We've compiled a few travel tips for Thailand. On many trips we've found what is the path of least effort. Try it and send us some feedback, please.

Travel light

If possible, travel only with carry-on luggage, at least on the outbound journey. Not only do you travel faster, you also avoid trouble with lost or mis-directed bags. Some people who use your bags to smuggle stuff can cause you serious problems. You can get in Thailand whatever you need and at low cost.

Clothing on land and in water

No matter how hot is is, gentlemen should wear long trousers. For ladies, pants are also acceptable, or you can wear a skirt or a dress that covers the knee. Sleeveless shirts or sweaters should be avoided.

The local Thai custom is to swim in clothes and you do well to respect that and join them. Exposing too much of your skin will not only earn you a sunburn, but is also frowned at by the locals. They also find people with pale skin very attractive, so don't go out and get a tan.

Instead of swimwear bring quick drying clothes that look good on dry land and in the water.

Songkran - New Year Festival

The Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai each April is the biggest event in the wet calendar when over 30,000 people get soaking wet. The moat around the old town sees most of the action. Also Mae Sa waterfalls and Huay Tueng Tao lake are worth a visit.

In Pattaya the festival is not quite as wild, as there is no moat to refill the water guns. You can still expect to get a good soaking though, especially along Jomtien Beach.