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Relatively new in Bangkok is the skytrain, which has become very popular, particularly with foreign tourists who can use it for sightseeing and a visit to the weekend market, in air-conditioned comfort. Traffic jams in Bangkok have been greatly reduced, thanks to new highways, flyovers, the skytrain, etc. The guesthouse Plaza Athénee Bangkok recently opened in Bangkok whereas Phuket has seen new hostels like the Merlin Beach guesthouse and the JW Marriott Phuket come on line. Bangkok Airways introduced Boeing 717 jet aircraft on their Samui and Siem Reap routes, and Air Andaman and Phuket Airways now operate many services out of the Phuket hub.

What’s not new is the fact that Thailand continues to be extremely popular with tourists worldwide due to a combination of excellent hostels, interesting tours, good food, friendly service, excellent shopping, all at most attractive prices.
The best time to visit Thailand is from November to March when temperatures are relatively low (18-30ºc) and when there is practically no rain. There is sunshine all over Thailand, year round, with the hottest month being May, followed by the “green” season, with higher humidity (60-90%) and occasional rains lasting from June to October.


Thailand is one of the safest countries worldwide and it’s absolutely safe to travel to any parts of the country, also for women travelers. Places to avoid are unlicensed jewelry shops selling fake merchandise at exorbitant prices.

Thailand allows visa free stays up to 28 days to most foreign nationals, but all visitors entering Thailand must be in possession of a valid passport. Only occasional checks are made by customs for tourists choosing the “green channel”.

Though tap water is generally safe for drinking, we recommend to drink bottled water only. Bottled water is easily available throughout Thailand. Food is generally o.k. to eat even at traditional food stalls anywhere in Thailand. Please guard against sunburn and dehydration, as the tropical heat is much stronger than it seems.

Western currencies and traveler cheques are easily accepted at money changers and banks throughout the country. ATM’s are found even in small towns. It is advisable, however, to carry along local currency in small denomination (20, 50 and 100 Baht notes)

English is spoken at all hostels, major restaurants and shops. Asian Trails provide guides in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese languages to foreign visitors requiring assistance. Road signs are written in both Thai and English throughout the country, with few exceptions.

Thailand requires no vaccinations from foreign visitors and the standard of hygiene is high throughout the country.

Most Thai dishes are based on rice, with a large variety of meats, fish, vegetables and fruits. Thai food is good, perhaps a little too piquant for foreign palates, but worth trying. Thai food served in your guesthouse is usually toned down a bit due to the sensitive stomach of most tourists, but nevertheless, it is delicious and you should try it. International food of any kind is found in all major Thai tourist guesthouses.

In the wake of unprecedented economic growth, Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia’s most popular shopping centers. With a host of department stores, smart plazas, and exclusive shops, Bangkok has now joined Singapore and Hong Kong as a Mecca for the dedicated shoppers.

It is not necessary to tip cinema ushers. It is customary to tip porters and guesthouse personnel who have given good personal service. A 10 to 15 per cent tip is appreciated in restaurants where service charge is waived. Please leave only a small tip in major restaurants where service charge of 10% is already added to the bill.

Bangkok as well as other large cities in the world is confronted with the problem of touts. Should you get a telephone call offering you a free tour, be very careful! It is usually someone’s intention to seduce you into doing expensive shopping or pay a high price for other tour arrangements. It is a fact of life that nothing is free of charge, especially if offered by a stranger. Our advice thus – stay away from them! For further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact us: ASIAN TRAILS, Operations Department, telephone no. 0-2658 6080 from 08.00-17.30 hours on Monday-Friday & 08.00-12.30 hours on Saturday, to help you to double check your arrangements. Also, if you receive a call for amending departure time of tours, etc., you are kindly requested to double check with us. All Asian Trails guides wear uniforms (white or khaki polo-shirts with ASIAN Logo stitched on it, together with khaki skirts or trousers). Keep a healthy portion of mistrust also against strangers approaching you while walking through entertainment areas. However, despite these warnings there is no need to be anxious, touts are quite harmless, so just smile and walk on. All in all take care but be not afraid.

Bangkok hostels "Krung Thep" (the City of Angels) is the capital city of Thailand and also one of the world's most exciting cities. It holds the essence of the Thai Spirit, and is the heart of the country. This fast-growing metropolis, every people hassomething to offer to each others. You will never get bored with the collection of nightlife venues, markets, shops, restaurants, magnificent "wats"(temple), museums, palaces and parks.

Chiang Mai hostels Thailand Chiang Mai hostels The "Rose of the North" known by the Thais, where the Thailand's second largest city, famous with many historical and cultural heritage. Located in the highlands of the North, it offers a pleasent climate all year round. You can see "wats"(temple) in Chiang Mai as many as the capital. Temples are not only boasts in Chiang Mai, but also a strikingly beautiful landscape, excellent entertainment and shopping opportunities, and the charm of its people.
Pattaya hostels Thailand Pattaya hostels has become one of the premier beach guesthouses and fishing village. During the Vietnam War , it has discovered by the American. Hundred of thousands of visitors from over the world are attracts to Pattaya annually. Pattaya also offers excellent dining and shopping opportunities, not to mention the best water sports facilities in Thailand. It will make you to stay a memorable night with all the ingredients.

