills.

◆ Koh Larn Coral Island (Pattaya)

Accessible by ferry or speedboat, Koh Larn Island is a beach paradise offering crystal clear waters and pure white sand. Available activities include snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing and parasailing. The island has six main beaches all of which have restaurants selling seafood caught that morning. Accommodation is limited but there are some resorts offering rooms and various bungalows for hire.

Top Recommended

Natural Beauties



◆ Racha Noi & Racha YaiLocated near Phuket, these sites are full of beauty including mantas and whale sharks when in season, blue spotted lagoon rays, chevron barracuda and large schools of tuna and jacks.

◆ Koh Dok MaiThis is a superb wall and drift dive, with hidden caves and crevices lurking in its limestone rock face. Glide by gardens of yellow tube corals and look for moray eels peeking out of the reef. The beauty of this site becomes illuminated with the sun’s beam above, and its home, in season, to baby nurse sharks and whale sharks out in the big blue.

◆ Richelieu RockAbout 200 km/120 miles north of Phuket, this horseshoe-shaped rock in the Andaman Sea might just be Thai-land's most famous dive site. Look for big stuff – giant, lumbering whale sharks, barracuda tornadoes, and clouds of tropical fish. You'll also find shovelnose rays, seahorses, pipefish and cuttlefish. For underwater pho-tographers, the hardest thing about diving this site is deciding whether to go wide angle or macro.◆ Bida NokBreathtaking both above and below the water, this site near Phi Phi Island crawls with sea snakes and hawksbill sea turtles. Moray eels, piles of wrasses and more leopard sharks keep the action humming, whilst soft corals, parrotfish, and giant clams remind you that Mother Nature’s creativity knows no bounds.

◆ Koh HaaAccessible via Koh Lanta and Krabi, this collection of five big rocks has several dive sites that include swim-throughs, drop offs, and caverns. Marine life varies from little critters like the elusive ghost pipefish to the occasional hawksbill turtles. If you’re lucky, you’ll see manta rays gathering at a cleaning station.

◆ Tarutao National Marine ParkThis region near Koh Lipe comprises more than 30 islands, countless reefs, and access to vibrant seas full of exotic marine life.

Top Popular

Dive sites



◆ Chatuchak Weekend MarketA must-see for tourists coming to Bangkok seeking some retail therapy. The huge market covers 27 acres and is divided into 27 different sections. There are over 15,000 stalls selling wares from all over Thailand and beyond. . A smaller market is open on Wednesday and Thursday but is restricted to selling plants and flowers. Friday is for wholesalers.It's on Saturday and Sunday at the miscellaneous market that visitor numbers reach 200,000

◆ Khao San RoadAlthough well known as a backpackers hangout, Khoa San Road has much more to offer. Visitors tend to be an eclectic mix of people from all over the world. Whilst the traditional Thai market stalls still operate, in recent years the area has been somewhat modernized.Still a great place to have a beer and people watch during the day, the evenings are a different matter. Modern clubs and cocktail bars offer up a vibrant energy with a variety of live music.

◆ Amphawa Floating MarketAmphawa is the second most popular floating market near Bangkok. Although not as large as Damnoen Saduak it is more authentic, and most of the shoppers will be Thai. Located 50 km from Bangkok it has become such a magnet for Thai weekenders that the number of food stalls have grown and now spread from the riverbanks and stretch far into the surrounding streets. The main draw is of course eating seafood grilled on wooden boats moored around the famous central bridge, serving an appetizing array of huge prawns, squid and shellfish. From noon until late in the evening, the smell is simply irresistible and customers flock to each side of the river all day long

◆ Khlong Lat Mayom Floating MarketLocated no more than twenty kilometres from town, Khlong Lat Mayom is nothing like the huge touristy Dam-noen Saduak or the crowded Amphawa and has retained the charm and authenticity of a local market.

