Destination Thailand!
Thailand is an exotic country that will excite the mind and
feed the senses. Archaeology and architecture lovers will enjoy
its ornate temples and mysterious ruins where the Golden Age
once flourished. Nature lovers will think they’ve died
and gone to heaven when they experience Thailand’s exotic
beaches and islands with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling
and scuba diving. The beauty of Thailand’s rainforest
will lure anyone, as will the promise of world-class cuisine
and inexpensive shopping.
Thailand lacks no amenities. In fact, its decades of experience
in catering to travelers will impress even the well-traveled.
It possesses a balance between comfort and excitement that is
close to perfect. But be prepared for heat and humidity! This is a destination that is never cold and usually quite warm. Yet, despite this, it's a destination that any traveler seeking an exotic, lovely, friendly place to spend a vacation will not want to miss! a
Thai Culture and
History
Thailand’s
history dates back to 3,600 B.C.E., although the first true
Thai kingdom rose in AD 1238. This marked the beginning of the
Sukhothai period, Thailand’s Golden Age,
which was marked by a period of great proliferation in writing
and the development of Theravada Buddhism. To this
day, its ruins are impressive and well preserved. The great
empire fell into decline eventually and became ruled by its
Asian neighbors. Interestingly enough, it was the only country
in Southeast Asia not colonized by Europeans. The remains of
Thailand’s great cities date to very different time periods
in history and each is quite unique, worthy of exploration.
Thailand, as we know it today, was born out of the revolution
of 1932, when a great shift in power occurred from the king,
to the military and elected officials. Today, it is an extremely
influential monarchy, and its current king, Rama IX is the longest-reigning
monarch in Thai history. He has become a highly beloved king,
and pictures of the king and queen can be found in most homes
and in public places. Thailand’s stability today and position
as one of the leading countries in Southeast Asia can be credited
to a nearly unanimous approval of the monarchy.
Interesting facts:
With the industrial revolution came a great improvement in the
lives of Thailand’s citizens. However, it has redefined
the role of the domesticated animal in the country. For example,
the water buffaloes once used to till the land are now being raced
for money. And elephants are now becoming famous for creating
art- a pair of Russian artists are handing brushes to elephants
who produce paintings sold for hundreds of US dollars. On a side
note, dog lovers should stay away from the town of Tharae
in northeast Thailand, as its economy thrives on dog meat and
hides used to produce purses and golf gloves.
Geography
Thailand’s
geography is varied, with mountains in the north which extend
south toward the Myanmar border, high plains in the east, and
flat plains in the center which are good for farming due to
their proximity to the Chao Phraya River. Jungle
and mountains cover the peninsula in the south which extends
into Malaysia.
Climate and Weather
Thailand’s climate is always hot and humid, with the
highlands being around 10 degrees cooler. November through February
is the best time to go when the days are more mild. March thru
May is extremely hot, with temps into the low 100’s. The
rainy season is May through October, with the streets of Bangkok
subject to flooding.
Travel information, tips and precautions
Transportation
Plane:
The Bangkok International Airport (BKK) is located 18 mi northeast
of downtown. The quickest and easiest way to get from the airport
into the city is to take a taxi. Buses travel from Malaysia
and Laos into Thailand as well. Thai Airways offers connections
to other large cities within the country.
Train:
Trains are a good way to traverse the country. The train stations
are well-maintained and offer sleeping cars on some routes.
(They are also air-conditioned). Routes head north to Chiang
Mai, Udon Thani, and south to the
Malaysian border.
Bus:
Express bus services are offered between Bangkok
and other cities. Amenities such as drinks and movies are common
on the buses.
Car rentals:
If you’re thinking about renting a car, think about renting
a driver too. It does not cost that much more. Roads are decent,
except unpaved ones during the monsoon season. Mopeds and motorcycles
are also for rent, however, they are only recommended for the
experienced. Traffic moves on the left.
Inter-city Bangkok:
The Skytrain is Bangkok’s new air-conditioned
transit system which stops at many important tourist sites.
