1. Clothing and Climate

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with generally warm days and nights throughout the year.  February to May is hot and dry with average temperature of 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity.  June to October is wet with plenty of sunshine with average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity.  November to January is cool with average temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius.

Light and cool fabrics are suitable for the tropical weather.  Bring a light sweater for Chiang Mai for the cool months of November to January.  Beach attire, such as shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress.

Visitors should be appropriately attired in all religious shrines.  Long pants, and a shirt is advisable.  Visitors should remove their shoes before entering a Buddhist shrine and home.

2. Culture

Monarchy:

Thais have a deep reverence and respect for the Royal Family and expect the same of the tourists. 

Greetings:
Thais usually greet one another with a wai, in a prayer-like gesture with their palms pressed together.  When someone wai at you, you should always return a wai.  Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another.

Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a woman.  If a woman has something to give to a monk, she should also pass it through a man.

The body:
Thais consider the head to be the more sacred part of the body, so you should avoid touching their head.  Feet are considered to be unclean, so do not point your feet at a Thai or a religious object.  You should also not put your feet on a table or chair.

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.  It is however common for the same gender to hold hands or hug one another.

3. Electricity

The electric current is 220 volt AC.  Bring a travel adaptor as different types of sockets are in use in Thailand

4. Health

There are no compulsory vaccinations though it’s advisable to check with your doctor on the recommended jabs.  See your doctor at least 4 weeks before your scheduled departure.

5. Language

Simple English is understood in the main tourist areas.  If you are going off the beaten track, it’s useful to learn some basic Thai phrases or bring a Thai phrase book. 

6. Money

Foreign Exchange

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Thailand. Visitors may take foreign currency out of Thailand, but not more than that declared in the customs declaration form upon arrival.  Departing visitors may bring up to 50,000 baht per person out of the country.

The Thai unit of currency is the baht.  1 baht is divided into 100 satang. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht.   At the time of writing, 1 USD is equivalent to 31 Baht.

Payment Facilities

Credit cards are accepted in the main tourist areas.  

Travellers cheques in USD and pounds are accepted in Banks.  Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3.30pm

7. Religion

95% of the Thais are Buddhist.

8. Transportation

Taxi

Metered Taxis are available.

Bicycles
Bicycle is a good way to see the city as most roads and alleys are accessible by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented from bicycle shops and some guesthouses.

9. Entry Visa

Visa requirement changes from time to time so you should always check with the nearest Thai embassy before your departure.  At the time of writing, the tourists of the following nationalities, including US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, European countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland may visit Thailand for up to 30 days without having to apply for a visa. 

10. Peak Tourist Seasons

The peak seasons are August, November, December, February and March, with secondary peak months in January and July.

11. Telecommunications

Visitors from US may need to bring a dual- or tri-band phone.  GSM900Hz and 1800Hz phones systems are available in Thailand.  You may want to buy a Thai SIM card with a local phone number if you plan to use your mobile phone regularly in Thailand. 

12. Internet

Cyber-Cafes are available in major tourist destinations. 

13. Chiang Mai Tourist Attractions:

Chiang Dao Cave (Tham Chiang Dao)

Tham Chiang Dao is a charming cave located in Amphoe Chiang Dao. It is approximately 72 kilometres from Chiang Mai town.

Doi Tao Lake

The lake is in the Tak province, 133 kilometers from Chiang Mai town.  It offers many recreational opportunities during the rainy and cool seasons, including rafting and cruise services.  Accommodations are also available.

Op Luang

This national park offers a magnificent view of a steep river valley with scenic mountains and teak forests.  It is about 105 kilometers from Chiang Mai town.

Doi Ang Khang National Park

You may visit the hill tribe villages in this National Park.  This place is famous for its cool climate all year around.

Fang Hot Springs

These hot springs originated from simmering granites with temperatures of around 100 degrees Celsius.  Its largest spring constantly jets out steam with a strong sulphur scent.   It is approximately 8 kilometres from Fang City.

Op Luang National Park

Here, a zigzagging river flowing in front of a picturesque gorge.  There is a high steep cliff with a narrow passage, creating strong currents and powerful echoes.  You can see a magnificent view of the park from a bridge that links the gorge. There is an interesting prehistoric archaeological site here as well. 

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