Good morning to you in Thailand!
 
Hereby I sent you the evaluation form from our tour we did with your company.  I must say it was a wonderful trip we did with our guide J-Jay and the driver Sajaan (I hope I did spell the names right).  Please give our regards to them and tell them we did enjoy their company very much and will get in touch later, because we owe J-Jay the rest of the wedding story.    We are already thinking of a new visit to Thailand later on this year and we hope we can do that again with your company because your guide really did teach us a lot of the culture of Isan, and the Thai people. Conclusion:  Thailand really stole our hearts!
Yours sincerely,
Jan and Truus Koopmans
Reuver, the Netherlands

This section provides you and your clients with a glance of country profile and an interactive map, along with pre-departure information, weather information as well as events and festivals in Vietnam which will absolutely make you well-prepared for your trip.

Country Profile

Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Population: 64 million
Capital City: Bangkok, population c. 8,160,522
People: 75% Thai, 14% Sino, 3% Malay; Mon; Khmer
Language: Thai
Currency: Thai Baht (TB)
Major Industries: Electronics, gems and jewellery, footwear, textiles, clothing, mobiles, tourism, and export of textiles, computer & components, integrated circuits and parts
Time Zone: GMT +7 hours
Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz 2 pin & 3 pin grounded plugs
Measurements and weights: Metric
International Dialing Code: +66

Before Departure Checklist
• Travel Insurance
• Valid Passport and Visa
• Inoculations
• Foreign currency or ATM card (preferably 2 in separate locations)
• Tickets
• Photocopy of passport either scanned into email account or separate from the original.

Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Buffalo Tours Thailand will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However, certain risks are involved and should be recognized by participants. Thus, we highly recommend the purchase of short-term travel insurance for our adventures. Travel Insurance is a cost effective way to protect yourself and your equipment in the event of problems due to Canceled Trips, Delays, Medical Problems, Baggage Loss or Damage. Travel insurance is easily and cheaply available online. We recommend www.worldnomads.com

Visas / Passports
Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates worldwide (see: http://www.thaiembassy.org/) can provide you with a variety of different visas depending on your travel needs. Note that your passport must be must be valid for six months after your planned date of departure from the country when you apply for the visa with the Royal Thai Embassy or the Consulate in your country.
You can get your visa in advance at any Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. Otherwise you can obtain your visa at the border ‘on arrival’; such a visa will be valid for 30 days and is free for most nationalities. No picture is required.
A fine of 500B per day is incurred daily for overstaying the length of a visa. Although this fine can be paid upon departure at the airport, you should avoid doing this at all costs. Visas can be extended for 2 weeks at immigration offices across the Kingdom. We strongly advise you to make copies of all your important documents (visa, passport, credit cards, air-tickets, etc.) If lost, these copies will be invaluable in replacing the originals.

Immunizations
You should check with a doctor (tropical medicine) in your own country about two months before planned departure to learn what type of vaccinations / immunizations he recommends when visiting Thailand. There is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases (Dengue Fever; Malaria) in some rural parts of Thailand. Visitors to SE Asia often require the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Diphtheria
You can check also with the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/) for the latest health warnings or dangers anywhere.

Suggested Multi Purpose Packing List
We recommend you don’t bring too much! Many guests – especially first time travelers – pack far more than they need. Too much baggage can be difficult to keep track of, and simply too heavy. You will find every type of clothing, and quality of clothing in Thailand. All brands of toiletries and cosmetics are available here (tooth paste; soap; shampoo). Sanitary pads are widely available, even in the countryside. Here are some items you should bring with you, or buy once you arrive in Bangkok:
- If you wear contact lenses, make sure to bring enough cleaning fluid in the case you will visit remote areas, or islands.
- Mosquito repellent (prevention is always the best cure) + Sun screen cream: after a day in the sun, you’ll thank yourself.
- Prescription medications: All medications are available her, but if you take prescription medicine, you should bring extra, so that misplacing a medication will not harm your trip.
- Kinds of Clothing: Light thin layers of cotton clothing are the best.
o A light long-sleeved shirt & long pants for early evenings, mainly because you can prevent mosquito-borne diseases best thru prevention. These longer garments are also mandatory if entering a temple, to show respect
o A light sport coat or jumper
o A windbreaker jacket for light rain
- Camera!

