Fast facts

Current weather in Bangkok

Rain 79 ^oF
Humidity: 89%
Wind: E at 6 mph

Geography  
Area: 513,115 sq. km. (198,114 sq. mi.); equivalent to the size of France, or slightly smaller than Texas.

Cities: Capital--Bangkok (population 9,668,854); Nakhon Ratchasima (pop. 437,386 for Muang district and 2,565,685 for the whole province), Chiang Mai (pop. 247,672 for Muang district and 1,595,855 for the whole province).

Terrain: Densely populated central plain; northeastern plateau; mountain range in the west; southern isthmus joins the landmass with Malaysia.

Climate: Tropical monsoon.  

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Thai.

Population (2009 est.): 67.0 million. (Data based on the Thailand National Statistic Office).
 
Ethnic groups: Thai 89%, other 11%.

Religions: Buddhist 93-94%, Muslim 5-6%, Christian 1%, Hindu, Brahmin, other.

Languages: Thai (official language); English is the second language of the elite; Malay and regional dialects.

Education: Years compulsory--12. Literacy--94.9% male, 90.5% female.

Health (2008 est.):  Life expectancy--70.51 years male, 75.27 years female.

Thailand's population is relatively homogeneous. More than 85% speak a dialect of Thai and share a common culture. This core population includes the central Thai (33.7% of this population, including Bangkok), northeastern Thai (34.2%), northern Thai (18.8%), and southern Thai (13.3%). Ethnic Malay Muslims comprise a majority in the southernmost provinces.

The population is mostly rural, concentrated in the rice-growing areas of the central, northeastern, and northern regions. However, as Thailand continues to industrialize, its urban population--31.6% of total population, principally in the Bangkok area--is growing

Government
Type: Constitutional monarchy.

Constitution: Thailand adopted its current constitution following an August 19, 2007 referendum.

Independence: Never colonized; traditional founding date 1238.

Branches: Executive--King (chief of state), Prime Minister (head of government). Legislative--bicameral, with a fully-elected House of Representatives and a partially-elected Senate.

Political parties: Multi-party system; Communist Party is prohibited.

Suffrage: Universal and compulsory at 18 years of age.

Economy
GDP (2009 est.): $262 billion. 

Annual GDP growth rate (2009 est.): -2.8%.

Per capita income (2009 est.): $3,916. 

Unemployment rate (2009 est.): 1.6% of total labor force.

Natural resources: Tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, and fluorite.

Agriculture (8.2% of GDP): Products--rice, tapioca, rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, and soybeans.

Industry
Types--tourism, textiles, garments, agricultural processing, cement, integrated circuits, jewelry, electronics, petrochemical, and auto assembly. products, chemical products. Major markets--ASEAN, EU, U.S., Japan, China, and Hong Kong.  

Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons:

* Summer: from March to May brings hot and dry weather throughout Thailand with temperatures averaging 28 degree Celsius to 33 degree Celsius and 75% humidity.
* Rainy: from May to September is perhaps the driest monsoon period of any country in Southeast Asia with plenty of sunshine and temperatures averaging 27 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius and 87% humidity.
* Cool: from November to February is mild and very sunny with temperatures averaging 24 degree Celsius to 27 degree Celsius with a drop in humidity.

Time
Time in the Kingdom of Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7)

Currency
The Thai unit of currency is the baht, divided into 100 satangs. Notes are in denominations of 1,000 (grey), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue), 20 (green) and 10 (brown) baht. There are also coins of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht. 

Electricity
The electric current is 220 volts AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use, and travelers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will provide 110-volt transformers.

Tipping
Tipping is not standard practice in Thailand, although it is becoming so. Most larger hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but the gesture is always appreciated. A tip of 20-50 baht is acceptable for porters.
Shopping Tips

* Bargaining: Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Usually you can obtain a final price of between 10-40% lower than the asking price. Much depends on your skill and the shopkeeper’s mood, but remember that Thais appreciate a sense of humor. With patience and a smile, you will not only get a better price, but you will also enjoy making a purchase. Providing you have the time, it is best to shop around at different places selling the kind of items you want before making a final decision.
* Gems & Jewelry: Remember there is no such thing as a bargain when buying gems or jewelry, there is only good value. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Choose jewelry stores carefully and do compare prices from shop to shop.
* Touts: Avoid touts or unsolicited new-found friends who offer to take you shopping. Stores give commissions to such people and the cost is reflected in the price you pay.
* Receipts: When purchasing gems, jewelry or other luxury items, obtain a receipt and check it is correct before leaving the shop.

