Thailand is a country to be enjoyed in every way, the hospitality of its people stands out and that is why it has become one of the most accessible countries to visit in Southeast Asia.
Ayutthaya
The nature stands out, paradisiacal beaches, jungle, mountains, rice fields; but also its people, temples and cities (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai), you can enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking, diving, snorkeling; sign up for a cooking course, get a massage or learn the art of Muay Thai, Thai sport par excellence.
Sukhothai
Visa
Spanish citizens do not need a visa for stays of less than 30 days.
Money
The official currency is the Baht (THB). There are ATMs in almost every city.
Temple in Chiang Mai
Language
The official language is Thai. Useful Thai words: sa wat dii (hello and goodbye), khaw khun (thank you) (finished in ka or kra depending if you are addressing a man or a woman,Thaa (pier), Wat (temple).
Transport
Thailand is one of the most touristy countries in the world so the connections between the different points are quite good and it is very easy to travel on your own.
The Asians are not famous for their good driving, they go very fast, hurrying to the maximum. The bus network works very well, there are several daily to many destinations, including VIP, to travel at night with maximum comfort, they offer blankets, pillows and in some a snack and water.
Royal Palace Bangkok
Although there is no major railway network the train journey between Bangkok and Ayutthaya is worthwhile.
The planes are cheap and sometimes it is worth avoiding the tiring bus journeys.
Traffic in Bangkok is hellishly slow to avoid rush hour. The metro and skytrain work wonderfully.
Beach in Ko Pha Ngan
Accommodation
Cheap accommodation in Thailand is quite recommendable, sometimes you don't even believe how good it is, for example the Tony's in Ayutthaya, the bungalows of the TR in Sukhothai or the resort West Coast Beach Resort de Ko Phangan.
Khao Yai National Park
Health
Before starting your trip contact the international disease service. Mosquito repellent is better not to forget, as well as sun cream.
Don't forget a first aid kit with the essentials: medicine, betadine, antibiotic ointment, syringes, flint, bandages, band-aids, scissors, water purification tablets, mosquito net, sunscreen, forehead.
Surat Thani
Safety
Before you travel it is convenient to have a travel insurance, not only health but also civil responsibility. Asian countries in general are quite safe although you should take basic precautions.
It is common in tourist areas to find people who try to help, the scam consists in saying that the place you want to visit is closed and they offer an alternative. Normally they are paired with a tuk tuk driver who wants to make a stop at some shop.
West Coast Resort in Ko Pha Ngan
Gastronomy
The main dish is Pad Thai (noodles with chicken or shrimp, peanuts, eggs and spices, although there are variations), but the Tom Yum Goong soups, Som Tum salad, rice, fruit, juices, are also delicious. Watch out for the spice. The dishes are very spicy, they love curry, also lemongrass, a herb that floods the whole dish with flavor.
The local beer is very tasty, it's worth trying. The most delicious pancakes are the street ones, don't forget to try them.
Girl in Wat That Doi Suthep
Society
Thai society is quite open with tourists, despite the riots that are happening in Bangkok at this time, go almost unnoticed by tourists.
Thai people are mostly Buddhist, it is not allowed to show shoulders and knees inside the temples so it is advisable to bring a handkerchief, although in some places they leave them or rent them. You always enter barefoot and when sitting on the floor your feet cannot go directly to the Buddha statue.
Musicians
It is common to see Buddhist monks living in the streets of the cities. During our visit almost all the Buddha figures were decked out in orange robes.
The Thai people greet each other by joining palms in a prayerful gesture known as wai.
Bargaining is the official language in the shops, so don't hesitate to put it into practice.
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