Central Thailand, Bangkok

Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam 4^*

A blend of tradition and modernity, Bangkok never fails to surprise travellers in search of the exotic. A key destination in Southeast Asia, this vibrant capital never sleeps and you can experience the always exciting nightlife of Khao San Road. Afterwards, relax with a legendary Thai massage in one of the many lounges along the street. Of course, the famous Thai cuisine is a trip in itself. Grab your chopsticks and dig into a juicy green curry drizzled with mango juice.

Customs and traditions

The main religion in Thailand is Theravāda Buddhism, which is widely practised by the vast majority of the Thai population. Buddhism is deeply rooted in Thai culture and society, and many aspects of daily life in Thailand are influenced by the religion. It is common to see monks in Buddhist temples or during religious rituals, and sometimes in the city.

The royal family is highly respected. If the national anthem is played in the streets, the Thai people stand up. Generally speaking, it's best to avoid talking about politics or royalty.

Thais don't usually shake hands in social situations. Instead, they greet each other by joining hands and bowing slightly. A slight smile is appreciated. Thais, like most Asians, are very modest. Gestures of affection in public should be avoided.

Whenever possible, use your right hand to pick up an object you're given, to pass one along or to eat. The left hand is normally used for cleaning.

In temples or local homes, you should dress decently, covering your shoulders, stomach and thighs. Shoes should also be removed. Religious symbols and images are sacred, so avoid pointing at or touching them. Also avoid taking photographs.

In restaurants, you'll be given a spoon and possibly a fork, but rarely a knife. Note that the bill is not shared.

On buses, it's customary to reserve the front seats for monks. Women avoid sitting next to monks and men avoid sitting next to nuns.

In shops, don't be surprised if the door isn't held open for you, as it's not customary.

Stay calm: Showing annoyance or anger is frowned upon and can be interpreted as disrespectful. It's also embarrassing for Thais, who will always try to keep a straight face. If you encounter a problem, avoid any altercation and try to defuse the situation.

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated. We encourage you to leave a tip at your discretion when the service warrants it (e.g. with a guide or driver) to show your satisfaction.

If the price of an item is not displayed, it's possible to haggle. Haggling is common in markets and small boutiques. We advise you to wait for the seller's first price before offering yours (you can try a discount of -30% of the starting price). If you remain polite and smile, the seller should be able to give you a discount, especially if you want to buy several items.

Supermarkets, on the other hand, charge fixed prices.

It's not uncommon to see rubbish on the streets as bins are sometimes in short supply. However, littering is punishable by a minimum fine of €60.

In Thailand, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places, temples, sidewalks near airports and even on beaches, on pain of a fine. It is also illegal to throw cigarette butts on the street. Electronic cigarettes are strictly prohibited, with heavy fines and even imprisonment. It is advisable not to bring more than one carton of cigarettes into Thailand, as there are frequent customs checks and possible fines for quantities deemed to be in excess of this limit.

Formalities

From May 1, 2025, travelers wishing to visit Thailand will be required to complete a digital arrival card, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.

Passengers must register within 3 days prior to arrival.

Time difference

London, United Kingdom time is 6:00 hours behind Bangkok, Thailand

Electricity and internet access

In Thailand, the electrical network uses 220 V and "American" type plugs with 2 flat pins. Although it is advisable to carry an adapter (also available in local shops), most hotels are now equipped with sockets compatible with European appliances.

When travelling abroad, connect to Wi-Fi for free Internet access and avoid the extra costs associated with 3G or 4G networks. Turn off your data connection abroad to avoid unexpected charges and use Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants and public places where it's usually free.

Safety

Assaults on tourists are rare.

Women are respected and encounter relatively few problems. However, we advise you to be discreet, respectful and avoid skimpy clothing, especially in rural areas less used to tourists. We also advise against walking around drunk and possibly alone.

As a general rule, we advise you to keep your money and papers on your person, if possible having made copies of your identity documents.

It is also a good idea to secure your bags to prevent them from being snatched.

As in many countries, it is advisable to use caution and discretion when using cash dispensers. It is also advisable to be vigilant when making payments in shops.

Roads are generally in good condition. However, traffic can be heavy and Thais don't always follow the rules. Two-wheeled vehicles are also common. As a precaution, we recommend that you do not hire a motorised vehicle and that you use a bicycle instead. We recommend that you check that your vehicle meets the relevant standards before using it and that you obey the Highway Code. When you're a pedestrian, exercise caution.

Currency

Thailand is an inexpensive destination by Western standards, although this varies from region to region.

The currency in Thailand is the Thai baht, symbolised by "฿" and abbreviated to "THB". The Thai baht is widely used throughout the country for everyday transactions.

You can withdraw money (in baht only) from cash machines, which are very common in Thailand. However, you should be aware that a commission is charged on each withdrawal.

We recommend that you contact your bank beforehand to find out what is most advantageous in terms of exchange rates.

Today, however, many hotels and restaurants accept payment by credit card (Visa and MasterCard).

Weather

The ideal time to visit Thailand is between November and March, when the weather is pleasant and the main festivals take place. May to October is the rainy season, offering authentic experiences at attractive prices. The rains are intense but short. During the rainy months, accommodation and ticket prices drop and tourist destinations quiet down, offering a peaceful atmosphere with occasional outdoor activity promotions. The west coast islands can be rough, but those in the Gulf of Thailand remain safe options with milder weather conditions.

Travellers are advised to check weather conditions before booking their stay.

Languages

In Thailand, the official language is Thai, but many regional languages and dialects are also spoken, including Lao, Khmer, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay.

Most Thais in tourist areas speak some level of English, so tourists can usually communicate easily using English. However, it can be useful to learn a few words in Thai to facilitate local interactions and show some respect for the culture.

Accommodation quality

Hotels in Thailand are generally well-maintained and offer quality services.

From seaside resorts to urban accommodation, we are committed to providing our customers with top-quality accommodation.

Please note that the accommodations we offer are rated 3-, 4- or 5-stars according to local standards. The services provided may not be equivalent to European 3-, 4- or 5-star standards.

Food quality

Food in Thailand is renowned for its flavour, freshness and variety. European tourists in general appreciate Thai cuisine for its unique taste. However, you should note that seasonings and flavours can be different from what Europeans are used to, and Thai dishes are often spicier. However, there are plenty of mild options, and you may find Western cuisine in tourist towns.