Thailand is a country composed of almost 1,400 islands, 2,000 miles of coastline, and about 40,000 temples. This, combined with its proximity with other popular destinations such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Singapore, has made Thailand one of the most popular and visited countries in the world. Read below to learn more about the country.

The Basics:

• Languages: Thai is the official language, and secondary languages are not frequently spoken fluently

• Currency: Baht, Click here to see the current exchange rate

• Timezone: Indochina Time (UTC+7)

• Visas: Tourists from most European, North American, South American, Oceanic, and Asian countries can visit Thailand visa free for up to 30 days

• Driving side: Left

• Tipping: Not expected, but a small tip is appreciated

Places to Visit and Things to Do:

• Bangkok: The capital and most populous city it Thailand, Bangkok is located near the coast, and is the main point of arrival for most tourists. Bangkok is home to popular attractions such as the floating markets and temples

• Chiang Mai: This city is located in the mountainous, northern area of Thailand, and is another main tourist destination in Thailand. The area is home to plenty of famous temples, waterfalls, and other outdoor attractions. Chiang Mai is also home to many opportunities to experience the life and culture of monks.

• Elephant Sanctuary visit: Visiting an elephant sanctuary is a popular activity to do while in Thailand. Visitors can learn about the mission of the sanctuary and see elephants up close

• Island hopping: Thailand is home to plenty of unique and beautiful islands, many of which have resorts. The islands are known for having white sand, turquoise water, and tropical climate. Some of the best Thai islands include Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe, and Koh Chang.

Travel Tips:

• Do thorough research on an elephant sanctuary before visiting. Unfortunately, many elephant “sanctuaries” are there for just tourist purposes, and don’t provide enough space for elephants to roam. If a sanctuary advertises riding on an elephant, the sanctuary is not ethical

• Thailand’s monsoon season is between May and October, but this is the time of year that has less tourists visiting

• When visiting temples, wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders