Geography
The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia between China and India. The total area with numerous islands is 517 sq km (slightly smaller than France). It is maritime borders include Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea to the south, Andaman Sea to the west (Indian Ocean). Population is 56.9 millions people.
The phrase "Land of the free" is derived from the fact that the Thai are proud of the fact that Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never colonized by a European power. The country's official name was Siam (till 1939). Thailand is considered one of the most exotic countries of Asia. Thailand is often called the "land of smiles," because of the country's friendly people and fascinating culture and of its philosophy sanuk. The word "sanuk" means to have a good time, to enjoy oneself and to derive pleasure and joy from something.
Thailand’s most famous resorts are Pattaya and Phuket, also Islands-Samui, Chang, Krabi and more others.

Climate
The local climate is tropical and characterized by monsoons. There is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to October, as well as a dry and cool northeast monsoon from November to April. The southern isthmus is always hot and humid. The average temperature in the beginning of dry season verify from +22 in the morning to +33 in the noon. In the rainy season the temperature exceed +40 in shadow.

Import/export rules
Ukrainians may be granted by the Thai immigration authority at Bangkok International airport a tourist visa for a stay not exceeding 15 days upon arrival. You must provide valid passport and two passport size photographs. Visa fee is approximately 30 USD. Travelers departing on an international flight must pay a Passenger Service Charge 12 USD.
Travelers may import up to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or cigars, 1 liter of alcohol, and either one camera and up to five rolls of film or one video camera and three video tapes.
There are restrictions on the import and export of illegal drugs and all firearms and ammunition. The export of archaeological items or anything with historical value, religious artefacts and images of the Buddha requires a certificate of authorization from the Department of Fine Arts in Thailand. Radio transceiver equipment, plant and living materials, live animals or products, medicines and chemicals also require a permit from the relevant government agency.

Customs
Thais are extremely polite and their behavior tightly controlled by etiquette, much of it based on their Buddhist religion. To show anger or impatience or to raise your voice is s sign of weakness and lack of mental control.  The monarchy remains highly respected throughout Thailand and visitors to the country must be respectful also. Avoid disparaging remarks or jokes about the royal family. Avoid touching a Thai, even a child, on the head or hair, as the head is the most sacred part of the body.  When entering religious or government buildings, women should dress conservatively, particularly in mosques where legs and shoulders should be covered

Religion
According to the last census 93% of the total population is Buddhists. Muslims are the second largest religious group in Thailand. In Thailand since the ancient time, there has been a tradition of ordination. Every Thai boy or man is expected to be ordained as a monk for a while, at least three months in the rainy season. During their monk hood, they have to study Buddhism, to become the good Buddhists. The Thai society respects one who was ordained as a monk even for a while.

Currency
The currency in Thailand is the baht (Bh). 1 USD=40 baht. Foreign currency is easily exchanged at banks or currency-exchange houses as well as via ATMs, which are more convenient provided that one's card will work with the bank machine's various networks. Credit cards, especially Visa, are increasingly being accepted at many establishments; almost all four-star hotels and above accept them. ATMs are widely available, although travelers should confirm through their banks if they will be able to access their accounts in Thailand. Banks work Mon-Fri from 8:30-15:30, in Bangkok till 20:00-21:00. Currency-exchange from 9:00-21:00(22:00)

Language
Thai is the official language of Thailand. Educated people, especially in Bangkok, often speak English or another Western language. Also, many workers in the tourist industry speak English. Many taxi drivers only speak Thai.

Food
You won’t find country in Asia with such diversity of dishes as in Thailand.  You can taste dishes of Mexican, French, Scandinavian and Japanese kitchen. Thais kitchen is considered one of the best in the world. Dinner in the restaurant will cost from 8 do15 $ per person. Most restaurants close at 1:00 am. It is not recommended to buy food on the beach..

Transport
Visitors possessing valid International Driving Licenses may prefer to hire automobiles. English-language road signs and maps are commonplace. There are many international car hire companies such as Avis and Hertz operating in major cities and resorts like Pattaya, Hat Yai, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Samui Island. It is cheaper and more convenient to use taxi. The price depends on distance. Usually it Range from 50 cents to 2 dollars in Pattaya resort.

Communications
Make call from the hotel is expensive. It is cheaper to use phone cards. International phone card is possible to buy in any supermarket.  Government telephone centers are usually located near post offices, and only the ones in Bangkok and Chiang Mai are open 24 hours a day.

Tipping
Tipping is not necessary, but people generally leave approximately 10 to 15 percent of the total bill. Many restaurants and most hotels, however, include a 10 percent gratuity with their bills. B 20-30 is a decent tip for bag handlers and similar service staff.

Shops
Most stores and supermarkets are open Monday through Friday from 0900 to 1900, although some are close at 2000 or 2100. Retail shops are often open seven days a week, especially small, family-owned stores. Good buys include Thai silks and cottons, leather goods, batiks, silver and gold, pottery with celandine green glaze, precious and semiprecious stones (in particular rubies and sapphires are indigenous to Thailand), pearls, dolls, masks, painted umbrellas, lacquer ware, pewter ware, bamboo and wood artifacts and bronze ware.

[Tags: Tours to Thailand]
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