The best time to visit Thailand is during the “cool season”. Visit Thailand between November and February to miss the rainy and hot season and embellish in the cooler and drier months. This is peak tourist season, and it is also the main season for festivals including Loi Krathong and Chinese New Year. For the sun lovers and beach bums that can take the high temperatures and humidity, you will be enticed to come during Hot Season, which is March to June. Try to escape the “Rainy season” due to its humidity and floods, but if you want to explore Thailand with less tourists and lower costs, than this season might benefit you.
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Thailand's currency is the Baht, usually abbreviated to "B". Baht notes are 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. There are 100 satang in a baht, which are in coins, 25 and 50. There is also 1, 5 and 10 baht coins. You can exchange money when you first arrive at the airport or receive a better rate by using a travellers’ cheque and exchanging this at the Bank. There are ATM services in hotels, towns and cities. Check for the Mastercard and Visa sign to make sure they are international. Most ATM services provide instructions in English, and the amount dispensed will be in baht. There will be a withdrawal and exchange fee charged when using the ATM. Thailand imposes a 7% Value Added Tax on goods and services, which can’t be claimed back. This is generally levied only in high class restaurants, shops and hotels.
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The national language is Thai, most of the hotel staff and locals around the tourist cities and towns speak some English. Menus at restaurants as well as road and sight names are usually in English as well as Thai, and prices are in Arabic numerals. Thais love to see tourists try some of the basic phrases which include, sa-wat dee (Hello, goodbye), korp khun (Thank you), sa-bai dee reu (How are you?).
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Thailand’s climate is generally hot and humid, due to this weather it is advisable to dress in cool, summer clothes that are nonrestricting and made from natural fibres. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and if you’re coming in the cool season a sweater may be needed if visiting the North-eastern and Northern regions of Thailand. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, a raincoat or umbrella is necessary. Mosquito repellent will come in handy to stop the insects, and a plug adapter for all your electrical needs. Pack a pen to fill out the immigration papers on the plane, and pack appropriate clothes that cover your skin if visiting the temples.
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Thailand is known as “the land of smiles”, and you will realise that Thais are very friendly and helpful. When you address a Thai person, a polite way of calling them is by saying ‘Khun’ and then their first name or nick name. A way to avoid offending the locals is by respecting the king and the royal family. For example the national anthem is played at 8am and 6pm every day, through the radio and some public landmarks; it is polite to stop and stand still. Also do not step on any of the coins or notes, as it has an image of the king’s face, and is considered disrespectful. Women should never touch a monk, and he is unable to receive anything from her hands, if she wants to offer something, she needs to place it nearby. Wear appropriate clothing at churches, including women covering their shoulders, and long pants for men. Make sure to remove your shoes before entering a temple or church and never pose in front of a religious icon or statue. Confrontation is looked down upon as rude, so try not to raise your voice or get angry. Most importantly, smile!
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• Western New Year’s Day: Jan 1st
• Makha Bucha: February or March full moon
• Chakri Day: April 6th
• Thai New Year – Song-kran: April 13-15th
• Labour Day: May 1st
• Coronation Day: May 5th
• Royal Plowing Ceremony: Early May
• Visakha Bucha Day: May full moon
• Asanha Bucha and Khao Phansa: July full moon
• Queen’s Birthday: August 12th
• Chulalongkorn Day: October 23rd
• King’s Birthday: December 5th
• Constitution Day : December 10th
• Western New Year’s Eve: December 31st
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