Money
The Thai Baht is the official currency of the Kingdom. US dollars and most other currencies can be changed these days at banks all over major cities, exchange booths, and even at banks in the countryside. As of May 2009, The Thai Baht rate of exchange rate to the US Dollar was about 34 to 1. You can find the latest exchange rates and convert currencies to Thai Baht here (http://www.xe.com/ucc/). Travelers’ checks (in US dollar or Euro) can be cashed at banks. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Amex) are accepted in major hotels and in many shopping venues in Bangkok or big cities. Please note that there is usually a levy of 4 % charged on credit card purchases by local banks.
ATM machines are common, and many of them allow you to draw from an international account. Nevertheless when in the countryside, or rural areas, you should prepare small denomination Thai Baht notes (since not everyone has change for big ones), and some extra cash. Carry your money in a way that you will feel most comfortable with e.g. money belt, wallet etc. You may want to carry a combination of travelers’ checks, credit/debit cards, cash or all three. It’s always a good precaution to split your money about your person and/or wallet. Most hotels offer safekeeping for your valuables if you so wish.

Trip Budgeting
Allow $5- $15 per meal for additional meals not included in the trip price. You may also want to have some cash for shopping in markets etc. You should budget according to your taste.

Arriving in Thailand
Buffalo Tours Thailand typically arranges transfers to and from the international airport to hotel for most guests. Your itinerary will indicate clearly whether this is the case for you or not. After completing customs and immigration formalities, you will exit into the public area of the airport. Your English-speaking guide will be carrying a Buffalo Tours Thailand sign (see our logo to the right), which also has your name prominently displayed on it.

In Case of Emergency
Your agent should give you the name and mobile phone number of your guide before you arrive in Thailand. But please note the following numbers, and save in case of emergencies:
- Emergency: Khun PC, Operations Manager +66-(0)86-722-7381
- Buffalo Bangkok Office: +66 (0)2-611-1988

More about Thailand
Climate
Thailand has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. May to October is the rainy season and November to April is the dry season. It gets hottest in March and April when temperatures can reach as high as 38C/100F. The lowest temperatures, usually in December are around 15C/59F. The average temperature is between 25C/77F and 30C/84F.

There are different advantages to travel at different times of the year; dry season is absolutely fabulous weather, but prices are higher because this is high season. The green season – even you can expect a bit of rain on most days – is also a great time to visit Thailand, as it is cooler, and guests will enjoy a cost benefit too. But Thailand is lovely all year round

Click here to find the weather chart

Cuisine
Thai food is usually eaten ‘family style’, where several different dishes are served in the middle of the table, and each diner a plate of rice before them. You may then spoon as much or little of whatever dish you fancy. A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A
spiced salad may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should be replaced by non spiced items. There must be a harmony of tastes and textures within individual dishes and the entire meal. But that is a Central Thai meal, and Thai food is has perhaps more variety than any other Asian fare. Flavours and foods from each region of the country have distinctive & unique characteristics. Thai people use forks and spoons, but rarely knives. Chopsticks are used, but for noodle dishes.
Chilli-hot or bland, harmony is the guiding principle behind all Thai food, and it is essentially a pastiche of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. Chinese influences saw the introduction of frying, stir frying and deep-frying. Culinary influences from the 17th century onwards included Portuguese, Dutch, French and Japanese. Chillies were introduced to Thai cooking during the late 1600s by Portuguese missionaries who had acquired a taste for them while serving in South America. Instead of serving dishes in courses, a Thai meal is served all at once, permitting dinners to enjoy complementary combinations of different tastes.

Vegetarian Food
Widely available, in no small part due to the strong Buddhist influence. Bottled mineral water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are readily available. Beer is the main alcoholic drink and is usually a light lager style.

Food to Avoid
As a general rule, travelers should avoid tap water, ice made from tap water, uncooked food, fruit or vegetables that are not peeled, and street vendor offerings (unless recommended by your guide) . Traveler’s diarrhea is common and easily treated, choose a remedy that works best for you (Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, etc...); antibiotic solutions are also available for intestinal ills.

