Thailand Travel Facts

Thank you for choosing Travel Indochina for your journey into Thailand.

Much has been said and written about the beauty of Thailand and the Thai people.  One of the joys of a visit to Thailand is that despite its development, visitors have a special opportunity to experience the magic of the country and the authenticity of the Thai spirit.  To assist with your travel arrangements we have prepared the following pre-departure information.  Please read this carefully before your travel to Thailand and be mindful of some of our suggestions while you are travelling.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Thailand is a country with enough variety and captivating diversity to satisfy even the most discerning of travellers.  It is a kingdom spread over 514,000 sq km with a population in excess of 61,000,000. A country which, unlike its neighbours in Southeast Asia, was never colonized by a European power.

Travellers to Thailand can explore deserted stretches of spectacular coastline, visit mountainous terrain in the north, stop at traditional hill tribe villages, see classic pagodas and temples, and experience famous Thai hospitality.  This is a country of fascinating traditions, an intriguing history, and a warm, open approach to the presence of foreigners.

The travel industry in Thailand has been growing at a rapid pace for some time now and the country offers many facilities and services at western standards. However, travelling throughout the more remote areas of Thailand may involve some bumpy road conditions, trains that are prone to delay, and some clean but simple accommodation.

RESPONSIBILITY
Information herein was correct at the time of preparation, however the rapid development of tourism in Thailand has the potential to make some of the information in this guide irrelevant. This information is intended as a guide only and Travel Indochina is not responsible for any inaccuracies.  This document does not, in any way, alter the booking terms and conditions in our small group journey brochure.  Please contact us with your comments if you find during the course of your travels that the information in this guide is incorrect or out of date.
           
VISA REQUIREMENTS & DEPARTURE TAXES
To enter Thailand you will require a passport valid for at least six months from the time of entry.  Tourist visas for stays of thirty days or less are issued on arrival at Bangkok airport.  An arrival/departure card will be issued to you on the plane prior to your arrival in Thailand.  The departure section of this card must be retained until your departure from Thailand.  Please ensure this is kept in a safe place while in Thailand. International departure tax is currently 500 Thai baht.  From the 01 February 2007 this will be increased to 700 Thai baht.

Please note that it is now law in Thailand to carry your passport at all times.  For tourists, a photocopy will suffice on most occasions but the photocopy must be of both the entry stamp with arrival date in Thailand and also the page with photograph and personal details.  Some bars or other establishments where entry is strictly controlled will only accept your original passport.  If you fail to carry either your passport or a copy, this can result in a brief period spent in custody whilst the police establish your identity.  Please also note that pickpocketing can occur in major cities and please take all due precaution when carrying your passport.

ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS
Arrival (and departure) transfers are included for all Small Group Journeys. When arriving in Bangkok  please use Exit 10 of level 2 (Arrival floor) where your Travel Indochina guide will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. If you are unable to find your transfer driver, assistance can be found at ATTA (Association of Thai Travel Agents) service counters which are located at level 2 (Arrival floor) in front of Gate 1 (domestic area), Gate 6 and Gate 10 (international area).

INSURANCE
You must be comprehensively insured as a condition of travelling with Travel Indochina. Insurance should include unlimited coverage for personal accident and medical expenses, full provision for evacuation and a minimum of $25,000USD cover for repatriation expenses, baggage loss, and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday.

We will ask you to confirm your insurance details as part of our travel registration process at the start of your journey.  If you do not have appropriate insurance we will insist you obtain insurance.  We reserve the right not to provide the services booked with us until insurance is purchased.

Note that travel insurance may be ‘attached’ to your credit card, although usually such cover is effective only if your travel arrangements have been purchased with the card.  Insurance cover from credit cards often does not include payment of medical expenses or emergency repatriation.  Please check your policy carefully.

Please note that government regulations in Asia do not always require or enforce the possession of hotel, transport supplier and other supplier public liability insurance. Even when this insurance is in place, it can be for very limited cover only. Travel Indochina does its best to work with suppliers who possess public liability insurance, however this is not always possible.  Regardless of length of stay and type of service, you must have adequate insurance to cover you in the event you suffer a medical problem while travelling.

A RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL INDOCHINA
Travel Indochina practices a thorough, realistic Responsible Travel Policy. We believe that travel should entail an exchange of knowledge and perspectives, a sharing of wealth, and a genuine appreciation of Asia’s beautiful natural environments. This philosophy underpins the heart and soul of our style of travel.  It drives all that we strive to deliver to our travellers, and shapes the contact we have with our supplier colleagues in Asia. We recognise that poorly planned itineraries or poorly informed tourists contribute less to cross-cultural understanding and less to the livelihoods of local people. We also recognise that we work in a developing part of the world.  Political and social factors sometimes impede the short term implementation of our responsible travel initiatives, so we do not make blanket, unrealistic statements about the achievability of our goals – doing so would make us ‘irresponsible’. We aspire to short or medium term implementation of our policies where this is realistic and to incremental change where there are constraints of a governmental or cultural nature.  We strongly encourage you to refer to our website and read our Responsible Travel Policy, as well as the Travel Indochina Guide to Responsible Travel (full of pointers which we hope will make for a more informed, more ‘responsible’ holiday).

THE POLITICAL SITUATION
The Thai people, originating from the mountainous border region between China and South-East Asia, established their first independent kingdom in the lowlands of modern Thailand in 1238. They gradually chipped away at the territory of the crumbling Khmer Empire, sacking the capital, Angkor, in 1434. Over the next several hundred years they faced repeated invasions themselves from successive kingdoms in neighbouring Burma.

In the 18th century the Burmese briefly occupied Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam, as the main Thai kingdom was then known. A more secure capital was established in Bangkok in 1782 by King Rama I, founder of the current Chakkri dynasty. By then, however, the greatest threat to Thailand came from European colonialism. During the 19th century, the British conquered Burma, while the French seized Siam's former vassal states, Laos and Cambodia.

The two western powers accepted Siam as a buffer state between them, in part due to the diplomacy of King Mongkut (Rama IV, ruled 1851-1868) and his successor, Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868-1910), who conceded territorial claims in exchange for independence. Chulalongkorn also instituted a series of reforms, abolishing slavery and overhauling the administrative system, though absolute political power remained in the king's hands. Siam's first railroad and first girls' school opened during his reign.

In 1932 Phibul Songgram, an ambitious junior army officer, and Pridi Phanomyang, a French-educated civilian and leader of the secret People's Party, led a bloodless coup and established a constitutional monarchy. In 1939 Siam became Thailand. In the second world war, the Japanese pressured Thailand, under Phibul, to support it in exchange for territory, while Pridi led militant anti-Japanese opposition forces. Pridi led a post-war civilian government, only to be overthrown in 1947 by Phibul, who established a military dictatorship.

The military dominated Thailand for most of the subsequent decades, despite brief attempts at civilian rule. Only in 1992, after large-scale student-led protests, did the popular King Bhumibol (Rama IX) finally put an end to military rule. In 1997, following several months of warning, the Thai currency crashed and the economy was in tatters. Two months later the Thai parliament voted on a new constitution giving more rights to the people than they had ever known and fostering hope in people suffering greatly from the economic crisis. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the leader of the parliament during this time failed to effectively manage the economic crisis and was forced to resign in November 1997.

In 2001, billionaire and former police colonel Thaksin Shinawatra was named prime minister after winning a landslide victory in national compulsory elections, the first to be held in Thailand after the establishment of the 1997 establishment. Prime Minister Thaksin’s efficient handling of the tsunami disaster of 2004 brought his party a landslide victory in the general election of February 2005, however disquiet was building in many parts of the country.  Thaksin was in power until 19 September 2006,when the Thai military staged a coup d'état. Since that time, it has been governed by a military dictatorship headed by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. The coup and the governing junta have been endorsed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in a royal decree on the day following the coup.
 
MONEY
The currency in Thailand is the Baht (BHT). Current approximate exchange rate:

•    BHT72 equals 1GBP
•    BHT40 equals 1USD
•    BHT30 equals 1AUD
•    BHT35 equals 1CAD
•    BHT28 equals 1NZD

You are advised to carry a mix of cash and travellers cheques (USD, AUD, CAD & GBP are accepted throughout the country). Credit cards can be used in most shops and restaurants in major cities.  Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards.  Cash advances can be obtained using these cards at major banks throughout the country, and at ATMs.
                 
