Language: Thai language
Currency: the Thai Baht (THB)
Population: 69 million
Capital: Bangkok

Thailand is one of the easiest countries to enter using almost any passport. You’ll only be allowed into Thailand if your passport is valid for at least six months after arrival, with enough pages for embarkation stamp upon arrival, and must show proof of sufficient funds and onward or return passage.

Thailand extends over a large area but can be described as a tropical monsoon climate.  This means that the there are two main seasons (dry and wet). The dry season (November to February) is cooler and less humid with temperatures getting as low as 15 degrees centigrade in the north and as high as 35c. In the wet season (May to October) it is very humid (80-100%) and hot with temperatures in the high 30s.

ENJOY THE BEST OF THAILAND! 

While anytime during the year is generally okay to visit, the best time to visit Thailand is from December to March. These months offer moderate temperatures, perfect for many outdoor activities. Budget-wise, March will give you the lowest rates in accommodation and airfares. May to October is also a good time to enjoy low rates. Whether you want to enjoy the best season or cheapest stay in Thailand, either is possible with careful planning and research.

Thailand has had western tourists for many years now and competition for the tourist money is fierce. Expect to be lambasted and pestered when on the street and in markets (this pestering may not occur in some shops). Bangkok has many large, international brands in its network of malls, while other cities have most of their shopping available in smaller Thai malls and markets. Souvenirs are readily available in street markets - especially night markets, which are great locations to pick up gifts for friends, try street food, and people-watch. In the larger cities there are supermarkets and most western conveniences, and every town will have at least one 7-11.

Thailand is called the “land of smiles” for a reason. Locals like to receive everyone with a smile. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts we made to make sure they keep smiling in your presence!

DOs:
•   Do greet with a wai
•   Do smile 
•   Do eat with a spoon 
•   Do respect the monks 
•   Do use your right hand 
•   Do take off your shoes 
•   DO respect the monarchy 
•   DO keep your patience

DON’Ts:

•   Don’t tie your shoes to your backpack 
•   Don’t touch heads or hair 
•   Don’t point your feet at buddha images or directly at people
•   Don’t insult the king or royal family
•   Don’t lose your temper 
•   Don’t point with your feet 
•   Don’t forget the mosquito repellent 
•   Don’t expose yourself 
•   Don’t touch anyone’s head 
•   Don’t ride elephants

In Thailand, some of the best food is made on the sidewalk. For next to no money, you can dine like a king on any street corner. Generally, the stalls with the most local customers have the best food. We recommend the pad thai, the banana pancake and the tom yam. A dish costs about 40-60 baht.

Most Thai dishes are very spicy, even for those who are used to spicy food. So make sure you order your meal “not spicy”, or tell them in Thai: “Mai tohng phet mahk”.

TOP special dishes in Thailand:
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)
Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)
Pad Thai (Thai style Fried Noodles)

In Thailand, it’s best not to drink water from the faucet. Always stick to bottled water. Rinsing your mouth with it after brushing your teeth is fine though. You can buy bottled water in any market or 7-Eleven, and refill them for a couple baht at water filling stations on the street.

Whether or not to eat/drink ice (cubes) in Thailand is a tricky question. If you want to play it safe, avoid it. We are stubborn however and still drink it. Ice cubes with holes in them are safe.