Thailand - Prepare

Your biggest smile at all times and cool clothes should see you through the heat of Bangkok, but it's beachwear all the way in the resorts of the south.

Welcome the Thai New Year via the medium of splashing water at Songkran in April, or light up in July at Buddhist Lent, most famously at the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival. Have jumbo fun at the King's Cup Elephant Polo at Hua Hin in September, and bring a gift in December for the King's Birthday, with nationwide events to honour the beloved monarch.

New Year's Day (1 Jan), Makha Bucha – holiday remembering the Buddha's teachings (Feb), Chakri Day – celebrating the royal dynasty (Apr), Songkran – Buddhist spring festival (13 Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Coronation Day (May), Visakha Bucha – day commemorating the Buddha (May), Asalha Bucha – day of Buddha's first sermon (Jul), Khao Phansa Day – beginning of Buddhist Lent (Jul), Queen's Birthday (Aug), Chulalongkoun Day – remembering the abolition of slavery (23 Oct), King's Birthday (5 Dec), Constitution Day (Dec), New Year's Eve (31 Dec).

It's a tropical climate, with high humidity and an average temperature of around 28°C. The central plains are warmer than the northern hills. Most of the country should be visited from November to March when it's cooler and humidity is lower, though the Gulf of Thailand is best from June to September.

220V AC, 50 Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

+66 (Thailand).

The Baht (THB) is the currency.

GMT +7.

Thai Smile website

No one needs to see the soles of your feet, so keep them pointed firmly down! Visitors who dress immodestly when visiting Buddhist temples might also get some looks, so cover up those lobster-red legs and bare midriffs. Otherwise, respect the monks, wear your best smile and enjoy the friendliest of cultures.