Thailand

Good to know

1. 1Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonised by a European power, and its long history includes the kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, whose ruins can still be visited.
2. 2Most Thai people are Theravada Buddhists, and temples, called wats, are part of everyday life. You will see monks in saffron robes walking through towns in the early morning.
3. 3Thai food balances sour, sweet, salty, spicy and bitter. Dishes like pad thai, green curry, tom yum soup and mango with sticky rice are known worldwide, but each region cooks differently, and the north and northeast taste quite unlike Bangkok.
4. 4The language is Thai, a tonal language with its own script. In tourist areas and larger cities you can usually get by with English, but a few Thai words will be appreciated.
5. 5The currency is the baht. Cash is still widely used at markets, street food stalls and in smaller towns.
6. 6The king is deeply respected in Thailand, and the royal family is protected by strict laws. Visitors should speak about them politely.

Tips for a first visit

• Dress modestly when visiting temples: cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
• Carry some cash for street food, local buses and small shops, even though cards work in hotels, malls and larger restaurants.
• Try food from street stalls and night markets, which are often where the best meals are. Pick places that are busy with local customers.
• Greet people with a wai, a slight bow with palms pressed together. Visitors are not expected to get it perfect, but a smile and a polite greeting go a long way.
• Do not touch anyone's head, and do not point your feet at people or at Buddha images, because the head is considered the highest part of the body and the feet the lowest.
• Be careful with tuk-tuks and taxis that offer a very cheap tour. Agree on the fare before you set off, or ask for the meter in a taxi.

When to go

The cool, dry season from roughly November to February is the most comfortable time for most of the country, though it is also the busiest. March to May is very hot, especially inland. The rainy season, from about June to October, brings heavy showers that often come in the afternoon, with greener scenery and fewer visitors. The Andaman coast and the Gulf islands have somewhat different weather patterns, so it is worth checking the beach you have in mind.

Getting around

Most visitors move between cities by domestic flights, long-distance trains or buses. Flying is the quickest way to reach places like Chiang Mai, Phuket or Krabi from Bangkok. Trains run north, south and northeast from Bangkok, and sleeper trains are a popular way to travel overnight. Buses connect almost every town, and ferries link the mainland with the islands.