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Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok... Page 1 / 13

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

JESSIE GREEN JENNA KEARNS SUZY GOULDING GOSIA WASIKOWSKA INDIA INDIA TOBAGO OPERATIONS

JESS HILTON SIMON GILL BARBARA PODBIAL EVA MARKETING & CARIBBEAN; BARBADOS MOROCCO, BALI, THAILAND STRATEGY & ST LUCIA LOMBOK & CAPE TOWN VILLAS

MARBREE PHILIPPINES

KATIE NEW ZEALAND

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 ABOUT US DESTINATIONS INSPIRATION CONTACT US OFFERS GIVING BACK

Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look. Page 2 / 13

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

JESSIE GREEN JENNA KEARNS SUZY GOULDING GOSIA WASIKOWSKA INDIA INDIA TOBAGO OPERATIONS

JESS HILTON SIMON GILL BARBARA PODBIAL EVA MARKETING & CARIBBEAN; BARBADOS MOROCCO, BALI, THAILAND STRATEGY & ST LUCIA LOMBOK & CAPE TOWN VILLAS

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Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seenPage 3 / 13 two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

JESSIE GREEN JENNA KEARNS SUZY GOULDING GOSIA WASIKOWSKA INDIA INDIA TOBAGO OPERATIONS

JESS HILTON SIMON GILL BARBARA PODBIAL EVA MARKETING & CARIBBEAN; BARBADOS MOROCCO, BALI, THAILAND STRATEGY & ST LUCIA LOMBOK & CAPE TOWN VILLAS

MARBREE PHILIPPINES

KATIE NEW ZEALAND

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Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. Page 4 / 13 know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

JESSIE GREEN JENNA KEARNS SUZY GOULDING GOSIA WASIKOWSKA INDIA INDIA TOBAGO OPERATIONS

JESS HILTON SIMON GILL BARBARA PODBIAL EVA MARKETING & CARIBBEAN; BARBADOS MOROCCO, BALI, THAILAND STRATEGY & ST LUCIA LOMBOK & CAPE TOWN VILLAS

MARBREE PHILIPPINES

KATIE NEW ZEALAND

DESTINATION * Where do you want to go?

DATES When are you hoping to travel?

Can be approx

BUDGET DOES THIS BUDGET INCLUDE FLIGHTS? I don't want to spend more than about: Yes No £/per person

ANYTHING WE SHOULD KNOW TO MAKE YOUR STAY PERFECT... Specific location, beach, restaurants, double/twin beds, shared/private pool, chef, maid service, foot masseur, etc...

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US?

NAME * TELEPHONE NUMBER *

EMAIL *

Enter Email Confirm Email

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE KEPT IN THE LOOP WITH OUR FLEEWINTER NEWSLETTER? We will never pass your data to another organisation or send information more than once a month

Yes

No

SUBMIT

Unlike most tour operators and booking agents everything you book with Fleewinter is fully protected with a UK government authorised bonding scheme. Most importantly we are also members of AITO ­ the Association of Independent Tour Operators ­ a group of small travel companies dedicated to providing quality products and service at great prices.

Find Fleewinter on Facebook and Instagram:

Designed and Built by Mighty Oak Creative | All content © Fleewinter 2017 MAP THE TEAM ENQUIRE | TOP  0207 112 0019 fleewinter  [email protected]

 ABOUT US DESTINATIONS INSPIRATION CONTACT US OFFERS GIVING BACK

Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a Page 5 / 13 degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

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Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the foodPage 6 / 13 in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

JESSIE GREEN JENNA KEARNS SUZY GOULDING GOSIA WASIKOWSKA INDIA INDIA TOBAGO OPERATIONS

JESS HILTON SIMON GILL BARBARA PODBIAL EVA MARKETING & CARIBBEAN; BARBADOS MOROCCO, BALI, THAILAND STRATEGY & ST LUCIA LOMBOK & CAPE TOWN VILLAS

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Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