Places of interest/attractions

Bangkok

Bangkok, or Krung Thep as it is known to locals, is an urban capital that pulses with excitement, making a sensual impression at every turn. Founded in 1782, Bangkok is now a city of 10 million. It is a bustling, modern metropolis, a paradise for shoppers and a favorite destination for nighttime revelers, yet Bangkok manages to retain its historic and cultural heart. It is still a city of temples and palaces, of golden spires and orange tiered roofs, of saffron-robed monks and serene Buddha images. Classis sights, most famously the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, remain as magnificent as ever. The BTS Skytrain and the MRT underground railway provide cross-town travel in a matter of minutes.

Chiang Mai

The Gateway to the Mountainous North. Founded in 1296 by King Mengrai as a capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai offers a perfect blend of history, with centuries-old temples next to the boutique hotels and colorful night markets. Located 435 miles north of Bangkok and conveniently accessed by both air and rail services, Chiang Mai always has something to discover. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive destinations. The city of Chiang Mai, pleasantly situated on the banks of the Ping River, is a treasure trove of ancient temples, fascinating for their distinctive Lanna architectural style and rich decorative detail. On the outskirts of the city is the famed hilltop temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep  At 3,520 feet above sea level, it is the most famous and most visible landmark with vibrant view of the city and surrounding countryside.

The Central region- has a dramatic history, and its heritage of ancient temples, ruins, and two capitals, Ayutthaya and Bangkok, are a continuing fascination for visitors. It is one of the world's most fertile farming areas with colorful traditional culture and way of life. Major destinations include Ayutthaya, home to one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Hua Hin, and Kanchanaburi.

Popular Beach Destinations

Most visitors to Thailand head for the sea for at least part of their stay. With a 1,550-mile coastline, Thailand offers such a profusion of sandy beaches, sheer cliffs, sheltered bays, quiet coves and idyllic islands that the choices for a holiday in the sun are near limitless.

The Andaman Coast

- Phuket

- Mu Ko Similan National Park

- Mu Ko Surin National Park

- Phang-nga Bay

- Phi Phi Islands

The Gulf of Thailand

- Hua Hin & Cha-am

- Ko Samui

- Ko Pha-ngan

- Ko Tao

- Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

The East

- Pattaya

- Ko Chang  

Angthong National Marine Park is a fascinating group of islands in the north west of Samui, which comprises of 40 islands covering 96sq miles. This enchanting wonderland is composed of bulbous green isles, clear blue lagoons, mysterious caves and faceted rock formations.  Most islands contain limestone masses, reaching heights up to 1475 feet and blanketed by 4 different types of forest such as Dry Evergreen Forest, Beach Forest, Limestone Forest and Mangrove Forest. Besides the many coves and little beaches there are many strange formations brought about by erosion of the earth, and one island has a mysterious sinkhole, completely enclosed by walls of sheer rock.

Popular Activities

Rafting, Kayaking and Sea Canoeing

With waterborne adventure sports, you can go from one extreme to the other in Thailand: rafting on a wild river foaming at the mouth, or paddling in a kayak through a tranquil lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs. For real white-knuckle rafting, head North to Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Nan. Although rafting is a year-round sport in Thailand, the optimum time for rocking and rolling on the river is from June to October.

Way down south is the country’s premiere waterways for kayaking and sea canoeing. Phang-nga Bay, its craggy, limestone karsts riddled with sea caves which flow into green lagoons, is a wet dream for day trippers. But to catch a new wave you have to embark on a week-long odyssey around Tarutao National Park of Satun province. The main island, which UNESCO has designated as an ASEAN Heritage Site, boasts some diverse and truly enchanting nature-scapes, such as primary hardwood forests and tidal rivers.

