Thailand is the most visited country in Southeast Asia – and it’s no surprise why! This is a fabulous destination, from a quick Thailand getaway to the bustling capital Bangkok, or a stay in a picturesque villa in Koh Samui; and from a boat trip around Phuket, to loads of cultural and historic places to visit. If you’re planning a trip, here are 12 topics to consider before you go, including things to do in Thailand, essential travel tips and trivia, plus advice on the currency, climate, food – even buying souvenirs.
#1 Fact File
Over 70 million people call Thailand home, including 11 million living in Bangkok. The next biggest city is Chiang Mai, with a touch over a million. Approximately 95 percent of Thai people are Buddhist.
The land area of the country is roughly equivalent to France. Most of the north is mountainous, and there is a very long thin peninsula in the south. Many of Thailand’s coastal resorts are located on either side of this peninsula.
#2 Trivia
- Did you know that every country in Southeast Asia was colonised by Europeans – except Thailand?
- Speaking of Europe, Bangkok used to be referred to as “the Venice of the East” because of the look of the stilted buildings on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
- Another way to refer to Bangkok (if you can take a deep enough breath…) is to use its full official ceremonial name: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
- More on names: Thailand was known as Siam until 1939. (And yes, Siamese cats are native to this country.) The town of Kanchanaburi is home to the famous “Bridge Over the River Kwai”, part of the Burma-Siam railway; an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 people died constructing the project during the Second World War.
- The elephant is Thailand’s national symbol – the white elephant particularly is considered sacred in Thai culture.
#3 Key Dates
Events to keep in mind for your Thailand getaway include the year’s biggest celebration, the Songkran Festival, running from 13 to 17 April. This is the Thai New Year, and it’s celebrated in boisterous fashion. Part of the fun includes drenching strangers with water. You’ve been warned!
13 October marks the anniversary of the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thailand’s beloved monarch of seven decades died in 2016, at the age of 88.
In November, Chiang Mai celebrates Loy Krathong, with thousands of floating lanterns released into the night sky. It symbolises the release of negative energy and bad luck.
#4 Where to Go and Things to Do in Thailand
Iconic landmarks
There are five World Heritage Sites in Thailand, including the historic towns of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, which was the first capital of Thailand and is filled with ancient temples and ruins.
Beaches and mountains
Where to go in Thailand for a beach holiday? Well, you should pencil in any or all of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket and Krabi, for starters. For a more mountainous getaway in Thailand, head to Lopburi, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The heartlands of the country, meanwhile, include Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya.
Active trips
Some of the cool things to do in Thailand include watching a Muay Thai match, visiting various markets including the Bangkok floating market or Chatuchak Weekend Market, going to one of the elephant nature parks in Chiang Mai (choose one with the best ethical credentials), snorkelling and diving (Phi Phi is great for this), and also attending a Thai cooking class.
#5 Health & Safety
Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and Zika are common enough in Thailand, especially among travellers to far-flung spots. Use lots of repellent and stay covered up. Also be aware of cutaneous larva migrans, a rash caused by dog hookworm that’s sometimes contracted on Thailand’s beaches. (Happily, it’s easily treated.) Drink bottled or boiled water, and try to avoid ice if it’s made from tap water. This is a relentlessly hot country, so stay hydrated and always wear sun screen or a hat.
#6 Culture
You’re unlikely to visit Bangkok without seeing inside a temple – and you may go to dozens! When you do, take your shoes off before entering, and avoid any immodest clothing; shoulders and knees should be covered. Also ask before you start taking photos at religious sites as this isn’t always allowed.
For a taste of Thailand before you go, read A Child of the Northeast, a 1976 book by Kampoon Boontawee that tells of an Isan family growing up in Thailand in the 1930s. For a Western spin on things, The Beach by Alex Garland is a well-known novel set in Thailand. It follows a young man in search of an untouched, idyllic beach with a small international community of backpackers.
If you’re more of a movie person, Thailand’s most successful film has been Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes.
We also love The Big Boss, a Bruce Lee movie filmed entirely in Thailand.
#7 Notable Quotes
- There’s plenty of love for Thailand around the world. Consider this quote from Leonardo Di Caprio on securing freebie trips there for his nearest and dearest: “If a studio is going to offer me the opportunity to invite my mother and grandmother and all my friends to visit me free of charge in Thailand, I’m going to take that opportunity.“
- Renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is clearly a fan of the food: “I landed in 1980 in Bangkok, and I stopped to eat ten times between the airport and the hotel. It was all lemongrass and ginger and chillies.”
- Author Bernard Kalb waxes even more lyrical about the capital city: “Bangkok is a rejuvenating tonic. The people seem to have found the magic elixir. Life, a visitor feels, has not been wasted on the Thais.”
- We also like this anonymous quote about Thais enjoying themselves. “Sanuk is the Thai word for fun, and in Thailand anything worth doing, even work, should have some element of sanuk. This doesn’t mean Thai people don’t want to work or strive. It’s just that they live more in the moment, and do their best to enjoy it.”
#8 Visas, Time & Money
There’s a big list of countries whose passport holders don’t require a visa for Thailand for stays of 30 days or less. They including the UK, the US, Canada, Singapore and Australia. Find out more from the official visa website.
Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT. When it’s midday in Thailand, it’s 1pm in Singapore and 3pm in Sydney.
The country’s official currency is the Thai baht (THB), which can be withdrawn at ATMs across the country. Credit cards are also widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to keep cash on hand for small expenses and souvenirs.
#9 Weather & Seasons
Thailand’s weather is generally hot and humid across the whole year. Bangkok and the inland areas are especially scorching in April. If you’re heading for a beach holiday, note that the West coast (Phuket, Phi Phi and Krabi) is affected by the southwest monsoon from April to October, while the East coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) has above-average rainfall in September and December.
#10 Language
Thai is the official language, but many locals have basic knowledge of English. For a simple bit of Thai to try when you’re there, say “Sawadee ka” (if you’re female) or “Sawadee krab” (if you’re male) – this serves as both “hello” and “goodbye”. “Thank you” also changes depending on your gender. Say “Khorb khun ka” if you’re female and “Khorb khun krab” if you’re male.
When you’re greeting someone in Thailand, perform the ritual known as a “wai”: put your hands together near your chest and dip your head in a slight bow. And remember to smile! Thai people are known for being warm and friendly.
#11 Food
Thailand has a phenomenal reputation for its food. Ask any chef who has done some trave and it won’t take them long to bring the subject around to street food in Bangkok!
Where to start? Pad Thai is a winner – rice noodles are stir-fried with eggs and chopped firm tofu, flavoured with tamarind pulp, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic or shallots, red chillies, palm sugar, and served with lime wedges and chopped roasted peanuts. Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour Thai soup made with lemongrass, shrimp, mushrooms and kaffir lime leaves. Popular street food Som Tum consists of green papaya mixed into a salad with chili, lime, fish sauce, peanuts and sometimes dried shrimp.
If all those chillies are getting too much for you, cool off from the heat with a traditional Thai iced tea or sticky rice with mango for dessert!
#12 Souvenirs
Try to spot an elephant figurine or wood carving to take back as a symbol of good luck. Otherwise, the best bets for souvenirs include Thai silk, spa products, and Thai cookbooks, spices and sauces.
Enjoyed this fact file on where to go and things to do in Thailand, and travel tips for the country? See more in our Travel section!
