Thailand is a well known south-asian country located in the Indochinese peninsula. It is a major tourist attraction with its numerous beautiful beaches, Buddhist temples and royal mansions displaying the country’s rich history. The capital, Bangkok, remains the most visited city earning the “World’s Best City” recognition for 4 years in a row. Along with their involvement in the ASEAN, the country has amazing beach resorts cities like Pattaya and Patong.
Bustling with natives and tourists alike, Thailand is home to some of the best cities in the world, including Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai. Bangkok is filled with magnificent temples like Wat Arun, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and busy markets like the Floating Market along with a world famous indigenous cuisine. Pattaya’s Walking street, the beach spots in Phuket like the Patong islands, the Phi Phi Islands with an unbeatable nightlife thrum the essence of Thailand. Modern architecture seen in skyscrapers, the art galleries and the natural parks, famously known Tiger park, Tarutao National Marine Park, celebrate wildlife. Tourism being the major source of economy, the Thai people appreciate the difference in cultures and the shopping experience in the country reigns supreme over any other.
Certainly, Thailand is a name you’re certain to find on every traveller’s wishlist, boasting a range of stunning beaches and historic temples leaving travellers in awe of the country. Being a shopping paradise, the country is famous for its busy streets and happening nightlife. One just cannot get enough of the scenic destinations it brings to the table. We have strong evidence to justify why this country is a popular haven for tourists worldwide.
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF THAILAND
A prominent part of Southeast Asia located in the middle of the Indochinese Peninsula, Thailand is a country of over 70 million people spanning a cumulated area of over 513,120 square kilometres. Characterised by a subtropical climate, Thailand can be described as hot and humid country with December being the coldest month of the year. Bangkok, the capital city witnesses millions of tourists each year.
CULTURE OF THAILAND
Thailand is a Buddhism dominated land with around 95% of them being Buddhist while Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism constitute the remainder. During their Thailand trip, one is sure to come across numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries representing rich Buddhist heritage. The present culture of Thailand is a mix of Buddhist traditions with westernization that plays a massive role in shaping the modern culture of the country.
PLACES TO VISIT IN THAILAND
Thailand is indeed an epitome of charm introduces tourists to some splendid destinations for a memorable vacay. The country is home to the city of Phuket which is the largest island of Thailand having a name for its vibrant nightlife and mesmerizing beaches. To complete your journey across the waterways, the city of Pattaya takes care of all your beachy temptations. The capital city of Bangkok is well known for its notable Buddhist temples and its innumerable options for shopping. Another addition to the list is the city of Ko Yao Noi which is a land of fishing villages and rubber plantations. People interested in the country’s history will have a great time exploring the cities of Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Chiang Rai.
THINGS TO DO IN THAILAND
The country of Thailand serves well to satisfy every travel craving of the tourists providing a range of exciting activities like boat rides, sightseeing, snorkelling, surfing and much more. At Pattaya, travellers can try adventurous acts like flyboarding at the Koh Samui Chaweng Beach and snorkelling at the Koh Rin Island. The city of Phuket opens doors for surfing at its serene beaches and scuba diving in the Andaman sea before you return to your luxury resort to relish a rejuvenating spa session. Krabi is another destination which cannot be missed out from the list, providing opportunities for boat tours and kayaking in its alluring rivers.
Public Transport
The modes of transport in Thailand include buses, tuk-tuks, taxis, trains and rentals. Although metro and train commutes are available, buses, air-conditioned buses to minibuses, are inexpensive and widespread. Tuk-tuks are the locally preferred means of travelling, accounting to the famous Bangkok traffic. There are also trolleybuses, great for city tours, that are present all over the country.
Taxi & Airport transfer
Taxi service in Thailand is, to put it simply, colourful. Unless it is a metered-taxi, taxis are not as preferred as, say, motorbike taxis or tuk-tuks, because of the scams that drivers pull. Although taxis are readily available from major tourist spots, it is better to prebook a taxi from the airport and back to ensure fair fares. Tuk-tuks are uniquely Thailand-based but they, and motorbike taxis, are not as convenient as taxis.
