
THAILAND
From the country’s aromatic cuisine to its rich cultural and religious traditions and stunning landscape, it is easy to see what makes Thailand one of the most enticing places on the planet. Thailand is known for its incredible hospitality, and a warm smile will greet you at every turn. Approximately 95% of Thai people are Buddhist, and the myriad of glittering temples and throngs of saffron-robed monks create a kaleidoscope of color and intrigue on nearly every street. Thailand’s population is nearly 67 million. Bangkok, the capital, is a bustling metropolis of over 8 million. Chiang Mai has approximately 100,000 people, while Sukhothai, Suphanburi, and Koh Samet are much smaller destinations. Food in Thailand is delicious. Thai food is a complex combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, often all in one dish. Fresh chilies, tomatoes, eggplant, ginger, lemongrass, cucumber, and squash are all common ingredients in many dishes. Rice and rice noodles are the carbohydrate staples in Thailand. Chicken, beef, pork, and seafood are all common protein sources. Thailand is a very easy place to travel to for those who are dairy-free or gluten-free, and also for vegetarians. Shellfish and nut allergies are difficult to accommodate.
Visa Information: U.S. citizens receive a tourist visa upon arrival in Thailand. No prior application is required. Non-U.S. citizens must check local visa requirements, including requirements for countries passed through in transit.