Travel Thailand Travel Thailand
Here is information to help you plan your holiday and to aid you once you arrive in the desired destinations. Print it out and carry it with you
Thailand Information
Banks in the major cities offer currency exchange counters that accept most major global currencies at rates set each day by the Bank of Thailand.
Best Time to Visit
Each season has its own special appeal. Most visitors prefer the cool months but even the monsoon has its charms—cooler, clearer air—and storms seldom last more than a few hours. Be warned: Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year (usually in January) are popular with travelers and hotels are generally packed.
Business hours
Business hours are from 8:00 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some businesses are open Saturdays 8:30 a.m. -12:00 a.m.. Government offices are open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Banks open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Money-changing kiosks open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. daily. Post offices hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Department stores are open 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. or 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Shops, restaurants, and pharmacies open at 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.; most close at 10:00 p.m.
Climate
Thailand’s tropical climate is hot and humid, but there are regional and seasonal temperature variations.
Bangkok enjoys three seasons: Hot (March to mid-June; 27-35 C i.e. 80-95 F), Rainy (June to October; 24-32 C i.e. 75-90 F), and Cool (Nov. to Feb; 18-32 C i.e. 65-90 F), although the humidity is considerably lower.
Chiang Mai in the far North is somewhat cooler with winter temperatures ranging between 13 and 28 C (56 and 83 F); in rare instances, temperatures in the hills can drop as low as 2 C (36 F). As in Bangkok, the heaviest rains fall in September and city streets often flood in October and early November.
In the South, temperatures on the island of Phuket can warm to 34 C. (92 F) in the hot season but the water temperature never drops below 20 C. (68 F). During the monsoon (May to late October) the undertow can be quite strong; look for red warning flags on the beaches. In all regions, nighttime temperatures are often only four degrees Celsius lower than daytime highs and the humidity often runs above 70%.
Clothes should be light and loose; natural fibres or blends are best. Sunglasses are essential; light hats are advisable. Shorts are taboo for men and women at temples and mosques. Shoes must be removed upon entering temple buildings, so non-laced shoes (but not sandals without backstraps) are best.
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