Thailand
Known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand holds a special place in the hearts of visitors due to its vibrant food scene, beautiful architecture blending the old with the modern, one of the oldest and largest outdoor markets, affordable clothing tailors, and a legendary nightlife scene.
Bangkok has must-do activities like exploring the stunning Grand Palace, racing around the city’s chaotic traffic in a tuk-tuk, experiencing a boat ride down the mighty Chao Phraya River, or a relaxing traditional Thai massage. The south of the country has some of the most stunning islands and beaches in the world, with spectacular diving and sailing opportunities year-round.
Thailand is a wonderful destination for those traveling with children. There are many family friendly tour options from biking and hiking, to cooking lessons and muay thai training, to elephant experiences and sea kayaking adventures. There are plenty of great resort-style accommodations that can accommodate families in suites or villas; many also offer kids clubs and have pools/slides, especially in beach locations in the south.
Bangkok
Thailand's major gateway, Bangkok expresses Thailand's uncanny ability to blend the old with the new. This lends a thrilling sense of discovery to one's sightseeing and adds an element of surprise when exploring what is the Orient's most fabled city.
Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace: situated in the same compound, Wat Phra Kaew is the most important temple for locals, hosting the revered image of the Emerald Buddha, and The Grand Palace is an emblematic example of architectural splendor, combining traditional Thai design and Western style.
Wat Pho: home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as the breathtaking perfection that is the renowned Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is also famous for being the first massage school in Thailand.
Sukhothai Historical Park: one of Thailand’s most impressive World Heritage Sites. The park showcases masterpieces of the first distinctive Siamese architectural style built during several centuries of prosperity.
The countryside surrounding Bangkok is dotted with lively traditional floating markets where colorful vendors paddle along in their canoes brimming with fresh fruit, vegetables and souvenirs, hawking their wares to shoppers on the banks. See the truly unique Maeklong Railway Market, where a train runs through the center of the market several times a day. Visit the Amphawa Floating Market, a popular choice with locals.
Depart early morning for the 2hr drive to the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Almost always crowded with hundreds of sellers, buyers and tourists, the best way to experience the bustling atmosphere of the market up close is to board a boat and float through the small canals purchasing fresh local produce from the vendors. This floating market is one of the most photographed places in Thailand and certainly a Bangkok icon.
Nearby, visit Wat Bang Kung, famous for the small chapel that is completely enclosed within the roots of a banyan tree, called Bot Prok Po. Wat Bang Kae Noi, built in 1868, inside is covered with wood carving depicting the life of Buddha. Three life sized wax statues of famous Thai monks complete this remarkable temple.
Chiang Mai
The city stands on the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River, and enjoys a renowned reputation for its laid-back atmosphere, picturesque scenery and historic temples.
Visit the renowned Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center.
Here you can try local delicacies presented Khantoke-style on low tables, following the tradition of the Lanna people in northern Thailand. Unwind as you witness a vibrant performance featuring elaborate costumes, traditional music, and folklore.
Witness unparalleled city views from the summit of Doi Suthep, visiting its historic Buddhist temple with its five-tiered parasol and serpent staircase, continuing to Wat Suan Dok and Wat Chedi Luang temples.
Travel scenic mountain terrain to the historic Wat Doi Temple, marveling at the breathtaking views and grandeur of Buddhist designs and carvings, then head to a hilltop village to experience native life and their unique customs.
Chiang Rai
Originally founded in the 13th Century by King Meng Rai, Chiang Rai was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom. North Chiang Rai falls within the main commercial centre of the region known as the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge, and offers a unique cultural experience like no other.
Visit the temple of Wat Phra Kaew, the original home of Bangkok's Emerald Buddah.
Take a long-tailed boat ride to Tham Pra and Monk Cave.
Phuket
Thailand’s biggest island, and may be the most picturesque location in all of Thailand. The fine white sand beaches dotted with palm trees here create the perfect island paradise: island offerings allow you to choose between spending your time relaxing at the beach, or participating in a long list of outdoor adventure activities.
Visit two of the most famous islands in southern Thailand, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay, and the beautiful surrounding seascapes. It takes about one hour by speedboat to reach Phi Phi Lay, the smaller of the two islands which is home to Maya Bay, with the beach made famous in the Hollywood film "The Beach".
Koh Samui
Part of an archipelago of 80 small islands, Koh Samui is an island of forested hills, majestic coconut palms and alluring pristine beaches.
Krabi
A jaw-dropping retreat at the southern tip of the Andaman Coast, Krabi is blessed with a myriad collection of natural highlights rivaling any other island paradise on Earth; here, other-wordly limestone cliffs give way to ancient sea caves, vibrant coral reefs and other colorful highlights sure to inspire.
Pattaya
Pattaya was one of the first resort beaches popularized by American G.I's during the 1960s, and, as such, the city now offers one of Thailand's largest collection of expats. Once infamous for its nightlife, today Pattaya boasts a world-class selection of museums, gardens, temples and diving activities.
