Life in Thailand
Thai people and the Buddhist culture of Thailand are extremely friendly, hospitable and warm hearted toward foreigners. The expression "Thailand the kingdom of smiles" is very accurate in describing the Thai way of life, as people deem a minute without a smile to be a lost minute.
Thais are proud of their country, very loyal to their King and for the most part strong believers in the Buddhist value system. The Thai way of life is very "easy" and could well be described as "live and let live".
Thais are generally uncomplicated and seldom in a bad mood. They live very much in the present moment. The cost of living in Thailand is comparatively low. All western luxuries can be obtained, with some however costing a bit more than local products. A western household budget will buy you an exponentially higher standard of living in Thailand than back home !

The weather in and around Trat and Koh Chang is very comfortable with warm temperatures most of the time. The region is influenced by the north-eastern and south-western winds (monsoon) which sometimes provides for choppy seas during the weather season from May to October as the southwest monsoon blows. During this period the west coast can get wet and stormy days. Mostly however days remain sunny, interlaced with scattered thundershowers. Even when cloudy or rainy, temperatures remain comfortable. The sea's temperature rarely drops below 30 C.

The province of Trat, host of the Koh Chang archipelago, is located within the Gulf of Thailand which has a tropical climate. The annual average temperature is 27.3 C with an average high of 31.3 C and an average low of 23.2 C. Mid-November to February is the cool, dry season when the temperature is at its lowest, especially in January when it averages at 24 C. March to May is the hot and humid season. The hottest month, as with most parts of Thailand is April, when the temperature hits an average high of 32.9 C but can reach as high as 34 C as recorded before. Towards the end of May till October is the wet season, when you can expect more rain although not all the time.

The best season to holiday in Koh Chang is from October to May mainly because of much more sunshine. Other periods of the year do attract visitors to the Koh Chang Marine National Park as well, even though they are aware of possible rains and storms from time to time.
 

Inoculations
No mandatory inoculations are necessary to enter Thailand. As with any other travel into tropical countries, information about precautions can be obtained from your local doctor or the health department in your country. Inoculations against hepatitis A and tetanus are recommended but are not compulsory.

Clothing
Light, easy cotton clothing as well as light footwear are recommend. For the cold season and for your own comfort in air-condition cars, hotels and restaurants a light weight cardigan would be useful.
 

Do's and don'ts in Thailand
The Thais address themselves fundamentally with the first name, never with surnames. The syllable Khun is prefixed to the first name with the address (for gentleman or woman). One does not greet with a handshake, instead of this one places the palms of the hands above the breast at each other and one bows (That is the welcome form which Thais call the "Wai").
Never touch a Thai at head since this is the seat of the soul is and is regarded as a holiest part of the body.
Before entering the interior of a temple or private house it is custom to take the shoes off.
At a visit of the Grand Palace, the Wat Phra Keo as well as other religious places the same consideration as everywhere on the world is with respect to the clothing and the behavior offered. Beachwear is here at the place wrong.
Buddhist monks, statues of Buddha and other religious symbols should not be touch and be treated with due respect.
The Thais are a very polite and reserved, a very friendly nation. Never show therefore your annoyance and remain always calm and polite even in case of possible quarrels.
Avoid any crucial remark against the royal house.
Never point with the soles of your feet against any person.

Language of the country/ communication
The Language of the Country is Thai.
English is widespread. special in Bangkok and most important tourist centers, as Pattaya and Phuket as well as in large provincial towns.
As a second language for business, English is of great importance.
The street signs along the major routes are bilingual; Thai and English.
 

Transport
By Air
The Bangkok International Airport is an important hub and has daily connections to most of the major cities all over the world. There you can directly take the connecting domestic flight to Trat operated by Bangkok Airways. Flying time approximately 45 minutes. From there it takes a 10 minutes taxi ride to the Koh Chang ferry pier.

By Sea
Car ferry from the Trat ferry pier to Koh Chang every 30 minutes. Alternative: Rent a boat or take our private shuttle service to the Siam Royal View private pier.

By Bus
For over land travel there are convenient air-conditioned public service buses or private bus companies. The ride from Bangkok to Trat takes about 3 hours.

Car hire/taxi:
Taxis and a bus shuttle to the hotels are available at the airport. An international driver's licence is needed to rent a car.

Visa
EU citizen and citizen from Switzerland need a Visa to stay up to 30 days. You can obtain the Visa on entry in to Thailand (Airport, Sea Port etc.). The Passport has to be valid for 6 months after the entry date.
Long stay or Business Travelers need a non emigrant visa, which is valid for 60 to 90 days.
These visas have to be applied for with the Thai representation (Embassy or Consulate). Children have to travel with their own passport (Child entries in parents passport are not valid).
Visitors over the age of 55 years can apply for a yearly visa please contact your nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate.
   
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Thai embassy's worldwide.
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