Siam Circle | Your Thailand Information Website

Welcome

Hello and Welcome! Here at Siam Circle you will find useful information about Thailand to help you out if you are planning your first trip or if you visit Thailand on a regular basis. Plus, we have links to Thai newspapers (in English and Thai) and Interactive Maps to help you get around easier. Also, You can find the best deals on Hotel rooms in Thailand right here. We've got Blogs, Thai music, videos and so much more. So, Good Luck to you, have fun and Sawatdee.

Travel in Thailand

In Bangkok the new Sky Train has eased the pressure on the buses and taxis that ply the city's roads. The opening of Bangkok's new underground railway system has also had a similar affect.

Domestic air services are operated by Thai International,, Air Asia, Bangkok Airways and Orient Thai with regular services to most major destinations. Aircraft are modern, service is good, and the fares are competitively priced.

The train service run by the State Railway is a pleasant and cheap way to travel. From Bangkok there are lines to Chiang Mai and Nong Khai in the north, Ubon Ratchatani in the north east, Kanchanaburi to the west of Bangkok, and Had Yai in the south. The trains will stop at most large towns along the way, but some of the express services have limited stops, so check before buying a ticket. Most hotels will have a train time table and will happy to book you a ticket.

Air conditioned buses, both state and privately owned, run to most major destinations, and are generally the most economical way to travel. On long overnight journeys the bus will usually stop somewhere en route and passenger are treated to a free meal. For destinations off the beaten track the only choice may be one of the slower non-airconditioned buses. Most hotels will have facilities for booking tickets.

If you are travelling within Thailand during April around the time of the Songkran festival book well in advance. Many Thais travel back to their hometowns at this time so getting a seat may not be easy.

Airlines

Most international airlines have offices in Bangkok. If you want to reconfirm your flight either telephone the Bangkok office or ask a travel agent to do it for you.

There are several new airlines that have opened up domestic and regional services. Links can be found on our home page. Watch out for new of new low cost airlines that are starting in the region.

Car for Hire

Major destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket all have car hire companies offering modern well maintained vehicles with full insurance cover. Many tourist destinations have motorcycles for rent, but you may only get third party insurance cover, and may be liable for any damage or repairs to the vehicle. Read the agreement carefully before signing.

Driving in Thailand is on the left, front seat passengers must wear seat belts, and crash helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists. Remember to bring your International Driving Permit.

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Do's and Don'ts

Thai people are among the most tolerant and forbearing of hosts, they have nevertheless a number of customs and taboos which the visitor should respect. To help with this the Tourist Authority of Thailand publishes a tiny booklet entitled "Do's and Don'ts in Thailand". A few extracts are included here:

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. You may see Westernised young Thai's holding hands in public, but that is as far as it goes, in polite society.
Topless bathing may be considered acceptable in your own country, but is inappropriate in Thailand.
Thai's consider the head as the highest part of the body, both literally and figuratively. As a result they don't approve of touching anyone on the head, even as a friendly gesture.
It is considered rude to point the sole of your foot at another person, so try to avoid doing so when sitting opposite someone, and following the concept that the foot is the lowest limb, don't point your foot to show anything to anyone.
Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman wants to give anything to a monk or novice, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. In case the woman wants to present it with her hand, the monk or novice will spread out a piece of saffron robe, and the woman will lay down the gift on the material.
It is alright to wear shoes whilst walking around the grounds of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the Buddha image is kept. Women should ensure that their legs and shoulders are covered before entering a Buddhist temple. Please do not wear shorts.
The Thai people have a deep traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and the visitor should also show respect for the King and the Queen, and the Royal Children. When attending a public event where a member of the Royal Family is present, the best guide on how to behave is to watch the crowd and do as it does.

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