Banyan Tree Phuket 

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist kingdom, positioned almost equidistant between India and China. Being known by outsiders as Siam for many centuries, Thailand has been a focal point of Southeast Asian migratory, religious and cultural influences. Thailand occupies an area of approximately 510,000 sq kilometres which equates to approximately the same size as France, and has a population of near 57 million.

Thailand shares borders with Burma, to the west and north, Laos and Cambodia to the northeast and east and Malaysia to the south. Thailand’s present day inhabitants share a rich ethnic diversity, including Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian origins. 80% of all Thai's are connected with agriculture in some way, which influences and is influenced by the religious ceremonies and festivals which frequently take place.

Thai food is amongst the most finest cuisines served in Asia, especially with its increasing popularity outside of the country its reputation for fine food spreading throughout the world. Thai cuisine is commonly known for its distinctive and sometimes 'spicy' flavours. These fine flavours are derived from the many ingredients used in Thai recipes including lemongrass, basil, lime, tamarind, citrus leaves, chilli, coconuts, galangal, fish sauce (nam pla), garlic and pepper. Good food is readily available everywhere, from the luxury hotel resorts in Thailand to simple road side eating houses and food stalls. Popular dishes include:

• Pad Thai - a popular fried noodle dish with vegetables, eggs and peanut
• Tom Yam Gung - a spicy seafood based soup
• Red and green curries - chicken or seafood based dished flavoured with coconut, herbs and spices

Most good restaurants will be able to assist you in choosing a dish to suit your palate as well as advise you on chilli levels for the dish. Not all Thai dishes are heavily spiced though, and there many dishes available where the emphasis is on quality flavours from mild dishes.

The following are some of the best restaurants in Thailand:

Sirocco: 

On the very top of the State Tower, this is the highest al-fresco restaurant in Bangkok and looks like something from a James Bond set. You cannot help but feel a sense of detachment when you are 64 floors up in the sky. You can get there early, watch and enjoy the stunning sunset views and work your way through the extensive cocktails list at the adjacent pre-dinner Sky Bar. The views are simply breathtaking and opening hours are 5pm-1am daily.

Mahanaga:

At this restaurant you will not see an empty table in the two pavilions nor on the courtyard, as this is where Bangkokites want to be seen. Mahanaga serves modern Thai and international dishes.

Blue Elephant:

Europe's famous Thai restaurant, opened a Bangkok branch mid 2002, primarily to house a cooking school where they could train chefs for their gastronomic empire. The school is now in full flow with morning and afternoon classes open to the public. Walking into the restaurant itself dazzles the senses. It is a world of lush palms and trickling fountains.

Mystique Club:

The multi-roomed Mystique Club brings another dimension to the fast-growing Sukhumvit scene. Set over three floors, it contains a dining area, dance space and a lavishly furnished lounge, not to mention five themed VIP rooms for special guests. The club serves wines from Italy, champagne from France, Cuban cigars, and a delectable fusion food and cocktail menu. Masterful bar-staff mix up 150 delights from the Mystique Martini signature to the Lychee Mojito and the wicked Lover Machine. 

Syn Bar: 

Transformed recently, Nai Lert Park Swissotel Bangkok, a Raffles International Hotel, opens to a trendy crowd with its new bar, Syn. The glowing space radiates a retro space vibe with bubble chairs by Eero Aarnio from the sixties and curvaceous lounges. Star lights emit from the floor and huge glass panel look out to the lush tropical garden. Chill out with Dj’s spinning the latest grooves & try the newly designed cocktails such as Mangosteen martini or "Tomyum" based Thailander.

Baan Kanitha Restaurant: 

This Thai restaurant doubles up as an art gallery, so the numerous works of art on the walls add to the ambience of this superb, award winning Thai restaurant.  With two locations in Bangkok, Baan Kanitha is an unexpected upscale eatery filled with several courses of authentic Thai food and consistent local customers. 

EatMe! Restaurant:

More of an art cafe than restaurant, EatMe! is all about exposed industrial beams, dark wood, and indirect lighting on walls of an ever-changing exhibition space. The restaurant serves light Thai meals, delicious desserts, and good coffees. There is an air conditioned room as well as cosy balcony couches or tables overlooking a small courtyard.