There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned city
buses to choose from. AC costs more. Be aware that traffic jams
are common in Bangkok, and that this is not the choice for those
in a hurry. Take a taxi or tuk-tuk (a high-powered
golf cart) if you are in a hurry. Along the river, transportation
is by river taxi or longboats which make frequent stops near
the major attractions.
Smaller towns:
Smaller towns offer transportation in the form of horse-drawn
carts or samlor (bicycle rickshaw). Be sure to agree
on the price before getting in. Buses in
rural areas have a history of being waylaid by armed bandits,
especially in the southern part of the country (tourists are
seldom victims). Stick with government run buses whenever possible,
as they are much less susceptible to bandits.
Health
In rural areas, sanitary conditions pose problems for travelers.
Traveler’s diarrhea is common due to uncooked food, poor
water quality, and poor sanitation. Stick with hot, freshly
cooked food, thoroughly cooked meat, peeled fresh fruit, and
raw vegetables. Avoid dairy products and stick with bottled
water. Some restaurants serve water that is brownish in color.
This water has been boiled for purity and they have added a
few tea leaves to prove it. It is safe to drink. Most major
cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai,
and beach resorts have good sanitary conditions. Foods on package
tours are generally safe.
Malaria is not present in major cities. Although not required,
typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis A vaccinations should be considered
if you're going to remote areas as well as malaria suppressants.
If traveling from an infected country, vaccination certificates
will be required. If you get nipped by a dog, even in Bangkok,
get checked for rabies. Skin infections are common—cover
and disinfect even the smallest wound.
If you happen to visit the Golden Triangle,
you will most likely be offered opium. Be aware that there are
inherent dangers in buying drugs in Thailand. Many dealers will
report the buyer to the police to receive an award after the
sale. Thais will prosecute foreigners. If you’re offered
a chance to smoke opium and you take it, be aware that nausea
is a common side effect and people have become very sick after
a few puffs.
AIDS is a very serious problem in Thailand, especially in its
capital, Bangkok. Avoiding intimate contact
with residents, and the prostitutes in the Bangkok adult entertainment
areas of Nana Plaza, Patpong
and Soi Cowboy will cut down the risk. Also
be aware that Thai condoms are supposedly unreliable and have
an 11% failure rate.
The best hospitals in Bangkok are Bamrungrad
and Samitivej. Bamrungrad
is considered one of the best hospitals in Southeast Asia. If
you happen to be involved in a traffic accident and need medical
attention, you are supposed to be taken to a "police hospital."
Be sure to take your prescriptions with you on your visit, in
their original bottles. Most common prescription medications
are available in Thailand.
Be sure to drink lots of water in Thailand, as it can be unbearably
hot and humid. Take along a hat, a comfortable pair of walking
shoes, and plenty of sunscreen and insect repellant.
For the latest information, contact your country's health-advisory
agency.
CDC Website link: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.html
WHO website link: http://www.who.int/ith/countrylist10.html#202
Personal Safety
The growth of tourism has resulted in an increase in tourist-related
crime unfortunately. However, Thailand’s economy is so
dependent on tourism that its government has zero tolerance
for crimes against visitors. Pickpocketing is the most common
crime. Tourists are targeted in large crowds, and in dim alleys
at night in the red-light district of Bangkok.
Common sense will carry you a long way. Guard your belongings
and avoid the seedier areas of Bangkok at night. You will most
likely be offered drugs at some point in your travels. It is
highly recommended that you steer clear of them entirely. Penalties
are severe, even for tourists.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory
agency.
Canadian Travel Advisory Line—Phone 613-944-6788.
Toll-free (in Canada) 800-267-6788. http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca.
U.S. Department of State, Overseas
Citizens Services—Phone 202-647-5225. http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html.
Money
Banks and currency exchanges can be found in all major tourist
areas as well as ATMs. Banks and currency exchange booths offer
the best rates can issue you a cash advance on your Visa or
MasterCard. We recommend interacting with a person rather than
an ATM for this type of transaction since the prevalence of
credit card fraud. Keep your carbon-copy of the transaction.
