Amazing Thailand is indeed amazing to many who travel there. As one of the few countries in the region that was never colonised by Western powers, Thailand’s heritage and culture remains pure and uncompromised.
Ruins, temples and deserted cities are all part of Thailand’s allure. Don’t forget it’s world famous beaches of which there are many – Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui are just some of the more noted.
Thailand is easy to travel within. Efficient transport, cheap and plentiful accommodation and the now world famous cuisine.
Airport Taxes
Bt500 for all international departures. Transit passengers and children under two years of age are exempt.
Airport Transfers
Bangkok International (Don Muang) is 22km (14 miles) north of the city (travel time - 40-60 minutes). There is a 24-hour bus service to the city centre. Trains also run to the city centre (travel time - 30-45 minutes). Limousines are available at all hours: service is every 20 minutes depending on flights. Taxis are also available. There is a direct coach service to Pattaya at 0900, 1200 and 1900, returning at 0630, 1400 and 1830.
Currency Matters
Baht (Bt) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of Bt1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Bt10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satangs. In addition, there are a vast number of commemorative coins which are also legal tender.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (which have the best rates), hotels (which charge high commissions) and, in larger towns, bureaux de change (generally open from 0800-2000). Outside large towns and tourist areas notes higher than Bt100 may be difficult to exchange and visitors are advised to carry small change.
The import and export of local currency is limited to Bt50,000 per person or Bt100,000 per family. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited.
Drinking Water: food and water-borne diseases are common. Use only bottled or otherwise sterilised (eg boiled) water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice.
Dress Code: light and cool clothes are suitable. For business, meetings, dining in top restaurants and some social functions, a jacket is appropriate. A light jacket or sweater is always advisable for Northern Thailand. Modest dress is required in temples and shrines.
Travel Wisdom: petty crime such as pickpocketing has increased. Bags should not be left unattended. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure valuables are secure, especially in tourist areas, crowded markets, and bus or train stations. Break-ins frequently occur while tourists are asleep in budget guesthouses. Demonstrations can occur and should be avoided.
Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Do not leave food or drinks unattended, particularly in bars. Cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault have increased.
Sexual assaults against foreign women have occurred. Female travellers should exercise caution at all times.
Elaborate scams involving gems occur. Taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, along with others often posing as students or even other foreign travellers, will inform tourists of special gem promotions or government sales at specific gem shops. The value of the purchased items is usually negligible, despite the prices asked. There are no government-sponsored or subsidized gem sales to tourists, nor do Thai consulates abroad provide refunds. Offers of money-back guarantees by the shop are often not honoured. Shopping for gems should be done after obtaining recommendations from reputable hotels or the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).