Transport & city passes
Free passes are not available for city tours or transportation but the train and bus tickets fares are feasible.
Driving & Car rental
With an extraordinary traffic scenario, best way to get around Thailand is by renting cars, bikes or scooters. Having the freedom to explore the land at your own pace is made easy with rental agencies like Expert, Hertz, Bangkok Scooter Rental, Big Bike Rental Bangkok and Go Bangkok Tours. The fares may differ but the option to hire a chauffeur to drive you around in the rented vehicle should make the deal better.
Culture & Etiquette
Thailand is known as the ‘Land of smiles’ because of it’s extremely hospitable people. The people there are very particular about maintaining face in public and consider it rude when people fail to do the same. It is only appropriate to return the greeting, called Wai, by pressing your hands together and bowing in respect. Thai people hold hierarchy and religious culture holy, so ensure to never disrespect the monarch or the monks and follow temple rules, like dressing modest, removing shoes before entering temples and avoid displaying the sole of your feet.
Major events & Public holidays
The Songkran festival symbolizes the Thai New Year spanning for 3 days or more, April 13th-15th, splashing fun with the insane water-fights that happen all over the country. Another such festival is the Loy Krathong, the Festival of Light taking place every November, that the Thai people celebrate religiously by floating baskets and releasing paper lanterns into the air believing to rid themselves of their sins.
Road rules and driving license
Thailand follows left-side driving. It is required of tourists to have an International Drivers’ License on them when driving and it can be used upto 6 months. Although the traffic in Thailand is no joke, keeping your anger in check is appreciated but it might be difficult for foreigners. While renting vehicles, ensure that the vehicle is insured and to follow rules like wearing seatbelts and helmet. It is better to hire a chauffeur as to drive you to places.
Know Your Thai
Thai or Siamese is the native language of Thailand and it is the most used language. Owing to the economic boom because of tourism, English is also fairly common. Broken or perfect, there will be close to no language barrier, but it is useful to know a few basic sentences in Thai.
Welcome - Yin di ton rap
Hello - Sawadee
Sorry - Khor thoad
Thank You - khop khun
How its going? - Sa bai dee mai
See you again - La gorn
Fragrance, the heat, the flavour: these three things best describe the Thai food. The aroma wafting out of the street shops or nearby restaurants found in Thailand will stay with you for a long time. A trip to Bangkok or Pattaya is never complete without gorging on a bowl of Thai-delicious. Thai food is predominantly spicy including locally sourced seafood and meat with the influence of Vietnamese seasoning.
Tom Yum Goong: This refreshing spicy soup is prepared with herbs, chilli and prawns and pays homage to its Thailand flavour.
Gaeng Daeng: This mouthwatering bowl of curry spices its way to your heart by its tender meat and richly prepared gravy.
Khao Pad: A customisable fried rice prepared with eggs, herbs and known for its simplicity.
Kuay Tiew: This staple noodle dish is prepared with vegetables and meat. Although the flavour differs from place to place, it still is delicious.
Som Tum: This intense flavoured green mango salad is an acquired taste with the inclusion of peanuts, or dry shrimp or salted crab.
Pad Thai: A world renowned Thai noodle dish is fun to eat with the sides and the condiments that come along with it.
Pad Krapow Moo Saap: A sweet and spicy wholesome pork and basil dish that is served with rice, suitable for lunch and dinner.
Banana Pancakes: The name might be ambigious in regards with regular pancakes but these Thailand special pancakes are served with Vanilla sauce and are a crowd favourite.
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Emergency contacts
Embassy of India in Thailand
Embassy of India, Ocean Tower 2, 75/120-121, 42nd Floor [75/32-33, 20th Floor for Consular, Passport and Visa Services], Soi Sukhumvit 19, Bangkok-10110
Ph no: 02-2580300-6, Email: enquiries.bangkok@mea.gov.in
Police: 191, Ambulance: 1554, Fire department: 199
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