ThailandG U I D E T O

INSIDER GUIDE TO THAILAND

ThailandPicture Thailand. Are you sinking your toes into the soft white sand of a deserted beach? Discovering the lush and leafy forests of a national park? Maybe you’re exploring one of the hundreds of stunning, ancient temples?

Wherever your mind wanders when you picture Thailand, welcome to our mini destination guide to this dramatic, tropical location. With friendly locals and exciting and varied culture, Thailand is the perfect destination for the traveller who wants a little bit of everything.

Population: 68.2 million

Capital: Bangkok

National Anthem: Phleng Sansasoen Phra Barami (A Salute to the Monarch)

Currency: Thai Baht

Official Language: Thai

Interesting facts...

Thailand is the world’s 51st largest country and the 20th

most populous.

Thailand is home to the world’s largest crocodile farm, the

largest restaurant, the world’s tallest hotel and the largest

gold Buddha.

Popular energy drink Red Bull originated in Thailand and was

originally called Red Guar.

Thailand is made up of 1,430 islands. Among those is Koh

Phi Phi Lee, probably the most famous after being featured in Danny Boyle’s film The Beach.

Approximately 10% of the world’s bird species live in Thailand, a greater proportion

than in all of Europe or North America.

The official ceremonial name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin

Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom

Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathatiya Witsanukam Prasit.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Average Monthly Temperature: Bangkok

27° 26°28° 30° 31° 30° 30° 30° 30° 29° 29° 28°

ClimateThe climate of Thailand is best described as tropical and humid for the majority of the country. Strangely, the area to the north of Bangkok has three seasons which determine the climate while the southern region only has two.

Ayutthaya The former capital of Siam, and at one time one of the largest cities in the world, Ayutthaya still retains many of the enormous structures it once boasted. Many of the ruins have now been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there is plenty to see across this 2,556 square kilometre city. Take one of the multiple buses from Bangkok to see this fascinating sight and experience some of the wondrous ancient history of Siam.

Chiang Mai Temples A wonderful attraction for visitors, the old town of Chiang Mai is home to the most honoured temples and tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries. Wat Chiang Mai is the oldest temple while Wat Chedi Luang boasts a gigantic chedi ruin said to be the tallest structure in the old town. Be sure to take in Wat Umong whose main feature is a system of maze-like tunnels.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha Adjacent to the Royal Grand Palace, Wat Pho is Bangkok’s oldest, largest and most famous temple. The grounds contain over 1,000 statues of Buddha while the temple houses one of the most impressive sights, the Reclining Buddha. This 48m long and 15m high statue is gold plated and inlaid with mother of pearl. In the 19th century, Wat Pho became a centre of learning and is considered the birthplace of the traditional Thai massage. Visitors today can still have a massage and learn about the ancient art of Thai Medicine.

Mae Sa Waterfall Set in the lush Soi Suithep-Pui National Park only 10 miles outside of Chiang Mai, the Mae Sa Waterfall is definitely worth a visit. Follow the winding pathway to the waterfall’s plummeting 10-tiered cascades with various secluded areas along the way to relax with a picnic. The jungle villages dotting the riverbanks are also fascinating to see.

Phang Nga BayThis popular holiday spot is characterised by sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water below. There is a fascinating collection of 3,500 islands (mostly uninhabited) which are unique in that they feature collapsed cave systems with hidden realms of flora and fauna. Many can only be reached by inflatable kayak which makes exploring the bay even more exciting. The most popular of the islands is James Bond Island, named for having been where the movie The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed.

Things you must seewhile in Thailand

“Check out the three day Laanta Lanta Festival in March

which takes place in Lanta Old Town. There are plenty of stalls offering unique and strange foods including crickets and cockroaches! There are also stages with traditional live music and a fabulous atmosphere.”

Debbie Dent

“I would recommend catching an evening of Muay Thai boxing

at Bangkok’s oldest stadium, Rajademnern stadium. It costs

about £40 per ticket for ringside seats for four hours of boxing.

The atmosphere is amazing with many locals betting noisily on the fights.”

Claire Summers

TC Recommended: ThailandTake a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations

for a unique, once in a lifetime experience in Thailand

“Bangkok is an amazing place to spend New Year – the hotels on the river put on a brilliant display of fireworks which seem to last forever. As well as the fireworks, all the dinner cruise ships parade up and down, turning the river into an array of colour!”