IN BANGKOK

The Grand Palace

Built in 1782 by King Rama I, this is Bangkok's most popular attraction. Visitors are advised to arrive early to the palace to avoid the rush and should always wear appropriate clothing covering the upper arms and legs in respect of tthe areas standing as sacred and holy ground. 

Wat Arun

The Temple of Dawn lies on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. A symetrical assemblage of five spires or prangs, the most central of which rises to a height of 282 feet with steep steps leading to its summit. All of the prangs are decorated in a mosaic which is made up from broken pieces of porcalain. An imposing sight at sunset against the amber sky.

Wat Phra Keo

Wat Phra Keo is adjacent to The Grand Palace and is home to the Emerald Bhudda and the most sacred temple in the Kingdom. Opulent to the extreme and embellished with glittering gold throughout, the temple houses the two and a half foot high statue of the Buddha, carved out of a single piece of jade. At the back of the chapel is a full scale model of Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat.

Wat Pho

This is the largest Wat in Bangkok and home to the impressive Reclining Buddha. The statue is 150 feet in length and covered in gold. Many bells surround the image which the locals ring for good luck.

National Museum

The National Museum is home to one of the greatest art collections in Asia and a tour-de-force in Thai history with artefacts dating back to 4,000 BC. For those wanting a tour of the National Museum, free guided tours in English are available.

Wat Benjamabophit

Wat Benjamabophit is a marble temple built in 1899 and a seat of learning for for Buddhist monks. The present King trained here as a monk prior to his coranation. This Wat is the most photographed in Bangkok.

THE CENTRAL PLAINS

Ayutthaya

Former capital of Siam before it was raided by the Burmese in 1756. It now forms one of Thailand's great historical treasures with abundant eveidence of its once regal and sophisticated past. Ayutthaya is a great place to visit and can be reached from Bangkok on a day trip.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai, the 'Dawn of Happiness', was founded in 1238 and was a regional capital of the Khmer empire. Home to over 190 ruins and artefacts, many of which are classified as worthy of note. 

Bangkok by Night
Hu’u:

Hu'u is one of Bangkok’s hottest cocktail bars. Hu’u in Bangkok (the 3rd Hu’u to open in Asia) is already a firm favourite not only for Bangkok locals, but has a reputation as far a field as Hollywood! With Hu'u having taken drink orders taken for Michael Douglas, Rufus Sewells and not forgetting the music industry’s with guest including Pussycat Dolls.

Q Bar: 

Q Bar is also another vibrant place with a resident DJ spinning the latest dance tracks from around the world. Guests can dance downstairs, relax upstairs or chose to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the atmosphere in the twilight. Q Bar has ushered in a new standard for bars and nightclubs in South East Asia. Located on Sukhumvit Road, Soi 11 Q bar hosts the largest selection of spirits and cocktails in Bangkok and is billed as the first New York-style cocktail bar in Bangkok.

The Met Bar:

When The Met Bar first opened in 1998, London's Met Bar became one of the hottest night time haunt west of Ibiza. Now, its newest sister, The Met Bar Metropolitan Hotel Bangkok, delivers the same electric atmosphere for the Asian capital, answering a sophisticated need for privacy and energy in a space reserved for hotel guests and members only.

Bed Supperclub:

For total hedonism, there is nowhere like the Supperclub. On the exterior, the all white venue looks like a spaceship-like pod, and on the inside, it has banquettes around the sides on which partygoers lounge, chat and eat the delicious food served on the menu. Downstairs at the Bed Supperclub, there is a lounge for grooving which plays host to visiting DJs, VJs and MCs from all over the world. The ultimate in a bed dining experience. Best described as a unique combination of upscale restaurant, club, theatre, art gallery and stage merged into one. There is no entrance fee before 10pm.

There is no Thailand visa required for full British passport holders staying less than 30 days. Passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months following the date of intended departure from the country and traveller's should have proof of onward passage. Passport holders other than British should check with the appropriate sources.

If you require more assistance please visit www.visaservice.co.uk or www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

In Thailand electrictiy used is 220/250 volts, 50 cycles A.C. There are many plugs and sockets in use. Traveller's with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances are advised to carry an adaptor kit
 

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons - ‘hot’ from March through May, ‘rainy’, with plenty of sunshine from June to September and ‘cool’ from October through February, the most ideal time to visit. The average annual temperature is 28°C, ranging, in Bangkok for example, from 30°C in April to 25°C in December. The southern region, including Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi can experience showers year round. Weather in Krabi and Phuket is at its best between November and April and in Koh Samui it is at its best between February and October.

