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Discover Thailand travel guide

Thailand offers so much for the traveller looking for adventure and new experiences.

From tropical beaches and secluded islands in the south to the rural towns, unique cuisine and rolling hills of the north, Thailand is a country that deserves to be explored from end to end.

Thailand shares borders with Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Burma. Time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Universal Coordinated Time (UCT+7). In 1920, they officially moved their clocks ahead by 17 minutes, 56 seconds to match the time in Southeast Asia.

Relevant Information and Demographics

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Emergency Numbers Dial 1155  
Main Ethnic Groups 75% Thai
14% Thai Chinese 		 
Main Religion 90% Buddhist  
Geographic Facts Capital and Largest City: Bangkok (10.5 million people)  

Culture and customs

  • With a 90% Buddhist population, Thai culture is deeply influenced by religion. Throughout the country, the most important values that Thai people hold to are respect, self-control, and a non-confrontational attitude.

  • The royal family are revered across the nation, and disrespect or insults to them can attract criminal penalties.
  • The head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body — never pat a child on the head or touch another person’s. The feet, similarly, are the lowest. When seated make sure you don’t point the soles of your feet at people or religious articles.
  • Sanuk! Fun or light-heartedness underpins much of Thai daily life. Keeping your cool and staying laidback is important. You’ll interact more authentically and it’s easier to enjoy yourself once you surrender to the local way of life.
  • The locals are Thai (singular and plural - 1 Thai, 10 Thai).

Words to know

  • Sà-wàt-dee  kráp  (M) / Sà-wàt-dee kâ (F) = Hello or good evening/morning
  • Baai baai = Goodbye
  • Chai-yoh = Cheers! (formal event)
  • Kòp kun = Thank you
  • Mai pen rai = Similar meaning to no worries!

General travel advice

Best time to visit

November to February is the best time to visit most parts of Thailand — the climate is cooler and everything is lush and green after the wet season.

Seasons

The weather in Thailand is generally hot and humid across most of the country throughout most of the year. Therefore, Thailand splits their seasons into hot, cool and rainy which is different from the four seasons we are used to.
Cool season
Nov to Feb
22° / 32°
Hot season
Mar to May
26° / 35°
Rainy season
Jun to Oct
26° / 33°

Transport

Bangkok has a large public transport network of bus and light rail. Tuk tuks (motorcycle taxis) for shorter trips start around 30 Baht (negotiate a firm price before you depart!). Taxis will be cheaper for anything longer, but may take more time. Bus and rail long distance services are cheap and popular.

Key Facts

Dialing code +66



 
Visas: Canadian citizens who arrive by air can stay in Thailand up to 30 days. Those entering Thailand overland for tourism purposes may stay up to 15 days. You can stay longer with pre-arranged visas. If you are caught overstaying you may be banned from returning for up to 10 years.
Language: More than 85% speak a dialect of Thai


The drinking age in Thailand is 20 or over. While this may not be heavily regulated, you are still breaking the law if you purchase alcohol underage.
Currency: Thai Baht (CAD$1 = THBB24.17) 
*average rate, 2018-2019.
Tipping - While not customary, is becoming widespread in Thailand. 10% on food and drink bills is fine, 20 Baht for porters/concierge , 100 Baht for a spa massage and taxi fare amount are usually rounded up.  

 

Drive on the left side of the road.


 
Electrical / device: 220V - In Thailand, the power plugs and sockets are of type A, B, C, F and O.

World records

  • Thailand was the only SE Asian country not colonised by European powers during the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • 136,411 locals across Thailand participated in the world’s biggest bicycle rally for Queen Sirikit’s 83rd Birthday.
  • Thailand once held the record for the most expensive pet wedding — two cats were married in a 400,000 Baht ceremony in 1996.

National icons

National icons are the Garuda (half human-half bird) and the Thai Elephant.
DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information as of the date of publishing, Allianz Global Assistance does not accept liability for any errors or omissions. Allianz Global Assistance strongly recommends seeking the guidance of a professional travel agent/agency for further information on a specific destination. On your next trip, whether to another province or country, ensure you have travel insurance as it may assist you in cases of unforeseen medical emergencies and other types of mishaps that can happen while you travel. Travel insurance does not cover everything, please always refer to the policy document for full terms and conditions, including limitations and exclusions. Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. Photography Credits: TPm13thx and pptadd, Shutterstock.com.


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