Thailand Packages FAQs
Q. What is the climate of Thailand like?
A. Thailand has three seasons, the summer, the monsoon and the winter. Summer begins from March and lasts through June with temperatures hovering between 33 and 48 degree Celsius in the day and plummeting to 27 degree Celsius in the night. The rainy months between July and November receive frequent to heavy rainfall towards early evening with temperature averaging around 32 degree in the day and a pleasant 16 degree Celsius in the nights. The winter or dry season between late November through February has day temperature hovering around 32 degree while the nights can be cool at 12 degree Celsius. This is invariable the most preferred season to visit Thailand.
Q. Is it safe to drink the local water in Thailand?
A. Bottled water is preferred not just by the tourists but the locals as well. Those that use tap water prefer to boil it first before drinking. Take care when you are pouring ice in your drinks because they could well come from the tap water that may have bacteria or chemicals. But if you are having it at a proper cafe or restaurant, you don’t have to worry too much as the ice comes from government-checked ice factories. It is commonly known fact to not buy a bottle whose seal is broken. But never drink the local water at the street stalls and vendors.
Q. Which is the most commonly spoken language in Thailand?
A. Thai is the national language and also the most widely spoken one. While there are multiple dialects of Thai depending on the tribe and the ethnic group, English is the definite second language here. In Bangkok’s major business and commercial districts, English is spoken and written. Also in the hotels, shops and restaurants as well as most tourist landmarks English is easily understood and spoken.
Q. Can I buy a local SIM card in Bangkok for my phone?
A. It is very easy to procure one. You can buy a SIM card from a local Thai network provider and this can be used for placing both local and international calls. At the point of sale you will have to produce an identification proof such as passport. You can buy these phone cards even from the 7/11 outlets.
Q. What are some important cultural do’s and don’ts in Thailand?
A. Thai folks are polite and peace-loving and look down upon open confrontations. Also, do not show your impatience or frustration because it is considered a sign of weakness. The Thais believe that all conflicts and issues can be solved with a smile. At a temple you are required to wear a full leg covering pants or skirt. Women should not touch monks and everybody is expected to remove their shoes while entering a local’s house or a temple. PDA too is frowned upon. The Thais typically do not shake hands as well. Wai is the most common form of greeting said by folding your hands together.
Q. What are the requirements of a Thai tourist visa?
A. The documents required include a passport with at least a six month validity. A visa application form correctly filled out, your recent passport size photograph, your round trip air tickets and financial proof that you have 20,000 Thai Baht per person and 40,000 Thai Baht per family in your kitty. These documents need to be submitted to your nearest Thai embassy or consulate. The tourist visa ranges from three to six months.
Q. What is the most commonly used currency in Thailand?
A. Thai Baht is the national currency of Thailand. 1 Thai Baht is equal to approximately 2.23 Indian Rupees. You need substantial local currency to get around in Thailand because USD is not commonly accepted here. Ensure you have sufficient funds in your multi-currency card and some cash. It is better to purchase the Thai Baht locally as you will get a better rate here than in your home country.
Q. Is it okay to bargain for anything I want to buy in Thailand?
A. When an item comes with a price tag you are not expected to bargain. Although bargaining is central to the Thai shopping experience, make sure you have a healthy approach towards it. Don’t go at it tooth and nail, ensure that both you and the vendor reach a price that is comfortable to both parties involved. Hard bargaining is considered rude. Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district usually marks up the prices and you can get them to give you a good 60% discount. At other places around 10% is acceptable.
Q. How should I pack for a Thailand holiday?
A. Depends on the season in which you are visiting. In the monsoon months make sure you bring rain gear, closed shoes etc. In the dry winter season, get cotton clothes, but make sure you have some long-sleeved ones too with conservative necklines and full pants or skirts for visiting the temples. Beaches are of course another story. In the dry season, for the evenings, you could get a shrug or something slightly warm to keep you cosy when the temperature dips to a 12 degree Celsius.
Q. Are there are direct flights from India to Thailand?
A. Yes, from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhoomi or Don Mueang Airport there are direct flights by IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia among others. The journey time is approximately 4.5 hours and there are frequent flights through the week.
