Weather: Thailand can best be described as tropical and humid for the majority of the country therefore it remains hot throughout the year. Average temperatures are about 29oC, ranging in Bangkok from 35oC in April to 17oC in December. There are three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May), and the rainy season (June to October).

Drinking Water/Alcohol: The water quality in Bangkok is good so you can drink coffee and tea, take ice cubes and brush your teeth. Drinking bottled water is a common practice. If you want to avoid high mini bar prices in your hotel/hospital, we recommend buying from a near by supermarket or convenient store. The legal drinking age is 18.

What to Wear: Light, loose cotton clothing is best. Thailand is a perpetually hot country where jackets and swatters are rarely needed. They are needed during the cool season evenings or if visiting mountainous areas or national parks. Jackets and ties are required in a few restaurants and nightclubs. Neat clothes are required for entering temples or palaces.

Local Currency: The unit of currency is the baht, which is issued in variety of coinage and paper units. (B=baht) Notes are issued in denominations of B1000 (gray), B500 (purple), B100 (red), B50 (blue), B20 (green), and B10 (brown). There are 10, 5 and 1 baht coin, and 50 and 25 satang. Most foreign currencies and traveler cheques are easily changed at banks, hotels or moneychangers. All major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the kingdom.