Destination Guide - Thailand

Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Population: 62.4 Million
Capital City: Bangkok with a population of 6.2 million
People: 75% Thai, 14% Ethic Chinese, 11% other ethnic minorities
Languages: Thai
Religion: 95% Buddhist, 3.8% Muslim, 1.2% other
Currency: Baht
Time: GMT plus 7 hours
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz (http://www.kropla.com)
Major Industries: Automobiles/automotive parts, financial services, electronics, and tourism
Airport Departure Tax: $15.75 USD / 500 THB (subject to change)

IMPORTANT FACTS

Travel Documents

Citizens from Canada and the USA require a valid passport to enter Thailand. Citizens of other nations should check with their nearest Thai Embassy for entry requirements. You must have a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the conclusion of your trip in order to enter Thailand. Naturally, your passport is your most important travel document, therefore it is imperative to keep it as safe as possible at all times. When staying in one place for a couple of days or longer, we recommend that you store your passport in the hotel safe, although you will require it as identification when cashing travellers checks. When venturing out to more remote areas, your tour guide will discuss where to keep your passport. Finally, it is a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport (remember to keep this copy, and all other copies of important documents and papers, separate from their originals), which can prove helpful should your passport be lost or stolen.

If travelling on a Canadian or American passport, a visa is not required to enter Thailand if the trip is under 30 days. Citizens of other nations should check with their nearest Thai Embassy for entry/visa requirements. Upon entry, you will receive a stamp in your passport and an embarkation card that is to be kept with your passport until departure.

Climate

Thailand has a tropical climate. Most of the country has three seasons – a hot, dry season from March to May; a hot, wet period from June to October; and a cool, dry season from November to February. Bangkok has an average temperature of 77 degrees F (25 C) in December and 86 degrees F (30 C) in April. The mountain areas are cooler. From late May to October, winds called monsoons cause heavy rains throughout Thailand. The Southern Peninsula region may receive more than 100 inches of rain in one year. Bangkok has an average annual rainfall off 55 inches.

Food

While in Thailand, it is best to drink only bottled or treated drinking water. Fruit drinks, soft drinks, coffee and tea are all widely available and safe to drink. Most food is safe to eat, although a little common sense with regard to street food is necessary. Since food from street vendors can sit un-refrigerated for a while, try to choose items that are cooked in front of you and are served hot. Sampling local food is one of the pleasures of international travel; so don’t be paranoid, rather, be careful.

Please be aware that peanuts are a major component in Thai cuisine. Not all dishes contain peanuts but they are very common, so if you have a peanut allergy be sure to tell your guide before your first meal.

Thai people enjoy good food and are constantly taking advantage of bountiful supplies of raw materials to transform into flavor tempting delicacies. Such delicacies include curries, fresh seafood, hearty noodle soups, and the deservedly recognized Pad Thai. There are also countless types of exotic fruits available; enjoyable on their own or in thirst-quenching fruit juices.

Water

Vaccinations

Although there are no required vaccinations for Thailand, there are some recommended ones such as Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis. As health regulations can and do change regularly, we advise you to speak to your doctor or visit a travel medical clinic prior to departure. A good site to visit with current information regarding vaccinations is the Centre for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.

Thailand Trips

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
1	Adventure Siam Mountain Biking, Hiking and Elephant riding (11 Days)
2	Adventure with a Heart Mountain Bike, Hike, Elephant Ride & Volunteer