Thailand Travel Planning & Travel Tips

Americans living in or visiting Thailand are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok and obtain updated information on travel and security within Thailand.

U.S. Embassy in Thailand

95 Wireless Road
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Phone: +66-2-205-4000
Outside of Thailand: +66-2-205-4000

U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai

387 Witchayanond Road
Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Phone.: +66-53-107-700
Fax: +66-53-252-633

Thailand Climate:

The weather in Thailand is always hot and humid, although the northern highlands are generally 10 degrees F/5 C cooler. The best time to go is November-February, when the days are milder and the nights are cool. March-June is especially hot, with average high temperatures in the mid 90s F/32-35 C. Avoid mid May through October, when it's particularly humid and rainy (the streets of Bangkok flood easily), though those willing to chance it will get better rates at hotels.

Calling Internationally:

Major hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and the provincial capitals have international direct-dial (IDD), long-distance service, and in-house fax transmission. Hotels charge a surcharge on local and long-distance calls, which can add up to 50% in some cases. Credit-card or collect calls are a much better value, but most hotels also add a hefty service charge for them to your bill.

Most major post offices have special offices or booths for overseas calls, as well as fax and telex service, usually open 7am to 11pm. There are Overseas Telegraph and Telephone offices (also called OCO or Overseas Call Office) open 24 hours throughout the country for long-distance international calls and telex and fax service. In addition, several guesthouses and travel agents in tourist areas offer long-distance calling on their private line. Local calls can be made from any red public pay telephone. Calls cost 1B for 3 minutes, with additional 1B coins needed after hearing multiple beeps on the line. Blue public phones are for long-distance calls within Thailand. Card phones can be found in most airports, in many public buildings, and in larger shopping centers.

Electricity:

All outlets--except in some luxury hotels--are 220 volts AC (50 cycles). Outlets have two flat-pronged or round-pronged holes, so you may need an adapter. If you use a 110-volt hair dryer, electric shaver, or battery charger for a computer, bring a transformer and adapter.

Travel Insurance for Thailand Trips:

You should consider the benefits of travel insurance as part of your Thailand travel planning. Most travelers look for travel tips that discuss the importance of travel insurance and travel insurance through Travel Guard can provide important coverage for your trip.

Whether you're taking a family vacation or business trip, Travel Guard has a plan for your Thailand travel. These plans may include valuable medical expense coverage, trip interruption, medical emergency assistance and treatment services and more. And with Travel Guard's 24-hour assistance line, your coverage can act as a travel guide should your plans change.*

For more than 20 years, Travel Guard's plans have covered millions of travelers throughout the world. We're America's leading provider of travel insurance plans and assistance programs and we're here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Coverage provided through Travel Guard is easy to buy and with our 24-hour emergency travel services it's even easier to use.

*Non-insurance services provided by Travel Guard.