Special Diet?
If you have special dietary needs, or if you are a vegetarian, vegan, or allergic to any foods, please advise your guide immediately if you have not already notified us during planning stages. We can accommodate any diet, but the more advance notice you give us, the easier it is.

Drinking Water
Please drink ONLY Bottled water. It can be purchased almost everywhere, at local convenience stores, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, etc. If camping with us or visiting a remote area, we will provide for you. If you wish to add water purification tablets to the water, you should bring those with you.

Responsible Tourism
Please read our separate Responsible Tourism Guidelines before you arrive in Asia. We want to ensure that all our clients travel as responsibly as possible to ensure the future of is sustainable People The Thai (or ethnic Tai) make up approximately 80% of the nation's population of approximately 64.5 million. The population is relatively homogeneous, with more than 85% speaking a Tai language, and sharing a common culture. This core population includes the central Thai (33.7% of the population, including Bangkok), Northeastern Thai (34.2%), northern Thai (18.8%), and southern Thai (13.3%).
Dozens of unique minority tribal groups live in Thailand, but despite this rich heritage, they are becoming increasingly integrated into the mainstream Thai language & culture. This is due in large part to a campaign by the Thai government to modernize all Thai people, as well as due to outside influences of television, Internet and local radio broadcasts. Younger members of tribal groups in Thailand prefer to be called Thais rather than by their traditional tribal group name. This is the trend.

Language
Thailand is located geographically midway between India and China, and the language too is influenced heavily by both Sanskrit and Chinese. “Phasa Thai” (Thai language) is the national and official language of Thailand and the mother tongue of the Thai people, Thailand's dominant ethnic group. Tonal and analytic, Thai’s complex orthography, relational markers and a distinctive phonology can make this language difficult to learn for those who do not already speak a related language. Thai is mutually intelligible with Lao.

Post , E-mail & Telecommunication
Depending on your (foreign) provider, many mobile phones will receive a signal in major towns like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. But you can also easily purchase a local SIM card. Services for making international phone calls are widely available. All major tourism centers offer internet access (rates in Bangkok are about 40 Baht for 1 hour) and some provide chat-webcams. Email is the cheapest and fastest way to communicate while travelling.

Electricity and Adaptors in Thailand
The electricity in Thailand operates at 220 volts, 50 Hz. Some appliances such as Notebook adaptors, Cellular phone chargers, electric shavers, digital camera chargers will likely support universal voltage (any system from 100 volts to 250 volts). However, please verify voltage requirement of your appliances before plugging them into the socket. Most parallel (rectangular or round) connectors will fit. Otherwise, an adaptor is needed.
Most sockets in Thailand are like that on the left, and plugs fitting such will look like those on the right. Those European plugs on the bottom will require an adapter. Cultural Differences and Points to Remember / Some “Dos & Don’t’s” Thailand is easily the most hospitable, ‘user-friendly’ country in Asia. And common sense seems to dictate that patience & courtesy should open many doors. The above is true, but of all the Asian countries, Thailand is one of the least diluted in terms of culture; and protocol is more important than it looks here! Fortunately the easy-going Thais are accustomed to ‘faux pas’ foreigners make while stomping through their country. Nevertheless, doing some homework on Thai manners & sensibilities is well worth the effort, and will endear you greatly to the Thai people, cause it’s not as easy as ‘simply shaking hands & speaking politely’. The famous “Wai” greeting is unique to Thailand and central to daily interaction. Too nuanced to describe in detail here, the “Wai” greeting is performed differently, depending on the social ranking of the person to whom one is speaking.
There is also protocol for receiving a “Wai”. Some other very basic points:
- Public display of affection between men + women is not done in polite society (although youmay see young Thai's holding hands in public).
- Topless bathing is inappropriate in Thailand.
- Thai's consider the head as the highest part of the body, both literally and figuratively. As a result they don't approve of touching anyone on the head, even as a friendly gesture.
- It is considered rude to point the sole of your foot at another person, so try to avoid doing so when sitting opposite someone, and following the concept that the foot is the lowest limb, don't point your foot to show anything to anyone.
- Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman wants to give anything to a monk or novice, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. In case the woman wants to present it with her hand, the monk or novice will spread out a piece of saffron robe, and the woman will lay down the gift on the material.
- It is alright to wear shoes whilst walking around the grounds of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the Buddha image is kept. Women should ensure that their legs and shoulders are covered before entering a Buddhist temple. Please do not wear shorts.
- The institution of Monarchy is sacred to Thais, and you should avoid discussing this altogether with Thais you do not know very well. If attending an event at which a member of the Royal Family is present, you should watch the other Thai people, and use their example as a guide to your behavior.
- “Mai pen rai” (Nevermind): On the other side of all the Thai protocol is “Mai Pen Rai”, a key attitude in Thailand. Thailand is non confrontational by nature, easy going and don't bother too much with small, unnecessary problems. All things should be “Sanuk” (fun), and keeping life hassle-free is essential. Of course such an approach to life means complaining about anything is always awkward. Which is why so many situations met with a smile, or with a
"mai pen rai".