Trekking

Trekking in the fresh air and stunning scenery of Thailand can soothe your mind and spirit. Treks can range from a single day light excursion to physically challenging adventures of a week or more. Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is only 125 miles from Bangkok and the most popular national park for trekking. It is a mammoth 770-square-mile ecological wonderland that boasts more than 800 plant species, 112 mammal species, including roaming families of elephants and elusive tigers, as well as an incredible 390 bird species. It is also home to one of Asia’s largest tracts of undisturbed monsoon forest.

For a different trekking experience, trek in the north of Thailand. Not only are the forests here full of a wild assortment of birds, beasts, and orchids, they are also perfumed by sweet mountain breezes, and renewed by freshwater streams. Elephant rides, visits to hilltribe villages, bamboo rafting, visits to hot springs and swimming in spring-fed pools beneath gushing waterfalls are the rejuvenating interludes of many itineraries. Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai are popular points of departures.

Elephant Riding

Siamese soldiers rode elephants into battle as the tanks of ancient battlefields. Now you can ride one, too. The most scenic outings are up in the great green north. Atop the elephant’s back you can climb hills, ford streams and lumber through the jungle. At the National Elephant Institute, in Lampang province, you can also sign up for courses on how to be a mahout. Learn how to drive the beast, how to take them to the river for a bath, and even sleep with your own elephant out in the jungle.

Cycling

Going on a tour by bicycle is probably one of the best ways to explore Thailand. You can enjoy easy-going bicycle trips around the capital, Bangkok, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ayutthaya Historical Park and Sukhothai Historical Park, or cycling in the Pai district of Mae Hong Son to visit hilly environs, waterfalls, hot springs and ethnic tribes. For a slower pace, cycle and explore a real Thai rural life and charm of the countryside at Ko Kret in Nontaburi, or take a half-day cycling tour in Kanchanaburi along village roads passing agricultural villages and community preservation forest to Hellfire Pass.

Rock Climbing & Abseiling

As any enthusiast will tell you, climbing is a metaphor for overcoming any obstacles you have to face in life. Challenge yourself at Rai Le Beach in Krabi. More than 700 routes have been bolted into the cliff faces, which are prehistoric remnants of what was once the world’s largest coral reef; millions of years ago it stretched from China to Papua New Guinea. Everyone can enjoy rock climbing here as the routes vary in difficulty from 5a (child’s play) to 8c (extremely challenging).

For a different experience that will make you feel like Spider-man, try climbing down a cliff face with a gushing waterfall on both sides of you. That’s the thrill of abseiling in Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located 125 miles northeast of Bangkok, the park is not only renowned for its diverse eco-systems and 800 different species of fauna but also for its waterfalls, ranging from 50 to 160 feet high. To get to some of the waterfalls requires kayaking across a lake, or trekking through some of the most luscious greenery in the kingdom. Even Spider-man never got this wild.
Diving

Is available throughout the country. Popular dive sites include:

Richelieu and Surin Islands – the world famous site for seeing the world’s biggest fish: Whale Shark

Ko Bon and Ko Ta Chai – the best site for seeing the world’s largest ray: Manta Ray

Similan Islands – the most beautiful dive sites with greatest diversity of marine life

Phi Phi Islands – one of the most famous wreck dives in the Indian Ocean

Hin Muang & Hin Daeng – the best wall dive sites in Thailand

Travel programs

There are a large variety of custom programs available upon request that can incorporate any combination of the country’s main national parks, attractions, and popular activities. Contact us to get started!

Our Best of Thailand Package is popular for travelers looking to pack in a variety of sights and activities into one trip. This program can be booked anytime of year. Starting from $1495

Day 01 Depart USA / Bangkok

Day 02 Arrive / Bangkok

Met by our representative at Bangkok airport and transferred to your hotel for an immediate check-in to rest and unwind from your flight.

Overnight stay at Holiday Inn Silom 4* (deluxe room)

Day 03  Bangkok (B)

Breakfast at hotel.

