Thailand Travel Guide 2020-2021

Thailand Travel Guide 2020-2021

THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAILAND
SAWATDEE!
The Buddhist country of Thailand remains one of Asia’s most popular vacation destinations. This is a land full of smiling faces and enchanting places, combining a fast and vibrant nightlife with peace and quiet retreats spots.
Bangkok, the capital city will definitely seduce travelers with such different flavors and colors, royal palaces, glittering temples, and exciting markets along the city’s canals. Although the spiritual essence of Thailand is strong and its people modest, it is nonetheless a luxury destination in Southeast Asia with plenty of incredible accommodations in its major cities and paradisiacal beaches. Indeed, Thailand is a destination with a wide array of luxury experiences whether it be in lavish bungalows secludes on a remote island, mountain top villas or exclusive penthouse suite atop glittering skyscrapers.
Recommended for beach and romantic getaways, wellness and spa holidays as well as family vacations.

VISA TO THAILAND
There are two fundamental visa options for a visitor to Thailand from most countries :
THAILAND VISA WAIVER
Arrive by air without a visa and get a free 30 day “Visa Waiver” entry stamp on arrival, which can later be extended by up to 10 days at an immigration post in Thailand. (Arrival by land without a visa only provides 15 days entry.) Visa Waivers are only available to citizens of selected nations.
These are the countries allowed to enter Thailand under the VISA EXEMPTION RULE
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei ,Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.
THAILAND VISA
Apply to a Thai consulate or embassy for a visa before you travel. Details on types of visas and how to apply for them are given below.
To do so, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognized by the Royal Thai Government and comply with the conditions set forth in the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (1979) and its related provisions.

LANGUAGE
In Thailand, Thai serves as the official national language. English is taught in schools and colleges and is also used in academia, commerce, and government. Not surprisingly English is widely spoken in Thailand in the tourist industry. Guides and hotel and restaurant employee often speak English in varying degrees of fluency. Off the beaten track few people speak English well. More people are leaning English all the time and those who speak it well enough to engage in a conversation relish the opportunity to speak it with native English speakers.
HOLIDAYS
Chinese New year
12nd to 16th of April Songkran Festival New Year
15th of October Passing of King Bhumibol

CURRENCY
Thai Baht is accepted everywhere and currency exchange booths are available around Bangkok in banks across Thailand. While major credit and debit cards are also accepted in most establishments and shopping centers, there are occasionally additional fees from both the retailer and your card provider. Travelers cheques can be cashed at most banks throughout Thailand though less so at retail establishments.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations are required unless you are coming from contaminated areas. Malaria in Thailand is not as common as in neighboring countries, though Malaria (and some of the most virulent strains) is prevalent along the border regions, particularly near Cambodia and Laos. Medications for malaria do not prevent you from getting infected with malaria; they simply better prepare your immune system in the event of infection. Consequently, those not traveling to high risk zones do not need to take medication
SHOPPING
What to bring fromThailand?
Thai silk, soap, thai carvings, jewellery, Thai handicrafts, art and home décor, coconut oil, Thai spa products, everything made from coconut, cocounet jam, lights and lanterns. Jewelry and gemstones from Thailand are the favorite items for many visitors to the kingdom. Their beauty, quality craftsmanship and reasonable prices have earned Thai precious and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation.
Bargaining
Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40% lower than the original asking price. Much depends on your skills and the shopkeeper’s mood. But remember, Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With patience and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price, but you will also enjoy shopping as an art.
V.A.T. Refunds: Visitors entering the Kingdom on a tourist visa are entitled to a refund of the 7% V.A.T. on goods purchased at registered retail outlets.

WHAT TO PACK FOR THAILAND?
Clothing
Don’t forget to cover yourself from the sun with sunscreen, hats etc. Bring some bug spray and sea-band nausea relief for the both rides if you are going from island to island. Rain gear and warm weather clothing. For the temples, be mindful and dress modestly, keeping your knees and shoulders covered. On such occasions, women should wear long skirts or trousers, and preferably closed-toed shoes.

DO AND DON’T
The Monarchy: Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.
Religion: Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.  It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.

THAILAND HIGHTLIGHTS
TOP BEACHES  IN THAILAND
Phuket Beach
Pattaya Beach
Hua Hin Beach
Krabi Beach
Phi Phi Island
Phuket
Koh Samui
Koh Tao
Koh Phangan,
Koh Taen
Koh Mudsum
Koh Nang Yuan
Mae Hong Son
Sukhothai
Kanchanaburi
Khao Yai
Ayutthaya
Phang Nga Bay
TOP CITIES IN THAILAND
Bangkok
Pattaya
Chiang Mai
Phuket
NATIONAL PARKS IN THAILAND
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Yai National Park
Kui Buri National Park
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Erawan National Park
Tarutao National Marine Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
TOP EXPERIENCES IN THAILAND
•    Ko Tao: from whale sharks to coral fringed islands, you will enjoy the diving spots for all levels of divers. it is the cheapest and easiest spot around to learn how to strap on a tank and dive into the deep
•    Phanom rung historical park: the biggest and best khmer ruin in thailand is perched high atop an extinct volcano. you will experience a timeless moment when you enter the completely restored temple still rich with hindu relics.
•    Mekong river: Thailand’s glorious mekong delta offers magnificent beauty and culture. follow the river’s flow on a boat or even by bike.