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THAILAND - Cosmos Affordable Tours · 2016-08-04 · Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is certainly a...

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Copyright, All rights reserved. THAILAND Capital: Bangkok Language: Thai Population: 67.5 Million Time Zone: EST plus 11 hours Currency: Thai baht (THB) Electricity: 220V/50Hz Fun Facts Thailand is one of the most visited countries in southeast Asia. Thailand is the only country in southeast Asia that has never been under European power. The Mekong River is home to the rare Asian river dolphin. Boxing is the national sport in Thailand. There’s a reason that so many adventurers seek out mystical Thailand – with experiences that tantalize all five senses and activities appealing to a wide variety of travel styles, Thailand is the perfect destination to witness an exciting blend of natural, cultural, historical and urban delights. Few places have the gorgeous beaches of Phuket, the wild enthusiasm of Bangkok, the 40,000-year-old history, and the natural appeal of the mountainous rural areas all packed into one country. Distinct surroundings remind visitors of Thailand’s rich Siamese influence, while the progressive civilization in the capital city propels it into modern age and the tribes' people in the north still preserve their ancient traditions. Bangkok Stepping off the plane in Bangkok you'll instantly feel the energy and excitement of this great city. The never- ending parade of commotion in the streets, the bountiful colors of nearby museums, shrines and temples, and vivacious entertainment and cuisine, make for an exciting introduction to Thailand. This buzzing hub of Southeast Asia is positioned over the Chao Phraya River, dotted with klongs (canals). A float down this river is a great way to see the city before really digging into its culture and idiosyncrasies – homes, temples, and frenetically moving commerce overwhelm your senses and take you in with every glance. A centerpiece in the city, the Temple of the Dawn, features a 260-foot spire rising up over the waters and coloring the river bank. This ancient architectural wonder is decked out in ornate colors, intricate detailing, and surrounded by statues of Buddha – a classic enshrinement of the Thai civilization. Other sites you won’t want to miss are the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, perhaps the most sacred and esteemed temple in Thailand containing a Buddhist statue carved entirely of a single block of jade. Experience the reverence of this ancient religion that dwells in the city and is practiced by 95 percent of the population. Check out a performance of classic Thai literature as you savor local fare and the performer’s elaborate costumes. As night falls on this lively metropolis, a sense of fun bubbles to the surface as the nightlife here is world renowned and there is no shortage of things to do and see. Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is certainly a sought-after stop for visitors of Thailand. Named the “Rose of the North”, this city possesses perhaps the richest cultural vibe and flourishing agriculture in the country. Filling the mountainous ridges and cradled in the lush valleys, this city is a wonderful place to enjoy traditional cuisine and customs, get up close to the native tribes people, and feel a part of this extraordinary way of life. From the city it is possible to visit some of the colorful hill tribes, like the Meo, Karen, and Akha.
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Page 1: THAILAND - Cosmos Affordable Tours · 2016-08-04 · Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is certainly a sought-after stop for visitors of Thailand. Named the “Rose of the North”, this city

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THAILANDCapital: Bangkok Language: Thai

Population: 67.5 Million Time Zone: EST plus 11 hours

Currency: Thai baht (THB) Electricity: 220V/50Hz

Fun Facts● Thailand is one of the most visited countries in southeast Asia.● Thailand is the only country in southeast Asia that has never been under European power.● The Mekong River is home to the rare Asian river dolphin.● Boxing is the national sport in Thailand.

There’s a reason that so many adventurers seek out mystical Thailand – with experiences that tantalize allfive senses and activities appealing to a wide variety of travel styles, Thailand is the perfect destination towitness an exciting blend of natural, cultural, historical and urban delights. Few places have the gorgeousbeaches of Phuket, the wild enthusiasm of Bangkok, the 40,000-year-old history, and the natural appeal ofthe mountainous rural areas all packed into one country. Distinct surroundings remind visitors of Thailand’srich Siamese influence, while the progressive civilization in the capital city propels it into modern age and thetribes' people in the north still preserve their ancient traditions.

