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Currency

The Thai unit of currency is the baht, which is worth a little less than 4 US cents. One US dollar = approximately 40 baht.

The baht is divided into 100 satang. "Copper" coins are valued at 25 and 50 satang. "Silver" coins are in denominations of 1,2 and 5 baht. A 10 baht coin is composed of both "silver" and "copper". Banknotes are valued at 10 baht (brown),20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (read), 500 baht (purple) and 1,000 baht (white and grey).

Travellers Cheques/Cheques/Credit Cards

US dollar traveller cheques can be conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and authorised money changers. Traveller cheques in other currencies are best changed in Bangkok where better rates prevail. Generally, hotel exchange rates are lower than those offered by banks and authorised money changers.

Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners, Carte Blanche, Master Card and VISA are accepted by major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops.

Thai and foreign banks provide standard services nationwide, Monday through Friday, except public and bank holidays, between 9.30 AM and 3.30 PM.

Major banks such as Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank and Siam Commercial Bank operate currency exchange centres in most tourist areas from 7.00 AM to 9.00 PM, seven days a week, including holidays.

Many first-class hotels provide 24-hour money exchange services, but only for major currencies such as American dollars, British pounds, and Euros. Travellers cheques are generally accepted only from bona fide hotel quests.

By Bicycle

Cycling in Thailand is fun (except maybe in Bangkok) if you prepare well. If you bring your own bicycle, ensure it is mechanically sound, and bring plenty of spares – bike shops may not stock your requirements. Hiring a bike is convenient, but check it thoroughly before riding away - the owner may blame you for previously unseen damage. You can hire bikes cheaply in most large towns.

Most of Thailand’s roads are reasonable, although some are rather rough in the north. Many rural areas accommodate off-road biking, so mountain bikes are more suitable. While on the road, beware of trucks and buses - the drivers seldom respect other road users. People generally give cyclists leeway, but nevertheless, wear a helmet and reflective gear and get insurance. Taking a bicycle on inter-city buses and trains costs very little. On buses it goes on the roof or in the hold.

A bike might not cost much in travelers’ opinion, yet it is certainly sellable merchandise to some people. Therefore, cyclists should lock the bike every time they are away; otherwise they have to pay for compensation for the stolen bicycle.

Do & Don't

The Monarchy : Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.

Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.

It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.

Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.

Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.

Social Norms : Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a ‘Wai’. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.

Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude.

Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

Although almost all year round in Thailand has a hot weather, walking shirtless on the street, especially in Bangkok, is generally regarded as impolite - tank tops are acceptable.

Where to enjoy countdown & New Year 2004 celebration

It is always better and easier to plan your countdown and New Year celebration especially during the festive season when everybody heads to tourist destinations.

In Bangkok itself, there are several countdown and New Year celebrations dotting at major landmarks of the city:

Happy Festival 2004 Bangkok Countdown, December 29-31, 2003, Rama VIII Bridge, Bangkok.
Highlight: Thailand’s first-ever revue firework show consisting of 10 majestic scenes from Japan.
New Year 2004 Cultural Celebration @ Sanam Luang, December 30, 2003 – January 1, 2004, Sanam Luang, Bangkok.
Highlight: Celebration emphasizing on Thai tradition and culture. Alms-giving ceremony on the New Year day.
Happy New Year 2004 with Thais Across the World, December 31, 2003, National Stadium, Bangkok.
Highlight: Fun countdown celebration with lots of joyous celebrants, shows and parades and a number of give-away gifts within the event. Broadcast from 8 pm to half past midnight of December 31, 2003, on Modern Nine TV (Channel 9).
Bangkok Countdown 2004 @ Rachaprasong, December 31, 2003, Central World Plaza, Rachaprasong Intersection, Bangkok.
Highlight: Enjoy light decoration along the streets, urban-styled celebration, the multi-media show featuring the story about Hanuman--the great monkey warrior in the Ramayana Epic, and a number of music shows and performances.

