Welcome to Thailand

Thailand is for the beach lovers, the history buffs, the foodies and the adventurous travelers among us. Whether we’re gawking at ancient temples, eating our way along a row of noodle shacks or hiking through Doi Inthanon, we’re falling in love with this much-adored destination.

Start with the biggies: Chiang Mai, “The Rose of the North,” known for its temples, elephant sanctuaries, night markets and hill tribes, and Chiang Rai, just as enticing for its own amazing temples, including the revered Wat Phra Kaew. Move on to the beaches of Ko Lipe and Ko Samui for a wellness retreat or snorkeling in gentle waters.

In Bangkok, slurp noodles from a food stall, and in Phuket, visit the seafood pavilions. Then take a class from a Thai master chef so you can replicate authentic green curry or hot-and-spicy soup back home. Refreshing, relaxing – this is the Thailand you’ll never forget.

Unique Facts

• Thailand celebrates an annual festival dedicated to monkeys. It’s called the Lopburi Monkey Banquet and it’s held in front of the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple. More than 600 monkeys come to feast on food that has been prepared by the locals of Lopburi. It is believed that good luck will come to those who treat the monkeys with respect.
• Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of the orchid, also Thailand’s national flower. There are more than 1,500 different species of this fragile flower growing wild throughout the country.
• You won’t run out of temples to visit in Thailand – there are approximately 35,000 of them spread across the country.
• The world’s smallest mammal lives in Thailand – it’s the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, or “bumblebee bat,” and it is only about an inch long.

Language

Thailand’s official language is Central Thai.

When To Go

The best time to go to Thailand is during the cool season between November and early April. The temperatures start to get hotter in March and are very hot by June. It is generally rainy from July to October. The climate varies throughout the country, however, so it’s possible to visit year-round depending on what you plan on doing.

Airports

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok
Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok and Nonthaburi
Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Mai and Lamphun
Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, Chiang Rai

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 30 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Thailand: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Cholera, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A, B and C. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Thai Baht

Getting Around

If self driving in Thailand, be aware of high-speed and reckless driving, as well as heavy traffic.

Use a pedestrian bridge when crossing the street in urban areas.

If using a taxi or “tuk-tuk,” request that the driver use the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.

At the airport, use only the public transportation options at the official pick-up area, a car from the limousine counter or a car from your hotel.

Driver’s License

International driving permit required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Bangkok
95 Wireless Road
Bangkok 10330
Thailand
Telephone: + (66) (2) 205-4049, 02-205-4049 (within Thailand)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(66) (2) 205-4000, 02-205-4000 (within Thailand)
Fax: +(66) (2) 205-4103, 02-205-4103 (within Thailand)
acsbkk@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Bangkok Information Center
17/1 Th Phra Athit
Tel: 02-225-7612-4

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency, Fire: 911 or 191
Ambulance: 1699 or 1669
Police: 1155

Safety and Security

Crimes in Thailand include pickpocketing, purse snatching and burglary. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Exercise caution when traveling alone. Be on the lookout for overcharging in bars and entertainment venues.