• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
Get our Newsletter

Lifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living HomepageLifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Login Pelcro Shop

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Schools
      • Property
      • Work & Finance
      • For Guys
      • Environment
      • Readers’ Choice Awards
        • What’s On: Things to do, what’s new and more
        • horoscopes for julyHoroscopes for June 2023!
        • Portrait photography in Singapore: the best studios in town
        • Singtel Dash money transfersThis easy-to-use app makes overseas money transfers a breeze
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things to do
      • EL Events
      • Calendar
      • Competitions
      • Noticeboard
        • horoscopes for julyHoroscopes for June 2023!
        • Puzzle Pages – answers for June 2023!
        • What’s on this week and beyond
        • Floral Atelier flower arrangingLearn the elegant arts of flower arranging and calligraphy!
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • Portrait photography in Singapore: the best studios in town
        • Fabulous Father’s Day Present Ideas & Things to Do
        • character developmentAuthentic American education at XCL American Academy
        • The Children's Showcase at cluny courtWhere to bring kids to shop – Cluny Court of course!
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Decor
      • Readers’ Homes
      • Furniture
        • Home News: New furniture, home décor & services
        • Fabulous dinnerware, crockery and tableware in Singapore!
        • Heveya best mattress and bedsheetsBest mattresses in Singapore – for the best sleep!
        • candles in singapore with essential oilsCandles with essential oils – the perfect gift!
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Australasia
      • Rest Of The World
        • Travel News & Hotel Deals
        • Things to do in Dubai with familyHave some fun at one of the best hotels in Dubai
        • Beach holiday resortsFancy a long weekend getaway at a beach resort?
        • international health insuranceProtecting your health overseas
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • Hydration: Drinking water for good health
        • 16 of the best breakfast spots in Singapore!
        • good chai people F&B SingaporeMeet Radio DJ, F&B Entrepreneur & First-time-Dad
        • salmon recipesGet the best sustainable salmon in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • Beauty news: New beauty products, makeup and more!
        • Fashion News and Sales in Singapore!
        • JulietteC sandals and beachwearResort wear & beachwear that’s cool and casual
        • Best facial in Singapore? Read our face spa & beauty salon reviews
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • Health News: What’s up!
        • candles in singapore with essential oilsCandles with essential oils – the perfect gift!
        • Top personal trainers in Singapore
        • Hydration: Drinking water for good health
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • Close

Your mini guide to Thailand

19th March 2022 by Expat Living 4 Min Read

https://expatliving.sg/your-mini-guide-to-thailand/

Thailand is a fabulous short break from Singapore, whether you’re keen for Bangkok’s shops and nightlife, or sun and sand on Samui. If you’re planning a trip there in the near future, here’s what you need to know before you go – from climate to money and visas – plus some facts and trivia about the cultural side of this wonderful destination and the friendly Thai people.

The basics

Population: 70 million
Capital: Bangkok
Religion: Around 95% of the population is Buddhist
Emergency number: 191

InterContinental Koh Samui Resort pool view

Fact file

  • Thailand used to be known as Siam – and yes, Siamese cats are native to this country.
  • The town of Kanchanaburi is home to the famous “Bridge Over the River Kwai”, part of the Burma-Siam railway; an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 people died constructing the project during the Second World War.
  • At 127 metres high, Phra Pathommachedi in Nakhon Pathom is the tallest stupa in the world
  • Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has not been colonised by Europeans.
  • Speaking of Europe, Bangkok was once called “the Venice of the East” due to buildings being built on stilts above the Chao Phraya River.
  • It is strictly against the law to criticise the monarchy in Thailand.
  • Bangkok’s full official ceremonial name is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

Key dates

  • 13 to 17 April: Songkran Festival. The Thai New Year is celebrated in boisterous fashion (put it this way: you will get wet!).
  • 13 October: The anniversary for the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thailand’s much-loved king of 70 years died in 2016, aged 88.

Hot spots and itineraries

Hot spots include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi and Hua Hin. There are five World Heritage Sites in Thailand, including the historic towns of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.

Itinerary ideas

  • Beach Break: Bangkok – Koh Samui – Koh Phangan – Phuket
  • Highlands: Bangkok – Lopburi – Sukhothai – Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai
  • Heartland: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Ayuthaya

Staying safe and healthy

The usual mosquito-borne diseases are common enough in Thailand, so make sure you’ve sprayed and covered up. Also be aware of cutaneous larva migrans; it’s a rash caused by dog hookworm that’s sometimes contracted on Thailand’s beaches (sounds awful, but it’s very easily treated with medication!). There are snakes around – we’ve seen some ourselves – so tread carefully when you’re off the beaten track. Finally, be sure to check the latest COVID restrictions and requirements.