Attire
In Bangkok, one may see all manner of attire, and many ‘exceptions to the rules’ which Buffalo advises you in this document. But to prevent the wrath of the gods as well as the locals, these guidelines should be closely followed. Typical Thai people dress very modestly, and its better to dress more conservatively if unsure. Long pants better than short, although the latter more popular every day. Skirts should be below knee-length. Bare shoulders are a not appreciated. Going braless, and wearing tight body-hugging clothes is not acceptable, and will cause derision. As previously mentioned, more formal dress codes usually apply for temples or mosques or any other religious sites you may visit.

Swimming (Attire)
You will never see Thais nude bathing at any beach, or place one might swim in Thailand. Please do not do this. In fact, it may surprise you to see Thais bathing with all their clothes on!

Saving Face
It is inappropriate to express anger in a raised voice. Becoming angry is embarrassing to the local people with whom you are dealing - they will not be embarrassed for themselves, but for you making a fool of yourself. "Keeping face", that subtle but important quality of personal dignity, is important! Personal candor in Asia is largely a matter of sensibility and face.

Tips
Tipping is a personal matter, and tips for guides and drivers are completely at your discretion, but here are some guidelines: Buffalo encourages guests to tip an amount they fell is appropriate to the situation. Note that in Thailand, most restaurants have a tip-share system, so if you wish to tip only the waiter who served you, give the tip to him yourself, into his hand (not leave it in the bill folder). Below are some suggestions for tipping:
- Guides: based on their performance as you evaluate it
o $5 per half day, $10 per full day tour per person for guides
o $2 for half day and $5 per person for full day for drivers \
- Meals in restaurants: $1-2 for good service.
- Bellboys: up to you, but average amount is US$ 1 USD per piece of luggage
- Chambermaid / Housekeeping service: up to you, but average is US$ 1-2 USD per day.

Suggested Reading
Buffalo Thailand arranges fun and very useful cultural seminars in the arts (on request) for guests touring the country, and for businessmen (ref: Origin program). Below is a book you can read to give yourself a good grounding in Thai sensibilities:
Very Thai - Everyday Popular Culture by Philip Cornwell-Smith
The visitor can turn to a guidebook for a short explanation of obvious sights, or to historical tomes explaining temples and sculptures. But this prodigiously illustrated effort by Cornwell-Smith is the first book to explain Thailand as it is today, and is useful even to people who've lived in Thailand for decades.

Departure airport taxes
Airport departure tax is included
Donations and gift-giving it is acceptable and laudable to help the elderly or the disabled (as there is little in terms of social security for these people). But giving money and goods away at random to individuals is bad because it results in local communities begging from tourists, and losing their dignity. If you give to children begging, this reinforces the notion that begging is acceptable. To prevent local people from seeing visitors as ‘money dispensing ATMs’, do not pay for acts of kindness; for example, paying to take a photograph of a local person. . We do not want to encourage the development of a society that equates every human action as a potential money making scheme. Do not to give sweets to children in villages that we visit. Local people do not have access to dentists, nor can they afford them and again there is the issue of turning children into beggars. Pens, toothbrushes, clothing or other perhaps ‘worthwhile’ items are best distributed via a local charity, school teacher, or community leader. Avoid feeling that you necessarily have to give ‘material’ things. The best giving can sometimes be shared interactions: a smile, a joke, a sing-song, dance or playing a game. Giving something of your friendship, time and interest to interact with locals can be the best gift of all.