Page 7 / 13

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

JESSIE GREEN JENNA KEARNS SUZY GOULDING GOSIA WASIKOWSKA INDIA INDIA TOBAGO OPERATIONS

JESS HILTON SIMON GILL BARBARA PODBIAL EVA MARKETING & CARIBBEAN; BARBADOS MOROCCO, BALI, THAILAND STRATEGY & ST LUCIA LOMBOK & CAPE TOWN VILLAS

MARBREE PHILIPPINES

KATIE NEW ZEALAND

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Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great

City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate,Page 8 / 13 Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

JESSIE GREEN JENNA KEARNS SUZY GOULDING GOSIA WASIKOWSKA INDIA INDIA TOBAGO OPERATIONS

JESS HILTON SIMON GILL BARBARA PODBIAL EVA MARKETING & CARIBBEAN; BARBADOS MOROCCO, BALI, THAILAND STRATEGY & ST LUCIA LOMBOK & CAPE TOWN VILLAS

MARBREE PHILIPPINES

KATIE NEW ZEALAND

DESTINATION * Where do you want to go?

DATES When are you hoping to travel?

Can be approx

BUDGET DOES THIS BUDGET INCLUDE FLIGHTS? I don't want to spend more than about: Yes No £/per person

ANYTHING WE SHOULD KNOW TO MAKE YOUR STAY PERFECT... Specific location, beach, restaurants, double/twin beds, shared/private pool, chef, maid service, foot masseur, etc...

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US?

NAME * TELEPHONE NUMBER *

EMAIL *

Enter Email Confirm Email

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE KEPT IN THE LOOP WITH OUR FLEEWINTER NEWSLETTER? We will never pass your data to another organisation or send information more than once a month

Yes

No

SUBMIT

Unlike most tour operators and booking agents everything you book with Fleewinter is fully protected with a UK government authorised bonding scheme. Most importantly we are also members of AITO ­ the Association of Independent Tour Operators ­ a group of small travel companies dedicated to providing quality products and service at great prices.

Find Fleewinter on Facebook and Instagram:

Designed and Built by Mighty Oak Creative | All content © Fleewinter 2017 MAP THE TEAM ENQUIRE | TOP  0207 112 0019 fleewinter  [email protected]

 ABOUT US DESTINATIONS INSPIRATION CONTACT US OFFERS GIVING BACK

Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouchedPage 9 / 13 by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

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Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

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Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

JESSIE GREEN JENNA KEARNS SUZY GOULDING GOSIA WASIKOWSKA INDIA INDIA TOBAGO OPERATIONS

JESS HILTON SIMON GILL BARBARA PODBIAL EVA MARKETING & CARIBBEAN; BARBADOS MOROCCO, BALI, THAILAND STRATEGY & ST LUCIA LOMBOK & CAPE TOWN VILLAS

MARBREE PHILIPPINES

KATIE NEW ZEALAND

Page 11 / 13

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Unlike most tour operators and booking agents everything you book with Fleewinter is fully protected with a UK government authorised bonding scheme. Most importantly we are also members of AITO ­ the Association of Independent Tour Operators ­ a group of small travel companies dedicated to providing quality products and service at great prices.

Find Fleewinter on Facebook and Instagram:

Designed and Built by Mighty Oak Creative | All content © Fleewinter 2017 MAP THE TEAM ENQUIRE | TOP  0207 112 0019 fleewinter  [email protected]

 ABOUT US DESTINATIONS INSPIRATION CONTACT US OFFERS GIVING BACK

Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

JESSIE GREEN JENNA KEARNS SUZY GOULDING GOSIA WASIKOWSKA INDIA INDIA TOBAGO OPERATIONS

JESS HILTON SIMON GILL BARBARA PODBIAL EVA MARKETING & CARIBBEAN; BARBADOS MOROCCO, BALI, THAILAND STRATEGY & ST LUCIA LOMBOK & CAPE TOWN VILLAS

MARBREE PHILIPPINES

KATIE NEW ZEALAND

DESTINATION * Where do you want to go?

DATES When are you hoping to travel?

