THAILAND

A paradise of sensory pleasures, breath-taking scenery and magnificent history Famed for its pristine beaches, lavishly decorated temples and deliciously spicy food, Thailand is situated on Mainland Southeast Asia. Bordering Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia. Popular attractions include the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Railay Beach in Krabi and Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

South African passport holders travelling to Thailand do not require a tourist visa. If you are entering via an international airport, you are allowed a stay of up to 30 days; if entering through a land border checkpoint, you are granted a stay of up to 15 days.

Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after date of departure and must have 2 blank pages available for stamps. Have a copy of proof of accommodation at your disposal.

Visa Cost: Extension Fee is 1,900 Baht (as per 2008-01-17)

Compulsory Vaccinations Required: Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)

Please note: Visa and vaccination information is correct at time of publish and are subject to change

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

The weather in Thailand is divided into three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (March to May) and the rainy season (June to October). The cool season is usually considered the best time to visit Thailand, as it has the most sunshine and least rain. Overall best months to visit Thailand are November, January and February.

AREAS TO VISIT AND THEIR MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Northern Thailand is vastly different from the south, appealing to those looking for an authentically rich experience of the landscape and its people. Chiang Mai is home to spectacular jungle trekking and zip-lining adventures, with elephant sanctuaries and ancient ruins along the way. To the left, Chiang Rai’s Phu Chi Fah mountain offers breath-taking views of Laos and the Mekong River. The sparkling Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Singha Park are also worth visiting, while the lush scenery and rice fields of Pai are equally exquisite

The south of Thailand is renowned for its pearly-white beaches and islands. Phuket boasts charming beach villages and is a gateway to the islands. Koh Lanta is a backpacker’s paradise and a stone’s throw from the Phi-Phi Islands; while Koh Pha-Ngan is hippie central, notorious for its wild full moon parties. Koh Samui and Ko Kut appeal to more refined travellers, with beach resorts and diving spots aplenty.

THE GRAND PALACE

Is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925.

WAT ARUN

Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, Thailand, on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun.

PA TONG

Refers to the beach and town on Phuket’s west coast. It is the main tourist resort on the island of Phuket, and is the centre of Phuket’s nightlife and shopping.

TEMPLE OF EMERALD BUDDAH

Wat Phra Kaew, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The complex consists of a number of buildings within the precincts of the Grand Palace in the historical centre of Bangkok.

PHANG NGA BAY

DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET

Is a floating market in Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province, about 100 kilometres southwest of Bangkok, Thailand. It has become primarily a tourist attraction, attracting domestic and foreign tourists. It is often considered the most famous floating market.

BIG BUDDAH PHUKET

Or The Great Buddha of Phuket, is a seated Maravija Buddha statue in Phuket, Thailand. The official name is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri, shortened to Ming Mongkol Buddha. Sitting atop Nakkerd Hill near Chalong,