Thailand

Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South East Asia and for a reason. You can find almost anything here; thick jungle as green as can be, crystal blue water that feels more like a bath that a swim in the ocean, white sand beaches that are amongst the best in the world. Food that will electrify your taste buds. Thailand is exotic yet safe, cheap yet equipped with every modern amenity that you need. There is something for every interest and price bracket, from beachfront backpacker bungalows to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. Despite the heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential Thainess with culture and history all its own and the carefree people famed for their smiles and their fun seeking lifestyle.

Faces Facts

Climate: Tropical, it is hot and humid all year. Average temperatures are 28-35°C (82-95°F). There are three seasons; November to February is noted as the cool season, March to June the hot season, and July to October is the rainy season.

Best time to dive: November to April

What you can see: Whale sharks, leopard sharks, manta rays and ghost pipe fish

Visibility: 15-30m (50-98ft.) Plankton rich waters near Koh Bon can have reduced visibility during November to April

Water Temperature: 26-29°C (78-85°F)

Languages Spoken: English and Thai

Currency: Thai Bhatt (THB)

ATM’s and Banks: ATM’s are widely available. All major credit cards are accepted. Most international cards are accepted and banks are everywhere.

Time Zone: UTC+7

Voltage: 220V/50HZ

Health Regulations: Please consult your doctor or nearest health authorities for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure.

Visa Requirements: British, Australian, Canadian, American and other EU nationals are not required to have a visa for stays of up to 30 days (if entering via an international airport) and 15 days (if entering by land from a neighboring country) except: 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Romania and Malta who do need to obtain a visa before travelling to Thailand; 2. nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who may apply for visas on arrival for stays of up to 15 days. A fee is payable for this visa. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements, for more up to date information on visa requirements check www.thaiembdc.org, or if you would like to stay longer than 30 days.

Top Tip

The food alone is really reason enough for a trip to Thailand. Food in Thailand can be as cheap and easy as 20 Bhatt cooked on a street stall. Unlike some Asian countries travelers should not worry about unclean kitchens or bad food at street restaurants, as they allow you to see what you get and everything is cooked on the spot in front of you. Don’t miss out on the spicy tom yam soup or Thai green curry.