The months of May to October are generally regarded as the monsoon season in Phuket and the Andaman resorts  but that is over dramatic and “red flag“ period  is probably more accurate. This is the time of sea swells and beach erosion. Koh Samui has the reverse season with the months November to February seeing higher rainfall, some beach reduction and higher seas.  During the Red Flag season water sports can be curtailed. 

AVERAGE CLIMATE IN BANGKOK

AVERAGE CLIMATE IN PHUKET AND WEST COAST

AVERAGE CLIMATE IN KOH SAMUI AND EAST COAST

AVERAGE CLIMATE IN NORTHERN THAILAND

 The above table is a guidline and Western & Oriental Travel cannot assume responsibility for the statistical information.

Yellow fever inoculations are required by persons arriving within 10 days after leaving or transiting contaminated areas (except under the age of one year). Malaria risk exists in the extreme north of the country and along the border regions. Chiang Mai, Bangkok and the popular beach destinations to the south are all malaria free.

The following immunisations are recommended before visiting Thailand, but it is best to consult with your GP for upto date information or phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Hepatitis A.

It is advisable to carry a personal sterile medical kit at all times when travelling internationally.
 

The following airlines all offer flights to Bangkok, with onward connections to other destinations within the country. Flight to time to/from Bangkok is around 12 hours in duration:

• Thai International
• EVA Air
• Emirates
• Qantas
• China Airlines
• Etihad
• Qatar Airways

On occasions 'Special Offer' arrangements are made available to Western & Oriental Travel, details of which can usually be found on our website. We are also able to offer attractive fare levels in Premium Economy Class, on selected airlines, as well as Business Class and First Class upgrades. Please speak to one of our Thailand specialists for more details.

The language spoken in Thailand is Thai and it remains largely incomprehensible to the outsider. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok and the major holiday resort and tourist areas.

We suggest that all our customers review foreign office advice before travelling to Thailand to ensure they are aware of the latest concerns in the country. Please use the following link: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

The Thailand currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Traveler’s Cheques are widely accepted and major Credit Cards at most hotels and some restaurants. ATM facilities are widely available in Bangkok.

The time difference in Thailand between London is GMT +7 hours.

Asia World: Tel: 00662 254 6540 Fax: 00662 254 6547
 

Thai Etiquette

To the uninitiated, Thai customs can sometimes seem strange or unorthodox. It is worth the time and effort, however, to familiarise yourself with Thai etiquette. The result will be rewarding for both parties.

The 'Wai' or Thai bow

The usual means of greeting between Thai's is the 'Wai', where the hands are held together and a graceful bow is performed. It is not necessary to return this gesture should you experience it but is advisable to acknowledge same as a sign of respect. The Wai is never performed to a child and is never returned by a monk.

Aggression

Thais are not responsive to acts of aggression or temper. It is regarded by them as extremely rude and demeaning and culturally insensitive. Such outbursts will be met with a blank response so always refrain from losing your temper, be moderate in your approach and avoid confrontation. Thais believe that 'Chai Yen' or cool heart is the way to achieve results.

Religion and Royalty

Both are held in the highest possible esteem and are treated with the utmost reverence. You should always respect this when visiting temples and places of worship, making sure dress codes are observed (guidance will normally be given). Shoes should always be removed when entering a temple. Particular care should be taken with regards to your feet. Always sit with your legs behind you, not with your feet pointing to the front, particularly in the direction of a Buddha image.

Under no circumstances should you ever say anything that might be taken as offensive in regard to the Thai royal family, not even in a lighthearted manner. Women should never sit next to or touch monks. If a woman wishes to pass something to a monk she should do so via another maleparty or place it on a table or the floor.

Affection

Be mindful of open public affection. As a general rule, couples should avoid holding hands, touching each other or kissing in public.

Heads and Feet

Thai's consider the head to be the most sacred part of the body. You should never, therefore, touch a Thai on the head or shoulders. The feet, by contrast, are the least sacred part of the body. They should never be used to point or indicate and should never be directed towards a person or Buddha image. This is regarded as highly insulting.

We can arrange Thailand transfers from all airports to all resorts and between resorts if required.
 

Internal flights are available between Bangkok and resort destiantions such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. The cost for these flights is included within the holiday package prices which Western & Oriental Travel offer.