Thailand

In the heart of southeast Asia lies the Kingdome of Thailand, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. The mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South, make four different and unique regions.

Thailand showcases a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of allure and pleasure for international visitors.

Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family.

Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South-East Asia. Exotic yet safe and largely hassle-free, cheap yet equipped with every modern amenity you need, there is something for every interest and every price bracket, from beachfront backpacker bungalows to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. And despite the heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential Thai ness, with a culture and history all its own and a carefree people famed for their smiles and their fun-seeking lifestyle.

This is not to say that Thailand doesn't have its downsides, including the considerable growing pains of an economy where an agricultural labourer is lucky to earn $1 per day while the nouveau riche cruise past in their BMWs, and a highly visible sex tourism industry. Bangkok, the capital, is notorious for its traffic jams and rampant development has wrecked much of once-beautiful Pattaya and Phuket. In heavily touristy areas, some lowlifes have made scamming tourists into an art form, but in Thailand as anywhere the old adage is true - if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Climate Conditions

Thailand is largely tropical, so it's hot and humid all year around with temperatures in the 28-35°C range, a degree of relief provided only in the mountains in the far north of Thailand. The careful observer will, however, note three seasons:

Cool: From November to the end of February, it doesn't rain much and temperatures are at their lowest, although you will barely notice the difference in the south and will only need to pack a sweater if hiking in the northern mountains, where temperatures can fall as low as 5°C.

Hot: From March to June, Thailand swelters in temperatures as high as 40°C. Quite nice when sitting on the beach with a coconut in hand, but not the best time of year to go temple-tramping in Bangkok.

Rainy: From July to October, although it only really gets underway in September, tropical monsoons hit most of the country. This doesn't mean it rains non-stop, but when it does it pours and flooding is not uncommon.

Note: that there are local deviations to these general patterns. In particular, the south-east coast of Thailand (including Ko Samui) has the rains reversed, with the peak season being May-October and the rainy off season in November-February.

Understanding the Culture

Never touch or pat a Thai on the head, including children. Similarly, do not touch people with your feet, or even point with them; the feet are considered dirty and low. If someone is sitting with outstretched feet, avoid stepping over them, as this is very rude and could even spark a confrontation (even if the person is sleeping, it is best to go around, as others are likely to notice). It is considered impolite and disrespectful to visibly sniff food before eating it, particularly when eating in someone's home (this is true even if the sniffing is done in appreciation). Do not audibly blow your nose in public. Do not turn your back to a Buddhist statue or pose alongside one for a photo. It's OK to take photos of a statue, but everyone should be facing it. Also, as doorway thresholds are considered a sanctuary for spirits, it's important not to step on a raised threshold, but rather to step over it. Keep this in mind especially when visiting temples.

It's illegal to show disrespect for the King. Since he is on the country's currency, don't burn or mutilate it - especially in the presence of other Thais. If you drop a coin, do not step on it to stop it - this is very rude, since you are stomping on the picture of the King's head that is printed on the coin. Also, anything related to the story The King and I is illegal to possess in Thailand. Almost all Thais, even ones in other countries, feel very strongly when it comes to this film. They feel it makes a mockery of their age-old monarchy and is entirely inaccurate. The applies to all versions of the film

It is best to play it safe when visiting sacred sites in Thailand. Shorts, and sleeveless shirts are frowned on and sometimes not allowed. However remember that you will frequently need to remove your shoes when entering rooms, so don't wear shoes that are slow to get on and off. The rules are even more strict for foreign visitors, so even if you see a local in shorts it's not OK for everyone.

Men may want to avoid very casual dress: you won't see any Thai men in Bangkok wearing shorts or sarongs unless they are very poor. Your best bet is to just wear the sarong on the beach.

It's hard to find agreement on what dress is conservative enough for women. For sacred sites, some recommend that women wear only full length dresses and skirts; you should at least make sure that your clothing covers your shoulders and your entire thigh and some places may require that you wear ankle-length pants and long sleeved shirts. Women should not go topless on the beach and are often advised to wear a T-shirt over their swimming gear, although you will find that many women ignore this at the popular beach resorts.

As in many countries, there are slightly different standards of behaviour for women. One of the most important is that Buddhist monks are meant to avoid the temptation of women, and in particular they do not touch women or take things from women's hands. Women should avoid offering anything to a monk to take. Monks will sometimes be aided by a layman who will accept things from women merit-makers on their behalf.

Thai people are very friendly. Smile!

Understanding the Geography

Regions of Thailand

Thailand's 76 provinces can be conveniently divided into five geographic and cultural regions.

• North - Chiang Mai, hill tribes, and the Golden Triangle.
• Isaan - the great undeveloped north-east. Get off the beaten track and discover backcountry Thailand and some magnificent Khmer ruins.
• Central - Bangkok, lowlands and historic Thailand.
• East - beaches and islands within easy reach of Bangkok.
• South - hundreds of kilometers of coastline and countless islands on both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, plus Phuket, Krabi, and many more of Thailand's famous beach spots.

Cities of Thailand

• Bangkok - the capital city
• Ayutthaya - a historical city, world heritage site and the old capital city of Thailand
• Chiang Mai - a historical city
• Chiang Rai - gateway to the Golden Triangle
• Hua Hin - clean beach, not crowded and good food
• Kanchanaburi - home of the Bridge over the River Kwai
• Pattaya - one of the main tourist destinations
• Phitsanulok - transportation hub in central Thailand
• Sukhothai - Thailand's first capital
• Ubon Ratchathani

Islands and beaches

• Ko Chang - is Thailand's third largest island.
• Ko Lanta - is an island district off the west coast of Thailand.
• Ko Pha Ngan - is an island off the eastern Gulf coast of Thailand.
• Ko Phi Phi - is a pair of islands in Krabi Province.
• Ko Samet - is a small island in Rayong Province.
• Ko Samui - is an island in the Gulf of Thailand.
• Ko Tao - is an Island in the Gulf of Thailand.
• Phuket - Thailand’s largest Island and also its smallest province.
• Rai Leh - Is a small village located on the Andaman Coast of Thailand.

Things to See and Do

Most of Bangkok's sights are concentrated in the "Old City" on Rattanakosin Island. Out of Bangkok's many temples, the following usually make the top 3:

• Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
• The Grand Palace, featuring Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
• Wat Pho, home of the world's largest reclining Buddha and a famed massage school