In the heart of the Old City is the stupendous Grand Palace complex with its gleaming golden spires and roofs. The adjoining Wat Phra Kaeo is the most revered Buddhist shrine in the country, housing the most important image, the Emerald Buddha. To the east is the charming Golden Mount, while to the south is the bewildering alleyways and gaudy temples of Bangkok’s frenetic Thailandtown. On the eastern edge of Thailandtown is Wat Traimit housing the Golden Buddha, the world’s largest solid-gold Buddha, weighing over five tonnes.
A short journey outside the city gives access to whole range of attractions including Kanchanaburi and the Bridge on the River Kwai, the floating markets of Dameon Saduak, the ancient cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai and the stunning beaches of Pattaya.
100km west of Bangkok lies Damneon Saduak and its famous floating market. Authentic and rural, the market is an unforgettable experience, crammed with small colourful boats laden with produce.
West of Bangkok lies Kanchanburi surrounded by lush jungle, forests and hills, ancient cities and temples, and melange of peoples overshadowed by a dark history. The valley of the River Kwai is the location where, during WWII, thousands of prisoners of war and local labourers died constructing the infamous ‘Death Railway’.
Kanchanburi is surrounded by a vast area of great natural beauty and makes a good base in which to explore national parks such as the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, home to many rare animals and birds. There are also opportunities for jungle experiences, bamboo rafting along the River Kwai, elephant rides and overnight camps in hill tribe villages.
The tropical Andaman and Gulf Coasts are home to some of the world’s best beaches, beautiful islands and impressive wildlife rich national parks. Travellers will find many pleasures, from the beach resorts of Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi, to the crumbling temples at Phetchaburi and the dramatic scenery of the Ang Thong National Park and Khao Sok National Park.
The Gulf Coast is lined with fabulous beaches, resorts, national parks and idyllic islands, famed above all by the Samui archipelago. This is the country’s most popular seaside venue for independent travellers and makes for seductive lazy stays in beach front bungalows and luxurious cottages.
A dramatic boat-trip from Koh Samui or Ko Phangan is the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a lush group of 42 islands strewn across the Gulf of Thailand. The surrounding waters are home to dolphins and sea otters and on land are leopard cats, long tailed macaques, wild pig, python and over 40 species of bird.
Beautiful, secluded beach resorts can found along the coast at Ko Phangan and Ao Thong Nai and islands such as Ko Tao offer great snorkelling.
The Andaman Coast is lushly tropical with vast coconut plantations and tall forests, pierced by sharp limestone crags, which makes for the most stunning natural scenery. Pristine beaches lapped by translucent turquoise sea line the Andaman Coast protected by marine filled coral reefs.
The largest and most popular islands are Phuket and Krabi. Phuket’s modern resorts provide a huge range of water sports and magnificent diving facilities, whilst the provincial town of Krabi provides the jumping point for Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Kho Ngia where beautiful beaches, great snorkelling, beach bungalows and secluded yoga retreats await.
Useful Information about Thailand
Thailand’s Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with an average temperature of 28°C throughout the year. In general, the weather is hot and dry from March through May with temperatures soaring to well over 30°C. June to September is monsoon season with torrential rainfall but the weather remains hot and humid. October to February experiences dry cooler weather.
The best time of year to visit is between November to March, outside the monsoon season when the weather is warm but not stifling.
Getting to Thailand
By Air
The main airports in Thailand are Bangkok International (Suvarnabhumi), Chiang Mai International Airport and Phuket International Airport. The national airline is Thai Airways.
By Train
State Railways of Thailand operate daily connections between Malaysia, Singapore and neighbouring Cambodia and Laos. The Eastern and Oriental Express offer luxury train travel on some glorious routes through Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Laos.
By Bus
Long distance air-conditioned buses travel to the border towns of Cambodia, Malaysia and Laos.
Getting Around Thailand
By Air
Although transport in Thailand is generally very efficient, travelling by air can be a good option when covering long distances. Thailand’s national airline, Thai Airways flies to key destinations around the country alongside many low cost airlines.
By Rail
Trains are a very comfortable and enjoyable way to cover long distances - especially if you book a sleeper berth. There are four main routes that radiate from Bangkok: north to Chiang Mai; south to Hat Yai; east to Ubon Ratchathani; and north-east to Nong Khai.
Luxury trains such as the Eastern & Oriental Express operate services across the north east of Thailand connecting with neighbouring Laos and Cambodia, and through the countryside of Singapore and Malaysia.
By Bus
Bus services in Thailand are astoundingly efficient and comprehensive. Most services are air-conditioned and free drinks, snacks and pillows on board are also standard issue. From Bangkok, buses leave from one of four main stations according to the general direction of the destination.
By Tuk Tuk
The ubiquitous tuk-tuk is a Bangkok icon. The three wheeled motorized vehicles with a canopied roof will take you anywhere, at any time, although this may involve skilled bartering.
Visa
UK and USA nationals are required to obtain visas. A passport valid for six months and an onward ticket is a requirement.
Language
Thai is the official language. The following few basic words should help get you started:
Yes – Chai
No – Mai
Please – Kaa-ru-naa
Hello/Goodbye – Sawàt dii
Currency
Currency: Thai Baht (THB) THB1=100 satang
Notes: THB20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000
Coins: THB1, 5, 10 and 25, 50 satang
