Thailand
About Thailand
Let us show you everything Thailand has to offer. The ‘land of smiles’ is renowned for its friendly people and unique culture. Home to white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, incredible food, colourful markets, adventure activities, buzzing nightlife and ornate temples, Thailand has something for everyone!
Make sure you check out our travel guides below.
Best time to travel
Thailand has a complicated mish-mash of seasons but in general the weather is warm, humid and tropical all year round. North of Bangkok there are three seasons. November – February is dry and cool season. March – April is hot season, and May – November is monsoon season. South of Bangkok there are two seasons, wet and dry, and the seasons are harder to predict. The average weather varies every season, but the temperature is around 30°C every day throughout the year. October is on average the wettest month throughout Thailand. November until April weather is the best time to go to the West Coast (Andaman Sea). May until September weather is the best time to go to the East Coast (Gulf Coast).
Our professional consultants will assist in advising the best time to visit each region throughout Thailand.
Helpful hints
Visas & Passports
Thailand is Visa-free for most nationalities. Holders of EU, UK, AUS or NZ passports get a stamp at Immigration in International airports that allows them to stay in the country for up to 30 days. All you need to do is fill out a form on arrival and walk through customs. Travel advice is available from the Australian Government at smartraveller.gov.au
Time
Thailand is three hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Currency
Thailand uses the Bhat (pronounced Bart) as currency. You can buy it before you arrive or exchange it at kiosks inside the airports and in the centre of cities and towns. Most ATMs will allow you to withdraw Thai Baht using an international account.
Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping is not customary; however a token of appreciation is always welcome. When visiting any religious site dress conservatively, avoid wearing short skirts or shorts above the knee and singlets or sleeveless blouses. Remember to remove your shoes before entering a temple. Thai culture is unique so take some time to learn about the varying customs and requirements.
Language
Thai is the official language, however English is widely understood, particularly in major tourist areas.
Shopping
From the moment you reach Thailand, you’ll be astounded by the sheer variety of goods on offer. At local markets and shopping centres (excluding the well known department stores) you’ll find the real bargains. Bargaining is accepted just about everywhere except in supermarkets, department stores and hotels.
Electricity
220V 50Hz. An adapter is required.
Why us?
Southside World Travel and our partners are experienced and knowledgeable specialists who will ensure your time delivers all you are looking for and more. With the largest range of packages available, let us craft a tailor made itinerary for you. With enormous on-ground experience and significant local presence, you can expect the very best travel experience.
Contact us and let Southside World Travel create the best travel experience for you.
Travel Guides
Bangkok
Bangkok is a city of contrasts with adventure at every turn. Admire the mix of modern and ancient Thai architecture or catch a tuk-tuk along the bustling streets. Shop up a storm at the countless shopping malls or local markets and sample the fantastic Thai cuisine, from local dishes served at street stalls to fine dining at rooftop restaurants.
Things to see & do
– Admire the magnificence of the Grand Palace, Bangkok’s most famous landmark
– View the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, 15 metres tall and covered in gold leaf
– Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market, home to over 8,000 stalls
– Sip a cocktail at Rooftop Bar at Sala Rattanakosin and watch the sun set over Wat Arun and Chao Phraya River
– Wander to Banthat Thong Road, a street food haven offering mouthwatering Thai eats
Phuket
Phuket, the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’, is Thailand’s largest island, boasting white sandy beaches, crystal clear seas, limestone cliffs and world-renowned dive sites. The most popular beaches are situated along the azure waters of the western shore. Patong Beach is known for its shopping and nightlife, whereas Karon, Kata and Kamala beaches are perfect for families. Explore Old Phuket town to appreciate the unique Sino-Portuguese architecture, shrines, temples, shophouses, quaint cafés and museums.
Things to see & do
– See the giant white Big Buddha sitting atop Nakkerd Hill close to Chalong Bay
– Head up to Karon View Point for amazing views over Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches
– Travel via speedboat to Phang Nga Bay, to see James Bond Island and swim in the emerald waters
– Make your way to Phuket Town Night Markets
for live music, local food stalls and shopping
– Take a tour of Chalong Bay Rum Distillery, sample spirits and end with a refreshing mojito
Elephant Hills
Elephant Hills is Thailand’s first unique luxury camp located in Khao Sok National Park. Whether you are looking for a nature escape on your honeymoon or travelling with the family, you’ll find a truly one-of-a-kind experience upon entering the gates.