And Finally…
We at Buffalo Tours do our best to facilitate your adventure by arranging all of the services that free you to get the most out of your experience. However, every traveler has his or her own idea and expectations of how the adventure will be. Bearing this in mind and considering our own experiences, we offer the suggestions below to ensure that your adventure meets and hopefully exceeds your expectations. Please also read our enclosed guidelines on Responsible Tourism so that that joy of cultural diversity unique to travelling is a beneficial experience for both yourself and the communities that you visit.
• Take responsibility for your adventure - do not assume your interests are shared by everyone else
• If you have any special interests (weavings, archaeology, religious art, jewelry, etc.) or wish to do some particular activities (mountain biking, kayaking etc.) let our guides or the hotel staffs know ahead of time. They will do their best to help you find what you want.
• Read up on Laos before you visit, you are sure to get more out of the experience if you have some familiarity with the history and culture of the country.
• Most information provided by the guides is to give you a general understanding of what and where you are touring. Don’t be shy! Ask questions if you want more specific information.
• English is widely spoken, but try to learn some Thai language before you arrive, as even a few words will endear you to the Thais.
• If you need something or have a problem, please let someone know. Our drivers, operators, guides and hotel staff are there to assist you.
• Where possible try to support locally owned businesses, hotels and restaurants. In particular try to buy from traditional artisans.
• While bargaining is part of the shopping culture in Asia, be realistic!
• Bring a book, journal, postcards or playing cards with you to occupy yourself when waiting.
• Remember the adage: “Take only photos, leave only footprints”, but be sensitive with the photos and footprints!
• Smile! It will get you much further than losing your temper.
• Finally… welcome to The Kingdom of Thailand, and enjoy your holiday!

Click here to download Thailand Pre-departure Information.

Facts for the visitor

1. Visas
2. Arrival
3. Money
4. Climate
5. Safety
6. Health
7. Cuisine
8. People
9. Language
10. Public holidays and special events
11. Dos and Don’ts

1.      Visas

Visitors from most countries who arrive in Thailand without a visa will be granted a 30 day stay if they have proof of onward ticket and adequate funds.

For longer stays you should apply for a visa before leaving home. A tourist visa allows the visitor to stay for 60 days, and a non-immigrant visa for 90 days. You should enter Thailand within 90 days of the visa being issued otherwise it will be invalid. Some countries have special agreements with Thailand regarding the issue of visas. Before travelling to Thailand check with the Thai embassy in your country or ask your travel agent for advice. 

2.      Arrival

If you arrive in Thailand by air, or by rail at Padang Besar, you will be given a customs declaration form and a sheet detailing the regulations. You should complete the form and hand it to the customs officer as you leave the airport arrivals hall. If you enter Thailand by rail, customs officers will board the train to carry out their duties. Customs formalities are straightforward, and the officers are polite and efficient.

You are allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes or 250 gr. of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits, plus a reasonable amount of perfume. If you are bringing in prescription drugs ask your doctor for a note detailing the drugs you are taking.

Fire-arms, pornography and narcotics are strictly prohibited, and the penalties for drug trafficking are severe.

Antiques may only be taken out of Thailand with a certificate from the Fine Arts Department in Bangkok. A reputable dealer will be able to offer advice on the practicality of obtaining this certificate. Buddha statues old or otherwise, may not be taken out of the country. (This does not apply to the very small items found in gift shops).

3.      Money

Banking hours in Thailand are 8.30 am to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday. You will find currency exchanges at all major tourist areas. These are open daily from 9.00am until around 6.30pm, with some staying open until late evening. There are ATM machines across most of the country which tender the Thai Baht.

Banks adjust their exchange rates on a daily basis, in line with international money markets, and usually offer the best rates. Hotels and some shops also offer exchange services usually at less favourable rates.

4.      Climate

Thailand's climate is tropical, high both in temperature and humidity, and dominated by monsoons. April and May are the hottest months of the year, when even the locals are moved to complain about the heat. June sees the beginning of the South West Monsoon, and brings with it the rainy season, which continues intermittently until the end of October.