Can be approx

BUDGET DOES THIS BUDGET INCLUDE FLIGHTS? I don't want to spend more than about: Yes No £/per person

ANYTHING WE SHOULD KNOW TO MAKE YOUR STAY PERFECT... Specific location, beach, restaurants, double/twin beds, shared/private pool, chef, maid service, foot masseur, etc...

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US?

NAME * TELEPHONE NUMBER *

EMAIL *

Enter Email Confirm Email

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE KEPT IN THE LOOP WITH OUR FLEEWINTER NEWSLETTER? We will never pass your data to another organisation or send information more than once a month

Yes

No

SUBMIT

Page 12 / 13

Unlike most tour operators and booking agents everything you book with Fleewinter is fully protected with a UK government authorised bonding scheme. Most importantly we are also members of AITO ­ the Association of Independent Tour Operators ­ a group of small travel companies dedicated to providing quality products and service at great prices.

Find Fleewinter on Facebook and Instagram:

Designed and Built by Mighty Oak Creative | All content © Fleewinter 2017 MAP THE TEAM ENQUIRE | TOP  0207 112 0019 fleewinter  [email protected]

 ABOUT US DESTINATIONS INSPIRATION CONTACT US OFFERS GIVING BACK

Thailand Holiday Planner

 Download pdf Version

Thailand really is a great holiday destination for everyone. It has pristine beaches and blissful islands, but also golden temples, lush mountains and ethnic minority villages. Thai food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful exotic flavours, and finally the Thai culture is an extremely charming and friendly one. The landscape, people and experiences are so diverse that you could spend months exploring stunning beaches, bustling street markets and remote hill tribe villages. Thailand has a great tourism infrastructure, which makes it a perfect destination for families as well. We pride ourselves in arranging tailor­made trips at the same price as booking directly and encourage you to take advantage of our experience. To start off, here are the most frequently asked questions from our clients and some of our secret tips for the perfect Thailand Holiday.

Thailand is a great destination for newbies to South­East Asia

If you have not been to South East Asia before, Thailand is a fabulous choice to start your exploration of this exotic region, as it is fairly “westernized”, most people can communicate in English, there is a great selection of hotels for all budgets and the tourism infrastructure is very developed. Despite of the established tourism industry, one can easily get off the beaten tourist tracks to get in touch with the friendly people.

Is Thailand the right destination for you?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world, for good reasons: The country enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, you will get good value for money – even though prices have generally increased in recent years, there is an almost outrageously huge selection of stunning beaches and islands, but also a lot to see for those who don’t enjoy lazing around beaches: temples, diverse fauna and flora, friendly hill tribes and interesting cities and villages. In fact, there is something for everyone in Thailand.

One night in Bangkok...

... is not enough, but two, maximum three nights will be. Even though for an Asian capital, Bangkok is fairly organized, it can get hectic and traffic is infamous for being congested. However, there are great day trips that you can do from Bangkok, e.g. to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aytthaya (a 2 hours drive away) and to one of the colourful floating markets which can be reached within 1.5 hours from Bangkok. We recommend the one in Amphawa, not as large as Damnoen Saduak but more authentic, with less foreign visitors.

End the holiday at the beach rather than in Bangkok

Most visitors find Bangkok a bit exhausting, especially when they go there for the first time. Even though the Thai capital is definitely worth a visit, you will return from your holiday more relaxed when you end it with a few days at one of Thailand’s stunning beaches.

Don’t try to see everything

Thailand is a destination with many points of interest, and it is very diverse. However, don’t try to see everything at once, because it will make the trip too stressful and hectic (visitors tend to underestimate the travelling time and costs in between the North and the South), and we also recommend you take your time to explore your surroundings and get in touch with locals. Speak to us about what interests you most (nature, trekking, wildlife, jungle, cycling, beaches, shopping, nightlife...) and we will point you into the right direction to make the most of your time.

