The 3 Best Things About Thailand Travel

Capital city Bangkok is the most common place to start a tour of Thailand. Thailand holidays offer something for everyone, from the frantic pace of Bangkok and the full moon party on Kho Pha Ngan, to the historic temples of Ayutthaya and well beyond.

In many cases, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycle-powered rickshaws, and pick-up trucks will be the only options available for travelers without their own transport. For hire vehicles: Cities outside of Bangkok typically have only rudimentary public transportation and usually do not have metered taxis. Bus system: Bangkok also has an extensive bus system, but buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety.

Look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk. Use a pedestrian bridge to cross the road where one is available, including in front of the U.S. Embassy on Wireless Road and on Sukhumvit Road, where many pedestrians have been killed and several U.S. citizens seriously injured. You should consult with your local physician before traveling and also refer to information on medical tourism from CDC.

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Travelers should check the safety records of operators. However, safety standards, inspections and training may not be equivalent to those in the United States.

Adventure Tourism, such as zip lining, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and off-roading, is popular in Thailand. You may call the Family Services Emergency hotline by dialing 1300 from any Thai phone. Domestic Issues-local police are reluctant to become involved.

As an example, purposely tearing Thai bank notes, which carry an image of the King, may be considered a lèse majesté offense. Making a critical or defamatory comment about the royal family is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 15 years per offense. Lèse majesté- Thais hold the monarchy in the highest regard.

Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Other common scams-Scams involving gems, city tours, entertainment venues, and credit cards are common, especially in tourist areas. Sexually motivated violence, committed by both Thai citizens and visitors, is most likely to occur at parties, bars, clubs, on beaches, or in other remote/isolated areas.

If you must travel to these areas, you should exercise special caution. We urge you to defer non-emergency travel there. We prohibit our personnel from traveling to this region without prior approval.

Martial law is in force in this region. Far Southern Thailand - Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla: Violence Hotel in Thailand these provinces has resulted in more than 6,500 deaths since 2004. Return flight to Bangkok for your international flight home.

Take a boat to James Bond Island, try a canoe excursion, book a spa treatment, or just laze on the beautiful beaches of Khao Lak. Visit the main sites of Bangkok before a dinner on the Chao Phraya River on a converted rice barge.