From November to the end of February the climate is much less trying with a cooling North East breeze and a reduction in the humidity level. This is also the main tourist season, and the best time to visit Thailand.

The north and north-east are generally cooler than Bangkok in winter, and hotter in summer. In the far north, around Mae Hong Son temperatures can occasionally drop as low as 2oC.

5.      Safety

Thailand is a safe place to travel to as long as you have your whit’s about you. With any country we would not recommend walking in poorly lit areas at night and its better to keep your valuables hidden and passport and spare credit cards in the hotel safe.

• Thailand has a special Tourist Police force which was founded to assist visitors. The officers are multilingual and will help deal with theft, accidents and disputes.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

TouristPolice1699
Police197
Emergency Number 191 or 123

6.      Health

Medical Services

General practitioners, dentists and opticians are readily available.  Doctors and staff in the larger hospitals generally speak good English. Every major town in Thailand will have a public hospital, but these can be poorly equipped and overcrowded. However, there is a good number of private hospitals and we recommend these for easier communication and better service. 

Ask for "long-piya-barn ekachon" - private hospital.

Most general practitioners work at Polyclinics, which offer a walk in service from 8:00am until 9:00pm. Clinics offer a full range of services, including laboratory facilities, tests can be conducted and the results known, within a very short period of time. Currently the fee for seeing the doctor will be around 100-200 Baht, and the total bill, including medication, may be no more that 500 Baht.

Hospitals also offer a walk in service, where you can see a general practitioner, during the daytime. Many also offer a 24-hour emergency room service.

 Vaccination

At the current time there is no compulsory immunisation required for Thailand. Medical opinions also vary as to which immunisations are advisable. The following vaccines are generally recommended for adults:

• Polio (up to date)
• Typhoid
• Tetanus (up to date)
• Hepatitis 'A' (Gamma Globulin, or Havarix)

7. Cuisine

Thailand's cuisine is regarded by many people as one of the best in the world. And, if variety is the spice of life, you can literally have a different meal every day of the year.

Almost all Thai food is cooked with fresh ingredients, including vegetables, poultry, pork, fish and some beef. Lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander give the food its characteristic tang, while liberal helpings of fresh chillies are used to add some fire to many dishes. Other common seasonings include black pepper, ginger, tamarind, and coconut milk which is often added to curries.

Beers, wines and spirits are readily available but the imported items can be a little expensive. A big favourite among Thai people is rice whisky of which Mehkong is the leading brand. It has a sharp, sweet taste similar to rum. Several brands of beer are produced in Thailand, most popular is the local Singha beer.

Some of the more popular dishes are listed below.

8.  People

Thailand is often called the "land of smiles", and rightly so because you will see more smiling people here than anywhere else in the world.

The country has a population of about 59 million, with some 6.7 million of these people living in the Bangkok area. Approximately 75% of the citizenry are ethnic Thais, 14% are Chinese, and the remaining 11% are mostly Indian, Malay, Karen, Khmer, or Mon. The literacy rate is high at about 94% and the average life expectancy is 66 for men and 72 for women. 

9. Language

Thai is one of the oldest languages in East and South-East Asia. It is a monosyllabic language which uses five tones (high, mid, low, rising, and falling tone) to alter the meaning of a single syllable. This makes it rather tricky to learn for most Westerners used to speaking non-tonal languages.  

10. Public holidays and special events

New Years Day Jan 1st

In Thailand there are three New Year's days. The Western, on Jan 1st, the Chinese New Year on the first day of the First Lunar month, usually in February and the Thai New Year marked by the Songkhran festival in April. Thais usually exchange gifts on January 1st.

Phra BuddhaBahtFair

Held at the temple of the Holy Footprint at Saraburi, 236Km north of Bangkok, from 31st January to 1st February. Many activities including music and outdoor drama.

Bosang Umbrella Fair

Held in Chiang Mai during January, it features colourful paper umbrellas and other local handicrafts.

Chinese New Year

1st day of the first Chinese Lunar month, usually in February. Businesses close for 3-4 days giving families time to get together and worship at one of the Chinese Buddhist temples. There may also be public celebrations with acrobats, Lion Dance and firecrackers. The latter are believed to frighten away "foreign devils".

