Asia: Thailand: Phuket

Thailand a country in South-East Asia and bordering Cambodia in the South-East, Laos in the North-east, Myanmar (Burma) to the north-west and Malaysia to the south. This destination is on every traveller's wish list - either to visit or to re-visit. It offers culture and fantastic climate, beaches and food. In the East one will find some of the bet beaches and islands, lowlands and Bangkok in Central Thailand, while the wild Isaan lies in the North-East with the famous Khmer ruins and vast coastlines in the South and Chaing Mai, the Golden Triangle and hill tribes in the North.

Popular Thailand Islands & beaches:

Ko Chang Island
Ko Kradan Island resort
Ko Lanta Island (near Krabi)
Ko Pha Ngan
Ko Phi Phi where The Beach was filmed
Ko Samet near Bangkok
Ko Samui
Ko Tao
Phuket
Rai Leh

Activites for the visitor in Thailand:
Scuba diving and snorkelling, rock climbing the cliffs of Rai Leh in Krabi, Trekking around Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.


Popular Thailand National Parks:
The Similan Islands - in Phang Nga province
The Tarutao National Park - in Satun Province
The Ang Thong National Marine Park - in Surat Thani Province
The Khao Yai National Park - in Isaan
The Ko Chang National Park - in Trat Province

Thai Climate is mostly hot and humid with a cooler North. Locals consider Thailand to be best visited during December and January when it's cooler and doesn't rain much.
Thai Culture is influenced by Buddhism. Therefore females are expected to respect modest dress-codes and avoid contact with Buddhists, especially physical.
Thai Transport
Planes fly to Bangkok daily and prices are reasonable. The National airline is THAI Airways.
Trains include the (slow but cheap) international link to Kulala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Butterworth (Penang) to Singapore.
Ferries connect Langkawi to Satun, Pengkalan Kubur and Tak Bai.
Buses include the government's Transport Company (or Baw Kaw Saw) wit terminals everywhere.
Self-drive can be dangerous and scary - where cars are right-hand and traffic moves on the left side. Think carefully before renting a car.
Songthaews are truck-based taxis and operate as buses.
Tuk-tuks are great for city-travel.
Taxis are readily found in Bangkok and excellent when using the meter!
Motorbikes are widely used and easily hired.


Thai currency: baht (THB)

Thai Cuisine is characterised by taste explosions and flavours often found in dishes include lemon grass, lime juice and chillies, while most dishes are eaten with rice and noodles. Thai food is healthy, low-fat but very tasty. Meat doesn't feature that often but rather seafood and vegetables while fruit often serves as dessert.

Thai Health: Avoid tap water, be careful with prostitution as HIV, AIDS and STD infection features high in Thailand and otherwise find out about your specific region's malaria status.

Thailand Cities are:
Bangkok - Thailand's capital
Ayutthaya - Thailand's previous (historical) capital
Chiang Mai - the capital of the North
Chiang Rai - entrance to the Golden Triangle
Hat Yai - largest city in the South
Kanchanaburi - Bridge over the River Kwai
Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) - largest city of Isaan region
Pattaya - tourist destination
Sukhothai - Thailand's original capital

The Travel-Informed Team

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