A. Thailand has three seasons, the summer, the monsoon and the winter. Summer begins from March and lasts through June with temperatures hovering between 33 and 48 degree Celsius in the day and plummeting to 27 degree Celsius in the night. The rainy months between July and November receive frequent to heavy rainfall towards early evening with temperature averaging around 32 degree in the day and a pleasant 16 degree Celsius in the nights. The winter or dry season between late November through February has day temperature hovering around 32 degree while the nights can be cool at 12 degree Celsius. This is invariable the most preferred season to visit Thailand.
Q. Is it safe to drink the local water in Thailand?
A. Bottled water is preferred not just by the tourists but the locals as well. Those that use tap water prefer to boil it first before drinking. Take care when you are pouring ice in your drinks because they could well come from the tap water that may have bacteria or chemicals. But if you are having it at a proper cafe or restaurant, you don’t have to worry too much as the ice comes from government-checked ice factories. It is commonly known fact to not buy a bottle whose seal is broken. But never drink the local water at the street stalls and vendors.
Q. Which is the most commonly spoken language in Thailand?
A. Thai is the national language and also the most widely spoken one. While there are multiple dialects of Thai depending on the tribe and the ethnic group, English is the definite second language here. In Bangkok’s major business and commercial districts, English is spoken and written. Also in the hotels, shops and restaurants as well as most tourist landmarks English is easily understood and spoken.
Q. Can I buy a local SIM card in Bangkok for my phone?
A. It is very easy to procure one. You can buy a SIM card from a local Thai network provider and this can be used for placing both local and international calls. At the point of sale you will have to produce an identification proof such as passport. You can buy these phone cards even from the 7/11 outlets.
Q. What are some important cultural do’s and don’ts in Thailand?
A. Thai folks are polite and peace-loving and look down upon open confrontations. Also, do not show your impatience or frustration because it is considered a sign of weakness. The Thais believe that all conflicts and issues can be solved with a smile. At a temple you are required to wear a full leg covering pants or skirt. Women should not touch monks and everybody is expected to remove their shoes while entering a local’s house or a temple. PDA too is frowned upon. The Thais typically do not shake hands as well. Wai is the most common form of greeting said by folding your hands together.
Q. What are the requirements of a Thai tourist visa?
A. The documents required include a passport with at least a six month validity. A visa application form correctly filled out, your recent passport size photograph, your round trip air tickets and financial proof that you have 20,000 Thai Baht per person and 40,000 Thai Baht per family in your kitty. These documents need to be submitted to your nearest Thai embassy or consulate. The tourist visa ranges from three to six months.
Q. What is the most commonly used currency in Thailand?
A. Thai Baht is the national currency of Thailand. 1 Thai Baht is equal to approximately 2.23 Indian Rupees. You need substantial local currency to get around in Thailand because USD is not commonly accepted here. Ensure you have sufficient funds in your multi-currency card and some cash. It is better to purchase the Thai Baht locally as you will get a better rate here than in your home country.
Q. Is it okay to bargain for anything I want to buy in Thailand?
A. When an item comes with a price tag you are not expected to bargain. Although bargaining is central to the Thai shopping experience, make sure you have a healthy approach towards it. Don’t go at it tooth and nail, ensure that both you and the vendor reach a price that is comfortable to both parties involved. Hard bargaining is considered rude. Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district usually marks up the prices and you can get them to give you a good 60% discount. At other places around 10% is acceptable.
Q. How should I pack for a Thailand holiday?
A. Depends on the season in which you are visiting. In the monsoon months make sure you bring rain gear, closed shoes etc. In the dry winter season, get cotton clothes, but make sure you have some long-sleeved ones too with conservative necklines and full pants or skirts for visiting the temples. Beaches are of course another story. In the dry season, for the evenings, you could get a shrug or something slightly warm to keep you cosy when the temperature dips to a 12 degree Celsius.
Q. Are there are direct flights from India to Thailand?
A. Yes, from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhoomi or Don Mueang Airport there are direct flights by IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia among others. The journey time is approximately 4.5 hours and there are frequent flights through the week.