CLIMATE
Thailand spans several climatic zones resulting in substantial weather condition variations between the north and the south. Average temperatures in Bangkok range from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius, however the weather in the capital feels hot and humid year-round.  In Southern Thailand, tropical conditions prevail, and there are two seasons - wet and dry.  The wet season lasts from May to October and is characterised by high humidity levels and a refreshing afternoon downpour.  The exception is the east coast of Southern Thailand, where rainfall is highest between October and December.

Humidity in the south during the months of June and July ranges between 75% and 85%. Northern Thailand has four seasons.   The months from December to May are ‘dry’ and it can be a little cooler at night in the north.  The months of July and August are the wettest, in the north.
    
BAGGAGE & CLOTHING    
Standard sized bags (preferably soft bags), backpacks or soft cases only are permitted on our journeys.  Your baggage should be clearly labelled and kept to a reasonable minimum. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles and trains is limited. Any flights booked through Travel Indochina (domestic and international) have a luggage limit of 20 kilograms per person. You may be required to carry your own luggage at times where porters are not available – you should be capable of carrying your own bags on and off trains, and up and down stairs.  If you are doing lots of shopping during your travels, it may be necessary for you to forward any excess to the city where your tour concludes, or ship purchases directly home.  Keeping the amount of luggage you carry in check will ensure your safety and comfort, and the safety and comfort of your fellow travellers. Porterage is not included in the cost of your journey. Please ensure you pay porters around $1USD per person for carrying your luggage. Should you wish to avoid such payments, please carry and take responsibility for your luggage.

Comfortable casual clothes made of cotton are best in tropical and semi tropical climates – packing one set of smart casual clothes is advisable. Laundry services are available throughout the country, although hotel laundry costs can be expensive.  We suggest you include:

•    Flat walking shoes and sandals
•    Hat & sunglasses
•    Jumper/coat/thermals - if visiting in winter
•    Bathers
•    Money belt
•    Raincoat or umbrella
•    Basic first aid kit (see below)
•    Insect repellent
•    Alarm clock
•    Small torch
•    Swiss Army pocketknife
•    Power adapter
•    Women’s sanitary products
•    Ear plugs and eye patches for the train

Please note that airlines insist all sharp items (knives, scissors, nail clippers etc.) are packed in your ‘check-in’ luggage. Alcohol is no longer permitted onboard domestic flights and must also be stored in your check-in luggage.

ELECTRICITY
The electric current in Thailand is 220 volts at 50 cycles. Electrical plugs of the two rounded pin type are the most commonly required.  You may want to bring a small hair dryer – not all hotels provide one.

HEALTH & FITNESS
Some of the diseases known to exist in Thailand include malaria, dengue fever, diphtheria, tetanus, and HIV/ AIDS.   We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimise your risk of exposure to these health risks.  We are a travel company and we are not qualified to provide detailed medical information appropriate to your individual needs.  Western standard medical facilities are available in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket but in most other areas of the country, medical facilities are basic.  We recommend therefore recommend you consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical centre for up to date health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip, at least one month prior to departure.

We suggest you bring a simple medical kit.  Your doctor should advise you what to include, but as a minimum we suggest you bring:

•    Aspirin or paracetamol (for pain or fever)
•    Antihistamines (for allergies and itches)
•    Cold and flu tablets
•    Something to stop diarrhoea
•    Something appropriate for nausea and vomiting
•    Rehydration mixture (to prevent dehydration)
•    Insect repellant
•    Antiseptic and bandages
•    Sunscreen and lip balm
•    Antibiotics (discuss with your doctor)

As part of our travel registration process at the start of any journey with Travel Indochina, you will be asked to declare any serious pre-existing medical conditions or allergies.

SMALL GROUP JOURNEY  GRADINGS
Each Small Group Journey in our brochure has a “grading” to assist you in choosing a holiday best suited to your level of health and fitness. A guide to the gradings is as follows:

Easy
These tours avoid the more arduous road travel by flying between major cities. They are suitable for travellers of all ages and levels of fitness. However, an average level of mobility and agility is required as these tours still include some walking in often hot and humid conditions, as well as getting on/off boats and walking up/down flights of stairs. Accommodation is generally comfortable by international standards.

