Further Highlights
Bangkok and further afield are ideal for stopovers on the way to Australia and New Zealand.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand, it is the 22nd most populous city in the world, with a recorded population of about 6 million, but the actual number is thought to be much higher.  

The city is a major economic and financial centre of Southeast Asia. Bangkok has one of the fastest rates in the world for construction of high rise buildings. The city's wealth of cultural sites makes it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

Here is some useful information on travelling times from Bangkok:
Hua Hin - approx. 2/3 hours by road
Pattaya - approx. 2 hours by road
Phuket - approx. 1 hour by air
Samui - approx. 1 hour by air
Chiang Mai - approx. 1 hour by air

Visa Information
UK nationals visiting as tourists will require a valid passport (validity of more than 6 months), but not a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

Weather
The climate in Thailand is tropical, with a mean annual temperature of 28°C and high humidity.

It is very hot in the Central Plains and South, cooler in the North, particularly hilly areas.

The overall best time to visit Thailand is November to March when the days are mostly dry and the humidity lower, although Koh Samui is best from June to September.

Transport
Bangkok: The regular non air-conditioned buses are cheap and plentiful. Air conditioned and microbuses are also available and are only a fraction more expensive. Bangkok’s subway system (MRTA) was opened in 2004 and connects all of Bangkok’s key attractions. The Bangkok (BTS) Skytrain provide safe, cheap and rapid rides to popular areas of Bangkok. Other convenient ways to get around the city are by taxis, river taxis, tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis.

Further afield: Thailand has an excellent domestic airline network with frequent flights provided by Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways. Thailand also has several low cost airline options. Combined with excellent railway, coach and bus services, the main cities, towns and resorts are well connected.

Currency
Thai Baht (THB). You can withdraw money from Banks and ATM's across Thailand. Currency exchange is available at banks and hotels

Health, Hygiene and Safety
Despite the fact that the authorities have made efforts to make tap water meet World Health Organization standards, very few people drink tap water in Thailand, even the local population. Bottled water is widely used instead.

There are no compulsory inoculations for Thailand. Precautions against Malaria and Hepatitis B/typhoid vaccinations are recommended if you plan on travelling onwards to Northern Thailand or near to the boarders of the Mekhong regions. Always consult your local GP before travelling

Large cities have clinics which specifically cater for tourists and offer a very high standard of care. They are able to liaise with insurance companies, where necessary.

Buying medication over the counter is not recommended, because fake medications and poorly stored or out-of-date drugs are common.