Thailand

Thailand

Thailand is generally considered a safe country and for tourists, Phuket is a safe place.
Of course there is criminality, but it is unlikely that you will encounter it.
The worst that could happen to you is that you get pickpocketed.
Something else that happens quite frequently is that touts wait in front of
major sightseeing spots, approach the visitors and claim that the temple etc.
is closed. Instead, they offer to take you to a jewellery or carpet shop where,
you guessed it, sensational "special deals" are available  - only today, of course.  
Just ignore these people.

As everywhere, of course, it is better to avoid carrying large amounts of cash;
credit cards or traveller`s cheques are preferable

In general, the Thai are friendly and polite, and you should try to act the same way.
It is very bad behaviour to start loud arguments or challenge someone in public.
Harsh criticism, shouting, or other displays of anger or rage will not get you
anywhere in Thailand. A person`s head is considered sacred and it is an insult
to touch it. The feet, on the other hand, are considered very impure, and you
should never point at a person, or a religious object with a foot or step over somebody.
 The king of Thailand and royal family are held in genuine respect by the people
and you should never speak derogatively about them or act disrespectfully
with regard to them (for instance, never step on a Thai bank note -
it depicts the head of the king. People have been known to be arrested for this!)

Women Travelling Alone in Thailand

It is still unusual for a female tourist  to travel alone, but you will probably
 not run into any problem because of it. The Thai women themselves have
considerable influence, especially in business life,  and are respected
members of society. A tip: observe the Thai "dresscode" - long skirts or
pants, shoulders covered, everything clean and ironed. It will help you
to get along with the locals.


The Best Time for Travelling

Basically, Thailand has three seasons: a dry and hot season
 (from November until February), a very hot season
 (from March until the end of April; the weather is still dry, but very hot,
and doing sightseeing tours may be uncomfortable) and a wet
and hot season (this is the monsoon season from May to the end of October),
and these distinctions also apply to the northern part of the country.
The months from November to April are all good for a visit to Thailand.

Koh Samui is an exception from the rule: on Samui Island the rainy
season starts in November and ends in April. The months form
May to September are the best time for a visit to Koh Samui.