Thailand facts and information including accommodation, transportation, holidays, and money

Film - You will find a wide array of good services, both digital and film in Thailand.

Climate - Three seasons in the North, North East, Central (rainy, hot and dry). Two seasons in the south (rainy and dry). Best time to visit Thailand climate wise is the cooler season which is approximately November to January. It rains more and longer in the south and there is less temperature difference between these two seasons. Anytime really is a good time to visit Thailand in my opinion.

Major Holidays - Kings Birthday (dec 5) Queens Birthday (aug 12) Chinese Holiday (late feb to early mar) Songkran (mid april) Rocket festival (NE Thailand - mid may to mid jun) Loi Krathong (late october to mid-october)

Visas - Check the Thai Consulate for visas for all countries. For most countries you can enter 30 days automatic visa on arrival. You can apply for a special 60 day tourist visa in the US. This visa can be continued 30 days by applying at the consulate in Bangkok. As a tourist currently you can do border runs to stay for a maximun of 90 days.

International Air - Bangkok is serviced by all major airlines. Personally I think the best way to get a reasonable fare to Thailand is to get a Thai newspaper in your major city or get some recomendations from Thai at the local Thai restaurant. I always fly EVA Airways Evergreen class. EVA is the best value and has the important upgraded economy for us larger people.

Passports, Visas, International Drivers License - In the US - www.passportsplus.com - Mike Lombardo, Passports Plus, 2323 S. Voss Rd. #123K, Houston, TX 77057 • 713-821-0144 phone, 713-821-0145 fax

Customs - Coming into the country one camera/video/still and 3 rolls of film/tapes are allowed duty free. I brought two cameras in and they allowed me through no extra charge.

Accommodations - You will find all levels of accommodation in Thailand.
Recommended website www.sawadee.com

Money - Coins come in I, 2, 5 and 10 baht. Paper notes come in 20, 50,100, 500, and 1,000 baht. Try to keep enough 100s, 50s, or 20s on you because at times 500s and 1000s can be hard to break. Exchange bills at the airport terminal in Bangkok. You can also find exchange booths everywhere in the major cities and resorts. I don't recommend Thai banks as they can be very time consuming. Just ask a cabbie if you need to change money.

Food - The food is fabulous here. There are so many new delightful foods you will be able to encounter. You will find the food carts an adventure in culinary. This is where you will find the home-cooked version of real Thai food. I have never has a problem eating this way. If someone asks you to try some 'Som Tom' watch out! You will be in for a 'very hot' surprise. Water is available bottled everywhere. Ask for 'nam plow'. Dont drink from the tap. It is advisable to brush your teeth with the water so you can adapt to the new organisms not found abroad. I think the water is better here than the desert water in Arizona.

Safety - I have found this to be a very safe country. Bangkok is a lot safer than most major cities in the states. I have walked all around the sity at day and night without any problems. If you are very unlucky you can encounter scams (just use common sense). Gem scams or maybe someone asking you to carry something at an airport. Ladies of the night can be a risk.. If you drink too much you can be vulnerable. Best to watch your personal belongings while traveling as stealth crime is not unheard of in Thailand. Personally, I have never had a problem. Best to avoid the border areas around Burma, Cambodia, and Malaysia unless you are familiar. Visit your consulate website for travelers warnings.

Clothing - Pack simple and the most you will need for warmth is a sweater or wind breaker for the cool season. Anything that is washable in the sink and can easily be dried can be good for emergencies. Bring some cord and a few clothes pins. You will find no shortage of inexpensive laundry services available though.

Medication - Most all of the meds available in the US have found in Thailand. Still it is best to check if you can contact a Bangkok pharmacy by email. Also it is best to carry your sripts in their orignal containers. Also Bring Pepto Bizmo. You may need it when you are first in the country as you aclimate to the new bacteria in the water.

Reading - Lonely Planet Guide - www.lonelyplanet.com
My Lonely Planet country guide has helped me tremendously in my travels. • ISBN 1-74059-697-8 • Also a must is the Lonely Planet Phrase Book. • ISBN 1-74059-231-X

Pocket Dictionary - Robertson Practical Thai English Dictionary • ISBN 974-8236-38-2 • Out of the many Thai / English dictionaries made this is the one to get because of it's simplicity and phonetics.

Maps - Sooner of later if you really want to find your way around get a PN map. www.pnmap.com

Thailand FAQS from kreuzonline.com