Overview
Thailand is a country in Asia according to thereligionfaqs. Millions of tourists visit Thailand every year, which offers world-class beaches and turquoise waters as well as a rich culture, modern shopping malls, chic boutiques and colorful markets with lots of bargains. Thailand has elevated pampering to an art form. The country’s numerous wellness centers offer traditional treatments for all budgets, whether in 5-star luxury hotel complexes or in a hut on the beach. On the other hand, if you prefer to plunge into the exciting hustle and bustle of the big city, Bangkok is the place for you. In the early morning, the saffron-robed Buddhist monks leave the shelter of their wats (temple), to accept alms from the locals. This picture is repeated every day across the country, both in small, dusty villages and on busy city streets. Buddhism is inseparable from Thai culture, but the monarchy also enjoys widespread support.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
The national airline is called Thai Airways International (TG). Thai Airways (TG) flies non-stop from Frankfurt/M., Munich and Zurich to Bangkok and from Frankfurt/M. and from Munich to Phuket. Non-stop connections to Bangkok are also provided by Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M. as well as from Munich (with Sun Express) and by Swiss (LX) from Zurich. Edelweiss Air (WK)/Swiss (LX) flies direct from Zurich to Phuket. Emirates (EK) flies from Frankfurt/M., Hamburg, Munich and Düsseldorf via Dubai to Phuket. Finnair (AY) connects Vienna with Bangkok via Helsinki. Ukraine International Airlines (PS) flies from Kyiv to Bangkok. There are good connections from Geneva and Zurich.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Bangkok: 10 hrs 35 mins; Munich – Bangkok: 10 hrs 35 mins; Vienna – Bangkok: 9 hours 50 minutes; Zurich – Bangkok: 10 hours 35 minutes
airpasses
Discovery Airpass: Offered by Bangkok Airways (PG) and Lao Airlines (QV), the Airpass entitles you to discounted flights within Thailand on Bangkok Airways (PG) and domestic and various international flights on Lao Airlines (QV), including Bangkok to Hong Kong or the Maldives. The coupons required for the flights (minimum 3, maximum 16) can be purchased from any IATA travel agency. Bangkok Airways (PG) and Lao Airlines (QV) as well as travel agencies provide detailed information.
Arrival by car
You can enter Thailand by land from Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos and Myanmar. The Asian Highway connects Thailand with neighboring countries. Four Thai-Laos Friendship Bridges across the Mekong link Thailand to Laos. Bus: Thailand has a very well developed bus network, with both state and privately operated buses. There are bus stations in all major cities, in Bangkok there are even three (East, North/Northeast and South bus stations), depending on the destination. Tickets are available at the bus station or from travel agencies, which often automatically sell the more expensive tickets from private providers with better service. Tolls: Thai highways are subject to tolls. The fee is paid either in cash or by purchasing a slightly cheaper sticker (Expressway Tag) to be attached to the windscreen. With this sticker, special lanes can be used at the toll stations. The toll for the Autobahn 7 and 9 can also be paid with the so-called “M-Pass”. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, car travelers need the international driver’s license. Alternatively, a conversion of the national driver’s license into a Thai driver’s license can be applied for at the Department of Land Transport. Travelers staying in Thailand for more than three months require a Thai driver’s license.
Arrival by train
Direct trains operated by State Railways of Thailand run from Bangkok to Butterworth in Malaysia, with connections to other Malaysian cities and to Singapore, and from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet (journey time: 4 hrs 30 mins to 5 hrs 40 mins) at the border Cambodia and to Nong Khai on the Laos border. However, long delays are common on these train connections, which is why arriving by bus is usually faster. The Belmond Ltd. Eastern and Oriental Express operated in London serves the route Bangkok – Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – Singapore (one way – 3 days, return – 4 days).
Arrival by ship
Bangkok is Thailand’s largest international port. Passenger traffic is also operated on a small scale by freight and passenger shipping companies. Ferry crossings for passengers between Thailand and Laos are available at several points along the Mekong.
Cruise ships
Cruise lines serving Bangkok and Phuket include: Princess Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, Star Clippers, Royal Caribbean and AIDA.
Ferry provider
Langkawi Ferry Services connect Satun (Thailand) with Langkawi (Malaysia).
