Thailand Fast Facts
- Thailand is actually called the Kingdom of Thailand, and its capital city is Bangkok, the official language being ‘Thai’.
- Thailand covers an area of some 517,000 square km or 199,614 square miles
- Country population is 65 million
- Thailand time zone is GMT+7
- Thailand religion is 95% Buddhist and 4% Muslim.
- The country dialling code is 66.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Thailand from a weather perspective is between November and February when the sun isn’t as hot as it normally is. there is also much less rain during these months. April is generally the hottest month and October the wettest, subject to regional variances.
Bangkok
Bangkok's 580 square miles are crossed back and forth by canals carrying passengers and freight, its roads packed with what seems like endless traffic congestion, while the city stretches in all directions with a mix of urban, commercial and industrial architecture. A new overland rail system speeds above the city, providing visitors with a great way to witness the hive of activity that goes on below.
Bangkok is one of Asia's most exciting cities; it is also one of the largest and probably most polluted! Khao San Road is one of the city's liveliest roads, and the backpacker's 'ghetto'. Khao San road is ‘full on’ anytime day or night. The Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Kaew, (the palace temple housing the Emerald Buddha) can be found on the banks of the Chao Phraya, made from green jade. Further up the river are the Royal Barges, still used today for ornate special floating processions.
The largest of the 30 or so temples in Bangkok is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, housing an impressive statue of the deity. Definitely one to put on your to do list is the famous Floating Market. As the sun sets, the bars and nightclubs and neon come alive, as does the hedonistic Patpong district.
Phuket
Phuket is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Phuket is Thailand’s’ third largest island and is very diverse, with beaches, cliffs, forests, waterfalls and temples. Phuket caters for all – with everything to suit backpackers, those wanting simple accommodation and those desiring the finer things from high end luxury. If snorkelling and scuba diving is your thing, this is the place to be. With Phuket also having its’ own airport, it makes Bangkok a popular option as part of a multicentre along with other further afield destinations such as Dubai. Patong Beach is the island's most developed beach resort with all the usual sporting, dining and nightlife facilities.
A true shopper's paradise from small markets and stalls to department stores and boutiques. Patong Beach is open through the night and creates a true shoppers bazaar atmosphere.
As far as food goes, everything from fast food and noodle stalls to fine dining is here, and you will find pretty much every type of international restaurant, Italian, Chinese, Indian, of course as well as Thai! Very popular is Kaab Gluay serving superb Thai cuisine at reasonable prices. More expensive is Baan Rim Pa serving royal Thai cuisine; you do however get stunning views. The Sala Bua restaurant at the Impiana Cabana is popular for its East-meets-West cuisine. Sabai Sabai is a firm favourite for Western breakfasts.
Patong Beach is the nightlife hub. Bangla Road is where it’s at where hundreds of pubs, nightclubs and go go bars and provide everything you could possibly want! Paradise Complex is Patong's gay area, with a huge amount of bars, karaokes, restaurants and nightclubs
For the adventurous and energetic, mountain biking, bungy jumping, golf and even elephant trekking is available.. Day trips and excursions to Phang Nga Bay, Koh Phi Phi, and the beaches and islands around Krabi are available and recommended to experience piece and tranquillity after the nightlife of Patong beach.
Pattaya
Pattaya is abuzz with holidaymakers and is packed with hotels, shops, restaurants and bars. Its unfortunate reputation for sex tourism is hard to lose and very unlikely to especially as a very high percentage of the bars and clubs revolve around the sex industry. Pattaya does have much more to offer, however, an excellent range of restaurants from budget to top notch, a great choice of shops and marks and Pattaya is also a good centre for exploring further a field with an unparalleled range of excursions to tempt you away.
The main shopping area is in the south close to the large coastal hotels. You will find jewellery, tailors, silk and cotton goods, and handcraft shops. The largest complex is on North Pattaya Road complete with restaurants.
Food wise, you'll find everything in Pattaya. For your small change you can eat a tasty Thai dish from a street side stall, or stretch the budget a little and go really upmarket and dine in luxury at an elegant hotel restaurant, such as the Empress of China in the Dusit Resort Pattaya.
