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Thailand Travel Journal - for Expats & Travelers
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Thailand Travel Highlights
Destinations
- Bangkok will be the first stop for most visiting Thailand. A vibrant city with excellent hotels, activities,
nightlife and services
- Phuket has made a strong comeback after the tsunami. Beautiful beaches, scuba diving great hotels and nightlife on this island in the Andaman Sea
- Krabi has some of the world's most spectacular scenery. Phangnga Bay has fascinating limestone karsts, outstanding beaches and world class rock climbing.
- Chiang Mai and surrounds is synonymous with
nature, trekking, hilltribes, white-water rafting and mountains.
Doi Suthep and Doi Intanon are but 2 highlights.
- Pattaya usually lives up to its checkered reputation
as not much more than a center for nightlife. There is more nearby,
such as Koh Samet and Jomtien.
- Koh Samui has become a "must do" destination. A reasonable ferry ride from Surat Thani. Beaches range from busy Chaweng to laid back Maenam.
- Issan may well be the soul of Thailand. Vast National parks, Khmer ruins, bronze age archeological sites and petroglyphs along the Mekong.
- Kanchanaburi is known for the death railway, but there is more. The river Kwai, rafting, superb golf courses and natural beauty all around.
Miscellaneous
- Visas are not necessary for citizens of many western nations for stays of 30 days or less, although your airline may require one.
- Safety most parts of Thailand are extremely safe, safer actually that most western countries.
- Health care excellent health care is available in most larger cities. Many physicians are western trained. Medical and dental costs are low compared to the west.
- Language Thais speak Thai, a tonal language that can be difficult for english speakers. Their written alphabet has 44 consonants and 36 vowels.
- Monarchy Thailand is a constitutional monarchy
with HM Bhumipol Adulyadej as titular head of state. The Thais rightly
adore HM and take severe offense at anyone speaking ill against the
royal family.
- Money The Thai Baht is the currency of Thailand.
The exchange rate floats at approximately Bt 40/US$ as of early 2006.
Major international currencies and travelers' checks are easily exchange
at banks and exchange booths in larger cities.
- ATM's are prolific in Thailand and will accept
many ATM and Credit Cards. The system uses a 4-digit PIN number.
Credit cards are accepted by many hotels and shopping venues .. cautions
are recommended.
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Recommendations
Highlights
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