Other countdown celebrations in provinces will be:

Pattaya Celebration 2004 Heavenly @ Bali Hai, December 31, 2003 – January 1, 2004 at Bali Hai Pier, Pattaya.
Highlight: Fun walking streets and over 700 dazzling fireworks that will be blasted off from the end of Bali Hai Pier.
Night Paradise & Hat Yai Countdown 2004, December 31, 2003, Hat Yai, Songkla.
Highlight: Celebration provided in three zones: dance zone, fun zone and drink zone; shows and performances; and a number of 2,547 fireworks welcoming the new year.
Phuket Year Festival 2004, December 25, 2003 – January 1, 2004, Patong Beach, Phuket.
Highlight: Live music shows from various artists and firework show.
Countdown to 2004 @ Chiang Mai, December 31, 2003, the 700th Anniversary Stadium, Chiang Mai.
Highlight: The celebration will feature prizes galore and northern cultural show. Admission ticket is free and available at any branch of these 4 major cooperate sponsors: Telewiz, Isuzu, AIS, and Singha Beer in Chiang Mai town.

Getting around Krabi

Tourists who want to hop around on islands in the proximity of Krabi including Phi Phi Island, Lanta Island and Phuket can now embark on passenger ferries at a new pier located in Kong Jirad in Muang District of Krabi province.

This new pier at Klong Jirad is located only 14 km away from the airport and well equipped with facilities such as passenger terminal, toilets, and parking lots. Ferry prices remain unchanged at THB500 per person.

Ferry schedules:
To Phi Phi: 9.00, 9.30, 10.30, 11.30 and 14.30
From Phi Phi: 8.15, 9.00, 13.30, 14.15 and 15.30
To Lanta: 10.30 and 13.30
From Lanta: 8.30 and 13.00
Ferry prices: THB250 for one-way ticket and THB500 for round ticket.

Where to go in Thailand

Nestled in the tropics, Thailand is the place where travelers can enjoy all year round, depending on their travel inspirations.

Primarily, Bangkok is the gateway to most travelers by air. Sightseeing within the old city called Koh (island) Rattanakosin is recommended. Within this area, travelers will admire the grandeur of the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Vimanmek Mansion. Then a trip along the Chao Phraya River and a fun hopping-shopping at Jatujak Weekend Market and some other shopping locations such as Siam Square, Pratunam or Banglampu can also fill up the three-day city trip of a journey maker.

To make some historical explorations, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Karnchanaburi are the prime sites of Thailand’s ancient cities. Before exploring through the remains of these by-gone eras, it is better for travelers to read some historical background about them.

North and Northeast of Thailand might be the best place to offer the most authenticity the cultural immersion. Travelers will be exposed of the truly indigenous way of life. Try beginning week-long cultural trips in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai in the North and in Nong Khai or Udon Thani in the Northeast.

For active holiday makers, spending away 5-7 days at beaches, islands and national parks offer variety of adventures. Beaches down south of Thailand are said to be heaven-like with talcum-powder sand and oceanic blue sea. In addition to sunbathing and sea-soaking, diving, canoeing, kayaking and cliff-climbing are also interesting alternative activities. Recommended beach and diving destinations include Phuket, Samui Island, Phi Phi Island, Surin Archipelago and Similan Archipelago.

As for national parks, another week-long camping and trekking to caves, waterfalls and tropical jungles would spice up the trip with adventurous feelings. Before gear up the excursion, reserve your accommodation in advance with the national park office and learn well the climate, geography and itinerary. Making this kind of trips is recommended during the cool season at year end as rains are scarce and the weather is temperate. Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani, Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, Sai Yok National Park in Karnchanaburi and Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai are among the most popular natural sites in Thailand’s each region.

When to go

Central Region
Bangkok is always hot, although temperatures dip (especially at night) around Christmas and New Year, making this the most comfortable time to explore the city. The heat is intense from February to May, and it rains frequently from June to September/October.

North and Northeast
The north and northeast are cool from November to early February, and nights can be very cold around Christmas and New Year. Take warm clothing if you travel or go trekking here at this time. It rains in the north from July through September, so take light rain gear for trekking. However, these are the best times to visit, as the vegetation is rather parched during the hot season, from late February to early July.

South
The south is very wet from March through November, so if you want to catch the sun, go between February and October/early November.

Airports

Navigating Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport is straightforward, but first-time fliers may appreciate these few tips:

Upon leaving the aircraft, follow the signs for Immigration (you can use the moving walkways). Line up at a desk marked foreign passports. Once the officer has stamped your passport, go down to Baggage Claim and find the carousel displaying your flight number. Collect your luggage and continue through Customs; take the green gate if you do not have anything to declare and the red gate if you do. You will have completed a customs form on the plane; hand this to the official as you pass through to the Arrivals Hall.