Thai cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs, spices, and strong flavors like garlic, coriander, lemongrass, and galangal. Common ingredients include kaffir lime leaves, shrimp paste, fish sauce, and chilies. Meals often feature rice with various meats like pork, chicken, duck, beef, seafood, or shellfish. Dishes are categorized into boiled, spicy salads, pounded foods, and curries. Influenced by Chinese cooking, dishes can be deep-fried, stir-fried, or steamed. Street food is popular in Thailand, offering a variety of local dishes available throughout towns for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Tom yum goong
Also seen as tom yam, this soup is commonly cooked with shrimp. It is characterized by its distinct hot and sour flavors, and generous use of fragrant spices and herbs in the broth. The soup is also made with fresh ingredients, including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, and crushed red chili peppers.
Pad Thai
One of the most well-known dishes from Thailand, pad Thai is a dish typically made with rice noodles, fish, or meat like shrimp, chicken, beef, or tofu, and is mixed with peanuts, a scrambled egg, and bean sprouts. This dish can be found everywhere from street food vendors to restaurants all throughout Thailand.
Gaeng keow wan gai
Also known as Thai green curry, this is a signature dish in Thailand. It is commonly
made with shrimp, chicken, beef or tofu, Thai eggplant, coconut milk, and bamboo shoots. It is further flavored with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, cumin, fish sauce, soy sauce, coriander, lime juice, and green curry paste, which is made from green chilies and therefore gives this dish its name.
Gaeng daeng
Thai red curry is equally as popular as the green version and is made much in the same way, except red curry paste is used. The paste is made from dry red spur chilies that give the red curry a slightly milder taste compared to the green.
Khao phat or khao pad
Traditional Thai fried rice, this dish includes stir-fried jasmine rice, vegetables, and additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, green onions, fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. The dish is commonly served with a fried egg on top, and can also be served with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Tom kha gai
Served hot, this Thai coconut soup is a rich dish made from a combination of coconut milk, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, Thai chili, coriander, mushrooms, chicken, fish sauce, and lime juice. The mix of these spices with the coconut milk gives the soup a spicy and sour taste.
Som tum
If you are looking for a break from the soups and noodles, try som tum, also known as or green papaya salad. This dish is often served as a side salad and is a regular dish served by street vendors. It is commonly made from shredded unripe papaya combined with a mix of lime, hot chilies, fish sauce, and palm sugar, although there are many variations of this dish. Since the papaya is unripe, the fruit is quite hard and savory rather than sweet. Traditionally it was served with bird’s eye chilies making it a very hot dish, but is often toned down for foreign palates.
The local currency in Thailand is the Thai baht (THB). Debit and major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Some shops, restaurants, and vendors may not accept payment by card, so having cash on hand is recommended, especially for small transactions.
The standard voltage is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs can be either type A which has two flat prongs, type B, which has two flat prongs with a central round pin, type C, which has two round pins, and sometimes type F or O, which have two or three round pins. We suggest bringing a multi-adaptor with different plug configurations given that the outlets can differ in different hotels.
The country code for Thailand is +66.
The national and most common language spoken in Thailand is Thai, sometimes referred to as Siamese, although there are 60 different languages spoken throughout the country. English is a growing language, but is still not spoken in all areas. Most tourist sites will have signs in both Thai and English and hotels will also have English speakers, but it is not common to see or hear English outside of this. While on tour, your guide will speak English; however, your driver may have limited English-speaking skills.
The easiest way to get around cities and towns in Thailand is by using a driver, taxi or tuk-tuk. It is advisable to ask your hotel or guide in advance for an appropriate price to pay for your distance or destination. Then, when you first approach the driver you can agree on a set price or make sure the driver turns on the meter to get the correct rate. It is also a good idea to have the address of your destinations written for the driver or to present a hotel business card, as Thai addresses can be complicated to communicate. You can also try Grab, which is a rideshare program similar to Uber.
Tap water is not usually safe to drink in Thailand. You will find bottled water in your hotel room and on tour, or you can purchase bottles at shops. Be sure to keep hydrated as it can be very hot and dry in many locations you will be visiting.
When touring it is best to have your legs and shoulders covered out of respect. Women should cover shoulders and wear full length dresses or skirts, as shorts are deemed inappropriate. For men, lightweight trousers are preferable to shorts and shirts covering your shoulders are acceptable. When entering sacred or religious buildings you may be required to remove your shoes; you can leave your shoes on the shelves at the entrance or take them with you. Be sure to wear appropriate socks, without any holes, as this can be considered offensive. Also remove hats or sunglasses. Photography is usually permitted on the grounds but is often forbidden inside the buildings; watch for signs indicating if photography is not permitted.
Recommended months to travel to Thailand are November to February. However, Koh Samui should be avoided in October, November, and December as this is the rainy season on the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand's wettest time of the year is September and October. March and April are considered shoulder seasons with cooler, drier weather. May is a great time to visit crowd-free beaches on the east side, like Koh Samui, Khanom, and Ko Pha-Ngan.
Flight Time:
Bangkok-Koh Samui ( 1 hour 15 min)
Bangkok- Chiang Mai ( 1 hour 10 min)
Chiang Mai- Phuket ( 2 Hours)
Bangkok- Phuket ( 1 hour 25 min)
