Thailand Overview

Crunchy Culinary Delights of Bangkok

A perfect blend of natural beauty, compelling culture, and some of the most welcoming citizens in the world, it’s no wonder that Thailand remains one of the most accessible destinations in Southeast Asia. Though books, films, and television have tried, it’s impossible to accurately describe the adventures available to travelers in Thailand; you just have to go. Explore the ancient cities of the central plains, where the ruins of great kingdoms now lie in silent majesty. Snorkel in turquise waters off the coast of a tiny southern island. Meditate among saffron-cloaked Buddhist monks in glittering golden temples. Let the mouth-watering cuisine sustain you, the surrounding beauty astonish you, and the proud people teach you as you experience their “Amazing Thailand”.

Facts And Figures

Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Capital: Bangkok
Land Area: 514,000 sq. km
Geography: Borders Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia
Climate: Dry (high) season Nov.-Mar., rainy (low) season Apr.-Oct.
National Animal: Chang Thai (Thai elephant)
Major Cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Population: 65,000,000
Language: Thai
Religions: Theravada Buddhism (95%); Islam, Christianity, Hinduism (5%)

Essentials

Passports: Required of citizens of Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the US.
Visas: Required of all travelers staying more than 30 days.
Tourism Office: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); www.tat.or.th
Phone Numbers: 191 for emergencies, 1155 for tourist police
Currency: Thai Baht
Religion: 90% of all Thais practice Hinayana Buddhism.
Drinking Age: No minimum drinking age specified; however, some clubs do have a minimum age requirement (although they often do not ask for IDs from foreigners)

When To Go

The low season in Thailand is marked by small crowds and reduced prices, though many beaches, islands, and trekking centers are completely closed down. Those willing to brave the crowds will find the ...more