Trish Griffiths

“An undiscovered gem of Thailand

is the island of Koh Muk, meaning

‘Pearl Island’ in Thai. A short boat ride

from Trang, the tranquil golden sandy

beaches and glistening blue sea are a

miniature paradise. There is a variety

of accommodation, ranging from

comfortable tents in the forest to luxurious

resorts with infinity pools, all at amazing

value for money.”

Ian Hughes

“At the Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary you are able to watch the elephants take mud baths which is an amazing experience. You can walk with them, feed them and, when they allow you to, interact with them. It’s an amazing

experience that will stay with you forever.”

Graham Parker

“Railay Bay is the perfect place for

outdoor adventure. The rock faces are

perfect for rock climbing and a magnet for

enthusiasts, with professionals on hand to

help beginners and experienced climbers

make the most of their time. Diving and

snorkelling are also both extremely popular

here. Railay Bay also has some of the most

beautiful beaches where you can relax after

your adventures.”

Stuart Woodford

To share your special holiday memories, please upload your images to your social media

account using #TCexperience

Why not try Thai?

INGREDIENTS

• 1 litre chicken stock

• 300ml water

• 6 sticks lemongrass, lightly crushed

• 4 fresh coriander roots, crushed

• 110g fresh galangal, peeled and sliced (available from Asian supermarkets)

• 8 tomatoes, cut into quarters, seeds removed

• 6 kaffir lime leaves

• 1-2 limes, juice only

• 75ml tamarind water (available from Asian supermarkets. Soak the tamarind in

hot water and push through a sieve to make tamarind water)

• 3 red chillies, thinly sliced

• 75ml fish sauce

• 75g palm sugar (use brown sugar if unavailable)

• 12 raw tiger prawns, shelled, gutted and split in half

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks

METHOD

1. Place the stock and water into a large pan over a high heat and bring to the boil.

2. Add the lemongrass, coriander roots, galangal, tomatoes, lime leaves, lime juice,

tamarind water and red chillies. Return to the boil, then reduce the heat and

simmer for 15-20 minutes.

3. Taste the stock and add as much fish sauce and palm sugar as necessary to keep

the salty-sour-hot-sweet taste, then remove from the heat.

4. Transfer 220ml of the stock into a separate pan over a high heat and bring to the

boil. Add the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the prawns and cook

for a further 1-2 minutes, or until completely cooked through.

5. To serve, pour the soup into two bowls and top up with the hot stock. Garnish

with some Thai basil, coriander leaves and a wedge of lime.

Want to recreate those authentic Thai flavours at home? Then we’ve got the perfect recipe for you. Tom yum soup, a

famous hot and sour soup, originates from the Central Region and packs all the delicious Thai flavours you would expect.

TC Hidden Gems:The small islands of Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Overlooked by soaring cliffs, Koh Phi Phi is set in a magnificent bay with a curving white sand beach. With no roads on the island and a jungle-like terrain, you really feel like you’ve escaped to a tropical paradise. You might want to simply lay back and enjoy the sunshine on the glorious beach but those looking for a little more action can partake in diving, sailing or trekking to name a few. Ideally you can transfer to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi or Phuket by boat.

Koh Yao Yai With amazing landscapes of rice paddies, rubber plantations and untouched rain forests, Koh Yao Yai is truly a paradise island where you can escape the tourist crowds and feel at one with nature. Not for those who want plenty to do, this island is the true meaning of secluded tranquility. Transfers to Koh Yao

Yai are by boat from Phuket.

Koh Lanta An abundance of graceful palms, quiet beaches and inviting water beckon you to this beautiful island. Now a perfect destination for those looking for a luxury getaway, Koh Lanta still guarantees miles of unspoiled beaches and vast culture. For divers, the Hin Muang outcrop at a depth of about 20m is the perfect place to see barracudas, moray eels and the occasional

whale shark.

Koh Phangan A hidden gem in the Thai Gulf, Koh Phangan is famous for hosting its monthly full moon party. It offers a wide variety of experiences with everything from the quiet beaches and colourful reefs to the bustling night markets and lively bars.

Thailand with a TwistThis 10 day tour is perfect for anyone who wants to take in some of Thailand’s most alluring destinations. Seeing both city and rural aspects of Thailand, this tour will give you a true feel for the diversity of this wonderful country.