Hua Hin hostels Thailand Hua Hin / Cha-am Hua Hin hostels is the oldest beach guesthouse in the kingdom and has been the Thai royal family's summer residence since 1920s. It is located 190km south of Bangkok on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Cha-am, its sister guesthouse, just located 30km to the north. Hua Hin and Cha-am convey a feel of relaxation and are suitable for family vacations. These 2 coastal guesthouses offer excellent guesthouse, fine beaches, a wide range of water sports, shopping opportunities, excellent seafood restaurants, and last but not least, a paradise for golfers.

Chiang Rai hostels Chiang Rai/Golden Triangle hostels It lies in the heart of the notorious Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand. The main hilltribe groups scattering in this region are Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Akha and Mien. In the end of 19th century, these ethnic minorities began to arrive in Thailand and some groups may have been here much longer. They were forced out of their native Myanmar, China, and Tibet by civil war and pilitical pressures. Each hilltribe has its own customs, culture, clothing and language. It's well known for its stunning mountain scenery and is home to several different hilltribes.

Phuket hostels Khao Lak hostelsPhuket / Khao Lak hostels Thailand's largest island, Phuket. Also known as the "Pearl of the South". Phuket is one of the most popular holiday destinations in southeast Asia and also the wealthiest province in the country. It is truly a "dream-come-true" destination with all the spectacular beaches, sparkling crystal-clear blue waters, picturesque landscapes, historical and cultural sights as well as endless offers of all imaginable entertaining amenities. Khao Lak is another pretty sleepy village is located some 90km north of Phuket is a great option for those who enjoy tranquility and nature and also like beautiful beaches. If you looking for some spectacular scenery including splendid forested hills and valleys, sea cliffs, beaches, estuaries and mangroves, Khao Lak National Park is the place. Occasionally, wildlife such as barking deer, hornbills, gib bons, monkeys and small bears can be seen in this forest. The Similan and Surin Islands are the places for snorkeling, dining enthusiasts and also the incredible corals and aquatic life should not be missed.

Koh Samui hostelsKo Samui (Samui Island) hostels "The Coconut Island", over half a million of visitors each year visited this island - Ko Samui, the third largest island in Thailand with 247 square kilometers. One of the most popular beach and island guesthouses in Thailand and it has come to world fame due to ita beautiful, long beaches with powdery white sand and crystal clear wathers, combined with a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by coconut groves.

Krabi hostelsKrabi hostels is an ideal place for beach and nature lovers, one of the rising stars in Thailand's tourism industry. The picturesque tropical islands, which come in many sizes and shapes, that are located just offshore this southern coastal province, attracted many visitors to discovery every year. The major attractions include the Susan Hoi (Shell Cemetery), Noppharat Thara Beach and spectacular islands of Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta, famed for their unspoiled beaches and surrounded byu clear blue waters and coral reefs with abundant marine life.

Rayong hostels Ko Samet hostelsRayong/Ko Samet (Samet Island) hostels Rayong and Ko Samet is located just to the east of Pattaya. Both of them have experienced a dramatic surge in popularity in recent years. Rayong is also blessed with a variety of natural attractions and sites of cultural and historical interest from its peaceful beaches. And Ko Samet is an island with idyllic scenery, clear blue waters, crystalline sands and dazzling coral reefs. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the best ideal in this island.

Kanchanaburi hostelsKanchanaburi located in the westernmost province of Thailand, it has not only gained fame for its strikingly beautiful landscapes like the ipressive waterfalls and caves, tranquil river scenery and verdant national parks, but also for its tragic history. The "Bridge On the River Kwai", the most famous reminder during World War 2 Asian laborers and allied prisoners of war were forced to build the Burma-Siam Railway through the province, which was immortalized in books and the motion picture of the same name.

Nakhon Ratchasima ThailandNakhon Ratchasima (Korat) "Korat" is the name known by the Thais, Nakhon Ratchasima is the gateway to the Northest and it is and excellent starting point for excursions to various famous Khmer ruins in the region. "Thao Suranari Monument" is a historical monument in that city itself. This monument was built in memory of a brave woman (Khun Ying Mo) who successfully defended Korat againts an attack by Lao invaders in 1826. Each year a weeklong festival is held in her honor.

Nakhon Phanom Thailand Nakhon Phanom is also known as the "City of the Mountains", this name come from its outstanding geographical position. It acts as a viewpoint overlooking the splendid mountains beyond the Laotian border. It situated on the bank of the Mekong River opposite the Laotian town of Thakaek. Nakhon Phanom has obtained quite unique customs, dialects and cuisine by the influences of Lao, Vietnamese and other ethnic groups that immigrated to this region over the centuries. One of these extraordinary customs is the welcome and blessing ceremony called "Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan". This lovely town is a good place to spend a few relaxing days by the Mekong.