Quick facts
Population: 65 million. Bangkok (capital)10 million.
Size: 513,115 sq kms.
Location: About 15 degrees north of the equator.
Bordered by Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos.
Climate: Tropical with three distinct seasons.
Temperatures range from 25 to 34 degrees year round.
Principle airports: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai,
Hat Yai, U-Taphao (Pattaya).
Airport check-in times: International - at least
two hours. Domestic - 45 minutes.
Currency: The baht divided into 100 satang.
Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 baht
Coins: 25, 50 satang; 1, 2, 5, 10 baht
Electricity: 220 volts, 50 cycles. Many hotels
have 100 volt outlets for electrical devices.
Time: GMT + 6hours. YYC 1800 = Bangkok 0600 the
following day.
Airport tax: International 500 baht; domestic
20 baht.
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Visa Requirements: None
required for most visitors, for visits of less than 30 days if travelling
for pleasure. Visits longer than 30 days require a visa.
Government:Constitutional monarchy.
Best Buys: Silk, cottons, silverware, bronzeware,
pottery, precious stones, jewellery, folk handicrafts.
Culture: Thai people have a mixed ethnic heritage
tracing their roots to Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian
and Indian origins, as well as indigenous Thai. About 90 per cent
of Thais are Buddhist.
Bangkok is served by 75 airlines - more than any other Asian capital.
Bangkok is famous for its lovely Buddhist pagodas - all 400 of
them!
Thailand is also know as the Land of Smiles
Annual Festivals:
Magha Puja -Full Moon (Feb)
Magha Puja -Full Moon (Feb)
Flower Festival -(Feb)
Pattaya Festival -Resort Fair (Apr)
Songkran Festival -New Year (Apr)
Royal Ploughing Ceremony -(May)
Rocket Festival -(May)
Visakha Puja-Buddha’s Birthday -(May)
Ok Phansa -End of the Rains (Oct)
Loi Krathong -Full Moon (Nov)
Elephant Round-up (Nov)
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Thailand’s Five Main Areas
East Coast: - Thailand’s Rivieria: emerald
bays, fishing villages and palm-fringed beaches. World class resorts
such as Pattaya offer every water sport imaginable - and superb golfing.
Inland national parks showcase virgin rainforest.
Central Region - Bangkok, Thailand's capital,
is a blend of old and new. Rich in historical sights, this cosmopolitan
city has unrivalled shopping, fine museums, exceptional dining in
gourmet restaurants and a lively nightlife.
Northern - The gateway cities of Chiang Mai and
Chiang Rai are surrounded by crisp mountain scenery, historic temples,
and distinctive, colorful hill tribes with customs and festivals.
Elephant trekking is a popular activity.
Northeast - An area of pristine forests, mountains,
parks and rolling farmland offer a rich folk culture and a unique,
spicy cuisine. Khorat is steeped in history; Ban Chiang’s
Bronze Age excavations are a UN Heritage site.
South - 1,000 miles of sun-drenched beaches with
lush, tropical islands, coral reefs, and picturesque fishing villages.
Resorts such as Phuket (Thailand's largest island), Koh Samui, and
Krabi have magnificent beaches and secluded bays. Dive into magical
coral gardens, try out the watersports, or just island hop.
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