A: The climate of Thailand varies widely from region to region. Rainfall patterns and temperature levels are subject to the monsoon. The summer monsoon brings three distinct seasons: cool (November-February), hot (March-June), and rainy (July-November). Monsoons, not latitude, determine the seasons in Thailand. Monsoons are seasonal winds that change direction during the year as a result of differences in temperature and pressure between land and sea. Derived from the Arabic word mansim, monsoons are the life source for farms across the country.

A: Over the years we have been asked this question many times-is it safe for a woman to travel alone in Thailand?

The advice we give to these women are those things they already know but tend to disregard. For example, we suggest not to travel with fine jewelry, expensive watches or such things as high-priced leather goods. Why? These items will attract unwanted attention. That, of course, we all know, but do we follow it? Not always. We know we should leave expensive items at home.

The best ways for women to stay safe while traveling are still the simplest:

A: We receive many requests like this one, and the best advice we can give is to consult the nearest Thai Airways International (TG) to your home or office for consultation. ROH representatives can give clients advice, and often, depending upon where you are, the rules and regulations and the best rates available or local promotion champagne. Also schedules do change from time to time.

A: Royal Orchid Holidays has just the perfect package for you, it is called "The Taste of Thailand . We have specially selected the best cooking classes offered in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. You would get the best hands-on experience at cooking a wide variety of Thai dishes.

A: ROH is designed and priced specifically for THAI passengers. The airlines see ROH as, a kind of, value-add they offer to THAI passengers. All the content in ROH have been carefully reviewed and negotiated to give THAI passengers the best value possible, everything from hotels to tours. Unlike most travel agencies that are in business to make profit, ROH will even lose money to satisfy its passengers. However, ROH is extending its services to clients traveling on services operated by partner airlines (the Star Alliance), though some fees may be involved.

A: Time was when the only way to travel was with travellers checks. We live in a plastic world today. Credit cards will get you anywhere. In fact, if you want to rent a car, you will need a credit card. Travellers checks will not do, no matter how much you want to deposit. In Thailand, as in most Southeast Asian countries, and China as well, you will find ATM machines anywhere from airports to the smallest village or hamlet. Most restaurants and shops will take credit cards. For cash, I always carry a few dollar bills. One never knows when you might need them.

A: In Southeast Asia there is no winter or summer, only a wet or dry season. The wet season is associated with the monsoons. Travellers are often warned to avoid travelling during the monsoons. Here's the rub. Thailand has two monsoons, the Northeast and the Southwest, and when the winds are blowing on one coast and the weather may be foul, the other coast is certain to have clear skies and be sunny. That's when you choose either Phuket on the west coast or Koh Samui on the east coast. So when is the best time to travel in Thailand? The answer: any time.