Travel information about Thailand

Languages: the official language is Thai which has different dialects. In the tourists destinations, English is spoken and understood. If you choose to venture where no tourists go, don't forget your pocket phrase book!
Top of the Page

Currency: the official currency is the Bath (B) divided into 100 Satangs. The business don't accept foreign currency. All bank notes have the effigy of H. M. The King; it is wise to treat money with respect, avoid to threw it on the table to pay. The Thais will appreciate if you pay by giving the bank notes in their hands, it will be a mark of respect toward their currency.
Top of the Page

The beaches : topless is forbidden in Thailand, and it chocks the Thais who are very shy with their body. The sunset is the best moment of the day, a "rendez-vous" not to miss for the romantics.
Top of the Page

Swimming : there are no life guards, even if you see some young men with sun glasses and binoculars on a watch tower. Through may to November, swimming is dangerous on the west coast, and careless tourists drawn every year. When the red flag is up, don't swim.
Top of the Page

Shopping : and this what everybody expect the tourists to do : spending money ! Clothes, sunglasses, handicraft, silk, custom tailors, each beach has its shops, you will practice your bargaining skills. Basically, the further from the beach the shop is, the lower the prices are ! What is sure, is that you find here good quality products for 4 times as less as in Europe. Now, good luck.
Top of the Page

Having party : here is another thing to do. Thailand is famous for its night life such as live bands, sport bars, cabarets, discos... All of them must close at 2 am, or 1 am or 4 am, depending on, you know, many things ! Music, girls and alcohol, are waiting for you, but don't forget that you dive the next day !
Top of the Page

Driving : Thailand has some of the most dangerous roads in the world, and Phuket has the most dangerous roads in Thailand. Now you know. So here is how to survive : always wear a helmet (300 THB fine); drive on the left side; rent a motor bike with disc breaks, and break with both front and back brakes; in a turn, stay inside; arrived at an intersection, slow down. If you have an accident, wait for the police on site.
Top of the Page

Taxis : taxis and Tuk tuk are expensive in Phuket, everywhere else you will find some Songthae, which has the same system as a bus, and stops anywhere you whish. You also can rent a car or a motor bike, it is not more dangerous.
Top of the Page

The people : during the tragedy of the Tsunami, the Thais have shown their best part, building an unprecedented solidarity in the Kingdom, helping foreigners in distress. Their heart is much greater than the wave. More disasters have happened in the world since then, but no one has matched the solidarity of the Thai people. The Thai people are not violent at all, and very rarely upset. Traveling around Thailand in pretty safe, if you look lost, it won't be long before someone offers his assistance. Thai people love children, for the Buddhists, children are good luck carriers, families are very most welcome in Thailand.
Top of the Page

Things to do: watching the sun set, eating grilled fish, scuba diving, Thai massage, a visit to the temple, buy clothes on the streets, eat a fruit named "mangosteen"! While in the street, ware a T-shirt, you will be considered as someone civilised.
Top of the Page

Don't do : pointing someone or something with your foot or finger, touching people' s head, getting angry at the bad drivers, take drugs, drive drunk, ask for a spicy meal !

Top of the Page