THAILAND
OVERVIEW
A Southeast Asian kingdom with a contrasting topography of the mountainous north, the idyllic beachy south along with ancient temples evidencing of Theraveda Buddhism, frenetic markets calling upon culture enthusiasts and every bit of Thai corner linked by its culinary celebration of flavours, loved by all. This is what makes Thailand a riveting destination to unpack.
THAILAND Travel guide
Getting to Thailand
Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok and Phuket Airports are the most popular hubs that caters to direct flights from all across India especially to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Direct flights are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata.
How To Apply For Thailand VISA
Thailand is visa-free for Indians but this Thailand Digital Arrival Card or TDAC needs to be filled and submitted 3 days prior to their arrival date in Thailand.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Thailand is during the dry season when the climate is comparatively warmer, drier, laced with humidity while the wet season experiences incessant showers.
- Dry season: October to May
- Wet season: June to September
Shoulder season is between June to September when tourism is low, influencing lower rates.
Local Food and Drinks in Thailand
- Southeast Asia especially Thailand is known for a wide range of delicaies that it offers. Be it for hard-core meat eaters, or vegetarians or vegans. Chiang Mai in Thailand is also known for its coffee.
Types of Transportation in Thailand
- A great way to travel is to book a bike or a cab on Gojek or
- Inter-city Bus – leaves from Mochit terminal, fares depend on the distance travelled.
- Local Bus services
- Local taxis like pink taxis
- Songthaew
- Rent a bike or self-driving car (advisable to obtain IDP from home country)
Applications to Download
Gojek – for cabs, bikes and food
Grab – for cabs, bikes and food
In-drive – ride-hailing app
HappyCow – to check for vegetarian options around you
GoWabi – For discounted deals on massages, spas, beauty clinics, hair removal, hair salons, gel nail salons, dental clinics, and more
TADA – local ride-hailing app
Bangkok MRT & BTS Metro Guide – to check the lines
Things to Remember
- Local currency is the Thai Baht (THB)
- Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Learn a few basic Thai phrases like ‘Hello’, ‘Thank you’, ‘Welcome’, etc.
- Dress modestly while visiting Buddhist temples. It’s advisable to carry a sarong to cover the bottom in case you are wearing shorts or dresses (that fall above the knee). Probably the best thing is to use Google Translate
- English is not widely spoken.
- For calling either purchase a local sim or activate an e-sim.
- Carry portable fans.
- Dress modestly while visiting Buddhist temples. It’s advisable to carry a sarong to cover the bottom in case you are wearing shorts or dresses (that fall above the knee).
EXPERIENCES & ITINERARIES
POSTS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Thailand visa-free for Indians?
Yes, Thailand is visa-free for Indians.
There is no need for any visa. Pre-arrival a document needs to be filled online.
- What is the capital of Thailand?
The capital of Thailand is Bangkok
- How many time-zones are there in Thailand?
Thailand has only one time zone.
- What is the time difference between India and Thailand?
Thailand is behind India by 1.5 hours
- What religion does Thailand follow?
Thailand was a part of the Khmer Dynasty that was predominantly Hindu and later adopted Theraveda Buddhism.
- What is the ideal duration of Thailand Trip?
5-7 days are good for a trip to cover Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. However if you want to really explore offbeat Thailand it will take a good month. For a trip to Chiang Mai and its adjoining provinces usually takes around 9 days that includes hikes through some renowned dense national parks. but it is advisable not to club with other islands in Indonesia. This is the largest country of Southeast Asia so covering it in its entirety isn’t feasible
- How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Thailand have?
There are 10 UNESCO heritage sites in Indonesia, namely
1. Borobudur Temple Compounds of Central Java
2. Prambanan Temple Compounds located on the border between the two provinces of Yogyakarta and Central Java
3. Komodo National Park between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores
4. Ujung Kulon National Park located at the south-west tip ofJava
5. Sangiran Early Man Site in Central Java
6. Lorentz National Park located in Indonesia’s Papua Province
7. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
8. Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a 9. Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
9. Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto, located in the inaccessible mountains of West Sumatra
10. The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks
- What is famous in Thailand to buy?
There are a lot of local products that one can buy from Thailand
Local handicraft
Coffee