Those looking for traditional entertainment can join the usual Irish pub knees up such as in Shenanigans or Kilkenny's. As sex seems to be on the menu pretty much everywhere
particularly along Walking Street between Soi 13 and Soi 16 in south Pattaya. Closed to traffic at night, you have bars, go-go clubs, nightclubs, Thai boxing matches and massage parlours. Flamboyant cabarets and drag shows are extremely popular all over the city. Gay-only bars can be found in Boyz Town.
Like many popular seaside tourist resorts, you will find activities such bungy-jumping, paragliding, jet-skiing, scuba diving, golf, cycling, fishing and elephant rides, karting or indoor bowling. For the cultural - try yoga, Thai cooking, tai chi or Thai boxing, take a Thai language or indulge in some relaxing spa treatments, massages or meditation.
Koh Samui
A sun lover's paradise, Koh Samui ('the coconut island'), is Thailands third largest island resort. Rivalling Phuket as one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations, with regular flights to its own airport. The island still retains its laid-back atmosphere, with friendly locals, good food and some not too commercial local attractions like a crocodile farm and butterfly garden. For the night time there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, bars, discos and cabaret including classical Thai dancing, mud wrestling and Thai boxing.
There are three main areas for shopping on Samui: Nathon, Chaweng and Lamai, but all towns on the island offer shopping. Nathan is the main shopping centre, the town where the ferries arrive. Goods from all over Thailand are available as well as traditional souvenirs. Chaweng and Nathon are excellent places to have clothes made by local tailors, while Chaweng and Lamai are the towns to find good quality western style shops. Most towns have night and day markets which are always interesting, whether one buys anything or not.
Koh Samui is highly regarded for its superb and abundant dining options, from excellent Thai cuisine to seafood, and a growing number of restaurants around the island offer a wide variety of international food and other specialities.
As an internationally renowned diving spot, Koh Samui offers a wide range of diving and snorkelling facilities and tours. If the beaches, watersports and underwater marine life are not enough, the island offers a variety of other activities and attractions, from elephant trekking to Thai cooking classes. For the less active, Samui also has Wellness centres, places to learn yoga, alternative therapy centres and wonderful spas that exist for pure indulgence.
Krabi
A magical and unspoilt paradise and one of the country's most delightful coastal resorts. Krabi coast is made up of immaculate, coral-fringed white beaches, a maze of caves, waterfalls, and exotic tiny island paradises. Inland are lush jungles, meandering rivers and mangrove forests. Visitors spend their time scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, climbing the cliffs above Ao Phranang and Railay beaches, mountain hiking, discovering hidden temples set in the valleys, exploring caves, seeking out offshore paradise islands, or simply sunbathing in paradise
Cha Am
Cha am is the Thailand dream. With a stunning coastline that stretches further than the eye can see, pristine and picturesque white sand beaches and traditional local markets from years gone by.
Enjoy water sports whilst exploring the unspoiled turquoise waters, spend hours just lying in a hammock and prepare yourself for the finest fresh seafood cuisine to fulfil your appetite. The locals are a friendly bunch and you may find yourself in lengthy conversations with them.
Cha am is perfect for relaxation, an oasis of peace and tranquillity,
Things to watch out for
Most events are linked to Buddhist or Brahman rituals.
New Year (Songkran) - takes place mid-April and involves paying ones respects to monks and elders by sprinkling water over your hands.
Rice-planting season – takes place in May whereby the King is involved in a Brahman ritual in Sanam Luangin, Bangkok.
Rocket Festival – takes place in May in the north east, again, this is a kind of sacrifice to encourage rainfall to grow the rice.
Rice harvest - takes place from September to May
Vegetarian Festival – takes place the back end of September and beginning of October in Phuket and Trang. At this time, Chinese Buddhists will eat vegetarian food only.
Elephant Round-up – takes place in November in Surin is a festival involving football playing elephants!
Loi Krathong Festival – takes place in November (or when the rainy season comes to a close). Floats containing candles are placed into all streams and rivers to encourage good luck for the coming year.
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