Most kiosks are open 9:30 am-7 or 8 pm and close on holidays.
Hotels also offer money changes, although the rates are not
as good.
Most ATMs accept Cirrus, Plus and NYCE and have 24-hour service.
Some do, however, shut down after 9 or 10 pm. Banks are open
Monday-Friday 9:30 am-3:30 pm (with exchange booths remaining
open to 8 pm). Banks do not close for lunch.
American Express— Report thefts, renew
a card, exchange currency, get travel advice. Open Monday-Friday
8:30 am-5:30 pm. 10th Floor, IBM Building, 399 Phaholyothin
Rd. Phone 273-0033 or 236-0376.
Tax Information
Thailand has a VAT (value-added tax) at 7%. It is levied in
hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and department stores. Tourists
can claim a VAT refund for purchases in excess of 2,000 baht
with the total refund being in excess of 5,000 baht. If you’re
shopping at a store which displays the VAT sign, pick up two
refund forms. Be aware that fancy hotels and restaurants add
an additional 10%-20% service fee.
Etiquette
It
is important to show respect towards temples, wats, and shrines
as well as Buddhist imagery. Women must avoid sitting next to,
or touching monks. The proper etiquette for giving something
to a monk is to hand it to a man to hand to him, or place the
object within his reach. Always remove your shoes before entering
a religious shrine, private home, or business.
The head is considered sacred in Thai culture. Never touch a
Thai on the head, and never touch a Thai with your foot which
is considered the lowliest part of the body. When sitting, do
not point your feet toward a Thai, as this is a sign of disrespect.
Don’t point with your feet.
Thais have great respect for their monarch. Avoid topics that
might portray heads of state or the royal family in an unflattering
light.
To lose your temper is to lose the respect of the Thai. They
believe that chai yen, a cool heart, brings results.
The Thai greeting is to place the hands together with the palms
touching, near to the body between the face and the chest. It
is accompanied by a slight bow and is called the wai. Given
a wai, it is appropriate to respond in kind. Wais are initiated
according to a person’s status. Initiating a wai to a
member of a hotel staff, food vendor, or taxi driver is embarrassing
to them.
Avoid dressing in shorts, a t-shirt and sandals. It is often
frowned upon in a society that places emphasis on dress. Long
pants or skirts are mandatory for visits to temples or religious
monuments.
Stand when you hear the national anthem, (usually at 8 am and
6 pm). It is played before movies in theaters as well.
Dining
If
Thai food is among your favorite cuisine in your home country,
the food in Thailand gives new meaning to the terms “delicious”
and “exquisite.” The dishes are a wonderful balance
of sweet, sour, and spicy and feature a variety of meats and
vegetables. You will be impressed by the presentation of the
food as well with carved fruits and vegetables. The seafood
is excellent.
Street food in Bangkok is also excellent, and generally safe
to eat. Be sure to make sure the food is hot, and that the cooking
utensils appear to be clean. There are also a variety of western-style
fast food joints if you just have to have food from home.
Be sure to try some of Thailand’s tropical fruits. There
are more than 20 kinds of bananas, rambuttan- a red-colored
litchi that tastes like a sweet lemon, mangoes (some are intentionally
crisp and sour), mangosteens, papayas, pomelos, and if you’re
feeling adventurous, try durian fruit- so pungent that
it is actually illegal to open one in your hotel room.
Be aware of litte green peppers floating in soy sauce on most
restaurant tables. They’re so hot, they’ll bring
tears to your eyes. Whatever you decide, be adventurous and
try something new. There is plenty to choose from. The alcoholic drink of choice is Mekong whiskey and the brands
of beer to try are Singha and Kloster.
Tipping
The increasing number of tourists in Thailand is changing expectations
in terms of tipping. It is not a traditional custom. Major hotels
and restaurants charge a service fee which is included in the
bill. You can round up to the nearest tenth when tipping, and
be sure to observe what others are doing. Round up taxi fare
to the next five or ten baht.