Tour Guides are not only useful to show you the way

We wouldn’t include a guide unless we really recommend it or for sightseeing purposes. However, we receive the feedback that having a guide adds an extra quality to a Thailand trip. This is because of the cultural interaction and first­hand knowledge only a guide can provide. It also is one of the countries where having a guide is actually affordable. Guides can also show you local eateries and help you with negotiations.

Thailand with children?

The country is becoming a more and more popular destination for families. The Thais are a very child­friendly culture and, sometimes, families with children may even experience preferential treatment. Many resorts have babysitting services and kids clubs. Medical services are top notch in Thailand and visitors will find with excellent clinics and hospitals even on the islands. Children not used to the Asian cuisine will always find Western options as well. However, we do recommend to consult a doctor regarding vaccinations for children prior to travelling to Thailand.

The South is more than just beaches

The South of Thailand is famous for its islands and beaches, but there is a lot more to see and do. Krabi for example is famous for rock climbing with its famous limestone formations and fantastic nature and wildlife can be seen in the Khao Sok National Park or in the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Phuket is actually better than you'd think

The widely developed island of Phuket has certainly not the best reputation, mainly because of the tourist strip in Patong, where it is, admittedly, a bit too much for our tastes. However, this is only a small part of the island. In fact, an incredibly wide range of high class boutique hotels and some beautiful quiet corners can be found here as well if you know where to look.

Our favourite Trip!

Thailand has too many beautiful corners to have a preference, but our Hill Tribes and Elephants itinerary is a great mix of culture, nature, fun and wildlife. This programme can be easily combined with a few days at the beach. By the way, all our itineraries are only suggestions, we tailor­make every trip according to the expectations and preferences of our clients.

When to go:

THAILAND REALLY IS AN ALL­YEAR ROUND DESTINATION. BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

The best time to visit Thailand The weather in northern Thailand

The high seasons in general starts in November and ends The weather in central, northern and northeastern in March. This is a pleasant time to travel around as it is Thailand is determined by three seasons: The dry and cool sunny, relatively cool and dry in most places. When you season lasts from November to February whereas the dry visit Thailand in April, expect to see more tourists as it is and hot season occurs from March to May. The rainy still considered high season. The traditional Songkran season starts in May and ends in November and is Festival (Thai New Year) takes place all over the country dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time from 13 to 15 of April. This is a great time to travel if you rainfall in most of Thailand is the heaviest. are looking for the extra fun, but not if you are looking for a bargain.

The weather in southern Thailand The rainy season is a good time

The southern, coastal region of Thailand really has only Even though historically June and August may not be seen two seasons – rainy season and dry season. As Thailand as the best months to visit Thailand, we highly recommend has two coasts with different rainy seaons, there is always to travel to Thailand during this time as you can take a sunny beach to find. On the Andaman coast, (Phuket, advantage of lower accommodation rates due to the Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta), the southwest monsoon shoulder season. The weather during these months is brings storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of sunny with some occasional showers. When visiting Thailand side, (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao), beaches, make sure to choose a beach destination on the the most rain falls between September and December. east coast.

Where to go:

DEPENDING ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES, WE HAVE A SELECTION OF THAILAND ITINERARIES ON OUR WEBSITE FOR INSPIRATION. WE’VE ALSO COMPILED SOME HINTS & TIPS BELOW:

The Golden Triangle in the North For couples looking for privacy, refers to the border regions we like to recommend the beach between Thailand, Myanmar and resorts in Khao Lak where Laos and when gold was used by visitors find long sandy beaches Chinese traders to pay for opium and great possibilities for day trips grown here ­ a fascinating place to Khao Sok National Park or the of great natural beauty. surrounding islands.

