Thailand Facts
Read more about vaccinations, climate, transport, price levels and more in connection with your trip to Thailand.
- Language: Thai
- Capital: Bangkok
- Population: 67 million
- Religion: Buddhism
- Currency: Baht
- Surface: 513,116 km2
Worth knowing
Time difference
The time difference between Sweden and Thailand varies, depending on whether it is summer or winter time.
Summer time +5 hours
Winter time +6 hours
Transport in Thailand
Bus The
buses in Thailand do not meet the standard we are used to in Europe. We have of course chosen the best category, with air conditioning whenever possible. However, it is worth mentioning that the buses are dimensioned according to Asian measurements, and therefore the seats may be smaller and legroom limited.
Trains
On our train journeys we travel in the best possible category. There is a relatively large difference in what it means between the different departures, but we always strive to use the best connections. In general, you can not expect any luxury, but train travel is always an experience!
Flights
On our round trips in Thailand, we often fly longer distances with domestic flights. Prior to such flights, the Swedish tour guide informs about the time of departure and what applies at check-in at the airport.
Price level
A main course with accessories costs around SEK 60-70. When it comes to pocket money, we know from experience that you need about 140 – 170 kronor per day. It is enough, for example, for drinks, postcards, stamps, ice cream and tips. If you want to buy souvenirs or something else, you need to bring extra money in addition to this.
Tip
On our travels, you come into contact with everyday life and the country’s customs and usages. There may be certain conditions that you do not like or that you are not used to, such as tipping. In many countries, the system of tips is more organized than we Swedes are used to and there is an expectation that local guides and drivers will receive a certain amount of tips during the journey. We enter an amount in our travel program so that you can count on this when you make up your travel budget at home. The price of the trip does not include the cost of tips as you decide how much you want to give during the trip. The system of tips can be said to be part of the culture you visit and which you should therefore follow and respect. In Thailand, tips are widely accepted in the tourism industry. It is normal for a traveler to pay tips to bus drivers, local guides, hotel piccolo, at restaurants, etc. Each traveler should expect an amount of about 30-40 kronor per day which is distributed between drivers and local guides. The guide (s) who accompany the entire trip normally get a little more than local guides and drivers.
As a first-time traveler to Thailand, it can be tricky to know how much you leave to different people. But with 20-50 Thai baht you get a long way! In practice, it is possible to arrange for the tour guide to collect money for the entire trip and ensure that the right people get what they need. We would like to emphasize that it is of course voluntary to tip, even if it is common practice.
Bars, cafes and nightclubs as well as restaurants in hotels sometimes add about 15% in service charge on the bill. In that case, this is stated in the bill.
Electricity
Thailand, just like Sweden, has 220 volts. Often the withdrawals are as in Sweden, but sometimes there are variations. Therefore, it is a good idea to bring an adapter set with different options.
Telephone and internet
The international country code for Thailand is +66. It is expensive to call home from Thailand, so feel free to consult with your mobile operator regarding coverage and prices for calls from Thailand.
Internet cafés are now available in most cities, but we know from experience that it can be difficult to manage to visit such places other than during your own time or after the end of the day’s program. Most hotels in Thailand have internet service, but expect slower connection compared to home. Some hotels charge extra for this.
Hygiene
In Thailand, hygiene is better than in many other Asian countries, but not at the same level as in Western Europe. Visit petwithsupplies for Thailand Travel Guide.
Hotels and larger restaurants, on the other hand, usually meet modern / western standards. Out in the city and in the country, you can count on going to so-called pedal toilets, and that there is a lack of toilet paper. The standard of public toilets or in the countryside can thus be relatively primitive. Bring your own toilet paper, wet wipes and perhaps hand sanitizer (available at Swedish pharmacies, for example), so you will not be as dependent on access to water.
You should not drink tap water, but instead buy bottled water.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited during all flights and bus transport. There are special smoking areas on the trains. It is illegal to smoke and bring e-cigarettes to Thailand.