Shopping
Thailand
is famous for its silk. There are many qualities of silk available,
but Jim Thompson brand tends to be the best. Thailand
is also famous for really good copies. The gold is sometimes
less than pure, but well crafted. Be cautious of Rolex counterfeits
and designer clothing fakes.
Clothing sizes tend to run small. Thai people are smaller than
the average Westerner. Shop for lacquerware, painted umbrellas,
bronze, silver, temple bells, celadon pottery, tribal weavings,
custom-made shoes, opium weights and pillows, and carved water
buffalo bells. Bargaining is the norm in markets, but not in
shops.
Shopping Hours:
Daily 10 am-7 pm. Some stores may have longer hours.
BANGKOK
Bangkok will soothe you or ruffle your feathers
depending on your disposition. It is a city of extremes with
an equal balance of sacred temples and brothels. Often a chaotic
metropolis, it is sometimes difficult to think of Bangkok’s
finer points when in the midst of traffic and pollution, but
it is equally important to note that Bangkok grew out of the
shadows of the Third World to become a city with a strong economy.
In fact, for a decade, Thailand had one of the fastest-growing
economies in the world, and Bangkok’s deluxe hotels and
gleaming skyscrapers are a testament to that. Unfortunately,
in mid 1997, reckless borrowing, corruption, and gross economic
mismanagement led to a major crash in which the Thai baht lost
half its value. Recovery ensued, but the stability of the economy
in future generations is uncertain.
History
In ironic contrast to its modern day reputation
as a city of sin, Bangkok was actually once a small village
of wild olive and plum trees located across the river from Thonburi,
Thailand’s old capital. Then in 1782, Thonburi found itself
under threat of attack by the Burmese and moved its inhabitants
to the village of Bangkok, but the attack never came.
In the late 1800’s, Bangkok took off as a trading center
under the enterprising leadership of King Mongkut
and son, King Chulalongkorn. Their goals consisted
of developing beneficial relationships with Western nations,
and avoiding colonization.
In 1932, revolution occurred, and the royal family was thrown
out to bring about a system of constitutional monarchy. During
the Vietnam War, soldiers on leave used Thailand as a place
for relaxation, which saw the beginning of the sex-trade industry.
Another result of this influx was a significant economic boom
which transformed the city into a bustling, smoggy metropolis.
Geography
The old section of Bangkok lies on the bank
of the Chao Phraya River, encompassing Parliament
and several ministries as well as many important landmarks,
and commercial areas. The Government House
which contains the office of the prime minister, and the Royal
Palace, home to the king and queen, are both located
northeast of Old Bangkok.
The city’s center, the Silom and Sukhumvit
areas, is home to businesses and hotels, with the Sukhumvit
Road district being the tourist center for shopping,
dining, and nightlife. Silom is the center
of the infamous red-light district along Patpond Road,
and major shopping hubs along Ploenchit Road
and Phayathi Road.
Bangkok’s address system: Some
addresses will include a soi number at the end, indicating a
small side street or alley. For example: 21/3 Sukhumvit 11 would
mean that the building 21/3 is off Sukhumvit Road and down Soi
11.
Weather
The best time for a visit to Bangkok is from
November to February, when the monsoon season of the northeast
is blowing cool, dry air into the city. Temps range from 65
F to 90 F during this time of year. May is the hottest and most
miserable month for a visit when air pollution is at its worst,
and temps are very high along with a more-than-healthy dose
of humidity. Bangkok’s wet season runs from late May to
October, with rain daily and flooding.
What to wear:
Take lightweight clothes made from natural fibers. For business
occasions, it’s not possible to overdress, even in the
heat. You can't go wrong in a business suit (for men or women)
and be mindful that business-meeting etiquette requires that
you not remove your jacket until your host does.
Transportation
The best way to tour Bangkok is via air-conditioned
buses or taxi. Do consider cruising the river and canals on
a modest long-tail boat, or go for broke on the five-star yacht
The Oriental Queen. Walking is always a good
option, so take along comfortable shoes!