Day 1 BangkokArrive in Bangkok and begin with a street food walking tour of some of Bangkok’s best kept secrets. Discover the bright lights, smells, sounds and tastes of Bangkok’s backstreets and sample various local foods before enjoying a cocktail at one of the hot spot bars by the river.

Day 2/3 BangkokWith so many amazing cultural landmarks, two days are needed to truly appreciate the country’s capital. Visit the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Pho, with a knowledgeable guide to explain all about Thailand’s rich history. You’ll have the opportunity to join a Thai massage training course, learning all about the body’s energy lines and how to apply the correct pressure points. Take a cycling tour from the Golden Mount and down into Bangkok before watching the sun set over the Temple of Dawn.

Day 4 Bangkok - KanchanaburiJust a short drive from bustling Bangkok is the rural idyll of the Ratchaburi Provinces. Visit the bustling country markets before taking a relaxing paddle boat ride to see the local lifestyle along the canal side. Continue on to Kanchanaburi for lunch at a local restaurant and a stroll past the charming shop houses in the Pak Preak community.

Day 5 KanchanaburiEnjoy a once in a lifetime experience at Elephants World where you’ll have the opportunity to meet, feed and work with the elephants. You’ll then enjoy an active afternoon with a guided bike ride followed by a slow paddle down the river in a canoe.

Day 6 Kanchanaburi - AyutthayaDating back to the 14th Century, Ayutthaya gives you the chance to see the breathtaking temple-studded landscape, local markets and the town’s Muslim Quarter where you can sample the

unusual local delicacy; candy floss roti. Take a boat ride down the Chao Phraya River followed by a cable car to visit the majestic Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.

Day 7 Ayutthaya - Bangkok - Chiang MaiToday you will return to Bangkok for a flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s blissfully calm northern capital. Visit Wat Umong with its network of tunnels and caves dating back to the 14th Century followed that evening by dinner at a luxury hotel.

Day 8 Chiang MaiDo as the locals do and take a cycling tour to the temples and markets, explore the ancient city of Wiang Khum Kham and say hello to the Thai locals fishing in the Ping River. You’ll also venture to Ban Tawai, well known as The Village of Handicraft, making it a fascinating place to wander around and see true Thai craftsmanship. Spend your evening in the company of a local Thai family and sample their delicious home-cooked meals with the family.

Day 9 Chiang MaiBegin the day by heading to Thailand’s highest mountain at Doi Inthanon National Park; a treasure trove of wildlife, flora and fauna. You’ll hike to a local village to meet some of the community before trekking along lush forest trails with some astounding scenery. Take a picnic lunch in front of the spectacular Wachiratharn Waterfall. You’ll finish your day with dinner and a trip to the colourful Waroros night market where you can enjoy local Thai delicacies for desert.

Day 10 Chiang Mai DepartureUnfortunately the time has come to take breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Wat Arun Temple, Bangkok

Spending moneyWondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

Tipping is not standard but is appreciated so if there are a few coins left over from a taxi fare or food bill, it is common to offer it as a tip.

100BA beer in a local bar

500BA two course

dinner with a drink in a restauant

180BTypical fee to use

an ATM

30BA single taxi ride

15BA 1.5 litre bottle

of water

Chatter with the localsCan’t speak Thai? Never fear! We’ve collated some useful phrases for you to practise before you go.

HELLO (GENERAL GREETING) SÀ-WÀT-DEE

HOW ARE YOUSÀ-BAAI DEE MĂI

REPLY TO HOW ARE YOUSÀ-BAAI DEE KÂ - FEMALE SÀ-BAAI DEE KRÓP - MALE

GOODBYE BÁAI BAAI

THANK YOU KÒP KUN

DOES ANYONE SPEAK ENGLISH? MEE KRAI PÔOT ANG-GRÌT DÂAI MĂI

HELLO THERE!

I AM A VEGETARIANPŎM GIN MANG-SÀ-WI-RÁT

CAN I SEE THE WINE LIST? KŎR RAAI GAAN WAI NÒI?

I’D LIKE TO RESERVE A TABLEJONG DTÓ NÒI

LET’S GET A BITE TO EAT

ENGLISH - THAI

Here, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you

should see, do and eat while you’re in Thailand. We hope it inspires you to journey to Thailand time and time again and

taste a little of Thai life.Get in touch to build a bespoke itinerary, tailor-made

just for you! We’d love to see your photos and stories on social media so please share your memories using

#TCexperience