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Thailand Snapshot
Thailand's north, east and west are great to visit from November to February, when the weather is cooler and dryer. If heading south, it's best to travel from January to April as these months provide conditions optimal for diving and snorkelling. This is peak time however, so be aware that popular places like Chiang Mai, Ko Samui and Phuket can get particularly busy. It can also get quite busy from July to August as it's northern hemisphere school holidays.
The monsoon season is from July to November, so it can get quite wet and the weather may be uncomfortably hot and humid for those that aren't accustomed to it. Yet travelling during this time can provide a different picture of Thailand, and is generally a less crowded time of year. March to June is less wet but is the hottest time in terms of temperatures. If you don't mind the heat then this can be a good time to visit to avoid the crowds.
Eating and Drinking in Thailand
- Pad Thai (Phat Thai): A well-known dish but for good reason. This delicious plate of stir-fried rice noodles garnished with peanuts is full of flavour and can be served with fresh prawns, chicken, tofu or vegetables.
- Tom Yum (Tom Yam): Usually prepared with stock, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and chilli, this soup is widely available in Thailand and has been popularised around the world
- Massaman Curry (Kaeng Matsaman): A dish with Muslim origins, this filling curry traditionally features coconut milk, potatoes, beef, bay leaves and peanuts
- Seafood: If staying on the coast or on one of the islands, be sure to make the most of the abundance of fresh seafood on offer. Seafood-based stir fries and fragrant curries, crab cakes, grilled fish and prawns are all great choices.
- Spirits & Beer: Local spirits Mekhong (whisky) and Sang Som (rum) are popular, and an icy bottle of the local Singha beer is refreshing on a hot, humid day. Please note the legal drinking age in Thailand is 20.
- Coconut Milk: For a super fresh thirst-quencher, try coconut milk straight from the husk
- Tropical Fruit: Fruit shakes and fresh fruit juices are widely available from markets and restaurants - make the most of all the tropical fruits of Thailand.
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Thailand has some of the best cuisine in the world, with everything from spicy dishes packed with chilli to milder coconut-based curries. With street stalls and night markets all over the country, it's really easy to pick up a snack wherever you are in Thailand. On many Intrepid trips you'll be given the opportunity to dine with a local family - this offers a great chance to see how meals are prepared and learn more about the ingredients.
Shopping in Thailand
- Vibrant fabric cushions, table cloths and hammocks
- Silver jewellery
- Handcrafted umbrellas or parasols
- Thai silk scarves, ties, wraps and other clothing
- Colourful Celadon ceramics
- Tailor-made clothes are inexpensive and can be made quickly, usually within a couple of days
Thailand offers great shopping - from lively street markets to huge shopping malls. Cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai have interesting night markets that are worth a visit. Bangkok's massive Chatuchak Market is an unforgettable metropolis filled with bizarre sights and smells. Selling everything from curious antiques and modern clothing to unique jewellery and colourful homewares, you'll need to dedicate a lot of time to navigate through this sometimes confusing market.
Most importantly, have fun and don’t forget to haggle for a good price. It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Supporting Grassroots Business
Accommodation
When travelling with us in Thailand you may find yourself staying in a:
Bamboo Hut
- Fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle in a simple bamboo hut. It may be basic, but this is a great way to experience the traditional way of life in Thailand.
Homestay
- Experience friendly Thai hospitality while staying with a local family living a traditional way of life. Make new friends, pick up some local lingo and leave smiling.
Rafthouse
- The ultimate room with a view - spend the night on a floating bamboo rafthouse. Enjoy the seclusion, soak up the serenity and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Transport
Depending on which trip you're on, you may find yourself travelling by:
Songthaew
- Share a ride with others in a Songthaew - a converted pick-up truck seen frequently throughout South-East Asia. Perfect for longer journeys between towns and villages.
Saamlaw
- See Thailand from the ground level on this three-wheeled wonder. Sometimes motorised but usually pedal-powered by a local, it’s a fun way to get from A to B or to see the sights of a new city.
Shortlist
Thailand at a glance
- 63
- Bangkok (population 5.8 million)
- 67 million
- Thai
- THB
- (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
- Type C (European 2-pin)
- +66
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