Communication
Internet Access
If you can’t live without checking your email, you’re
in luck. You can hardly walk anywhere without running into a
cyber café. Rates tend to be cheap, 5 baht for 10 minutes
and in areas such as Khao San Road, some Internet
cafes are open 24 hours.
Coffee World—Charges 50 baht for 30 minutes.
144/3-4 Silom Rd. Phone 634-3140.
Time Internet Cafe—The terminals seem to have
especially fast connections. 3 baht per minute. Times Square
Building, 246 Sukhumvit Soi 12-14, 2nd Floor. Phone 533-6369.
Mail and Package Service
DHL Worldwide Express—Pick-up and delivery.
24-hour service. Grand Amarin Tower, New Petchburi Road, 22nd
Floor. Phone 658-8000.
Federal Express—Green Tower Building, Rama IV
Road, 8th Floor. Phone 367-3222.
General Post Office—The GPO is the only post
office that can clear international parcels. Packages need to
be open so that customs officials can check the contents. Monday-Friday
4 am-10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am-1 pm. 1156 Charoen Krung
Rd. (also known as New Road). Phone 233-1050.
TNT Express Worldwide—599 Klong Chong Nan See
Rd. Phone 249-0242.
UPS—16/1 Sukhumvit Rd., Soi 44. Phone 712-3300.
Entertainment Guides
These are a great source for local information, at 100 baht
per issue for Bangkok Metro. Available at hotels
and bookstores, they include restaurant reviews as well as music
venues and information on art gallery showings. The entertainment
and sports sections of The Bangkok Post and
The Nation are also good sources.
Health
Malaria is not a concern in major cities. Although
not required, typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations should
be considered if you're going to remote areas. If you get nipped
by a dog, even in Bangkok, get checked for rabies. Skin infections
are common—even the smallest wound should be disinfected
and covered with a bandage.
You will need to be careful about what you eat and drink in
Thailand. Make sure meals are hot and meat is cooked thoroughly.
Peel fruits and vegetables if they are raw. Avoid the water.
Keep in mind that AIDS is a very serious problem in Bangkok.
The wise course of action would be to avoid intimate contact
with residents and especially prostitutes. Avoid Thai condoms,
as they have an 11 % failure rate.
If you should need to be hospitalized while in Bangkok, Bamrungrad
and Samitivej are the best hospitals. If you are in a traffic
accident and injured, you will be taken to a “police hospital”.
CDC Website link: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm
WHO website link: http://www.who.int/ith/countrylist10.html#202
Hospitals
Bamrungrad Hospital—33
Sukhumvit Rd., Soi 3. Phone 253-0251.
Bangkok Adventist Hospital—430 Phitsanulok
Rd. Phone 282-1100.
Bangkok Christian Hospital—124 Silom
Rd. Phone 233-6981.
Samitivej Hospital—133 Sukhumvit, Soi
49. Phone 392-0061.
St. Louis Hospital—215 Sathorn Tai Rd.
Phone 212-0033.
Travmin TMVC—An expat-oriented medical
center. Alma Link Building, 25 Soi Chidlom, 8th Floor. Phone
221-0245.
Pharmacies
24-hour pharmacis are located in hospitals Bamrungrad, Bangkok
Adventist, Bangkok Christian, Samitivej, St. Louis and Travmin
TMVC. Most other pharmacies close by 10 pm. The quality is generally
reliable, and the pharmacists can read and speak some English
if located in tourist areas.
Disabled
Unfortunately, there is little information on
disabled services in Bangkok. Furthermore, the city’s
streets are often uneven, broken, potholed, torn up or occupied
by large vehicles or motorcycles. Some hotels have wheelchair-accessible
rooms, but none are truly accessible by Western definitions.
Elevators tend to be small and crowded, and hallways weren't
designed with wheelchairs in mind.
For information on lodging and rental of accessible vans, try
Mr. Narong Patibatsarakich, chairman of the
Council of Disabled People of Thailand. Phone
683-3031. Fax 583-6518. Your best sources of information are
accessibility organizations and specialist travel organizations
in your home country.
