The name “Thailand” was officially proclaimed in 1949, means “Land of the Free” 

Thai people are always friendly, greeting visitors with the gracious hospitality and sincere expression  of friendship that has earned Thailand the title of “Land of smiles”. The “Wai”, a gesture made by pressing the hands together at the chest, is the traditional greeting customary    of the people in Thailand. It is considered polite to return greetings in the same manner as they are offered, so when greeted by a Wai it is best to respond with a Wai.

Metropolitan Bangkok covers 1569sq km (612sq mi) of southern Thailand, sitting in the middle of the most fertile rice-producing delta in the world. A network of natural and artificial canals crisscross the city, feeding to and from Thailand's hydrological lifeline - the broad Mae Nam Chao Phraya - which snakes through the city providing transport for passengers and cargo.

Bangkok is divided in two by the main north-south train line. Old Bangkok, where a large proportion of the city's temples and palaces and its Chinese and Indian districts are found, lies between the river and the railway. East of the railway, comprising the main business and residential districts, is 'new' Bangkok. Outside of these general classifications, Bangkok spreads in all directions with a mixture of commercial, industrial and residential areas.

Pre-20th-Century History

Before becoming Thailand's capital in 1782, Bang Makok or 'Place of Olives' (now Bangkok) was an outlying district of Thonburi, a town founded as a trading post in the mid-16th century. Due to its proximity to Siam's capital, Ayuthaya, the town also developed military significance. In the 18th century a fortress was built on the banks of the Chao Phraya and a great iron chain hung across the river to block unwelcome arrivals.

In 1782, King Rama I, the founder of the long-running Chakri dynasty, moved the capital to Bangkok on the other side of the river, believing it was an easier location to defend. Using thousands of Khmer prisoners of war, city walls were built, the canal system was expanded, and new temples were erected by artisans from Ayuthaya. When the construction of the new capital was finished in 1785, it was given a new name: a tongue-twister comprising 164 letters which referred modestly to divine gems, unconquerable lands and divine shelters. The name was mercifully shortened to Krung Thep ('City of Angels'), but the city is still known by its old Bangkok moniker to most of the outside world.

The first half of the 19th century in Bangkok saw a frenzy of temple building under the rule of Rama III, while the definitive moment of his successor's turn at the throne was the construction of the city's first road alongside the river in 1861. More roads were soon added and, well before the turn of the century, horse-drawn carriages and rickshaws had replaced watercraft as the favoured mode of urban travel.

Modern History

In the first decades of the 20th century the city grew in all directions and numerous roadways were added to carry new motorised forms of transport. In 1932 Thailand established a constitutional government and Bangkok became the hub of a vast but still expanding public service. In WWII the Japanese briefly occupied parts of the city and following the war Bangkok quickened its pace towards modernisation. From the mid-1960s the city became a favourite 'rest and recreation' spot for foreign troops involved in the Vietnam conflict and the sex trade continues to this day in the form of various nightclubs and massage parlours. After riding a double-digit economic boom through the 1980s, Bangkok was hit hard by the economic crisis that swept Asia in 1997 - a crisis that came with warning signs which few local and international observers chose to acknowledge.

Airports  ( Click here for new rules for international flights )

For most visitors Bangkoks new airport suvarnabhumi international will be your entry point to Thailand. SUVARNABHUMI International was officially opened on September 28 2006. The airport covers an approximate area of 8,000 acres. Downtown Bangkok is about 25 klms or 40 minutes by car. Once  you have collected your luggage and cleared customs your adventure begins. For those who have selected an airport pickup you will be met and transfered to your accomodation. ENJOY

Please note. As from March 25, 2007 some (not all) domestic flights within Thailand will operate out  of Bangkoks old airport (don muang) If you have booked your domestic flights through Thailand  Tours you will be advised which airport your flight will operate from

Drinking water

Water consumption is not recomended within Thailand, 1 to 2 bottles of drinking water per day are included in your room cost, additional bottled water is readily available and is inexpensive.

Travel Doctor advice and information

This section will help you with any health concerns you may have. (click here)

Australian Customs

Passengers should be aware of prohibited and restricted imports. ( view here )

Thai Calendar

In 1940, Thailand moved its New Year's Day from April 13th to January 1st. The old New Year is still a holiday called Songkran. Years are counted as the Buddhist era (B.E.) which started 543 years earlier than the Christian, era, therefore 2002 AD is the year 2545 BE.

