Country Guide
| Thailand
Thailand has various world-famous tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok the capital and largest city of Thailand.
The country's official language is Thai. |
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The dry season lasts from November to April when temperatures can rise up to 40 °C around April. The best months to visit Cambodia are November to January when temperatures and humidity are lower. |
Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang, which existed from the 13th to the 18th century.
Buddhism is a dominant influence in Lao culture. It is reflected throughout the country from language to the temple and in art, literature and performing arts. |
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Malaysia as a unified state did not exist until 1963. Previously, the United Kingdom had established influence in colonies in the territory from the late 18th century. The western half of modern Malaysia was composed of several separate kingdoms.
During the late 20th century, this Southeast Asian nation experienced an economic boom and underwent rapid development. |
Since independence, Singapore's standard of living has risen dramatically. Singapore is now the 5th wealthiest country in the world in terms of GDP (PPP) per capita.
Singapore is highly cosmopolitan and diverse with Chinese people forming an ethnic majority with large populations of Malay, Indian and other people. English, Malay, Tamil, and Chinese are the official languages. |
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Bali is renowned for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Balinese percussion orchestra music, known as gamelan, is highly developed and varied. |
The Hong Kong dollar is the 9th most traded currency in the world. |
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China was the largest and most advanced economy for much of recorded history. Historically, China's cultural sphere has extended across East Asia as a whole, with Chinese religion, customs, and writing systems being adopted to varying degrees by neighbors such as Japan, Korea and Vietnam. |
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The Kingdom of Thailand is an independent country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east. With a population of over 86 million, Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world.
The Kingdom of Cambodia has an area of 69,898 sq miles and lies entirely within the tropics. It borders Thailand to the north and west, Laos to the northeast, and Vietnam to the east and southeast. It has a 275 mile coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.
Laos, is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west.
Malaysia consists of thirteen states and three Federal Territories, with a total landmass of 127,354 sq mi. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur. The country is separated into two regions, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, by the South China Sea.
Singapore, is an island city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, lying 85 miles north of the equator. At 274.2 sq miles, Singapore is a microstate and the smallest nation in Southeast Asia.
Bali is an Indonesian island, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island.
Consisting of a peninsula and 236 islands on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea Hong Kong has developed into one of the world's top financial centres. Renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour, its identity as a cosmopolitan centre where east meets west is reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music and traditions.
China has one of the world's oldest civilizations and has the oldest continuous civilization. It has archaeological evidence dating back over 5,000 years. It also has one of the world's oldest written language systems, and is viewed as the source of many major inventions.Travel Guide
Passports
To visit Asia you will need a full British passport, valid for at least 6 months after your intended return.
Visas
Currently, visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days in Thailand, Singapore, Bali and Hong Kong and up to 90 days in Malaysia. You may purchase short term Laos and Cambodia visas on arrival but for Vietnam and China you must apply well in advance - Freedom Asia can assist you with this.
Customs
Travellers over 18 are entitled to a duty-free allowance of drink and cigarettes. All countries allow cash for personal use to be taken into the countries but very large amounts must be declared. Foodstuffs, plant or animal products must also be declared on arrival.
Health
The Asia countries featured in this brochure generally have good standards of health care and hygiene although it is best to stick to bottled water. No vaccinations are compulsory although some are recommended and, in some areas, it is advisable to protect against Malaria. You should consult your GP or travel clinic for the latest advice before travelling.
Driving
To drive in Malaysia or the Thai Islands you will need your full UK driving licence. Cars are usually air-conditioned and seat belts compulsory. Driving elsewhere in Asia is not recommended.
Money
It is wise to take some local currency with you although there are bureaux de change at most airports. Banking hours in Asia are similar to those in the UK and most towns have cash dispensers. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in shops and restaurants.
Tipping
A tip is not usually expected in Asia although it is normal to leave the small change in a restaurant. However, some up market hotels and restaurants in the cities do add a 10% service charge to your bill.
Electricity and telephones
As in the UK, supply is 220-240 volts, 50Hz AC. However sockets are different and you will need an adaptor. There is good reception for most mobile phone networks.
Climate
The climate throughout South East Asia can be hot and often humid and sun screen is a must. Tropical rains occur at times throughout the region but these are usually short lived. Further north, Beijing can be cold in winter when a coat is essential.
Travel advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office produces up-do-date information on countries around the world. You can check their advice online at www.fco.gov.uk or by calling 0845 850 2829.