Moderate
These tours involve some long distance overland/overnight travel and can include one or two nights of basic accommodation in more remote areas. The tours are suitable for most travellers of average fitness and mobility with a spirit for “soft” adventure. Clients will be expected on occasions to carry their own luggage for short distances.

Adventurous
These tours involve some long distance travel and at least 2 nights in very basic accommodation. On these tours there may be nights when clients will sleep out on boats, on trains, in a hilltribe village or in other basic accommodation. A client should be quite fit and be prepared for travelling in remote parts of developing Asia to get the most out of an “adventurous” tour. Clients will be expected on occasions to carry their own luggage for short distances.

Minimum Fitness Levels
It is essential for a good group dynamic on our Small Group Journeys that a less able client does not significantly impact on the enjoyment of the rest of the group during the touring days. We ask you please to consider the above tour gradings and think carefully about the Small Group Journeys most appropriate for your level of health and fitness.  As a minimum requirement for our tours graded Easy, you should ask yourselves the following questions:

If, upon commencement of a Small Group Journey, our Tour Leader takes the view that a client’s physical capabilities are not to the standard set out in by the above criteria (also stipulated in the “Fitness Form” which is required to be completed upon booking) then, in the interests of the client and fellow travellers, we reserve the right to prevent the client from participating in the tour. In such instances, we will assist with onward travel arrangements. Cancellation penalties will apply. You should therefore ensure that you are physically capable and prepared for undertaking our journeys.

FOOD & WATER
Thai cuisine is an exotic mix of the best ingredients and flavours that Asia has to offer.  Fresh produce and seafood is plentiful, of good quality, and affordable.  Thai food is renowned for being spicy and incorporates lots of garlic, chillies, lime, and lemon grass.  Vegetarians are generally well catered for.  Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a mix of buffet and continental style. Lunch should cost around 3USD and dinner approx 6USD, depending on the restaurant.  Bottled water is inexpensive and available everywhere.  Do not drink the local tap water.

TIPPING POLICY
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides, drivers and your tour leader, a tip is appropriate.  While it may not be customary to you, tipping inspires great service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across Travel Indochina destinations.  As a general guide on Small Group or Special Group Journeys, please allow 2USD to 3USD per day per traveller for each of your local guide, driver and tour leader.  If your tour is private, please allow 3USD to 5USD per day per traveller for each of your local guide and driver.  Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip.  Should you be dissatisfied with the services provided by your local guide, driver or tour leader, please let us know.

SAFETY & SECURITY
Thailand is generally a safe country and the usual commonsense safety precautions should be adhered to.  We recommended that you take taxis rather than tuk tuks at night.  Taxis are metered and inexpensive.   You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes at all times and carry photocopies of your passport, credit card numbers, and airline tickets, and a detailed record of your encashed travellers cheques.  These items should be kept in a safe place.  Be wary of strangers offering you drinks and sweets and remember that Thailand has some very strict laws relating to drug use.

POST & COMMUNICATION
International mail is quite reliable and generally takes seven to ten days to reach its destination.  Prices are slightly lower than western postal charges.  International phone and fax charges are quite reasonable, and cheaper if made from a post office or telephone office. Reverse charge (collect) calls are possible but you may be charged a small fee.  Email services are inexpensive and available in the major tourist areas, but connection is often slow.

PHOTOGRAPHY    
Print film, such as Kodak, Konika or Fuji is widely available and costs approximately 4USD per roll. Thailand has good and fast processing facilities.  A roll of 24 exposures can be developed for approximately 4USD.  Slide film and Hi8/V8 video cassettes are available in Bangkok.  The x-ray machines at all airports are film safe.

HOTELS
Our Standard hotels have private western-style bathrooms, hot water, air-conditioning, satellite television, IDD telephones, laundry, and other facilities.  Generally they have swimming pools. Where possible we endeavour at passenger request to accommodate couples in double rooms. Please note however that on occasions during your journey, this may not be possible and a twin room will be provided.

Asia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and historic hotels.  With this in mind, we designed our range of Deluxe (Essence of Asia) journeys.   The emphasis by day is unchanged – small groups and an authentic experience of Asia. At night however, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the ambience of these specially selected hotels.  Please note that in some cases Deluxe accommodation is not available.  In these places we use the best hotels available.   This will be clearly marked in your itinerary.
Check-in and check-out times can vary but most hotels in Cambodia require guests to check out by 12 noon and do not allow check in until 2 pm. Many hotels may allow an earlier check in or later check out subject to availability on the day.