BangkokStepping off the plane in Bangkok you'll instantly feel the energy and excitement of this great city. The never-ending parade of commotion in the streets, the bountiful colors of nearby museums, shrines and temples,and vivacious entertainment and cuisine, make for an exciting introduction to Thailand. This buzzing hub ofSoutheast Asia is positioned over the Chao Phraya River, dotted with klongs (canals). A float down this riveris a great way to see the city before really digging into its culture and idiosyncrasies – homes, temples, andfrenetically moving commerce overwhelm your senses and take you in with every glance. A centerpiece inthe city, the Temple of the Dawn, features a 260-foot spire rising up over the waters and coloring the riverbank. This ancient architectural wonder is decked out in ornate colors, intricate detailing, and surrounded bystatues of Buddha – a classic enshrinement of the Thai civilization. Other sites you won’t want to miss arethe Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, perhaps the most sacred and esteemed templein Thailand containing a Buddhist statue carved entirely of a single block of jade. Experience the reverenceof this ancient religion that dwells in the city and is practiced by 95 percent of the population. Check outa performance of classic Thai literature as you savor local fare and the performer’s elaborate costumes.As night falls on this lively metropolis, a sense of fun bubbles to the surface as the nightlife here is worldrenowned and there is no shortage of things to do and see.

Chiang MaiChiang Mai is certainly a sought-after stop for visitors of Thailand. Named the “Rose of the North”, this citypossesses perhaps the richest cultural vibe and flourishing agriculture in the country. Filling the mountainousridges and cradled in the lush valleys, this city is a wonderful place to enjoy traditional cuisine and customs,get up close to the native tribes people, and feel a part of this extraordinary way of life. From the city it ispossible to visit some of the colorful hill tribes, like the Meo, Karen, and Akha.

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Chiang RaiSomewhat in the shadows of Chiang Mai is its “laid back” neighbor, Chiang Rai. In recent years, Chiang Raihas gained more attention as a traveler’s paradise with a wide array of natural attractions, friendly locals,Buddhist shrines, and ruins of ancient settlements. Chiang Rai is also the perfect place to camp out in orderto see the Golden Triangle. Here, the mighty Mekong and the Ruak Rivers converge and pull together theboarders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. This notorious confluence was once the center of the largestproduction and trade of opium in the world. A visit to the remarkable Hall of Opium will educate visitors aboutthis influential and nefarious drug and serves as a tribute to the recovery of the region.

Ban ThatonBan Thaton sits peacefully on the banks of the Kok River, which is used by locals for transportation tovillages along the way to Chiang Rai. Soak up the relaxed, small town atmosphere with a boat ride on theriver, and enjoy the opportunity to view and experience some traditions of the more unique communitiesthat reside in the hills. Learn from the long-necked women of Paduang whose necks appear stretched fromthe brass rings added around their necks at an early age, and visit with the women in the egalitarian hilltribe village of Akha who wear spectacular and elaborate headdresses of silver coins.

PhuketTo get an inspiring and tropical experience in Thailand, venture down the peninsula to stunning Phuket.Harboring waters of indescribable brilliance, soft sand beaches, and mystical landscapes – seeminglyfloating plant-covered spires in the ocean – Phuket will spoil the senses and make for a truly memorablevacation. If you can, enjoy your overnight stays parked in one of the beachside resorts and spend your dayssoaking in the iconic aqua-coloured waters and sea breezes. Counter the relaxation of your resort with avisit to Phuket Town, where you can stroll around the local market and experience the notably pleasantbut vivacious streets; take the opportunity to duck into one of the unique restaurants of the historical oldquarter. Explore this breathtaking pocket along the coast and see a different side of the exuberant countryof Thailand.

Additional Places of InterestAs you travel out of Bangkok there are several interesting cities and sights worth a visit. At Kanchanaburi,take a train ride over the famed River Kwai Bridge, built during WWII. Learn about this area’s history andthose who suffered in the building of the railway at the Hellfire Pass Memorial. At Ayutthaya see Wat PhraSri Sanphet, Wat Mongkol Phopit and Bang Pa In, all built in the 18th century as a summer residence forthe Kings of Ayutthaya. Visit with resident monkeys at the Three Spires Pagoda & Sarn Parkan Temple inLopburi, Or head further north to the atmospheric, moated Old Town of Sukhothai to visit Sukhothai HistoricPark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,

VISAS AND PASSPORTS

A visa for your visit to Thailand is not necessary for Canadian Citizens. If you hold a passport from anothercountry, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Thailand.

All passengers travelling internationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification(your passport) on you and do not leave in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that requireyou to carry your passport with you at all times.

COUNTRY CODES

The country code for Thailand is 66. When calling to Thailand from overseas, dial your international accesscode (011 from the U.S./Canada) followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phonenumbers in Thailand are 8-9 digits in length. Dialing from the U.S./Canada: 011 66 # ### ####.