The islands of Koh Phangan and Ko Kood (also known as Koh Visitors can find rare flora & Koh Tao are great for those Kut) is located in the South East fauna, huge limestone mountains, seeking the natural beauty of the part of Thailand, near the martime deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, island in the Gulf of Thailand but border with Cambodia. Even exciting caves and wild animals at wanting to avoid the common though it is the country’s fourth the Khao Sok National Park. international hotel chains. Koh largest island, it is only little Conveniently situated on the Samui is the most touristy island developed and still relatively mainland between Phuket, Krabi, in the Gulf of Thailand and great untouched. We love this island Khao Lak and Koh Samui, a stop for action lovers but not for those because of its tropical rainforests, at this nature reserve can easily wanting to escape to a quiet and waterfalls and empty white be combined with a trip to one of relaxing island. beaches. Thailand’s amazing beaches.

Shoes which can be easily removed (flip flops, slippers etc.). When visiting religious sites, Things to take you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them outside. Sometimes they are ok that you might not for visitors to leave on socks, sometimes they aren’t. know: Modest clothing, especially when visiting the North. When visiting temples, it is recommended to respect traditions and cover knees and shoulders.

Warm clothing during the winter months from November to February is needed for visiting northern Thailand.

Mosquito repellent as bites are not only itchy and annoying, mosquitos can also carry diseases. It is not necessary to bring a mosquito net though as most places will have them.

Anti­diarrhea medicines, because Thai food can give you an upset stomach and it is important not to get dehydrated. The food in Thailand is usually safe but make sure your fruits and raw vegetables are washed and peeled.

Thailand uses 220V (50 cycles per second) but the plugs are not standardised. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Extra tips from us:

When you eat street food (which we highly recommend), choose a stall where food is freshly prepared in front of you and avoid dishes with raw ingredients as they might not be properly washed. Ice cubes are usually safe to drink. Get a Thai Sim card for your phone at the airport. It costs approximately THB 200 (£5) and will come pre­charged. Unlimited usage of 3G is mostly included and this comes really handy when you want to orientate yourself in the city, especially in Bangkok. When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and you haven’t booked an airport transfer with Fleewinter, the easiest way into town is to catch a taxi. In order to avoid being overcharged, head to the taxi counter on Level 1 (ground level) near the entrances 3,4,7 and 8. After telling the staff at the counter where you want to go, they will assign the next driver to you. Make sure that the driver charges you per metre and ignore potential attempts of trying to convince you that a fixed rate ends up being cheaper for you – it will not. This behavior is rare nowadays but it might happen. Depending on where you want to go, the average rate into the city will be THB 500 – 700 (£11­15). The driver will also charge a TBH 50 airport surcharge, and expressway fees. We recommend that you try some Thai beer and wine – they are really good. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and bigger restaurants. Taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok may be fun but you will almost always pay more than when you take a taxi. When taking a taxi, insist on the metre being switched on. If the driver refuses to do so, go to another taxi (unless you are ok with the price he suggests). Try the Thai massages offered in the small stalls at the beach, they are mostly excellent and cost less than half of what the hotels are charging in their spa areas (where there is generally a nicer atmosphere though). In a hidden corner of Wat Pho in Bangkok you can find a traditional Thai Massage School where you can get a really good Thai massage as well. The most successful scam seems to be the one where you get approached by a very friendly local who’s telling about your bad luck; the place you had intended visiting is closed today due to a religious holiday. However, (s)he happens to have some free time and is more than willing to show you around. Refuse politely and continue your own program, it will save you lots of money! Same for tuk­tuk/taxi drivers who offer you free rides through Bangkok. In general, you can get cash with your debit card at any Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank or Siam Commercial Bank, provided your card is hooked into the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS network. Most hotels will change foreign currency, but banks and moneychangers offer better rates. Official banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. If you do decide to do a spot of shopping on markets, then remember to haggle! It is expected and vendors will try their luck with tourists. We find that the first price is usually far too much and we would recommend that you make an offer around 50% lower than this. There is no harm in haggling, but it does require a good sense of humour and often a degree of patience!

