As flavorful and tempting as its famous cuisine, Thailand enchants visitors with its beauty and culture. Those who embark on a Thailand vacation will find gorgeous, renowned beaches; ornate Buddhist temples; and a friendly national character that adds to the memorable experiences available throughout this popular Southeast Asian country.
A vacation in Thailand wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the exhilarating capital of Bangkok, where the sightseeing highlights include the Grand Palace, a boat trip through the Floating Market, picture-perfect temples and amazing shopping, including at the Night Bazaar. Bangkok is also home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. At the other end of the spectrum are the simple beach huts many travelers enjoy while visiting the southern beaches and islands, including Phuket. Of course, a full range of accommodation options exist for those seeking a Thai beach vacation. Cultural options abound in the ancient northern city of Chiang Mai, where visitors can ride an elephant and trek through the surrounding mountains. Many Thailand travel itineraries also include a game of golf on one of the country’s top courses, and treatments at one of the many superb Thai spas.
U.S. citizens traveling to Thailand require a valid passport and an onward/return air ticket. They do not require a visa for stays of fewer than 30 days. If a traveler attempts to stay for longer than 30 days without an official extension from the government, he or she will be assessed an immediate cash fine when leaving the country. There is a departure fee of approximately $22 when leaving Thailand. Bangkok is the international air hub for all of Southeast Asia, and there are nonstop flights from the U.S. to Bangkok. For travel within Thailand, it’s possible to rent a car with an International Driver’s License, or travel via air, train or bus. Thailand’s tropical weather has three seasons—rainy from June to October, cooler from November to February (the peak tourist season) and hot from March to May. The currency is the baht. Thai is the official language. For more information on travel to Thailand, log on to www.tourismthailand.org, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website.