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What to know before you go to Thailand

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General Information:
Thailand, possessing a lush tropical landscape, is an exotic country, a theater of cultural and sensual contrasts for visitors. The Thai people are proud of their rich heritage, their fertile and abundant natural resources and of their dynamism and increasingly industrialized country. The Thai people are noted for both their enthusiasm and tranquillity, making Thailand always compelling.
Thai have long delighted in their distinctive culture. It began when the Tai (not Thai) ethnic group emigrated from southern China in the first millennium AD. The language and tones of Thailand are quite different from those in the Chinese language. Another differentiation is that the elegant Thai script was derived from that of ancient southern India.
Today, Thailand is a member of Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), although the Thai people have upheld a long tradition of independence and a strong sense of national pride. Unlike each of its neighboring countries, Thailand has never fallen under the domination of European colonial powers. The Sukhothai period (13th-14th centuries) marked the first real flourishing Thai Kingdom. The Thai national flag ("thong trai rong") symbolizes three forces: the nation (red), the monarchy (blue), and the Buddhist religion (white).
Thailand's population of 64 million people regard themselves as Thai, even the ethnic Chinese, which form the largest minority ethnic group. In 1939, the country's name was changed from Siam to Prathet Thai (Thailand), or "Land of the Thai People" by then-Prime Minister Phibun Songkram. Thailand is divided into four main geographical regions: Central, Northern, Southern and Northeastern regions - each with their own topography, culture, identity and spoken dialects.
The Central region is the cradle of Thai civilization. It is a fertile, rice-growing region. The capital city Bangkok is part of the Central region. The city's 200-year-old architecture can still be appreciated, though Bangkok is considered by many to be the world's most crowded and polluted major metropolis.
The North is an area of forested mountains, where hilltribe minorities coexist with conventional mainstream Thai society.
The Southern region is noted for its vast number of rubber plantations, sparking seas, breathtaking islands, sandy white beaches and a hilly interior of tropical rainforests.
The Northeastern region (or Isaan) occupies the largest land area of the country. It is the most arid part of the country and its people considered the poorest - but it is an area teeming with a unique culture. The Mekong River demarcates the border between Thailand and Laos.

Travel Insurance
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover them outside of the country. If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if you are not insured. In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical care may be very frustrating without insurance. Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance. For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must.

Visa Information
US citizens do not need a visa to enter Thailand but they must have a valid US passport for entry. Make three photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with family and carry the other separately from your original. Due to new airline regulations, a copy of your passport must also be sent to Pilgrim Tours.

Health Certificates
None required.

Language Spoken
Thai

Currency
Thai Baht

Voltage
The Voltage is 220vac 50 cycles. The plug is similar to the ones used in western Europe.

Medication
If you are required to take medications, you should notify the leader of your group in the event of an emergency. Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription to take with you if your medication is lost. All medication must be kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medications.

Baggage Allowance
Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag (in addition to your purse, camera case or video camera). Be sure your luggage is clearly tagged on the inside and outside. If you are traveling with a tour group, you must use the baggage tags provided along with your own.

Airlines limit carry-on luggage to ONE piece not to exceed a 45-inch dimension, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Time Zone
 

Pre-Flight
Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers. In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim Travel at 800-322-0788.

Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily.

When at the airport, never leave your luggage unattended for any length of time…no matter how short. Do not accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them.

Check-in time for international flights is normally two hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a valid passport is needed as proof of identification for international travelers.

Bring along a moisturizer, as the air in the plane cabin is extremely dry.

In order to avoid jet lag, avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Rather, opt for natural fruit juices and water.

What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to match the weather is a good suggestion. Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful. You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit but it is not necessary. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings.

A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) are easier to use when sightseeing than an umbrella.

Be sure to keep important items such as documents, money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Never pack these items in your checked luggage.

Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry. A good way to conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes.

Do not over-pack. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

If you are traveling with a companion, cross-pack. Put half of your items in your companion's luggage and vice-versa. This will ease the frustration of lost luggage.

Take along a small backpack. When you are touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues, paper and notebook. It will also come in handy for carrying souvenirs.

Don't forget these travel sized necessities: sewing kit, first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, pre-printed address labels (for sending postcards), plastic "zip-locking" bags (for storing open bottles and containers).

Purchase your film and batteries in the US. Remember to bring extra for your video camera.

Tipping
A service charge is often added to the bill in hotels and restaurants. However, if it is omitted, a tip of 10-15% is customary. A usual tip for tour bus drivers is $1.00 per person, per day and a tour escort usually receives $2.00 per person, per day. Hotel maids receive $1.00 per person, per day. Tip taxi drivers at least 10-15% of the fare. This is simply a general guideline. Tips and gratuities are earned for services rendered in a courteous and professional manner.

Meals
  
Shopping
Check with your group leader or the front desk for the best shopping areas. Specify that you are interested in purchasing items that are known for their local and cultural appeal. Shop for handmade lace, pottery glass, and gold and silver filigree.