Thailand

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

Bangkok
Bangkok is the largest city in Thailand, as well as being it's capital and main port. It is the cultural, educational, political and economic center of Thailand, as well as being the only metropolis.

Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, Chiang Mai is the country's second largest province.

Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Pattaya
Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Pattaya has a plain on the coast with some high mountains to the south. The area on the east slopes down towards the sea on the west.

Phuket
Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south.

Krabi
Located approximately 814 kilometers from Bangkok is Krabi Province, one of most attractive destinations in southern Thailand. The western border of Krabi is the Andaman Sea, the northern borders are Surat Thani and Phang nga Provinces, the southern borders are Trang Province and the Andaman Sea and the eastern borders are Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang Provinces.

Koh Samui
Koh Samui, the beautiful island of the coconut trees, is the third largest Thai island. (Only Phuket and Koh Chang are larger by size) The area is about 247 km² and it is located 700 km South of Bangkok in the Surat Thani province.

Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Islands are located just 40 kilometers away from both Krabi and Phuket. The islands and the coastal hills are composed mainly of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain range in Phang-Nga Province.

Hua Hin
Hua Hin is 281 kilometers south of Bangkok. It is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere.

Khao Lak
Khao Lak, located just north of Phuket Island on the gorgeous Andaman seaboard, is one of Thailand's most peaceful resort destinations. No less than three national parks are embraced by the surrounding hills that sweep down to this lovely stretch of coastline with beaches that go on for miles.

Kochang
The island of Ko Chang is a tropical marine national park. Its hinterland consists of over 70% virgin rainforest and is the best preserved tourist holiday destination in Thailand.

Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is situated in the southern most district of Krabi Province, approximately 70 kilometers from Krabi province. It stretches for 27 kilometers in the north to south direction along the western coastline of Andaman Sea in southern Thailand.

Travel Tip and useful information

Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity). Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.

Time Zone
Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT (+7 GMT).

Population
Thais are well known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.

Transport
Flying is the most convenient mode of transportation for most visitors traveling to Thailand. Domestic flights are also easy and convenient, cutting down on journey time. Buses : Inter city bus services offer a fast means of transport to all corners of the country. Air conditioned buses service many provincial areas.

Currency and credit cards
Currency and Currency exchange : The Thai unit of currency is the bath. Major currency bills and travellers cheques are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centres and money changers. Travellers cheques are best changed in banks (you will need your passport). Credit cards are widely accepted.

Dress Code
Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area. Visiting temples shoulders and knees will need to be covered.

Safety and security
For a big city of more than 10 Million people, Bangkok is a relatively safe place. Violent crime, although far from unknown, is still somewhat rare. Muggings and other forms of direct confrontation are very 'un-Thai' and quite uncommon. A bigger crime problem is pick-pocketing in crowds. Always be aware of your belongings in crowded areas. Avoid fanny packs, which not only scream to the world that you're a tourist, but are also easy to cut and run with.