New Years Day Jan 1st

In Thailand there are three New Year's days. The Western, on Jan 1st, the Chinese New Year on the first day of the First Lunar month, usually in February and the Thai New Year marked by the Songkhran festival in April. Thais usually exchange gifts on January 1st.

Phra BuddhaBahtFair

Held at the temple of the Holy Footprint at Saraburi, 236Km north of Bangkok, from 31st January to 1st February. Many activities including music and outdoor drama.

Bosang Umbrella Fair

Held in Chiang Mai during January, it features colourful paper umbrellas and other local handicrafts.

Chinese New Year

1st day of the first Chinese Lunar month, usually in February. Businesses close for 3-4 days giving families time to get together and worship at one of the Chinese Buddhist temples. There may also be public celebrations with acrobats, Lion Dance and firecrackers. The latter are believed to frighten away "foreign devils".

Flower Carnival

Held in Chiang Mai during February it features parades and colourful floats exhibiting the local flora.

Makha Bucha Day

End of February/beginning of March, depending on the moon. This commemorates the day when 1250 of Buddha's disciples gathered spontaneously to hear him preach. Buddhists visit Wats and make merit by such acts as releasing caged birds. In the evening the celebrations culminate in a candle lit procession around the main temple building.

Chakri Day 6th April

Commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, of which the present King Bhumipon is the 9th King. Portraits of the King and Queen are prominently displayed and decked with tributes of flowers.

Songkhran 13-15th April

This is the celebration of the old Thai New Year. Buddhists visit the temple for the ceremony of Rod Nam Dam Nua. They sprinkle water on the Buddha images, and on the hands of the monks and novices at the temple, as an offering to express confidence that the supply of water will be adequate to cover the dry season.

Songkhran is a time when the Thai family will try to be together, and many people will travel back to their home village.

This holiday has now become secularized, with exuberant merrymakers taking to the streets throwing water at each other, and you, by the cup full, the bucket full, or even with a hose. To add to the fun, talc is mixed with the water and may be daubed on your face. Take it all in good spirit, no one is exempt, not even the policemen. The cool water may even be a welcome relief as the festival coincides with the time when the sun is due overhead and the weather can be very hot.

Pattaya Festival

Held during the second week of April in Pattaya on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard. It features processions, floral displays, and other special events plus a spectacular fireworks display.

National Labour Day - 1st May

This holiday follows the lead of many western countries, whose workers now celebrate Labour Day.

Coronation Day - 5th May

This celebrates the coronation of the present King Bhumipon, Rama IX. Tributes are paid at shrines and portraits of His Majesty.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

This is an ancient Brahman ceremony, held under Royal patronage in Bangkok during May, which celebrates the beginning of the rice planting season.

Fruit Fair

A festival is held in Rayong during May and another in Chantaburi during June. They feature locally grown fruit such as rambutan, durian, and jack fruit.

Visakha Bucha Day - Full moon of the 6th Lunar Month.

This celebrates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha, and is therefore the most sacred day on the Buddhist calendar.

Asalaha Bucha Day - Mid July

This is the day before the start of Buddhist Lent. Many young men, who are about to become monks, hold parties on this day.

Buddhist Lent - Mid July

This marks the start of Khao Pansa, period similar to the Christian Lent. During the period monks do not travel to other monasteries, their religious duties are strictly observed, and the novice monks receive their training in the teachings of Buddha.

Candle Festival

Held in Ubon Ratchatani on Khao Pansa Day. Candles carved from bees wax are paraded through the streets.

H.M. Queen's Birthday - 12th August

Tributes are paid to Her Majesty, and donations are made to the many charitable organisations that are patronised by the Queen.

Chulalongkorn Day - 23rd October

This commemorates the death of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, who reigned between 1868 and 1910. He is renowned for his achievements in the fields of education, modernisation and progressive thinking.

Buffalo Races

Held in Chonburi (80Km east of Bangkok) during October.

Loy Krathong - Full Moon 12th Lunar month, November

The festival is believed to date back to the Sukhothai period, but its exact significance is uncertain. Krathongs, or lotus flowers made of natural materials, containing a candle, incense sticks, a coin or  two and beautifully decorated with flowers are launched into the sea, or any convenient stretch of water, as a thanksgiving to the water spirits, and a cleansing of sins.

River Kwai Bridge Week

A week long series of historical exhibitions, light and sound shows, and vintage train rides held in Kanchanaburi during the last week of October.