◆ Damnoen Saduak Floating MarketDamnoen Saduak is the most popular floating market in Thailand and offers a plethora of photo opportuni-ties. The market is at its liveliest in the morning to avoid the heat. It's an enjoyable morning out of the city and if you avoid the tourist shops you can get a real sense of the place. The market is over an hour outside Bangkok, and the easiest way to get there is to join a tour.

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◆ Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

Muay Thai has progressed significantly over the past 100 years. Due to the noticable national popularity, it began to garner international recognition and exposure. In World War II, after formally being introduced to Muay Thai, foreigners named it Siam Boxing, as Thailand was formerly Siam. The French labeled it as Le Sport Orient or the fighting style of the orient. Soldiers from Europe and America would watch attentively as the Thai soldiers practiced Muay Thai amongst themselves. They were so impressed with the style of fighting that they asked the Thai soldiers to teach them the fundamentals and traditions of Muay Thai. As it became more popular internationally, the rules began to change so it could be better organized and governed like estab-lished sports such as boxing. In the 1920's, rings were introduced to replace open courtyards, which ultimate-ly planted the roots of modern Muay Thai.Gloves similar to those used in boxing matches replaced the old horse hide, hemp rope or leather bindings and a hard-cover groin protector was added as extra protection from brutal kicks and knees. The first formal rules were introduced to the sport of Muay Thai after WW II ended. Fights were divided into 5 rounds with a time limit on each; a clock was used to determine the length of each round instead of a coconut shell with holes sinking in a barrel of water, and major Muay Thai stadiums were erected in large cities thoughout the country (namely Bangkok, Sukothai and Chiang Mai). Bangkok’s Lumpini Stadium is now almost considered the holy grail to the masses of Muay Thai fighters, local and foreign.

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◆ Ladyboy Cabaret Shows/Alcasar and Tiffany

There are two main venues to see these wonderfully over the top, glamorous and glitzy shows. It has been said if you want to see a great show go to Alcasar,but if you want to see really beautiful ladyboys head for Tiffany. The shows have spectacular stage sets, extravagant costumes and incredible looking kaytoys. Both shows are very professionally done with dances and musical routines that make for an enjoyable and memora-ble evening.

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◆ GolfDestination, diversity and the vast choice of golf courses located throughout the country are key factors attracting the large numbers of visitors coming to play golf. With steady year on year growth, golfers now make up a sizeable number of visitors coming to the Kingdom. The reasons are obvious. Top quality courses, reasonable green fees, value for money caddies and the choice and diversity of over 200 venues to choose from.

◆ YachtingAlthough Thailand is an all year round sailing destination, the best time to visit is between December and March. May through to October is the rainy season, so although you can still cruise during this period, the high winds mean that only more experienced sailors should attempt sailing during this time.While it has four distinctive regions, it is the southern peninsula of Thailand and in particular Phuket, that is the most popular yacht charter destination. From this area you are perfectly situated to reach hundreds of uninhabited islands and enjoy plenty of scuba diving, swimming and snorkeling. The cruising grounds of the island of Phuket are among the best in the world, and as you drift along the sparkling turquoise waters you will be able to admire the remarkable rock formations of Phang Nga Bay, the protected Butang Islands, the colourful reefs and vast caves of Koh Hong, fabulously beautiful Krabi and the exquisite Phi Phi Islands, as well as sampling some of each region’s delicious cuisine.

◆ FishingNear Chiang Mai In the north of the country, there are several lakes with large catfish. If you are after carp then Bangkok and Pattaya offer some prime spots. Not far from Kanchanaburi is a large reservoir which is renowned for the huge snakehead fish. Further south Phuket has some lakes with giant tarpon and pacu.The best saltwater sport fishing is to be found around Phuket. The continental drop lies southwest of the island and is home to swordfish, marlin, giant trevally, tuna, and sailfish. Being warmer and less saline than the Andaman coast, the Gulf of Thailand offers a wide variety of fish. The popular islands ofKoh Samui and Koh Phan-gan are good for eagle rays and barracuda .Off the coast of Koh Doa there is a wreck where African pompano and trevally can be caught.