Personal Safety
Crimes committed in Bangkok are usually committed
by locals against locals. Travelers can take some simple precautions
to avoid becoming victims.
• Do not wear expensive jewelry, especially at night.
Stow jewelry in the safe in your hotel room or at the front
desk.
• Beware of pickpocketing in crowded areas such as public
transportation and near Soi 4-6 along Sukhumvit.
• Stay on well-lit streets after dark, and stay in groups.
Check with your hotel to determine if an area is safe.
• Do not take prostitutes to your room. Robbery is common
as well as the many health-risks associated with the Bangkok
sex-trade.
• Do not buy drugs. Many dealers will report the buyer
to the police for a reward. Thailand is heavy on drug prosecution.
• Be careful of police who stop you on the street without
reason and ask to see a passport. Never get into a police car
under such circumstances.
• Some tuk-tuk drivers will tell you an attraction is
"closed today". They are hoping to take you on a shopping
tour to make commission from your shoping.
• Don’t litter. There are heavy fines and tourists
with children are often targeted.
• In general, anyone paying you undue attention, appealing
for money, or offering food and drink on buses (they may be
attempting to drug you) should be treated with suspicion.
If you do find yourself in trouble, Bangkok has a large and
helpful force of tourist police who speak English located at
29/1 Unico Building, Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Road, phone 1699
or 652-1721. For further help, call the Tourist Assistance Center,
phone 1155.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory
agency.
Canadian Travel Advisory Line—Phone 613-944-6788.
Toll-free (in Canada) 800-267-6788. http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca.
U.S. Department of State, Overseas Citizens Services—Phone
202-647-5225. http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html.
Money
Bangkok has no shortage of resources for currency
exchange. Banks and ATMs are located throughout the city, including
at transportation hubs at the airport and bus stations. Most
ATMs accept Cirrus, Plus and NYCE. Many ATMs offer 24-hour service,
but some do shut down after 9 or 10 pm. Quite a few banks and
exchange booths issue cast advances on your Visa or MasterCard,
but we recommend interacting with a teller for this type of
transaction instead of an ATM due to credit card fraud.
American Express—In
addition to exchanging currency, this is the place to report
thefts, renew a card, replace damaged checks and get travel
advice. Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm. 10th Floor, IBM Building,
399 Phaholyothin Rd. Phone 273-0033 or 236-0376.
Banking Hours:
Monday-Friday 9:30 am-3:30 pm (with exchange booths remaining
open to 8 pm). Banks do not close for lunch.
American Express— Report thefts, renew a card, exchange
currency, get travel advice. Open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:30
pm. 10th Floor, IBM Building, 399 Phaholyothin Rd. Phone 273-0033
or 236-0376.
Tax Information:
Thailand has a VAT (value-added tax) at 7%. It is levied in
hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and department stores. Tourists
can claim a VAT refund for purchases in excess of 2,000 baht
with the total refund being in excess of 5,000 baht. If you’re
shopping at a store which displays the VAT sign, pick up two
refund forms. Be aware that fancy hotels and restaurants add
an additional 10%-20% service fee.
Shopping
You will find just about everything at your
disposal in Bangkok, from haute couture clothing, to opium pipes
sold by street vendors, and fake Rolexes. Bangkok's most popular
exports are its lovely silks and silk products, jewelry, celadon
pottery, lacquerware, masks, carvings and antiques. Bargaining
is the norm and the language barrier poses no problem. Don’t
miss the Weekend Market at Chatuchak Park on the north end of
the city.
Shopping Hours:
Department stores and retail shops: 10 am to 9-9:30 pm. All
major stores are open seven days a week, but some small businesses
close on Sunday. Lunch break begins at 11 am and may stretch
to 2 pm.