Flower Carnival

Held in Chiang Mai during February it features parades and colourful floats exhibiting the local flora.

Makha Bucha Day

End of February/beginning of March, depending on the moon. This commemorates the day when 1250 of Buddha's disciples gathered spontaneously to hear him preach. Buddhists visit Wats and make merit by such acts as releasing caged birds. In the evening the celebrations culminate in a candle lit procession around the main temple building.

Chakri Day 6th April

Commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, of which the present King Bhumipon is the 9th King. Portraits of the King and Queen are prominently displayed and decked with tributes of flowers.

Songkhran 13-15th April

This is the celebration of the old Thai New Year. Buddhists visit the temple for the ceremony of Rod Nam Dam Nua. They sprinkle water on the Buddha images, and on the hands of the monks and novices at the temple, as an offering to express confidence that the supply of water will be adequate to cover the dry season.

Songkhran is a time when the Thai family will try to be together, and many people will travel back to their home village.

This holiday has now become secularized, with exuberant merrymakers taking to the streets throwing water at each other, and you, by the cup full, the bucket full, or even with a hose. To add to the fun, talc is mixed with the water and may be daubed on your face. Take it all in good spirit, no one is exempt, not even the policemen. The cool water may even be a welcome relief as the festival coincides with the time when the sun is due overhead and the weather can be very hot.

Pattaya Festival

Held during the second week of April in Pattaya on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard. It features processions, floral displays, and other special events plus a spectacular fireworks display.

National Labour Day - 1st May

This holiday follows the lead of many western countries, whose workers now celebrate Labour Day.

Coronation Day - 5th May

This celebrates the coronation of the present King Bhumipon, Rama IX. Tributes are paid at shrines and portraits of His Majesty.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

This is an ancient Brahman ceremony, held under Royal patronage in Bangkok during May, which celebrates the beginning of the rice planting season.

Fruit Fair

A festival is held in Rayong during May and another in Chantaburi during June. They feature locally grown fruit such as rambutan, durian, and jack fruit.

Visakha Bucha Day - Full moon of the 6th Lunar Month.

This celebrates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha, and is therefore the most sacred day on the Buddhist calendar.

Asalaha Bucha Day - Mid July

This is the day before the start of Buddhist Lent. Many young men, who are about to become monks, hold parties on this day.

Buddhist Lent - Mid July

This marks the start of Khao Pansa, period similar to the Christian Lent. During the period monks do not travel to other monasteries, their religious duties are strictly observed, and the novice monks receive their training in the teachings of Buddha.

Candle Festival

Held in Ubon Ratchatani on Khao Pansa Day. Candles carved from bees wax are paraded through the streets.

H.M. Queen's Birthday - 12th August

Tributes are paid to Her Majesty, and donations are made to the many charitable organisations that are patronised by the Queen.

Chulalongkorn Day - 23rd October

This commemorates the death of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, who reigned between 1868 and 1910. He is renowned for his achievements in the fields of education, modernisation and progressive thinking.

Buffalo Races

Held in Chonburi (80Km east of Bangkok) during October.

Loy Krathong - Full Moon 12th Lunar month, November

The festival is believed to date back to the Sukhothai period, but its exact significance is uncertain. Krathongs, or lotus flowers made of natural materials, containing a candle, incense sticks, a coin or two and beautifully decorated with flowers are launched into the sea, or any convenient stretch of water, as a thanksgiving to the water spirits, and a cleansing of sins.

River Kwai Bridge Week

A week long series of historical exhibitions, light and sound shows, and vintage train rides held in Kanchanaburi during the last week of October.

Annual Elephant Roundup

Held during the third week of November at Surin in North East Thailand.

Trouping of the Colour - 3rd December

Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this annual event which is held in the Royal Plaza, Bangkok.

H.M. King's Birthday - 5th December

People demonstrate their respect for King with flags, displays and other tributes.

Constitution Day - 10th December

This marks the day in 1932, when the monarchy became constitutional, at the very beginning of democracy on Thailand.