Cultural things

While you’re there, please don’t…

  • Wear your shoes into a temple or someone’s home.
  • Raise your voice unnecessarily; anger and aggression are signs of disrespect in Thailand.
  • Touch a Thai person on the head.
  • Use your feet to point at anything.

Before you go, read …

  • Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap – short stories by a young award-winning Thai-American author
  • A Child of the Northeast by Kampoon Boontawee – written in 1976 and set in the 1930s, this book tells of a family from the Isan region of Thailand.
  • Bangkok 8 by John Burdett – the seamier side of Thailand is represented here (namely, the bars and brothels) but it’s a suspenseful and entertaining read.

Before you go, watch …

  • Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives – winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, this film centres around the last days of the title character.
  • The Legend of Suriyothai – the story of Queen Suriyothai who died in courageous fashion in 1548 in a battle against Burmese invaders.
  • The Big Boss – if you’re a martial arts fan, you’ll love this Bruce Lee flick, which was filmed entirely in Thailand.

They said it…

“In Thailand’s history there have been dissensions from time to time, but in general, unity has prevailed.” – Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand (1946-2016)

“Bangkok is a rejuvenating tonic; the people seem to have found the magic elixir. Life, a visitor feels, has not been wasted on the Thais.” – Bernard Kalb, author

“Sanuk is the Thai word for fun, and in Thailand anything worth doing, even work, should have some element of sanuk. This doesn’t mean Thai people don’t want to work or strive. It’s just that they live more in the moment, and do their best to enjoy it.” – Anonymous

Important questions

Do I need a visa?

Passport holders from over 60 countries, including Singapore, Australia, the UK, the US and Canada, do not require a visa for stays not exceeding 30 days. See the official visa website here.

How long will it take me to get there?

Flights are 2 hours (Phuket), 2.5 hours (Bangkok) and 3 hours (Chiang Mai) from Singapore. Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT and 1 hour behind Singapore.

What’s the money situation?

The official currency of Thailand is the Thai baht (THB). Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and Thai baht withdrawn at ATMs throughout the country. Credit cards are also widely accepted.

Bangkok Thailand

When’s the best time to visit?

The weather in Thailand is generally hot and humid across most of the country throughout most of the year. Avoid Bangkok and the inland areas in April when the weather is scorching. Beach lovers should be aware that the weather varies on the east and west coasts. On the west coast (Phuket, Phi Phi and Krabi), the southwest monsoon brings heavy storms from April to October. On the east coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan), most rainfall is between September and December.

What’s the lingo?

Thai is the official language, but most locals have at least a rudimentary understanding of English. Here are some phrases to get you started:

  • Hello: Sawadee ka (female) / Sawadee krab (male)
  • What is your name? Khun cheu arai?
  • My name is __: Di-chan chuh __ (female) / Pom chuh __ (male)
  • How much? Tao rai ka? (female) / Tao rai krub? (male)
  • Thank you: Khorb khun ka (female) Khorb khun krab (male)
  • Yes: Chi
  • No, thank you: Mai ao ka (female) / Mai ao krab (male)

Last but not least

Is there anything I should know about meeting the locals?

To say hello in Thai, perform a wai: place your hands together close to your chest and dip your head in a slight bow.

What’s a must-try dish?

Pad Thai: rice noodles stir-fried with eggs and chopped firm tofu, flavoured with tamarind pulp, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic or shallots, red chillies, palm sugar, and served with lime wedges and chopped roasted peanuts. But there are so many other options!

What should I buy as a souvenir?

Thai silk, spa products, Thai cookbooks.

Thailand

Like this? Read more in our Travel section.

Get the latest events, stories and special offers sent to your inbox
Get the latest events, stories and special offers sent to your inbox

Categories: Rest Of The World Travel Tags: Asia Asia Travel Bangkok Short Breaks Thailand

Expat Living

Expat Living has everything to help you make the most of living in Singapore! We've got information on neighbourhoods, things to do and see, dining, entertainment, schools, travel, fashion, furniture, finance, health and beauty. And more!

You May Also Like

Things to do in Dubai with family

Have some fun at one of the best hotels in Dubai

Indonesian holiday Wakatobi Dive Resort and House Reef

Dive into this luxury beach resort!

outdoor adventure camp for teenagers

An outdoor adventure camp for teens – snorkelling & more!

Primary Sidebar

  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2023 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.