Bangkok - Thailand
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FORTUNA HOTEL Bangkok - Thailand |
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Thailand travel information LocationFor centuries known by outsiders as Siam, Thailand has been something of a south-east Asian migratory, cultural and religious crossroads. With an area of some 510,000 square kilometres, Thailand is approximately the same size as France. Thailand shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia to the south. The capital Bangkok, an attractive mixture of western and Thai architecture and living styles, was established in 1782. Local Thai people always call it, in Thai, "Krung Thep". Time Time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +7) Topography Thailand could be divided into four areas: the moutainous north, the fertile central plains, the semi-arid plateau of the north-east, and the peninsula south. The southern area, sandwiched between andaman sea on the west and gulf of Thailand on the east, is distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands. Climate Until early 1990's there had been 3 distinct seasons: summer time from March through May, rainy season with plenty of sunshine from June to October and cool season from November through February. However some people now say Thailand (and the whole south-east Asia region) has a mixture of two features: hot and rainy nearly whole year with the exception of some cool months (yes, it is still from November to February) in the high lands. The average annual temperature is 29ºC , ranging in Bangkok from 38ºC in April to 17ºC in the coldest nights of December-January. Clothing Normally the tropical climate calls for washable-cotton, light and loose dresses with comfortable shoes or sandals. Nylon should be avoided. Sweaters are needed during cool season evenings or when visiting mountainous areas and remote national parks. Umbrellas are necessary during the rainy season. Brief history There are conflicting opinions as to the origins of Thais. One theory says that Thais originated in north-western Szechuan province in China about 4,500 years ago and later migrated south to their present land. However the discovery of of 3500 years old prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban Chiang in the Nong Han District of Udon Thani province in the north-east suggests that Thais might have orginated in today Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia, including some parts of China. Siam is the name by which the country was known to the world until 1939 and again between 1945 and 1949. On May 11, 1949, an official proclamation changed the name of the country to "Prathet Thai" or "Thailand". The word "Thai" means "free", and therefore "Thailand" means "Land of the free." Government and economy Thailand adopts constitutional monarchy with power vested in a freely-elected parliament and a senate appointed by His Majesty the King. The executive branch comprises a coatition of political parties who select a prime minister who rules through a cabinet. Thailand enjoys a free-enterprise economy. Tourism is the principal money earner, followed by agricultural produce and commodities. In the late 1980s, it embarked on an ambitious programme of industrialization. It has a well-developed telecommunications, road and power infrastructure. But with the so-called rapid growth there are many social and cultural problems. Nonetheless, Thailand's economic development rates is seen as one of the admirable success stories of Asia. Population and people Thailand has a population of some 60 million in 2001. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Myanmar, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity. Languages Spoken and written Thai remain largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood in hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations. Thai and English road and street signs are found nationwide. Religions More than 90% of the population profess their faith in Theravada Buddhism. 5% are Muslims, most of whom inhabit the southern region. The rest of the population is Christian, Hindu, Sikh and so on. Hilltribes practice animism but many tribes: Karens and Lahu fvor instance, have been converted to Christianity. Thai embassies abroad To know the locations and contact details of Thai embassies and consulates abroad, please go to Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site. Health regulations No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas. Entry and exist points Most visitors arrive through Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport which is connected by daily flights to all major airports in Asia, Europe, North America, Australia. Flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang (Malaysia) and Hong Kong land on a regular basis at Chiangmai, Koh Samui, Phuket and Hat Yai. Charter flights land in Bangkok, Phuket, and at U-Taphao airport near Pattaya. Regular rail service links Singapore and Bangkok with intermediary stops at Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Penang and major towns in southern Thailand. Overland entry and exist points with Malaysia
Overland border check points with Cambodia
Overland border check points with Laos
Overland border check points with Myanmar
There are no regular steamship connection. Cargo ships calling at Bangkok's Khlong Toei port sometimes have passenger cabin facilities. Luxury cruise ships frequently visit some sea ports in Thailand. Transportation Various modes of transport are available. Domestic flights fly to many cities and towns across the country. For the flight details on Thai Airways International, please check their web site. Excellent highway and road networks expend to all towns and large villages. Some villages (especially the hilltribe villages) on the hills need walking to reach. Taking a train to travel is one good reason to closely encounter the country side. Followings are the major rail roads from Bangkok:
North and Northeastern Bus Terminal (Moh-Chit-Mai): Tel. 02-936 2841-48 New Southern regular Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai): Tel. 02--435 1199, 435 1200 Eastern Air Conditioned Bus Terminal or (Eke Ka Mai): Tel. 02-391 2504 Bangkok International Airport Information: Tel. 02-535 1111 Bangkok Railway Station or Hua Lam Phong: Tel. 02-223-7461 Bus Route In formation in Bangkok Metropolis: Call 184 Electricity Electrical outlets are rated at 220 volts, 50 cycles. Food and water Contrary to popular myth, all Thai food is not fiery hot (althouth some dishes from the northeast and the south could be extremely spicy) and wonderful meals can be enjoyed without worrying about the ubiquitous chilli. The beauty of Thai cuisine is in its variety and wonderful assortment of flavours: rich curries and tangy soups, tart salads, stir-fred dishes of meats and vegetables and succulent seafood. All eaten with liberal heapings of fragarant rice. As in any country there are wonderful regional specialities. In Chiang Mai for instance a "Khan Toke" or formal northern dinner consists of five dishes served in elegant bowls on a low lacquer table with guests sitting on the floor. And in Phuket and Pattaya fresh Lobsters and crabs are the order of the day. The traditional ending to a Thai meal is normally fruit and here again the variety is everything from tender young pineapples and banana to the exotic tastes and textures of mango, durian and pomelo. In most tourist destinations you will also find a commendable range of international cuisines: so you are never far from a taste of home. It is advisedthat you drink only the bottled or boiled water. Shopping Thailand is a huge emporium of art and craft products. While each region has its own specialities, goods from all regions are available in big cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. You find the widest selection of goods in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Pay street vendors in cash; shops will accept cash or credit cards. However please expect a 3 to 5% surcharge for credit cards payment. Shops can arrange packing, shipping, and documentation at reasonable prices. Currency The Thai baht is divided into 100 satangs. Bank note denominations include 1,000 (gray), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue), 20 (green), and 10 (brown) baht notes. Ten-baht coins are brass discs encircled by a silver frame. Five-baht coins are silver with copper rims. There are three silver one-baht coins but only the small one will fit in a public telephone. There are two types of 50 and 25 satang coins. Most newspapers list daily exchange rates between Thai Baht and major world currencies. You can also check the exchange rates at Bangkok bank web site. |