Spotlight on Thailand

Posted on 18. Feb, 2012 by guest in Thailand

Why visit Thailand?

Thailand has something to offer everyone, no matter the budget. You’ll find the white sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise water, beautiful, tropical scenery and that all important low cost of living.

What’s the best time of year to visit Thailand?

It can be very hot and humid in Thailand thanks to the country’s tropical climate. The hottest two months of the year are usually April and May when the average temperature hits around 35/36°C. This can be almost unbearable for some, though lounging in the perfect ocean water can help to cure that.

The wettest time of year is between June and October when the country experiences its monsoon season. The best time to visit for tourists is between November and February when temperature – and humidity – levels are a lot lower, but still much warmer than Europe or North America. The only problem with traveling at this time is that everyone else is coming to Thailand then, too, so hotels will hike up rates, attractions will be packed, and the level of customer service (one of Thailand’s most charming aspects) might go down, due to the influx of visitors wherever you are.

What attractions should I add to my itinerary?

There’s so much to see and do in Thailand and you’ll soon fall in love with the culture and the locals, but the question is, where to go?

Should I visit Bangkok?
Any trip should include a stint in Bangkok, although we’d advise starting elsewhere and easing into Thailand before paying the buzzing capital a visit. However, as most flights land in Bangkok, it might be most logical to start here. Make sure to check out one of the fantastic floating markets for which Thailand is so well-known, and a liberal smattering of beautifully decorated temples – check out the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun). Bangkok is a city of contrasts too and you’ll find that eastern meets western and old world charm meets modern metropolitan cityscape here.

What islands to visit in Thailand?

Ko Samui: Thailand’s third largest island offers exactly those topical beaches that you will have heard so much about.

There will be plenty that are overcrowded and cater to a very general type of tourist, but Ko Samui also offers isolated and solitary beaches for peace and quiet in your own tropical paradise. Ko Samui has its own specific microclimate, so the best time to visit is between February and March.

Ko Pha-Ngan: This is where you go for the full moon party, if that’s your thing. If it’s not, then just make sure you’re not here during the full moon, and you’ll have a relaxing beach paradise free of the full moon madness that ensues.

Should I visit Chiang Mai?

For the hustle and bustle of city life at a much slower pace, head up to Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand. An entirely different experience than Bangkok in many ways – and often called its bohemian sister – but you’ll still find the perfect fusion of ancient culture and modern metropolis here which Thailand seems to be able to pull off so well. Shopping, café culture, great food and temples…did we mention the temples? There are over three hundred temples in Chiang Mai.

What preparations should I make before travelling to Thailand?

Check with your doctor to see if you’ll need any vaccinations before embarking on a world trip (you’ll usually need to do this several weeks in advance) you’ll usually find that your doctor recommends Typhoid and Hepatitis A and, depending on the parts of Thailand and Southeast Asia you’ll be travelling to, some anti-malarial tablets.

Pick up a good worldwide travel insurance policy as this will cover you for any medical treatment you might need as well cover you against cancellation and supplier failure. Make sure to read the small print, checking for common exclusions such as water sports, as you’ll most likely be snorkeling and scuba diving in Thailand.

Make sure to read up on scams, dangers and annoyances in Thailand as well, as knowing about any sort of tourist scams can really help to avoid them once you arrive. You needn’t worry too much about these elsewhere in Thailand, but Bangkok is rife with them. Grab a guidebook like the Lonely Planet for this, or check helpful travel sites such as Tripadvisor.com, or get in touch with us, and we’ll talk you through it as well!