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CURRENCY

In Thailand the local currency is the Thai Baht. 1 Thai baht (#) = 100 satang

● Banknote denominations: #20, #50, #100, #500, #1000● • Coin denominations: 25, 50, #1, #2, #5, #10

Please note: US Dollars are accepted throughout the country as means of payment.

For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at globusfamily.com/currency.

For initial convenience we recommend you bring some local currency with you from home in case you arenot able to immediately access a money exchange or ATM.

Credit cards are accepted in Thailand and you should have no problem using them in larger shops andrestaurants in metropolitan cites. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. Smaller shops most likely willask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card. If you use a credit card foryour purchase, you will be debited in the local currency, and your bank will establish the rate of exchangeon the debit.

BUDGETING AND SHOPPING

The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person.Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages asprovided by our experienced personnel.

The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is #60-70.

An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately #150-200.

A steak dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at approximately#750-800.

ShoppingPrices are as marked in department stores, though in Asia it is customary to barter. Start negotiating withan offer at one-third or half the vendor's initial price.

Please be warned that if you buy items on tour to be shipped to your home, customs import charges arehardly ever included in the price. Sales tax or GST (Goods & Services Tax) is normally already included onprice tags; GST refunds, if applicable, are processed at the departing airport from the relevant country.

TIPPING

Tipping is not common among the locals in Thailand. Some restaurants will add a service charge to the billand this is considered the tip. If you wish to tip in Thailand, we recommend rounding up the bill to make it aneasy amount to pay. This applies to restaurants as well as taxi service. Tipping hotel staff is not necessaryor common.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

Voltage for outlets is 220V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, a converter may benecessary for your travels. Check the back of each charger carefully as some new electronics already havethis built in. In these cases adapters may be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet but not convertthe voltage. You may encounter different plugs, as shown below, but some hotels have combination outletsthat accept several different types of plugs.

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Type C Type E

TEMPERATURES

To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Thailand.

Month Bangkok Chiang Mai

January 24/32°C 15/30°C

February 24/33°C 16/33°C

March 26/34°C 19/35°C

April 27/36°C 23/37°C

May 27/34°C 24/34°C

June 26/33°C 24/32°C

July 26/33°C 24/32°C

August 26/33°C 24/32°C

September 25/33°C 23/32°C

October 25/32°C 22/31°C

November 24/32°C 19/30°C

December 22/32°C 16/28°C

To convert to Fahrenheit, multiply by 9 and then divide by 5, then add 32.

FOOD SPECIALTIES

Thai cuisine is well known for is spiciness and use of fresh ingredients. The food is a blend of severaltraditions in Southeast Asia. Popular dishes include: Tom Yum Goong – soup with shrimp, lemongrass, limeleaves, and several other vegetables. It can be ordered with coconut milk as well; Panang Gai – Chickenin a red curry paste with coconut cream; Nam Tok Moo – Grilled pork with green onions, chili, and mintin a fish sauce.

Drinking WaterTap water is generally not safe to drink throughout Asia. For sightseeing and excursions, bottled water maybe included; otherwise we recommend you bring bottled water with you from your hotel. Bottled water isalso common in restaurants.

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Last Updated 8/4/16

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CUSTOMS AND CULTURE

● Try not to point with your feet.● In the company of monks or elders, never cross your legs.● Do not touch people on the head or upper body.● When beckoning someone to come over do not flap your hand in the standard Western 'come

here' motion; instead turn the hand round so that your palm flaps down towards yourself.● Do not shake hands with monks or nuns as people in general rarely shake hands; rather smile and

nod away.● Ladies should never sit down next to a monk.● Shorts and skirts should be longish (below the knee) for both sexes and it is okay to expose arms.● Smoking is common in Asia so locals tend to be less sensitive to issues regarding smoking around

others and often ignore “non-smoking” signs.

A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE

Thai:Good morning/day:Sa wut dee ton chaow, Good evening: Sa wut dee ton yen, Hi:Sa wut dee, Please:Daa prod, Thank you: Kop Koon, You're welcome: Yin dee, Yes: Chai, No: Mai chai, Do you speakEnglish? Koon poot pa sa ungrit dai mai?, I don't understand: Mai khao jai, How much? Tao rai?, 1:Neung, 2: Song, 3: Sam, 4: See, 5:Ha, 6:Hok, 7: Jed, 8: Pad, 9: Khaow, 10: Sib, Where is...? Tee nai...?,Telephone: Tro ra sub, Bathroom: houng-num, Tea: Cha, Coffee: Ka faa, Bottled water: Nam deum(carbonated=soda, non-carbonated=nam plao), Cheers! Yin dee!, Have a nice day! Chok dee!


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