Tag Archives: ASEAN Tourism Forum

Asian Travel Forum, IT&CM Asia, MICE

Essential Thailand travel tips Everything you need to know

Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is the world’s 50the largest city bordering with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The country has a maritime border with India and Indonesia through the Andaman Sea, and with Vietnam via the Gulf of Thailand.

Theoretically, Thailand is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, however, due to the unstable political situation, the country has been turned into a military dictatorship for the past several years. 

Basic facts:

The capital: Bangkok

Population: 69.43 million (2018 census)

Official language: Thai

Writing system: Thai (Abugida system)

Currency:  Thai Baht (THB)

Do you need a visa?

Generally speaking, visitors coming to Thailand must have a visa obtained from one of the Thai diplomatic missions unless they are from a visa-exempt country or can get it on arrival. Currently, citizens of 64 countries and territories can travel visa-free to Thailand, while citizens of 18 countries can get a visa on arrival. Check this document for a detailed list. 

Those who can apply for a visa on arrival can stay in the country for 15 days, while others are given a 30-day stay period. Only the citizens of five countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea, and Peru) can stay in the country for 90 days. 

Most of those visas are extendible except for those obtained upon arrival. Those citizens who can get a visa on arrival can apply for an e-visa, however, there are only certain checkpoints that can issue the e-visa including Chiang Mai, Phuket, and both of Bangkok’s international airports.  

Is Thailand safe to travel to? 

One of the most frequent Thailand travel tips I am asked is how safe the country is. Generally, it is very safe to go to. There are few scamsthat lots of foreigners fall for, however, if you do your research and read about them, you’ll be fine. 

There are few incidents of petty crime as elsewhere to general precautions apply here as well –  always be attentive and keep your belongings at sight. 

Thailand Travel Tips - Everything you need to know 1

In terms of your health safety, it’s always a good idea to have proper travel insurance to cover unexpected incidents. I recommend SafetyWing as one of the most budget-friendly services.  

Best time to visit Thailand

Thailand has two seasons that greatly affect the cost of your travel and how much you’d like to travel around. If you are a budget traveler and want to avoid the crowds, then plan your travel to Thailand in the monsoon season that falls from May till October.  

Even though the weather is rainy most of the time, the prices for accommodation, flights, and various activities do drop. It should be noted that due to the rain, you might not be able to visit particular places or do some activities, but the rainfall lasts only for a few hours. 

For those of you who want to have perfect sunny days to do island hopping, plan their honeymoon in Thailand, or visit various cities without worrying about the rain and bad weather, plan your trip during November to April – the dry season. This is the time which also brings lots of tourists, the warm temperatures, and low humidity.

 

Thai festivals to attend: 

  • Songkran, Thai New Year celebrated as a water fight – April. Here’s your perfect guide for surviving Songkran
  • Loy Krathong lantern festival all over the country – dates vary 
  • Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai – November 
  • The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket – October 
MICE

Wonderful sightseeing cruise around Ha Long Bay, Vietnam – Silvija Travel Tips

The shimmering bay of Ha Long with its magnificent limestone formations was the perfect setting for the start of my Vietnam adventure.  When I arrived in Ha Long Bay I boarded the wonderful Heritage Line boat “Jasmine” for a 2-day trip to exploring this unique beauty spot.

First day, when the boat set sail into the Bay we have been acquainted with the facilities onboard.A delectable buffet lunch with a feast of choices was served in the restaurant. Savored our first hours in Halong Bay on the boat by simply letting for eyes wander around the scenery.

We arrived to the area of Cua Van, a floating shing village. From here we started to explore a cave, named Tien Ong, and the floating shing village. Tien Ong is the most recently explored cave, Showing evidence of human civilisation dating back to 10,000 – 8,000 BC. The cave is just 5 meters above sea level, 50 meters deep and covers 1,000 square meters.

The voyage continued to the shing village. With a small bamboo boat rowed by the local people we have moved around in the calm sea of this secluded area and got an insight into the village life

After returning to the boat we sailed to the overnight mooring area Luon Bo. During this time Halong Bay revealed its most magnificent beauty – called the “blue hour”.

Second day for early risers tea, coffee and pastries was available in the dining room. A Tai Chi class was offered on the sundeck to ease mind and muscles.

The boat sailed to Ti Top Island. By tender boat we arrived to  this little landmass in the Bay. We had climbing up to the hill to the top of Ti Top Island from where we had stunning views over Halong Bay. It takes 400 stone steps up and about 20 minutes to the top with great panoramic views.

Halong Bay is a beautiful natural wonder in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border. The Bay is dotted with 1,600 limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500 sqkm. This extraordinary area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. For many tourists, this place is like something right out of a movie. The fact is that Halong Bay features a wide range of biodiversity, while the surrealistic scenery has indeed featured in endless Days

Asian Travel Forum, MICE, News

ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022, Preah Sihanoukville, Cambodia – Silvija Travel Tips

The Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia has re-announce that Cambodia is ready to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Preah Sihanoukville, which will now be held from 16th – 22nd January 2022 under the theme “ASEAN – A Community of Peace and Shared Future” toward tourism recovery and reopening our region in a more resilient, sustainable and responsible future.

Cambodia Bay and Preah Sihanouk Province are well known as the Rising Star in the Southwest by the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Organization. Furthermore, it is one of the fastest developing tourism attractions and investment cities in the country. As the smooth implementation of Covid-19 vaccination and new normal protocols are in place, Preah Sihanoukville will be a safe venue.

https://atf2022cambodia.com

AFT 2022