TIME DIFFERENCE
All of Thailand is in the same time zone that is based on Bangkok time which is seven hours ahead of Greenwich mean time (GMT+7). There is no daylight savings, so you don’t have to worry about changing your clocks around.
CLIMATE
Thailand extends over a large area but can be described as a tropical monsoon climate. This means that the there are two main seasons (dry and wet). The dry season (November to February) is cooler and less humid with temperatures getting as low as 15 degrees centigrade in the north and as high as 35c. In the wet season (May to October) it is very humid (80-100%) and hot with temperatures in the high 30s.
CURRENCY
The currency in use in Thailand is the Thai Baht (B). The denominations are 1B, 2B, 5B and 10B coins; 20B, 50B, 100B, 500B, 1000B notes. Thailand is very westernised for an Asian country and there are ATMs in nearly all developed towns and cities. Changing money can easily be done at the main airports and most banks and changing from Thai Baht to other currencies is also easy.
SHOPPING
Thailand has had western tourists for many years now and competition for the tourist money is fierce. Expect to be lambasted and pestered when on the street and in markets (this pestering may not occur in some shops). Bangkok has many large, international brands in its network of malls, while other cities have most of their shopping available in smaller Thai malls and markets. Souvenirs are readily available in street markets - especially night markets, which are great locations to pick up gifts for friends, try street food, and people-watch. In the larger cities there are supermarkets and most western conveniences, and every town will have at least one 7-11.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
You must have valid and current travel insurance to travel with Stray in Asia.
HEALTH
Before travelling to Thailand, you should visit a travel doctor for quality medical advice (we want you to be healthy and enjoy your trip with us). There are many diseases present in tropical climates that are transmitted by mosquitoes, so discuss what vaccinations you might need with them. It is possible to get dengue fever and malaria (remote areas) from mosquitoes so we recommend you carry some strong (>30%) insect repellent.