Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand is a country known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. From the bustling beaches of Pattaya to the serene shores of Koh Tao, there is a Thai beach for every type of traveler.

One of the most popular beaches in Thailand is Koh Samui, located on the country's eastern shore. This island is known for its luxurious resorts and stunning beaches, such as Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach. Both of these beaches offer soft white sand, crystal clear waters, and a variety of water sports and activities.

Another popular beach destination in Thailand is Phuket, located on the country's western coast. This island is home to many beautiful beaches, including Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach. These beaches offer a mix of relaxation and adventure, with activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling available.

Koh Tao is an excellent option for those seeking a more secluded beach experience. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, this small island is known for its diving and snorkeling spots. The beaches here are relatively quiet and peaceful, making them a great place to relax and unwind.

Other notable Thai beaches include Koh Phi Phi, known for its stunning scenery and popular with travelers looking to party, and Railay Beach, located near the city of Krabi and known for its rock climbing and kayaking opportunities.

No matter which beach you visit in Thailand, you'll find crystal clear waters, soft white sand, and various activities to enjoy. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, there is a Thai beach that is perfect for you.

Thailand currently has six international airports, in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket, and Ko Samui. The vast majority of travelers fly into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Airfares to Thailand generally depend on the season, with the highest being approximately mid-November to mid-February, when the weather is best (with premium rates charged for flights between mid-Dec and New Year), and in July and August to coincide with school holidays. You will need to book several months in advance to get reasonably priced tickets during these peak periods.

The cheapest way of getting to most regional Thai airports is usually to buy a flight to Bangkok and then a separate domestic ticket. However, there are dozens of potentially useful, mostly seasonal, international routes into Phuket, including direct flights with several airlines from Australia. For Ko Samui, there are flights from Singapore, Hong Kong (both Bangkok Airways), and Kuala Lumpur (Berjaya Airlines and Firefly); for Krabi, you can fly from KL with Air Asia, from Singapore with Tiger Airways or nonstop on seasonal, mostly charter flights from Scandinavia; and for Chiang Mai, Silk Air flies from Singapore, Air Asia from KL and Macau, while Korean Airlines from Seoul is a popular route for North American visitors.

The Thai government has a duty to provide free Wi-Fi in all Thai airports and it is a must for all travellers to use this service in order to be able to communicate with family and friends. In most cases, travellers are required to go through the immigration process in advance of their arrival in Thailand.

There are two main types of climate in the country – tropical savannah climate and tropical monsoon. The climate of the central part of Thailand can be divided into three seasons: hot – from March to May, the temperature reaches +42 ° C; rainy – from June to October, temperature +26 … + 32 ° C, and cool – from November to February, temperature +18 … + 32 ° C. In the north of the country, it is cool in winter, and even cold at night, so it is worth taking warm clothes with you. In the south, it is very humid from March to November, it is better to go there from February to March.

There is no single rainy season in Thailand. In August it floods Phuket, in November – Samui. However, you should not be afraid of the monsoon period in the resorts: tropical showers last up to half an hour a day, and the rest of the time the bright sun shines. The velvet season lasts from November to February: the weather is dry and not as hot as in spring and summer. It is better not to go to the north of the country in August-September: heavy torrential rains and wind will spoil the whole experience.

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its rich culture and history. The country has a long tradition of Buddhism, which plays a significant role in the daily lives of the Thai people.

Strong family ties, respect for elders, and a strong sense of community characterize Thai culture. These values are reflected in how people interact with one another and in the importance placed on relationships.

One of the most well-known aspects of Thai culture is the country's food. Thai cuisine is known for its spicy flavors and aromatic ingredients, and dishes like pad Thai and tom yum soup have gained international popularity. The Thai people take great pride in their culinary traditions, and food plays a central role in many social and cultural events.

Another important aspect of Thai culture is the country's dance and music. Graceful movements and elaborate costumes characterize traditional Thai dance, and it is often performed at festivals and other events. Thai music, which is heavily influenced by the country's Buddhist tradition, is typically played on traditional instruments like the khim (a type of hammered dulcimer) and the pi (a type of lute).

Thailand is also known for its beautiful and ornate temples, which are found throughout the country. These temples, known as wat, are important places of worship for the Thai people and are often visited by tourists for their architectural and cultural significance.

In terms of social customs, Thai people highly value politeness and respect. It is customary to bow slightly when greeting someone, and using terms of respect like "ka" (for women) and "krab" (for men) are expected when addressing elders or authority figures.

Overall, Thai culture is a unique blend of traditions and modern influences. From its delicious food and vibrant music and dance to its strong sense of community and respect for others, there is much to discover and appreciate about this fascinating country.

Thai food is a beloved cuisine worldwide, known for its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients. From the spicy heat of dishes like tom yum soup to pad Thai's sweet and sour flavors, Thai food has something to offer for every taste.

One of the key ingredients in Thai cooking is herbs and spices. Common herbs in Thai dishes include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and basil, while popular spices include chili peppers, garlic, and coriander. These ingredients are often combined to create complex and layered flavors that give Thai food its distinctive taste.

Thai cuisine is also known for its use of fresh ingredients, including a wide variety of vegetables and seafood. Dishes like som tum (green papaya salad) and goong ob woonsen (prawns with glass noodles) showcase the abundance of fresh produce and seafood in Thailand.

Rice is a staple in Thai food and is often served with various dishes, including curry and stir-fries. Fresh and dried noodles are also a common feature in Thai cuisine, and dishes like pad Thai and kuay tiew (noodle soup) are popular both in Thailand and abroad.

One of the most iconic Thai dishes is tom yum soup, a spicy and sour soup made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers. Other popular dishes include green curry, a spicy coconut milk-based curry with vegetables and protein, and massaman curry, a milder curry made with potatoes, peanuts, and coconut milk.

Thai food is often served family-style, with various dishes placed in the center of the table for everyone to share. Dining out in Thailand is a social activity, and it is common for people to order several dishes to be shared among the group.

Overall, Thai food is a diverse and flavorful cuisine that people around the world enjoy. From its aromatic herbs and spices to its abundance of fresh ingredients, Thai food is a unique and delicious culinary experience.