TRANSPORT
On the road we generally use late model air-conditioned mini-vans or mini-coaches.  Depending on the size of the group, we may use larger vehicles.  Some tours include domestic flights on Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways.  Some tours also involve a ten hour rail trip between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.  Accommodation is in a cooled sleeper carriage which is comfortable and modern.  Sheets and blankets are provided and are clean and of high quality.

GROUP DYNAMICS
Our small group journeys provide you with a good balance of group activity and personal discovery. Travellers need to be aware of certain personal responsibilities when travelling with a group. Simple things - like being ready at agreed times and keeping to schedule will ensure the smooth running of the programme. Furthermore, the traditions and culture of the country you are visiting should be respected.  Correct behaviour includes wearing the appropriate dress when visiting religious sites and refraining from making comments or acting in a manner that would be viewed as unacceptable by your fellow group members or by the local people in the country you are visiting. Please ask your tour leader for further clarification of the issues mentioned above

TOUR LEADERS & GUIDES
Providing the group tour reaches a minimum of seven passengers a Western tour leader will guide you on your entire journey through Thailand.  All of our tour leaders have an in-depth knowledge of Thailand and an enthusiasm for the country that is contagious.  Your tour leader is your link with Thailand and is there to ensure the smooth running of the trip.  Your tour leader will try – wherever practical - to cater for your individual interests.  Local English-speaking guides also accompany you on your tour.  They impart local information about history, customs and culture that can only come from living in the area.  Generally, we have a different local guide for each city or region we visit. Thus, local guides are usually only with the group for a few days.

LOCAL TIME
Thailand is:

•    7 hrs ahead of GMT
•    3 hrs behind Australian Eastern Standard Time
•    5 hrs behind New Zealand
•    12 hrs ahead of Canada Eastern Time
•    15 hrs ahead of Canada Pacific Time
•    12 hrs ahead of US Eastern Time
•     15 hrs ahead of US Pacific Time

SHOPPING
Thailand is well known for its fabulous shopping.  Ceramics, lacquer ware, silverware, wood carvings and jewellery are just some of the many good buys.  Many travellers also have clothes tailored due to the low prices - standards vary.  A few guidelines to follow when shopping:

MASSAGE SERVICES
Many countries in Asia are deservedly renowned for their massage techniques and the quality and value for money of these services. Unfortunately, many massage parlours including some in otherwise 'reputable' hotels are also linked to the paid sex industry. We advise you to check carefully before using massage services in Asia.

LANGUAGE

The Thai language is tonal and written in a Mon-Khmer script which is very different from the Latin script.  Because the language is tonal, the same spelt word can have several different meanings.  This makes it fairly difficult to learn, but any attempt to speak the language will be well received by the local people.  English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in tourist areas.  The Lonely Planet Thai phrasebook is recommended for those wanting to learn more about the language. To help you get the most out of your contact with the Thai people,try learning how to say these key phrases:


IMPORTANT DATES AFFECTING TOURING

01 Jan 2007 - International New Year's Day
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

1 Feb. 2007 - Makha Bucha Day
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.
 
06 Apr. 2007 - Chakri Memorial Day
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

13 to 15 Apr. 2007 - Songkran Festival Days
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

13 to 15 Apr. 2007 - Songkran Festival Days
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

2 May 2007 - Visakha Bucha Day
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

05 May 2007 - Coronation Day
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

12 Aug. 2007 - H.M. The Queen's Birthday
13 Aug 2007 – Substitution for the Queen’s birthday
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

23 Oct. 2007 - Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

24 Nov. 2007 - Loy Kratong Festival
Not a public holiday.  Dates of this festival and compulsory meals rates at hotels TBA.

05 Dec. 2007 - H.M. The King's Birthday
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

10. Dec. 2007 - Constitution Day
Public holiday.  Banks and public offices will be closed, as will some businesses.

24-25 Dec. 2007 - Christmas Eve
Some businesses will be closed but it is not a public holiday in Thailand and it should not affect touring.

31 Dec. 2006 - New Year's Eve
New Year’s Eve is not a public holiday so there are no other effects on touring.