Comprising of two tented camps – the Elephant Camp and the floating Lake Camp, you will be at one with nature in a luxury setting. The floating Lake Camp is exclusive to Elephant Hills. This is one of the most unique and responsible ways to admire Asia’s largest land mammals.
Transfers
Elephant Hills is located in Khao Sok National Park and is a three hour drive from Phuket. Scheduled transfers depart Phuket hotels between 7am and 9am and from Phuket Airport at 9am. Transfers are also available from Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Samui and Surat Thani.
Patong Beach
Patong is Phuket’s most popular beach area, famous for amazing bargain shopping, entertainment and vibrant nightlife. The star attraction of Patong is the beach. This sandy shoreline is easily accessible and sits on a bay stretching for over three kilometres. Here you can find an array of water based activities such as windsurfing and banana boat rides or simply lay a towel down and bask in the sun.
As the sun sets in the evening, head to Bangla Road. This 600 metre stretch of road, and its offshoots, is the beating heart of Patong nightlife with clubs, restaurants and bars. Head to the busy night markets or Jungcelyon, Phuket’s largest shopping mall, for some retail therapy.
Karon & Kata Beaches
Located south of Patong, Karon and Kata beaches charm visitors and holidaymakers with their palm-fringed, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. For those seeking a quiet getaway with uncrowded beaches, relaxed shopping and good restaurants, Karon and Kata beaches are ideal.
Visit Wat Karon, a beautiful Buddhist temple and home to a twice weekly market. If surfing and snorkelling is more your thing, head to Kata for the perfect wave and picturesque underwater coral formations.
Koh Phi Phi & Koh Yao
Koh Phi Phi is a group of six islands which sit out in the sparkling blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The populated island of Koh Phi Phi Don is a flurry of activity with beach bars, restaurants, shops and a vibrant nightlife. Koh Phi Phi Leh is surrounded by stunningly beautiful beaches and bays.
Located in Phang Nga Bay, famous for its
limestone formations and pristine beaches, are the islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. Both islands are where you go if you want to just unwind, relax and experience a tranquil, traditional Thai escape.
Things to see & do
– Admire a stunning sunset while enjoying cocktails on the beach at Mama Resto Koh Phi Phi Don
– Watch hunters gather Swiftlet’s bird nests, considered a delicacy in Asia, at Viking Cave on Koh Phi Phi Leh
– Hire a kayak and explore the secluded caves and rocky outcrops around the islands
– Take a longtail boat to Pi Leh Bay and swim and snorkel in the emerald green waters
– Enjoy Thai infused delights while watching the famous nightly fireshow at Carpe Diem, Koh Phi Phi Don
– Delight in a mouth-watering Kingfish steak at Tonsai Seafood Restaurant, Koh Phi Phi Don
Krabi
Only an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Krabi is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, soft sandy beaches, tropical forests, thermal hot springs and soaring limestone cliffs. Krabi is less crowded than Phuket and more laid-back than Koh Samui.
Whether you’re snorkelling among the colourful sea life, exploring caves by kayak or strolling through the night markets, Krabi is truly magical.
Things to see & do
– Take in the tranquillity of a hidden lagoon inside one of the limestone caves near Railay Beach
– View the famous vividly coloured Emerald and Blue Pools in the Thung Teao Forest National Park
– Bathe in the ancient, thermal, mineral rich waters of Klong Thom Hot Springs
– Climb the 1,272 steps up a limestone tower to see the ‘Footprint of the Buddha’
– Embark on a culinary journey and enjoy all-day dining set against the backdrop of stunning Ao Nang Beach at Reeve Beach Club
– Sip a speciality cocktail at The Hilltop with its spectacular views over Nopparat Thara Bay
Koh Samui & Koh Phangan
Amazing coral reefs, clear warm waters, white sandy beaches, hammocks slung between coconut trees – welcome to Koh Samui. You’ll find open-air restaurants, colourful market stalls and a vibrant nightlife.
Koh Phangan is draped in acres of untouched tropical rainforests and blessed with rich coral reefs. Once a month, Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon beach parties.
Things to see & do
– Visit Wat Plai Laem on Koh Samui with its imposing 18 arm statue of Guanyin and the laughing Buddha
– Snorkel in pristine and protected waters of Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Samui
– Head to Fisherman’s Village on Koh Samui on a Friday evening and browse the market stalls
– Dive at Sail Rock on Koh Phangan, abundant with colourful sea life
– Savour a banana or roti pancake with various flavours from a local street cart on Koh Samui
– Be spoilt for food choices at the Thong Sala
Night Food Market, Koh Phangan
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