Ordinary passport holders of most countries, including the United States, Canada, European Union countries, Russia, Japan and Australia, do not need a visa if their purpose of visit is tourism and if their stay does not exceed 30 days. Thai immigration requires visitors' passports to have a minimum of 6 months validity and at least one completely blank visa page remaining. Visa-on-arrival is available at certain entry points for passport holders of 14 other nations, including India and China. Check the latest scoop from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Showing posts with label Sa-Wad-Dee Thailand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sa-Wad-Dee Thailand. Show all posts
Clothing
Clothes should be light and loose; natural fibres or blends are best. Sunglasses are essential; light hats are advisable. Shorts are taboo for men and women at temples and mosques. Shoes must be removed upon entering temple buildings, so non-laced shoes (but not sandals without backstraps) are best.
Winter nights in the North can be chilly and a sweater will be welcome in the evenings and early mornings. Choose light clothes for Phuket's balmy weather. Many visitors save luggage space by buying inexpensive vacation clothes after arriving in Thailand, leaving them behind when they return home.
When to go?
Climate of Thailand
Thailand is largely tropical, so it's hot and humid all year around with temperatures in the 28-35°C range (82-95°F), 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. This is the most popular time to visit and, especially around Christmas and New Year's, finding flights and accommodation can be expensive and difficult.
Hot: From March to June, Thailand swelters in temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F). Pleasant enough when sitting on the beach with a drink 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. 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.
Check update 5 day forecast in BBC Weather
When to go?
Most visitors head to Thailand during the relatively cool and dry season from December to February, when rainfall is scarce and the temperature around a tolerable 84-90°F(28-32°C). (If you’re traveling in the hills, temperatures can drop sharply in the evenings, so take a sweater.) The drawback is that popular destinations are crowded and hotel rooms can be in short supply. Prices tend to be higher during the tourist season and internal transportation can be difficult to secure. March to May or June is the hottest time to visit temperatures may reach 100°F (38°C), particularly in the plains of the Northeast, and the high level of humidity (around 80 percent) can make travel uncomfortable and oppressive.The wet season runs from June to November, and this may be the finest period to enjoy the charms of the country without the hordes of tourists. These months constitute the “rainy” season, when a dose of precipitation is almost guaranteed most afternoons. The remainder of the day will generally be dry, if overcast. Major monsoons, which can last several days, are relatively rare. Another advantage of travel at this time of year is that the countryside is vibrantly green with flooded rice fields and blooming trees. Vacancy rates are high at most hotels, and it is easier to make reservations with local transportation.
Understand before travel
Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South-East Asia, and for a reason. 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 beach front backpacker bungalows to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. And despite the heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential Thainess, with a culture and history all its own and a carefree people famed for their smiles and their fun-seeking sanuk lifestyle.
This is not to say that Thailand doesn't have its downsides, including the considerable growing pains of an economy where an agricultural laborer is lucky to earn 40 baht 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 touristed areas, some lowlifes have made scamming tourists into an art form.
National Flag
National Flag of Thailand
The red, white, and blue stripes symbolize the nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy, respectively.
Thailand
Thailand (Prathet Thai, meaning "land of the free")
The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : 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.
The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. 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, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.
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