Thailand: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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Thailand: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Thailand

Overview

Thailand is as diverse as it is exotic, with a melange of sounds, tastes, textures and landscapes. A land with rugged mountains, white-sand beaches, lush jungles and adrenaline-fueled cities. A culture rich in tradition, regional pride and people with graceful charm and confidence. If exploration is your purpose, you've come to the right place, welcome to Thailand!

Hotels

Thailand is famous for its tropical islands. The rainfall and general humidity is what keeps these beautiful islands lush with plants and a variety of wildlife. That said, while rooms should be clean, well kept, and comfortable, it is advised to air your room out and give a second for the air conditioner to cycle through. Especially on smaller islands where they are trying to be mindful of their resources, hotels don’t typically keep the air conditioning in the rooms running before guests arrive.

Capital City: Bangkok

Population: 70.01 million (2022 est.)

Currency: Baht (฿)(THB)

Time Zone: Indochina Time (GMT+8)

Emergency Number: 911 or 191

Outlet: Type A, B & C

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Packing List

Speak the Language

Language: While the official Thai language is widely spoken throughout Thailand, many Thais also speak and understand English, though more so in Bangkok and the major tourist areas.

 

  • Hello - Sawatdii
  • How are you? - Sabaaidii mai?
  • I'm fine - Sabaaidii
  • I'm not well - Mai sabaii
  • Thank you - Khop kun
  • Sorry - Khot hort
  • No problem - Mai bpenrai
  • Goodbye - Bai
  • Can you speak English? - Kun food paasaa anggrit dai mai?
  • What is your name? - Kun chug arai?
  • My name is ___ - Pom / Chán chuu ___.

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click here.

Bangkok-Thailand

Weather

BANGKOK WEATHER

Fun Facts

  • Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by a European country. In fact, in Thai, the name of the country is Prathet Thai which means "land of the free."
  • In Thailand, the Royal Family is adored and deeply respected by its citizens. For example, Mother's and Father's Days are celebrated throughout the country, but not in reverence to a family's parents but rather to the King and Queen of Thailand.
  • All young men in Thailand (including royalty) are required to become Buddhist monks-even if only for a short period of time before they turn 20.
  • The most disrespectful insult one can use against a Thai person is to call them either a lizard or a buffalo. To call someone a water lizard is to insinuate that they are lacking culture and calling someone a buffalo is suggesting that someone is slow and dumb. Stay friendly and kind out there!

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $5 per person/per day
Drivers USD $3 per person/per day
Restaurants(full service)  $0.50 per person/per meal

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Tap water should be avoided by travelers. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water or purchase bottled water. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water when possible.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What does public transportation look like? The most indigenous mode of transportation in Thailand is the famous three-wheeled tuk-tuks. There are taxis and motorcycle taxis readily available.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available? Uber is not in Thailand but there is a ride-share app called Grab.

Luggage Restrictions

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In partnership with The Cool Effect, 1% of Trova's revenue will be donated to reduce carbon emissions through community-based initiatives around the globe.

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