Thailand's cuisine is regarded by many people as one of the best in the world. And, if variety is the spice of life, you can literally have a different meal every day of the year.

Almost all Thai food is cooked with fresh ingredients, including vegetables, poultry, pork, fish and some beef. Lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander give the food its characteristic tang, while liberal helpings of fresh chillies are used to add some fire to many dishes. Other common seasonings include black pepper, ginger, tamarind, and coconut milk which is often added to curries.

◆ Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)The quintessential Thai aroma! A bold, refreshing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chilli, galangal, lime leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce shapes this classic soup, giving it its legendary herbal kick. Succulent fresh prawns and straw mushrooms lend it body. A versatile dish that can fit within virtually any meal, the distinc-tive smell reminds you of exotic perfume, while it's invigorating sour-spicy-hot taste just screams 'Thailand'!

◆ Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)Hailing from the Northeast state of Isaan, this outlandish dish is both great divider - some can't get enough of its bite, some can't handle it - and greatly distinctive. Garlic, chilies, green beans, cherry tomatoes and shred-ded raw papaya get dramatically pulverized in a pestle and mortar, so releasing a rounded sweet-sour-spicy flavour that's not easily forgotten. Regional variations throw peanuts, dry shrimp or salted crab into the mix, the latter having a gut-cleansing talent that catches many newcomers by surprise!

◆ Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)A mild, tamer twist on Tom Yum, this iconic soup infuses fiery chilies, thinly sliced young galangal, crushed shallots, stalks of lemongrass and tender strips of chicken. However unlike its more watery cousin, lashings of coconut milk soften its spicy blow. Topped off with fresh lime leaves, it's a sweet-smelling concoction, both creamy and compelling.

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◆ Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)Made with morsels of meat, red curry paste, smooth coconut milk and topped off with a sprinkling of finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, this rich, aromatic curry always gets those taste buds tingling. At its best when the meat is stunningly tender, it could be likened to a beautiful woman: it's mild, sweet and delicately fragrant. And like all true love affairs, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

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◆ Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)



◆ Khao Pad (Fried Rice)Fried rice, egg, onion, a few herbs - nothing more, nothing less. A popular lunch dish served typically with a wedge of lime and slices of cucumber, the secret of this unpretentious dish lies in its simplicity. The concept is this: you're the one devouring it, so you dress it. To do so, Thais use everything from prawns, crab or chicken to basil, chili and left-over vegetables, in the process turning an unremarkable pauper into a gastronomic prince!

◆ Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Fried Basil and Pork)An incredibly popular ‘one plate’ dish for lunch or dinner, fried basil and pork is certainly one of the most popular Thai dishes. It is made in a piping hot wok with lots of holy basil leaves, large fresh chilli, pork, green beans, soy sauce and a little sugar. The minced, fatty pork is oily and mixes with the steamed white rice for a lovely fulfilling meal. It is often topped with a fried egg (kai dao) you will most likely be asked if you would like an egg with it. Be aware that most Thai people ask for lots of chilli in this dish so if you are not a fan of tingling lips, ask for you pad krapow ‘a little spicy’.

◆ Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry)Morsels of fresh chicken. Cherry-sized eggplants. Tender bamboo shoots. Sprigs of Coriander. Generous hand-fuls of sweet basil. These humble elements form the body of this seminal curry. But how does it get so glori-ously green you ask? Oh, that'll be the spoons of green curry paste that's stirred furiously into hot creamy coconut milk. Served alongside a bowl of fragrant Thai rice, Gaeng Keow Kan Gai is the extreme opposite.

◆ Yam Nua (Spicy Beef Salad)If there was such a thing as a 'Salad Hall of Fame', Thailand's zesty own breed, or 'yam' as they are known here, would surely take pride of place. Unconvinced? Experience the fresh, fiery thrill of yam nua - with its sprightly mix of onion, coriander, spearmint, lime, dried chili and tender strips of beef - and you won't be. It perfectly embodies the invigorating in-the-mouth-thrill of all Thai salads, the yummy-ness of yam.