Annual Elephant Roundup

Held during the third week of November at Surin in North East Thailand.

Trouping of the Colour - 3rd December

Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this annual event which is held in the Royal Plaza, Bangkok.

H.M. King's Birthday - 5th December

People demonstrate their respect for King with flags, displays and other tributes.

Constitution Day - 10th December

This marks the day in 1932, when the monarchy became constitutional, at the very beginning of democracy on Thailand.

New Year's Eve - 31st December

The end of the old year when everybody celebrates.

Bangkok Religions

The political, commercial and cultural hub of Thailand, Bangkok is one of the most celebrated cities in entire Southeast Asia. The architecture, cityscape, lifestyle and especially the nightlife of Bangkok highlight its multinational image. Steeped with modern tourism delights, it is a favorite getaway amongst vacationers worldwide. However, apart from its urban sensations, some other things that make Bangkok a tourism magnet include its deep-rooted traditional beliefs and multifarious culture, earning it the status of one of the most racially homogenous cities of Asia.

Bangkok is a highly populous city, with about 6 million inhabitants. However, including the nearby provinces, the overall population of the city escalates to approximately 9 million. Thus, the total population of Bangkok is nearly 49 times more than the second largest city of Chiang Mai, with the population segregating to numerous religions, races, castes and creeds. Therefore, Bangkok witnesses widespread diversity in terms of religion and culture, which lends the city its enviable vibrancy and resplendence.

Most of the people of Bangkok are ethnic Thai, practicing Theravada Buddhism, also including maximum immigrants from China and India. The Thai population is about 85-90%, whereas Chinese are the largest minority group, comprising nearly 8-9% of the population. In fact, the Chinese who immigrated to Thailand during the 19th and the 20th century occupy a significant presence among all the non-Thai religious communities of the place. They are considered the closest relatives of the Thais, allowing intermarriage between the two communities.

Another major religion of Bangkok is Islam, comprising around 5% of the total population. Some other important faiths include Hinduism, Christianity, Confucianism and Sikhism. Many people also practice animism and spirit worship. Even though, various religions peacefully co-exist in the place, the predominance of Buddhism in Bangkok cannot be denied. Monks are highly venerated by the people. Besides, the tangible aspect of the religion manifests in the form of the Wats (monasteries), surrounding the city. These Wats not only form important religious centers, but also occupy centre stage in the social lives of all the people of Bangkok.

Wat Pho

Popularly known as Wat Phra Chetuphon among the Thais, Wat Pho is one of the most celebrated Wats in Bangkok. Located on Chetuphon Road, in the Phra Nakhon District of the city, the temple houses the largest Reclining Buddha Image (Phra Buddhasaiyas) in Thailand, thus earning itself another name - The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Apart from the massive Buddha image, Wat Pho also holds more than one thousand Buddha images, making it the largest depository of Buddha images all over Thailand. With its boundary encompassing an area of 20 acres, it also claims excellence as the largest Wat in the country.

Built approximately 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand's capital, it is claimed to be the oldest Wat of the country. However, today, the Wat shows no traces of its primeval history, owing to its major restoration works during the regimes of Rama I and Rama III. Leaving aside its antiquity, the focal attraction of the temple is its huge gold plated Reclining Buddha statue. It is 46 m long and 15 m high, with eyes and feet delicately carved with mother-of-pearl decoration. The feet of the statue also present the 108 holy characteristics of the true Buddha, in both Chinese and Indian styles.

Apart from the stunning image of the Reclining Buddha, the temple grounds exhibit more than 1000 Buddha images, most of them tracing back their history to the former capitals of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai. The entire temple compound of Wat Pho is bisected into two by Chetuphon Road, with the northern side housing the temple hall (Bot) and other attractions, like marble slabs, cenotaphs, statues, inscriptions, rock gardens, chapels and belltowers. There is also a library with magnificent figures and pagodas. The southern walled section, known as 'Tukgawee', is home to a working Buddhist monastery and a school.

Another characteristic of Wat Pho that marks its popularity is its association with Thai massages. The temple is considered as Thailand's first university and the bedrock of traditional Thai massages. Stone inscriptions on the temple walls narrate the rich heritage of Thai massage from the reign of King Rama III. The site was also a major study center of traditional medicine of Thailand. Today, the place offers a number of ancient healing massage therapies and offers courses and trainings on traditional massages and reflexology techniques of Thailand. Admission charges for entering the temple ground are 20 Baht per person.