Dining
You will find just about every type of cuisine
available in Bangkok, however, it is the local specialties which
are the real treat. Try the sweet gaeng kiew wan (green
curry) or tom yam kung (a sour and spicy soup with
prawns). If you have a more mild palate, beware of anything
described by the term preek (it'll be fiery hot). Generally,
any Thai food is going to seem hot by Western standards, so
be sure to tell the chef you want it mai pet if you’re
going for a more subtle experience. If you’re a connoisseur
of beer, be sure to try the local Thai lager, Singha.
For a lighter-colored beer it's quite flavorful—and quite
potent.
Sightseeing
You won’t need to travel far to find beautiful
historical treasures in Bangkok. Its temples are some of the
finest in all of Asia with the most spectacular in the Grand
Palace complex also known as the old royal city. The
complex also includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
(Wat Phra Kaew).
The National Museum is another highlight which houses Thai art
and artifacts. Be sure to see the Vimanmek Teak Mansion,
as well as the Shed of the Royal Barges. On
the other side of the Chao Phraya River is
Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) and if you're
lucky, you might see the classical Thai dancers who occasionally
perform there. If you’re interested in traditional Thai
dance, venture to the small Erawan Shrine at
the corner of Ratchadamri Road and Sumkumvit.
Wherever you happen to be, don’t miss the floating market
at Damnoen Saduak! A trip to the sapphire and
topaz mines of Chantaburi is a great way to
escape the frenzy of Bangkok.
Lovers of elephants, crocodiles and snakes will be happy to
know that Bangkok has facilities devoted to each of these creatures,
including the Samphran Elephant Grounds, the
Crocodile Farm and the Snake Farm.
Another interesting place is the Diamond Eye Thai Cat
Farm (though these are house cats—not larger
felines).
Tourist Offices
Tourism Authority of Thailand—a
great resource for answering questions about transportation
or events.
Le Concorde Building
202 Ratchadaphisek Rd.
Phone 694-1222. Fax 694-1220
http://www.tat.or.th.
TAT has satellite locations on Khao San Road
(daily 8 am-midnight, phone 282-2323, ext. 107), at the Chatuchak
Weekend Market (Saturday and Sunday 9 am-5
pm) and in the arrival halls of both terminals at Donmuang
airport (daily 8 am-midnight).
Tourist Assistance Center—Among other
services, this special TAT branch mediates conflicts between
tourists and shopkeepers, scamming gem dealers and the like.
Daily 8:30 am-4:30 pm. 4 Ratchadamnoen Nok. Phone 282-8129 or
282-9773. Fax 282-9775.
MORE DESTINATIONS IN
THAILAND
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was once the capital of Thailand, from
1350 to 1767. The town is a bit unimpressive, but has well-preserved
ruins of temples and palaces, bordered by three rivers which
once protected the city. Many tours do not allow enough time
to visit all of the ruins but will highlight the best. From
Bangkok, Ayutthaya is reachable by train if you are traveling
on your own. Take the train there early from Bangkok, tour the
sights and then take the trip by boat downriver to Bang
Pa-In (a king's summer palace, built in Chinese traditional
architecture). The boat ride will take you about and hour but
it provides great views of the rural areas along the river.
From Bang Pa-In, take the train back to Bangkok. 55 mi/85 km
north of Bangkok.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai was once the capital of an independent kingdom, and
is surrounded by a moat to this day. Also called “The
Rose of the North”, it is the nation’s second-largest
city with all of Bangkok’s amenities, and none of its
hassles. Its location is in the heart of the Golden
Triangle which also happens to be where most of the
world's opium is grown.
There are several wats you can visit including Wat Suan
Dawk, Wat Chiang Man and Wat
Phra Singh. Also worth a visit are the National
Museum and the Tribal Research Center at Chiang
Mai University. The night market is an interesting
event to watch, where the local hill tribe members buy and sell
goods. Most of Chiang Mai’s sights can be seen in a day,
and the city is often used as a base for exploring the region
and its local villages.
If you're looking for a fun day trip, go to the Elephant
Conservation Center near Lampang,
where the elephants are being trained. The village also has
interesting pottery and an old fortress temple, Wat
Lampang Luang.
