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Relatively
new in Bangkok is the skytrain, which has become very
popular, particularly with foreign tourists who can
use it for sightseeing and a visit to the weekend market,
in air-conditioned comfort. Traffic jams in Bangkok
have been greatly reduced, thanks to new highways, flyovers,
the skytrain, etc. The Hotel Plaza Athénee Bangkok
recently opened in Bangkok whereas Phuket has seen new
hotels like the Merlin Beach Resort and the JW Marriott
Phuket come on line. Bangkok Airways introduced Boeing
717 jet aircraft on their Samui and Siem Reap routes,
and Air Andaman and Phuket Airways now operate many
services out of the Phuket hub.
What’s not new is the fact that Thailand continues to be extremely
popular with tourists worldwide due to a combination
of excellent hotels, interesting tours, good food, friendly
service, excellent shopping, all at most attractive
prices.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL?
The
best time to visit Thailand is from November to March
when temperatures are relatively low (18-30ºc)
and when there is practically no rain. There is sunshine
all over Thailand, year round, with the hottest month
being May, followed by the “green” season, with higher
humidity (60-90%) and occasional rains lasting from
June to October.
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2. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL? ARE THERE PLACES TO AVOID?
Thailand
is one of the safest countries worldwide and it’s absolutely
safe to travel to any parts of the country, also for
women travelers. Places to avoid are unlicensed jewelry
shops selling fake merchandise at exorbitant prices.
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3. WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS AND CUSTOM FORMALITIES?
Thailand
allows visa free stays up to 28 days to most foreign
nationals, but all visitors entering Thailand must be
in possession of a valid passport. Only occasional checks
are made by customs for tourists choosing the “green
channel”.
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4. DO'S AND DON'T'S?
Though
tap water is generally safe for drinking, we recommend
to drink bottled water only. Bottled water is easily
available throughout Thailand. Food is generally o.k.
to eat even at traditional food stalls anywhere in Thailand.
Please guard against sunburn and dehydration, as the
tropical heat is much stronger than it seems.
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5. WHAT MONEY SHOULD I TAKE?
Western
currencies and traveler cheques are easily accepted
at money changers and banks throughout the country.
ATM’s are found even in small towns. It is advisable,
however, to carry along local currency in small denomination
(20, 50 and 100 Baht notes)
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6. WHAT LANGUAGE WILL THEY UNDERSTAND?
English
is spoken at all hotels, major restaurants and shops.
Asian Trails provide guides in English, German, French,
Italian, Spanish, and Japanese languages to foreign
visitors requiring assistance. Road signs are written
in both Thai and English throughout the country, with
few exceptions.
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7. HOW ABOUT MY HEALTH?
Thailand
requires no vaccinations from foreign visitors and
the standard of hygiene is high throughout the country.
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8. WHAT FOOD WILL I FIND?
Most
Thai dishes are based on rice, with a large variety
of meats, fish, vegetables and fruits. Thai food is
good, perhaps a little too piquant for foreign palates,
but worth trying. Thai food served in your hotel is
usually toned down a bit due to the sensitive stomach
of most tourists, but nevertheless, it is delicious
and you should try it.
International food of any kind is found in all major
Thai tourist resorts.
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9. HOW IS THE SHOPPING AND WHAT DO I TIP?
SHOPPING:
In the wake of unprecedented economic growth, Thailand
has become one of Southeast Asia’s most popular shopping
centers. With a host of department stores, smart plazas,
and exclusive shops, Bangkok has now joined Singapore
and Hong Kong as a Mecca for the dedicated shoppers.
TIPPING:
It is not necessary to tip cinema ushers. It is customary
to tip porters and hotel personnel who have given
good personal service. A 10 to 15 per cent tip is
appreciated in restaurants where service charge is
waived. Please leave only a small tip in major restaurants
where service charge of 10% is already added to the
bill.
IMPORTANT
BEWARES: Bangkok as well as other large cities in
the world is confronted with the problem of touts.
Should you get a telephone call offering you a free
tour, be very careful! It is usually someone’s intention
to seduce you into doing expensive shopping or pay
a high price for other tour arrangements. It is a
fact of life that nothing is free of charge, especially
if offered by a stranger. Our advice thus – stay away
from them! For further information or assistance please
do not hesitate to contact us: ASIAN TRAILS, Operations
Department, telephone no. 0-2658 6080 from 08.00-17.30
hours on Monday-Friday & 08.00-12.30 hours on
Saturday, to help you to double check your arrangements.
Also, if you receive a call for amending departure
time of tours, etc., you are kindly requested to double
check with us. All Asian Trails guides wear uniforms
(white or khaki polo-shirts with ASIAN TRAILS Logo
stitched on it, together with khaki skirts or trousers).
Keep a healthy portion of mistrust also against strangers
approaching you while walking through entertainment
areas. However, despite these warnings there is no
need to be anxious, touts are quite harmless, so just
smile and walk on. All in all take care but be not
afraid.
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