◆ Pad Thai (Thai style Fried Noodles)From Cape Town to Khao San Road, the default international Thai dish! Dropped in a searing hot wok, fistfuls of small, thin or wide noodles (you choose) do a steamy minute-long dance alongside crunchy beansprouts, onion and egg, before disembarking for the nearest plate. A truly interactive eating experi-ence, half its fun (and flavour) lies in then using a quartet of accompanying condiments - fish sauce, sugar, chilli powder and finely ground peanuts - to wake it from its slumbers.

◆ Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with Cashew Nuts)Pardon the pun, but tourists go nuts for this stir fried dish. Perhaps it's the wildly contrasting textures of a dish that saut's chicken alongside roasted cashews, sweet soy sauce, onions, chilies, pepper, carrot and mushrooms. Perhaps it's the sweetening dash of honey that appeals. Do you really care? The important thing is that this dish works: it's simple but scrumptious, a little bit tame and yet still totally Thai.



Thailand Currency and Exchange InfoThe baht (code: THB) is the currency of Thailand. It is subdivided into 100 satang. The issuance of currency is the responsibility of the Bank of Thailand.According to SWIFT, as of October 2014, the Thai baht ranked as the tenth most frequently used world payment currency.

Currency Exchange in ThaiBanks adjust their exchange rates on a daily basis, in line with international money markets, and usually offer the best rates. Hotels and some shops also offer exchange services usually at less favourable rates. Banking hours in Thailand are 8.30 am to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday. You will find currency exchanges at all major tourist areas. These are open daily from 9.00am until around 6.30pm, with some staying open until late eve-ning.

1. Changing money at Bangkok airport

It’s easy and convenient to change money at Bangkok airport. There are numerous exchange booths, but these are mainly operated by TMB (Thai Military Bank) and SCB (Siam Commercial Bank) and rates here aren’t usually as good as you will get at their branches elsewhere in Bangkok. It’s not a big deal if you are just changing over relatively small amounts of money that you require immediately for taxis, food or accommoda-tion, but if you are changing a large amount you will save money by waiting until you get into downtown Bangkok where you can compare rates at different branches. If you do change money at Bangkok airport and want to get the best rate, you will need to head down to the basement level and find the Kasikorn Bank booth which is located opposite the food court by the entrance to the airport train link. Unlike the TMB and SCB exchange booths which are open 24-hours a day, the Kasikorn counter is open 07.00 to 23.00.



2. Which bank in Thailand provides the best exchange rate?

Exchange rates can vary so you will have to do your own comparisons when in Thailand, but generally speak-ing branches of Kasikorn Bank and Bangkok Bank tend to offer competitive rates. Independent mon-ey-changers such as Super Rich (cash only no traveller’s cheques) usually provide better rates than those offered by any bank, but there are fewer of these outlets around and you will need to factor in convenience and the cost of getting to the Super Rich outlet. If you have large transactions or are close to one of their outlets, then Super Rich or other similar Forex exchanges are a good option.

3. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

ATMs are common in Thailand particularly in the main towns, cities and resorts. There are some exceptions on small islands (no ATMs on Ko Lipe for instance), but for most destinations you should have no trouble in finding one. Most (but not all) ATMs in Thailand will accept foreign cards. Just look for the VISA/Mastercard/-Cirrus signs on the machines. Instructions are available in English when you insert your card. Just as you would in your home country, be sensible when you are withdrawing money and be aware of who is around you. To be extra cautious, use ATMs in shopping malls or within banks rather than those on the streets. Since April 2009 Thai banks impose a 150 Baht ATM withdrawal fee for foreign cards. One exception at the time of writing is AEON Bank ATMs (see below). Please note the 150 Baht fee is separate to any fees your own card issuer will charge to use your card abroad. Check in advance with your bank or card issuer the fees you will be charged for using your card abroad. Maximum withdrawal may depend on agreements you have with your bank in your home country otherwise Thai ATMs are usually restricted to a maximum withdrawal of 20,000 Baht in any one transaction (i.e. 20 x 1,000 Baht notes). To avoid the ATM fee you can make withdrawals against a debit card over the counter at most Thai banks or exchange bureaus. You will need your passport to do this. Some bank staff are reluctant to change money against debit cards because it can take a few minutes to sort out, so try and pick a time when the bank is quiet and not heaving with customers. This method avoids the ATM fee, but you will still be liable for any fees your bank or card issuer imposes for using the card abroad. Credit cards may also be used, but the cash advance fees imposed by some card issuers means it can work out to be quite expensive. Check with your card issuer or bank before you travel.

4. Exchanging money at your hotel

A number of hotels and guest-houses will provide a money-changing service, but the rates are usually very poor compared to the official bank rate.Bank Cards in Thailand

Major credit cards such as Visa, American Express and Mastercard will be accepted by the bigger hotels, airlines and major stores. Smaller hotels, guest-houses and shops may insist on payment in cash. It’s a good idea to advise your bank or card issuer in advance that you are travelling to Thailand. With fraud measures in place, using your card in Thailand or elsewhere in Asia without pre-advising your card issuer may cause your card to be flagged as a security measure.

Electricity and VoltageThe electricity in Thailand is 220 volts, 50 cycles/sec. (If you have 110 Volt appliances, see the bottom of this page.) The photo to the left shows the wall receptacle design usually found in Thailand. They accommodate both flat prongs (like in the U.S. and Japan) and round prongs (like much of Europe and Asia).There is a kind of socket widely used in Thailand: type A. The type A can also accept plugs of type C or F, which are commonly seen in most European countries.

In Thailand, this kind of outlets has two holes of the same shape and size. Plugs that match this socket are commonly used in US, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Philippines, Colombia, China, Vietnam, Panama… But you should notice that there is a kind of two-blade plugs with one end larger than the other. They can’t be used in Thailan without an adaptor.

This kind of sockets is widely seen in most European countries, like Russia, Germany, Den-mark, Poland, Finland, France, Sweden, and Spain, as well as South Korea.

Helpful NumbersEmergency Services TelephoneTourist Police 1155Police (General Emergency Call) 191Ambulance and Rescue 1554Fire 199National Disaster Warning Centre 1860Crime 1195Medical Emergency Call 1669Private Air Ambulance (Siam Air Care) 02 586 7654

Visa for ThailandThis can be a visa (tourist visa for 60 days or non-immigrant visa for 90 days) issued by a Thai Embassy or Consulate outside of Thailand. You can also obtain a temporary stay with under the Visa Exemption Rule (VER). This allows citizens of 57 countries* permission to enter the Kingdom for a limited period of time (up to 30 days depending on the nationality) in accordance with Thai Immigration Law. This is commonly referred to as a 30-day stamp.

Under the new provisions of the Visa Exemption Rule (VER), visitors can now come regularly to Thailand without limiting their stay within a total of 90 days in a six-month period. Just keep in mind that under the VER, you are allowed 30 days maximum on each visit.

The restriction has already been abolished so tourists can now visit Thailand as often as they want, provided that they obtain 30-day entry stamp at airports and 15-day entry stamp if they are traveling via land borders. Thai Immigration Laws are revised on a regular basis for the convenience of tourists. However, immigration officials still recommend getting visas prior to arrival in Thailand, as they remind visitors that back-to-back short visas are not the proper way to extend the stay in the country on a long-term basis.

For the Visa Exemption and Bilateral Agreement, please kindly click the below website:http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/changes-visa-exempt.php For the Visa on Arrival : http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/visa-on-arrival.php How to apply the visa: http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/thailand-tourist-visa.php



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