New Year's Eve - 31st December

The end of the old year when everybody celebrates

11. Do's & Don'ts

Whilst Thai people are among the most tolerant and forbearing of hosts, they have nevertheless a number of customs and taboos which the visitor should respect. To help with this the Tourist Authority of Thailand publishes a tiny booklet entitled "Do's and Don'ts in Thailand". A few extracts are included here:

• Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. You may see Westernised young Thai's holding hands in public, but that is as far as it goes, in polite society.
• Topless bathing may be considered acceptable in your own country, but is inappropriate in Thailand.
• Thai's consider the head as the highest part of the body, both literally and figuratively. As a result they don't approve of touching anyone on the head, even as a friendly gesture.
• It is considered rude to point the sole of your foot at another person, so try to avoid doing so when sitting opposite someone, and following the concept that the foot is the lowest limb, don't point your foot to show anything to anyone.
• Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman wants to give anything to a monk or novice, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. In case the woman wants to present it with her hand, the monk or novice will spread out a piece of saffron robe, and the woman will lay down the gift on the material.
• It is alright to wear shoes whilst walking around the grounds of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the Buddha image is kept. Women should ensure that their legs and shoulders are covered before entering a Buddhist temple. Please do not wear shorts.
• The Thai people have a deep traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and the visitor should also show respect for the King and the Queen, and the Royal Children. When attending a public event where a member of the Royal Family is present, the best guide on how to behave is to watch the crowd and do as it does.

                                           Source Amazingthailand.com

Thailand can best be described as tropical and humid for the majority of the country during most of the year. The area of Thailand north of Bangkok has a climate determined by three seasons whilst the southern peninsular region of Thailand has only two.

In northern Thailand the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and May the weather is mostly dry, however this is broken up into the periods November to February and March to May. The later of these two periods has the higher relative temperatures as although the northeast monsoon does not directly affect the northern area of Thailand, it does cause cooling breezes from November to February.

The other northern season is from May to November and is dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time rainfall in the north is at its heaviest.

The southern region of Thailand really has only two seasons -- the wet and the dry. These seasons do not run at the same time on both the east and west side of the peninsular. On the west coast the southwest monsoon brings rain and often heavy storms from April through to October, whilst on the east coast the most rain falls between September and December.

Overall the southern parts of Thailand get by far the most rain with around 2,400 millimetres every year, compared with the central and northern regions of Thailand, both of which get around 1,400 millimetres.

Fireboat Festival

Marking the end of the Buddhist Lenten period, the “Lai Rua Fai” Festival (‘Fireboat’), is celebrated in Nakorn Phanom in early October. The climax of this dazzling event is on the final night. Dusk on the Mekong and over a dozen unusual vessels with bamboo superstructures lumber into the river. Night falls, camouflaging the platoon of spider-men who light tens of thousands of small lanterns hung to result in a “Portrait in Fire” that can be seen for miles.  The local citizenry judge the designs, which vary in shape & form, reflecting indigenous cultural identity and following mythical & Buddhist motifs for “Best Fireboat”. Nakorn Phanom town is off the beaten tack and this festival so be sure to make travel arrangement well in advance.

Loi Kratong

Tides are highest and the moon brightest on the 1^st full moon of the 12^th lunar month (but celebrations begin a day before). Millions of Thais congregate near canals & rivers across the Kingdom to make wishes and resolutions for the coming twelve months. This is a time after the monsoon rains - the land has been renewed. To pay tribute & thanks to the ‘Mother of the Waters’, Thais fashion a small cup from banana-leaf to hold symbolic items (betel nuts, food, flowers, joss sticks, coins) and a burning candle. With ancient origins in Buddhism, Hinduism and Animism, this important festival is fun and is happening everywhere - from the traditional cultures along the Mekong to the urban Bangkok scene, where the candles of thousands of ‘kratongs’ on a river is a spectacle to behold.

Surin Elephant Round Up

Taking place on the 3^rd weekend of November, Surin is the home of the Kui tribal people. Hundreds of elephants and thousands of performers come from far and wide to participate in Surin’s Annual Elephant Round Up. The town is thick with elephants and a festival atmosphere prevails, both inside and outside the official venue. This is not a staged event, but reflects the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and is governed by ancient local traditions. Dates are unlikely to change, but to ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.  

Thai New Year (Songkran)