Thailand Travel Guide & Introduction

The 'LAND OF SMILES', as it's famously known, is Southeast Asia's most visited tourist destination and a favorite holiday spot for Europeans. With its impressive collection of fantastic scenery, great value hospitality, colorful culture and history, along with friendly and relaxed people, Thailand presents a superb experience for all who visit this Kingdom of 70 million people.

Tropical weather, a wide range of attractions and activities, together with a well established tourist infra-structure ensure that tourism is one of the country's most important pre-occupations. It also proudly boasts an impressive history of civilized kingdoms stretching back almost a thousand years, which has left behind an important legacy of religious and cultural sites and artifacts.

From the fourteenth century Lanna Kingdom in the North to the height of Siamese power during the Ayuthaya period in the 18th century, the Thais have enjoyed domination of the region.

Buddhism plays an important role even in the present and its influences can be seen everywhere, from ancient stupas to modern gaudy temples and spirit houses. With this comes a host of intriguing festivals and protocol that often beguiles visitors. It has also resulted in a population of people who value non-aggression and accounts for the Thais famous friendliness and acceptance of visitors.

This alone is one of the major draw cards of the country, resulting in the anything goes approach to enjoyment that is seen in some of the naughtier corners of Bangkok.

Bangkok, the capital, has some impressive temples, museums and cultural attractions hidden among the high-rise buildings and notoriously congested streets. Most visitors passing through this sprawling metropolis spend a few days touring the sites and enjoy first class shopping, dining and hospitality.

It is also the transport hub of the nation with frequent flights to all major centres from its new world-class Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Numerous trains and buses also add an alternative to driving by yourself on the good highway network that splays out from this central point.

Phuket is perhaps the most glamorous destination, on account of its sheer coastal beauty and the island boasts unsurpassed beaches and fantastic seascapes nearby in the jaw-dropping Pha Nga bay, with its multiple karst pillars. Also within reach is the world famous Phi Phi island with its' unspoilt beauty and unique topography.

Krabi, which is also only an hour's boatride away is more down to earth and the karst backdrop at Ao Nang and Railay beach makes it particularly popular with the Nordic crowd.

Samui island, on the Gulf of Thailand side, is Thailand's self-styled 'boutique island', also known for lovely beaches, superb hotels and a tropical island atmosphere. Nearby is the unspoilt paradise island of Koh Pha Ngan which has become famous in recent years for its monthly full moon parties that attract the free spirited crowd. Divers, on the other hand, head further north to Koh Tao which boasts the best diving infrastructure and most accessible reefs in these waters.

Other popular coastal destinations include Hua Hin - a delightful seaside town two hour's drive from Bangkok and Pattaya, a hedonistic centre full of girlie bars and ex-pat condos, but it still retains a respectable side.

Further along the coast is the small, relaxed, island of Koh Samet, with Thailand's whitest beaches, within easy reach of Bangkok. Koh Chang, nearer the Cambodian border, is touted as Thailand's eco-tourist island and is mostly mountainous and undeveloped.

Within a day's drive of Bangkok are several popular locations. Kanchanaburi, to the west, is best known for the 'Bridge over the River Kwai' and has a sad history associated with the death railway under Japanese rule - providing a somber memorial atmosphere to this otherwise adventurers region.

Ayuthaya is closer to Bangkok and a must on any itinerary for its historical value. This World Heritage sites includes ruins of this former powerful city scattered around the Chao Praya river.

The North of Thailand is altogether different in character, with an unspoilt mountainous wilderness covered in national parks, fantastic waterfalls and inhabited by colourful hill tribe minorities. Chiang Mai, its capital, is a delightful historic town surrounded by a pretty moat and full of ancient temples.

Its relaxing, cheap and excellent as a springboard for adventure activities and trekking. Further north is famed Golden Triangle on the banks of the Mekong river at the border of Thailand, Laos and Burma.

Few people make it to the parched Isarn region of the northeast, but it has plenty of character and supports an enormous portion of Thailand's rural poor. Several important sites are found here, including the pre-historic excavations of Baan Chiang.

Thailand is also famous for its food, which can be found everywhere, from street side noodle carts to five star restaurants, and the spicy curries are much loved the world over for their flavour. Spas are now a big attraction here, and the Thai are excellent at pampering you and providing their well known tradition massage.

In all, the locals like to enjoy themselves with numerous festivals throughout the year. The country is a safe, cheap and relaxed destination. Health and safety is of little concern and visa restrictions are few. As a result many foreigners have chosen to make Thailand their home.