Proceed on a half-day tour of Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple

Return to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight stay at Holiday Inn Silom (deluxe room).

Day 04  Bangkok (B/L)

Depart Bangkok this morning for a leisurely drive to the Kanchanaburi province, 80 miles west of Bangkok.  Visit the Allied soldiers' Cemetery, and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Lunch at a local restaurant.  In the Afternoon take an exciting boat ride downstream to Resotel Pier and visit The Hell Fire Pass Memorial. Afterwards proceed to visit the 7-tiered Erawan waterfall, which is widely regarded as being one of Thailand's loveliest cascades, and Tiger Valley where the tigers are taken for their afternoon exercise. Overnight stay at Holiday Inn Silom (deluxe room)


Day 05            
This morning transfer the to airport for your flight – Bangkok / Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai - Lisu Hilltribe Village (L/D)

Met on arrival in Chiang Mai and proceed to the hill-tribe Museum to learn about the different groups of minorities. Afterwards, proceed to an Orchid Farm in Mae Rim to see Thailand’s most beautiful orchids. Continue your visit to the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden - the largest botanical garden in Southeast Asia.  

In the early afternoon, depart for Lisu Lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch on the terrace of the lodge.  

After lunch experience an ox-cart ride through mountain farmlands, orchards, forests and arrive an hour later at the Thai village of Pang Mai Daeng. Guided by Lisu people, walk from Ton Lung temple to the herbal garden. Visit Lisu families and stop for a cup of tea at the shaman’s (spirit doctor) house where you will also get an introduction to traditional medicine.

Return to the Lisu Lodge to enjoy Lisu hill tribe activities and evening entertainment. Dinner and overnight stay at the Lisu Lodge  


Day 06:  Lisu Hilltribe Village / Chiang Mai (B/L)

After breakfast collect your mountain bikes and take a mountain bike trek through pretty hill country and along the Mae Taeng River to the elephant camp. From here, you will enjoy an elephant ride through the beautiful mountains and jungle followed by a picnic lunch served by the river.  

Embark on an exciting white water rafting trip along the Mae Taeng River. After this exciting adventure take a short drive to visit Akha Village.

Proceed to Chiang Mai and check in to Sheraton Chiang Mai Hotel 4* (River view rooms) for your overnight stay.  

Day 07:  Chiang Mai (B)

Morning at leisure or to explore Chiang Mai.

Afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight – Chiang Mai / Koh Samui

Met on arrival in Koh Samui and transfer to the Baan Samui Resort 3* (Deluxe room  

Day 08:  Koh Samui (B/L)

After breakfast at hotel depart for a full day tour of Angthong National Marine Park. Lunch will be served on the island.  

Sail back to Samui and transfer to your hotel.  Enjoy the nightlife of Koh Samui.

Overnight stay at Baan Samui Resort.

Day 09:  Koh Samui (B)

Full day at leisure to enjoy the beach and island activities such as hiking, diving, rock climbing, or touring on a bike or scooter.

Overnight stay at Baan Samui Resort.

Day 10:  Koh Samui (B)

Morning at leisure (check out 12noon).

Afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight

Koh Samui / Bangkok / USA

Land cost includes:

Bangkok

* Airport transfers by private vehicles.
* Accommodation for 3 nights at Holiday Inn Silom or similar on sharing basis inclusive of breakfast.
* Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
* Entrance fees wherever applicable.

Chiang Mai

* Transfers by private vehicle.
* Accommodation for one night at Lisu Lodge on sharing basis (non air-conditioned room with an electric fan).
* Open-air truck to visit the Botanical gardens
* Meals as specified.
* Soft adventure trek for one & half days including elephant ride, biking, rafting and oxcart ride.
* Accommodate for one night at Sheraton hotel Chiang Mai or similar on sharing basis

Koh Samui

* Airport transfers by private vehicles.
* Accommodation for 3 nights at Baan Samui Resort or similar on sharing basis inclusive of breakfast.
* Full day sightseeing tour to Anthong National Marine Park including entrance fees, lunch, soft drinks and snorkeling gear.

Photos