COVID: Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Thailand
Bangkok has an approximate population of around 8,280,925 people and you can typically expect to pay around £1.78p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Bangkok is probably one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, and for good reason. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and also the country's leading economic development. This is largely because of Bangkok's worldwide appeal among travelers from around the globe. In addition, there are numerous domestic cinema movies which have been shot in here as well.
However, when it comes to major attractions, Bangkok remains king of the hill. It is a sprawling metropolitan area that houses some of the country's best nightlife, shopping centers and sporting facilities. There is no other place in Thailand that can lay claim to hosting so much in one destination and this is why Bangkok remains a hot favorite with tourists from all around the globe. Some of the major tourist spots in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Chatuchuk Market, Siam Square, Siam Center, Ayutthaya Hotel, Vimanmek Mansion, and the Thai National Museum.
One of the most popular sites to visit in Bangkok is the Vimanmek Mansion. The Vimanmek Mansion is located on a 90-acre lake which was once the private residence of the late King Rama V. The grand and elegant compound is comprised of five buildings. The most important attraction of the entire site is the magnificent Thai Royal Throne which sits atop a large platform in the center of the lake. Other major attractions in the vicinity of the Vimanmek Mansion include Siam Square, Ayutthaya Hotel, Siam Center, and the Grand Palace.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Thailand are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
For up to date information around safety and security in Thailand read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Thailand.
The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season between November and early April, when temperatures range from 29°C to 34°C. However, the climate varies throughout the country and you can visit all year round.
There are several colourful festivals in Thailand. The most popular are the New Year and Thai New Year. Both are big holidays in Thailand and are worth checking out. However, the latter isn't exactly a tourist attraction. It is more of a cultural event, with ceremonies held throughout the country to honor elders and spirits. If you're visiting Thailand during this period, you'll want to make sure you visit temples to see the monkeys in action.
Buffalo Racing Festival: The Buffalo Racing Festival is a traditional annual event in Thailand. The festival has been around for more than a century. The buffalo is the national animal of Thailand, and in years past, it was used to cultivate rice fields. The Thai people respect the buffalo for its power and honor it with this festival. Local farmers train children to care for buffaloes, and they also help to produce the rice. Here, they watch a renowned miss buffalo pageant.
Thai New Year: This two-day festival is a popular way to celebrate the New Year in Thailand. In cities, huge dragon statues and Thai flags decorate the streets. In temples, huge portraits of the king and queen are displayed to welcome the new year. The Buddhist holiday is also celebrated in Thailand. Listed below are a few of the most interesting festivals to attend. You'll also want to check the weather before you visit.
Buffalo Racing Festival: A 100-year-old tradition, the Buffalo Racing Festival is held each year in the city of Ubon Ratchathani. It honors the power of the buffalo and is celebrated by the locals. The local farmers even teach their children how to take care of the buffalo, which helps them cultivate their rice fields. If you have the chance, take a look at the festival's many traditions and customs.
The Buffalo Racing Festival: This festival is held every year. It originated as a way to thank the buffalo for its work, but has become a popular tourist attraction in Thailand. This festival is a great way to experience the traditions of Thai people and witness the unique customs of the country. During this festival, you can also participate in a variety of water gun fights in the local area. The Buffalo Racing Festival takes place in the city of Bangkok.
The Buffalo Racing Festival is a popular event in Thailand that has been going on for more than 100 years. In addition to celebrating the national animal, the buffalo races are held at this festival. The locals celebrate the power of the buffalo, which is revered in Thailand. The festival is held at the city's main temple, where the buffalo is a symbol of the land. It is not a typical tourist attraction, but it is a must-do when visiting the country.
A country with a long history, Thailand offers a tropical climate, ornate temples of Buddha figures, and ancient ruins. The capital, Bangkok, rises above the canalside communities, and the ultramodern cityscape stretches next to traditional, waterside communities. There are many important landmarks in this city, such as the Emerald Buddha Temple, which is a favorite among tourists. Other popular destinations include Pattaya and Hua Hin, two of the country's premier beach resorts.
One of the most important prehistoric sites in Thailand is Ban Chiang, located 76 kilometers north of Bangkok. This site, where beautiful ceramic pottery was created, has been inhabited for nearly two thousand years. The site shows the progression from the Neolithic age to the Bronze Age. Another interesting historical park is Phu Phra Bat, which includes the ruins of several ancient cultures. This park is a must see for anyone interested in the history of this region.
Ayutthaya Historical Park is one of the most fascinating historical sites in Thailand. It is located just 76 km from Bangkok and reveals the glory of the Ayutthaya empire. The ruins of ancient Buddhist temples and royal palaces are a testament to the wealth and glory of this ancient kingdom. In addition, the Fine Arts Department has worked with Unesco to preserve this important historical site.
Under normal circumstances, British passport holders arriving by air or land can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa (a 'visa exemption'). If you need to stay longer, it's possible to extend your stay once for up to 30 days. You must apply for the extension before your visa exemption period ends.
See which forms you may need for entry into Thailand.
The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Thailand you can grab amazing Thai Baht deals via Wise.com (GBP to THB).
Thailand is home to more than 10% of the world's animals. There are more than 285 mammal species including elephants, tigers, leopards, Malaysian sun bears, sambars, deer and otters as well as a variety of primate species including gibbons, monkeys and macaques. Sheep, goats, wild cattle and wild hogs are also common.
Thai food? Pad thai has since become one of Thailand's national dishes. Today, some food vendors add pork or chicken (although the original recipe did not contain pork because of the government's perception that pork was a Chinese meat). Some food vendors still use the original recipe.
Two major dialects of Thai, the national language, are spoken in Thailand: Central Thai and Southern Thai. Northern Thai is spoken in the northern provinces that were formerly part of the independent kingdom of Lan Na while Isan, a Lao dialect, is the native language of the northeast. You can learn some basic Thai before you travel to Thailand and really impress the locals!
The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (Tipping roughly 10% of the bill is a good tip, and rounding up or down just like you would do at home. If eating at a fancier restaurant and the bill is higher, you can ignore the 10% rule and give it based on how the experience was with a minimum of 100 baht tip).
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What is the time difference?
The GMT time difference is 6 hours