The Arrivals Hall is where you will find Currency Exchange, Tourist Information and Hotel Reservation. You can take taxis into the city from the Pre-paid Taxi booth outside the Arrivals Hall. You pay a fixed fee to your destination and take the next cab. A hundred meters away, the Airport Bus service goes to major destinations in the city for 70 baht. Ignore taxi drivers and hotel touts who try to steer you away – they usually rip people off.

Transit Tour is now available to passengers who spend a transit of 5 to 12 hours. The tour is jointly operated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Association of Thai Travel Agents. Interested passengers can contact the counters located near the transfer desks in terminals 1 and 2 and sign up to visit Bangkok’s main attractions. Those who take this tour do not have to pay the 500-baht airport tax.

Car Rental

You can rent cars in most cities and major towns - certainly anywhere with a large tourist intake. Jeeps and sedans cost anything from US$25-45 per day, and minivans are around US$50-70. Prices depend on the vehicle and the company; international firms usually charge more, but in any case it is cheaper to hire weekly. You may be able to hire a driver with the car for around US$10-12 per day. Vehicles in Thailand are left-wheeled.

Motorcycles are ideal for reaching Thailand's out-of-the way beaches and mountain views. Take note that crash helmet is legally required when driving motorcycles on main roads. As with cars, you can hire them in tourist spots, particularly in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Phuket and the larger islands. Prices are as low as 3 to 5 dollars per day, depending on the machine. Check any vehicle thoroughly before you take it away: you may be liable to pay for any previously unnoticed damage.

Car Rental Services
· AVIS
· BUDGET

Service Taxes and VAT Refund

Expect to pay 7% VAT (Value Added Tax) on all goods and services. This includes meals and hotel rooms, although budget guesthouses do not usually list this on receipts, if they give receipts at all.

Generally, VAT is non-refundable, but selected department stores offer refunds for non-Thai visitors or tourists who has been in Thailand less than 180 days in a calendar year.

To claim a VAT refund, the visitor must:

have purchased the item (s) within 60 days of departure.
have purchased the item (s) from stores displaying VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS sign.
have purchased goods at least THB5,000 including VAT and must be purchased from each store at the amount of at least THB2,000 per day.
ask, on the purchasing day, the sales assistant at the store to complete VAT refund form (P.P. 10) and attach the original tax invoices to the form. Each application form (P.P. 10) , must show a value of THB2,000 or more.
before departure, present his or her goods and submit the form and original tax invoices to the customs officers for inspection before check-in.

Note: In case of bank draft refund or credit to credit card account, the visitors can either present the claim to revenue officers or drop it into the box at the Refund Counter or mail the claim from one's home to the Revenue Department.

See the complete chart of the VAT refund for tourists process, http://www.rd.go.th/vrt/process.html.

Dive and Snorkeling Tips in Thailand

A great diversity of the coral reefs and outcrops of all shapes, sizes and colors extend over the large offshore areas in the seasonally calm and clear Thai seas. Some grow to very impressive sizes, such as the spectacular giant sea-fans. Visibility at many diving spots is also second to none. The underwater horizontal views can be penetrated as far as the eye can see, particularly in the Andaman Sea, on the left side of Thailand’s South.

Accessibility and travel time are also important for considerations. The dive sites around Thailand are within easy reach and are easily accessible by air, by sea or overland by road and rail in a matter of hours, rather than days. Most of the key diving destinations around Thailand have decent service infrastructure and offer a reasonable degree of comfort and convenience.

The best time to dive in the Gulf of Thailand is between May and September while the Andaman is at its best between October and April. With access to one of the two locations at various times of the year, snorkeling and diving conditions are ideal all year round.

When diving, divers should keep in mind that corals are highly vulnerable and can be damaged simply by a single touch. Here are some diving safety and environmental-friendly tips:

- Choose the diving operator who do mind on your safety and is environmentally aware by using safe mooring and anchoring procedures.
- Always plan your diving route before leaving the shoreline.
- Always observe: surf, current, wave sets, surge on reefs/ rocks.
- Be careful not to touch or step on coral reefs.
- Bring along the first-aid kit including peroxide, aspirin for sunburn and cigarettes. Tobacco can help soothing most stings.
- Enter and exit the sea from a sandy beach area.
- Do not swim against the current, swim diagonally across it.
- Snorkeling at dusk is not recommended.
- If drunken, better take a rest than swim, snorkel or any other activities.

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