Here are some key Thai phrases to help you get by: Talk the talk: Sa Wat Dee (khrap or kha) ­ Hello Khaawp khoon (khrap or kha) ­ Thank you The national and official language of Thailand is Sa baai dee reuu (kha)? ­ How are you? Thai (more precisely Siamese or Central Thai), a Sa baai dee (khrap or kha) ­ I’m fine complicated language with a unique alphabet. Thai is Nee thao rai (kha)? – How much is this? a tonal and analytic language with a complex Khaaw tho:ht (khrap or kha) – I am sorry. orthography and relational markers. The language is Haawng naam yuu thee nai (kha)? ­ Where is the mutually intelligible with Lao. Beside the numerous restroom? hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Khaaw mai phet (khrap or kha) ­ I don’t like the food too Lao, Khmer and Chinese. Most Thai people, spicy. especially in the major cities, speak English and tourists should have no troubles with communication Most of these phrases can (and should) be made more in these areas. However, a few handy phrases can polite by adding a particle to the end. Male speakers go a long way to getting a friendly reception should add khrap while women should add kha to the end wherever you go in the country. of statements and kha to the end of questions.

A taste of Thailand:

While Thai food has a reputation for being spicy, Thai food is actually based on a balance between different flavors including spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Thai people like to share meals and eat family style, so when eating with Thais, you will be able to try a variety of dishes. Almost all dishes are prepared using fresh herbs, hot chilies as well as fermented fish sauce. Other common flavourings are dried shrimp paste, lemon grass, and the spices coriander, basil, garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Soup, eaten with most meals, helps balance the hot flavours of many Thai.

The basis of a Thai meal is rice, usually steamed although it can be made into noodles, while glutinous or sticky rice is preferred with some specialties. Accompanying the rice are main dishes featuring vegetables, meat, seafood, egg, fish and soup. Although Thai people generally prefer hot, spicy food, not all dishes are so intense and there are grades of hotness as Thai food can be modulated to suit most tastes. Thailand is also the perfect place for a large choice of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, bananas, longan, mangosteen, jackfruit, as well as the famous durian, dubbed ‘the fruit of the gods’ due to the fruit’s very special smell and taste.

As much as possible, try out some street food stalls and local restaurants as they will serve authentic food while the food in restaurants is often modified to please Western palates.

Dishes you must try in Thailand:

Thai food is fresh and delicious and so you must taste some of the iconic dishes during your visit. It will give you a true flavour for the country.

Gang Keow Wan: Thai Green Curry, consisting of green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, chicken, Thai basil, Thai eggplant and all kinds of Thai herbs and roots (like lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, etc.), is an unforgettable blend of delights. It is mostly combined with some steamed rice.

Mango Sticky Rice: Often offered as a dessert, or just as a snack, is the very popular yellow mango with sticky rice. Add a drizzle of coconut cream syrup to make it even more delicious!

Pad Thai: This is probably known as the most famous dish outside of Thailand. The base is a stir fried rice noodle, hosted by ingredients like tofu, peanuts, shrimp, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, lime juice, and a scrambled egg mixed into the noodles to seal the dish together.

Tom Yung Gung: A delicious soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, which you can order with (nam kohn) or without (nam sai) coconut milk and cream. This soup really is an authentic Thai delicacy with favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet, all in one bowl.

Gang Massaman: Massaman is a sweet curry that originates from Southern Thailand as a Halal dish. The curry sauce is a mixture of curry paste, coconut milk, a strong flavour of peanuts, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Massaman is usually pre­made with chicken and always a few chunks of potatoes that have delightfully soaked up the coconut milk like a sponge.

Some of the most iconic sights in Thailand include:

The Grand Palace – Bangkok Wat Pho – Bangkok Wat Arun – Bangkok The White Temple – Chiang Rai

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Bridge over the river Kwai – James Bond Island – Phang Nga Wat Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai Ayutthaya Kanchanaburi Bay

Things you should try in Thailand:

Sample some typical Thai snacks; Rise up early and offer alms to the monks; Visit at least one of the hundreds of “Kohs” (meaning island in Thai); Relax on one of the deserted beaches (ask us for the best ones); Visit one of the colourful floating markets; Explore one of the UNESCO world­heritage sites; Feed and bathe an elephant; Look across the borders to Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle; Join a Thai cooking class; Get in touch with the hill tribes

Some fun trivia about Thailand (some useful and some not so)…

The real name of Bangkok is the longest name of a city in the world. In Thai, the city’s real name is: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”

Bangkok was named the world’s hottest city. Be sure to stay hydrated when you visit.

