Thailand Travel Information & Guides
The Land of Smiles - Thailand - a vibrant country with a happy and carefree people who are always ready to greet visitors with warm smiles.
A diverse country with bustling cities, beautiful beaches, stunning mountain resorts and a range and style of cuisine to tempt all taste buds.
Thailand offers a myriad of experiences, from the bustling capital City of Bangkok, with it modern skyline, river cruises, shopping malls, street vendors, and dawn to dusk excitement to the cool north where Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai will charm visitors with stunning vistas and historical temples.
Thailand's beaches are amongst the world's most beautiful whether it's Pattaya with it's bustling nightlife and less than 2 hours from Bangkok or the island of Samui where the beaches of Chaweng, Maenam and Bophut entice visitors from all over the world. Phuket in the south offers busy Patong beach with it's restaurants, shops and nightlife or the more sedate Laguna complex with it's 5 star hotels offering truly wonderful service, other beaches such as Karon and Kata are suited to families but still offer all that the holidaymaker needs. Close to Phuket are the resorts of Khao Lak, Krabi, Phi Phi Island and Koh Lanta all with hotels and resorts ranging from budget to 5 star to tempt even the most discerning traveller.
Thailand has a wide range of activities to temp all visitors, from world famous golf courses, to adventure trekking and cycling, scuba diving and rock-climbing a truly amazing country
Airports
Bangkok International (Suvarabhumi) is 30km east of the city (travel time - 40-60 minutes).
Phuket International Airport is 35km north west of Phuket town.
Airport Taxes
International - Baht 700 (Children under 2 years exempt).
Domestic - Baht 50.
Domestic at Koh Samui - Baht 300 (payable at airport in Thai Baht only)
Customs at Airports
The penalties for drug carrying are severe.
The importation of illegal drugs into Malaysia carries the death penalty.
Duty Free
200 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco or cigars; 1 litre of alchol; one still or movie/video camera, and five rolls of normal film or three rolls of 8mm or 16mm film.
Passport Requirements
Visitors entering Thailand must be in possession of a passport valid for 6 months beyond intended length of stay.
Passengers staying in Thailand not longer than 30 days (29 nights) do not generally require a visa but need an air ticket with confirmed onward reservation.
For any other than Australian passport holders please check with your travel agent regarding visa formalities.
Climate
Generally hot, particularly between March and May.
The monsoon season runs from June to October, when the climate is hot with torrential rains.
The best time for travelling is November to February (cool season).
Language
Thai is the official language and is spoken throughout the country, but English is widely understood and spoken in the major tourist areas.
Communications
Most hotels have direct dialing facilities. Check with the operator for long distance and international charges, which may also be found in the telephone directory.
Outgoing international code: 001.
The international country IDD code for Thailand is 66, for Australia 61.
Currency
One Thai baht, divided into 100 satangs.
Notes - Baht 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000.
Coins - Baht 10, 5 and 1 and satangs 25 and 50
Credit Cards
Most credit cards are accepted at all leading hotels, restaurants and department stores, entertainment, local and tourist oriented shops.
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, while Diners Club has more limited use.
Use of credit cards in smaller towns and outlying areas may be restricted.
Time Zone
Thailand's time is GMT + 7 hours, normally 3 hours behind Sydney
Health
No actual vaccinations are presently required but but a Malaria risk exists in rural areas. Those suspected or confirmed of carrying AIDS will be refused entry.
Electricity
220 volts, 50 cycles. American- and European-style 2-pin plugs are in use.
Adaptors will be required for Australian appliances
Tipping
Tipping is welcome but not compulsory in hotels or places of entertainment.
No tipping is necessary if a service charge is added to the bill.
Other Useful Travel Hints
ROYALTY - The King of Thailand, is much loved by the Thai people and held in great respect.
It is a criminal offence to refer to the King or members of the Royal Family in derogatory terms and to deface anything including currency, which bears the image of His Majesty.
Useful Contacts
Australian Embassy
37 South Sathorn Road
Bangkok 10120
Telephone: 02 344 6300
Faxsimile: 02 344 6539
