Bangkok is the usual gateway for travellers. In addition to its own attractions, specifically the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn, one can use the capital as a base for trips to out-oftown sites, such as Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi. Bangkok is a sprawling city of more than 10 million people. Even though the nation and its capital are large, one will not have any problem getting around. Transport across town or across the country is both convenient and inexpensive. In Bangkok, air-conditioned taxis with metres are plentiful. An alternative type of taxi is the “samlor” or “tuk tuk”, a three-wheeled vehicle. They are noisy and open to traffic fumes, but
popular with visitors who find them exotic. The fare must be negotiated in advance. River taxis ply the Chao Phraya. Some are cross-river ferries and others serve the many piers on both banks as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.
Bangkok’s public bus service covers every area of the city. There are both air-conditioned (blue) and non-air conditioned (red and cream) buses. Although they are crowded during rush hours, they are cheap. Maps of bus routes are available at tourist outlets. Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Angel Air connect Bangkok with most major provincial cities and towns. On main routes, such as to Chiang Mai and Phuket, there are several flights daily. Travel by train is also convenient and inexpensive to the North, South, and Northeast. Air conditioned sleepers are ideal for long journeys. Tickets must be booked at the main railway station, Hualamphong, which has recently undergone a face lift, making is considerably more user-friendly.
The most comprehensive transportation network is the government-operated long-distance bus service. There is scarcely a town that is not served either on a direct Bangkok route or a feeder service from a provincial centre. There are many car hire firms in Thailand, including international companies such as Hertz and Avis. The road system is good, although the driving at times leaves something to be desired.
Thailand has a population of more than 60 million people with an area of 514,400 square kilometres approximately the size of France or the states of California and New York combined. It can be categorised into five main regions, each of which has its own charm and attractions and which in their diversity allow a visitor to experience a range of “holidays within a holiday”.
Foreign tourists are allowed to claim back the seven percent VAT charged in Thailand. The goods must be purchased from stores displaying the VAT Refund for Tourists sign. On any day, goods purchased at participating stores must not be less than 2,000 baht and the total amount of goods purchased, including VAT, must not be less than 5,000 baht. At each store, ask the sales assistant to complete two VAT refund forms and attach them to the original receipt. Claims can be made in the departure lounges of international airports after check-in and passport control.
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