The Thai people love their King, and show great respect for the monarchy. The well­known Hollywood movie “The King and I” was never shown in Thai theaters because it was considered to be derogatory to the King. If you commit disrespectful acts toward the King (e.g. putting your foot on a bill where there is the Thai King’s head on it), you could be imprisoned for treason.

Thailand is home to a lot of animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined.

Thailand is where you can find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.

According to the World Economic Forum, Thailand is the 13th friendliest country in the world. Iceland is the friendliest.

Red Bull, the world­famous energy drink, has its roots in Thailand. It is based on Krating Daeng, a drink made popular in Thailand. Red Bull was modified to “suit western tastes.”

A word about the elephant camps we work with:

While dozens of Elephant Camps, especially in the North, offer various activities with the gentle giants, not all of them treat the animals ethically right. We have looked at various camps and put lots of effort into our research to only support those camps which treat the elephants the right way. The Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre close to Chiang Mai, is one example. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

Suggested holiday reading list to get you into the spirit:

Travelers’ Tales Thailand: True Stories ­ Various authors ­ Collection of modern travel essays on Thailand Thailand, A Short History ­ David K Wyatt ­ Thailand’s history is fascinating and complex, this book provides a useful overview Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok ­ Nancy Chandler ­ Long­ time Bangkok resident and designer Nancy Chandler is a Thai institution. Her map is the ultimate guide to the secrets and sights of the city Thai Ways ­ Denis Segaller ­ A concise and entertaining peek into the psyche and cultural traditions of the Thai people The Beach – Alex Garland ­ Story of a young backpacker's search for a legendary, idyllic and isolated beach untouched by tourism, and his time there, in its small, international community of backpackers Anna and the King – Margaret Landon – An unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land and a brief on the history of the Chakkri Dynasty The Dream of a Thousand Lives: A Sojourn in Thailand ­ Karen Connelly ­ A Canadian’s chronicle of living for a year in a small town in northern Thailand

Call us to learn more about this amazing country today! 020 7112 0019.

Best wishes,

Eva (the Fleewinter Thailand expert)

The Team

The Fleewinter difference is in the people who make it up. We are a team of intrepid travellers, who pride ourselves on our first­class destination knowledge and entrepreneurial flare. Each member of the team is fully responsible for their own region and for knowing their countries inside out. We spend a lot of time researching and travelling to our destinations. It is hard work and requires serious dedication, but the reward is in the experiences we get to share with you and the amazing freedom it gives us.

We will only offer holidays where we can provide genuine expert advice and, if we can't, then we will tell you (and often suggest someone who can).

We find we give better advice if we are able to have a quick chat over the phone. The more we get to know about you, what you are looking for and what makes you tick, the better the holiday you're going to have. So don’t be shy, pick up the phone and give us a call 020 7112 0019.

ALISDAIR LUXMOORE KATE GLOVER ANTHEA MYBURGH DELIA MONK COMPANY FOUNDER, SRI LANKA, THAILAND & SOUTHERN AFRICA, VIETNAM, LAOS, AFRICA & SAILING MALDIVES EAST AFRICA & CAMBODIA & MYANMAR ZANZIBAR

ANNA GALECKA MOROCCO & GREECE

JESSIE GREEN JENNA KEARNS SUZY GOULDING GOSIA WASIKOWSKA INDIA INDIA TOBAGO OPERATIONS

JESS HILTON SIMON GILL BARBARA PODBIAL EVA MARKETING & CARIBBEAN; BARBADOS MOROCCO, BALI, THAILAND STRATEGY & ST LUCIA LOMBOK & CAPE TOWN VILLAS

MARBREE PHILIPPINES

KATIE NEW ZEALAND

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