With sixteen million visitors flying into the country each year, Thailand is Asia’s number one travel destination for backpackers, honeymooners, families, solo travellers and couples alike.
With a huge range of sights to see and places to visit, Thailand has stayed true to its cultural identity whilst still adapting to the Western influences of the tourists who come to enjoy it. Despite the looming skyscrapers, frivolity and neon lights of Bangkok and Pattaya, the typical Thai community is actually very traditional, with many generations still upholding employment in farming and fishing. There’s no shortage of Buddhist temples and ancient architecture either.
Nearly half of all Thai people earn their living from the land by growing rice, which forms the foundation of the country’s infamous, unique cuisine. Don’t forget to try some of the delicious local delicacies whilst you’re there too, such as Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Gaeng Daeng (red curry) and Pad Krapow Moo Saap (fried basil and pork).
With its breath-taking beaches, stunning wildlife and fascinating islands, Thailand is the kind of place you’ll be dreaming about for many years to come.
5 Things You Need to Know About Thailand
Here are five things you may not have known about Thailand, which you’ll want to make note of before packing your bags:
Time Difference: UTC +7 hours
Currency: Thai baht
Native Language: Thai
Weather: Thailand's climate is tropical with a mean annual temperature of 28°C and high humidity. There are three distinct seasons - the hot season from March to May, the cool season from November to February and the rainy season from about June to October.
Sales Tax: 7%
Flying to Thailand from Australia
Here’s everything you’ll need to know about flying to Thailand from Australia, including flight times and entry requirements.
Flight Times
Flights from Australia to Thailand generally take around nine hours, with direct flights available from Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth.
Flights from other cities in Australia such as Brisbane and Alice Springs will require you to take an indirect route, which may take a little longer.
Entry Requirements
Australian citizens can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days as long as they hold a valid passport.
Airlines That Fly to Thailand
The following airlines offer direct flights from Australia to Thailand:
- Qantas
- Jet Star
- Malaysia Airlines
- Thai Airways
- Emirates
- Bangkok Airways
- Virgin Australia
- Singapore Airlines
10 Thailand Must-Dos
If you’ve never visited Thailand before and are wondering what the ‘must-see’ sights and attractions are, here are our top ten:
- The Grand Palace, Bangkok
- The Golden Triangle
- Phuket Big Buddha
- Patong Beach
- Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
- BTS Skytrain
- Maeklang Elephant Conservation Community
- Wildlife Friends of Thailand
- Sukhothai Historical Park
- Cheow Lan Dam (Ratchaprapa Dam)
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