Two worthy day trips include a visit to Lamphun
(to see Wat Chama Devi, which has 60 Buddhas standing in niches
on the outside of the structure) and Baw Sang
(which has tours of its lacquerware, textile, bronze, umbrella
and jade factories). The road to Baw Sang passes handicraft
factories and shops selling wood carvings, ceramics and silverware.
If you’re into driving excursions, head 12 miles northwest
of Chiang Mai to Wat Phathad (on Doi Suthep
Mountain), 3 miles to Phuping Palace (the royal
family's winter residence), then another 2 miles to a Meo
village. For a nature-lover’s excursion, head
to Doi Inthanon National Park for waterfalls,
hiking trails, pretty scenery and Thailand's tallest mountain.
About an hour and a half from Chiang Mai, is Mae Sai,
a town with wonderful markets and a great selection of hill-tribe
crafts. Mae Sai happens to be the import point for Myanmar’s
rubies and sapphires, and you can go downtown to watch the bidding
on imported stones.
Chiang Mai is located 440 miles north of Bangkok.
Chiang Mai-Area Treks
Active-lifestyle-travelers will enjoy
trekking in the Golden Triangle, the region
around Chiang Mai were Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. The
area is remote with scarce roads, making the area accessible
by foot only. The organized tip will take you through hill-tribe
villages and opium fields and last four nights, with a nightly
stop in a different village each night. Often elephant rides
and river rafting are included in the price.
There are some heavy risks associated with trekking in the Golden
Triangle, and you should choose an organized trek very, very
carefully. Horror stories abound concerning robberies by armed
bandits, tour guides getting lost or turning out to be armed
bandits, travelers getting sick from smoking opium, or the trek
being 12 hours long and too exhaustive. Be sure you choose a
reputable operator, in an organized tour. Check with travelers
who have recently finished a trek and ask them about the company
they went with. If possible, try to find a guide who speaks
the tribal languages and leads tours through areas rarely explored
by other companies.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, head for Mae
Hong Son, Soppong, Mae Sot and other
towns along the Myanmar border. You can hire a local guide to
take you to remote hill-tribe villages rarely visited. Be sure
to check with your embassy to make sure that stretch of the
border is safe before going there.
Phitsanulok
Home of the bronze Phra Buddha Shinnarat (14th century), one
of the most important Buddha images in the country. The town
also has an interesting folk museum. 215 miles north of Bangkok.
Phuket
Phuket (pronounced poo-KET) is Thailand's largest island, around
360 square miles in size, and it is the jewel of the Andaman
Sea. Home to numerous beach resorts including Patong Beach,
Phuket’s most popular, and Pattaya, it boasts a mixture
of colonial and Chinese architecture. Phuket is a great base
for day trips to the Phi Phi Islands, Krabi,
Phang Nga Bay, and Tham Lod.
The island possesses a natural beauty paired with the opulence
of some of the hotels and resorts. The restaurants are excellent,
and the beaches offer great snorkeling and water sports. Tours
are available of coconut and rubber plantations, Buddhist temples,
batik factories, crocodile farms, cultured-pearl farms, parks,
islands, and fish farms. For transportation, consider a motorcycle
or jeep. You can even flag down one of the songthaews, or trucks
that serve as buses, but you’ll have to squeeze in with
the locals. A visit, November-February will yield views of giant
sea turtles laying eggs on Mai Khao Beach.
415 mi/670 km south of Bangkok.
Sukothai
Sukothai was Thailand's first capital, and is now home to the
most interesting and varied ruins in the country. The centerpiece
of the town itself is a large monastery, and closeby is a colorful
and fascinating market. For an abundance of Buddha images, head
to Wat Mahathat. Many ruins are very spread
out, so the best way to visit is to rent a bicycle, hire a taxi
driver, or hire a guide. Songthaews are trucks that serve as
buses and also go to the ruins. There are more ruins nearby
at Si Satchanalai, known for its many stupas
and temples. 280 mi/450 km north of Bangkok.
