THAILAND

Thailand truly offers the perfect holiday destination for any visitor…Learn about the fascinating culture of the Hilltribe villages in Northern Thailand, where you will experience friendly people, visit ancient temples, secluded hillsides and jungles. Marvel at the rich traditions, or test your fitness on a trek.

With a luxuriously long coastline (actually, two coastlines) and over 1400 jungle-topped islands anchored in azure waters, Thailand is a tropical getaway fit for everyone, whether hedonist or hermit, prince or pauper. The country’s coast is one giant playground, with plenty going on wherever the sand meets the sea.

Total Area: 513,120 km².

Capital: Bangkok

Country Code: 66

Country Population: 67,200,000

Credit Cards:

All major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and state run shops in the major cities. Canadian Travellers cheques are widely accepted.

Currency:

Baht (THB = 100 Satangs)

Departure Tax: From February 2007; International 700 Baht, Domestic 100 Baht (except Samui 400 Baht). Usually included in air ticket

Drives: on the Left

Electricity:

220 AC 50Hz.

Ethnic Groups: Thai and Thai Chinese, Northeastern Thai (Isan Lao), Central Thai, Northern Thai, Southern Thai, Thai Chinese, Khmer, Malay

Location: Southeast Asia.

Official Language(s):

Thai is the official language. English and Chinese (Tachew) are widely spoken.

Religion: Buddhist, Muslim, Christian.

Time Zone: (GMT+7)

Tipping:

Tipping is not generally expected in Thailand, but it is appreciated when good service has been provided. The local currency is THB (Thai Baht). We suggest you tip the following:

Tour Guides: approx USD $10 (300-350 THB) per client/day. Drivers on day tours: approx USD $5 (150 THB) per client/day. At restaurants or in taxis, we suggest you round up your bill by around 50 THB. At many restaurants or upmarket eateries, a 10% service charge will be added to your bill. When this is the case, tipping is not expected. If not, we suggest you round up your bill. A 50 Thai Baht tip for a porter who carries your bags to your room is fairly standard.