“In Thailand you'll discover the rich and mysterious heart of South-East Asia”
Thailand is beautifully dotted with architectural marvels, magnificent shopping malls, sun-kissed beaches and tropical islands, delicious foods and drinks, exotic hilly villages and the grandeur of ancient ruins. Thailand stands unchallenged as the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia.
This ‘land of smiles' has much to offer the prospective visitor. Whether it is the golden, sandy beaches and warm, blue seas of the island dotted south; or the beautiful, hilly scenery and traditional way of life of the hill tribes in the north; or even the hustle and bustle of the capital, Bangkok, with it's legendary nightlife and modern amenities; you are sure to find something to suit your taste in this most welcoming of countries.
For those more active visitors there is a wealth of outdoor pursuits available. You can try your hand at diving on the superb coral reefs, or trekking in the hills and mountains of the north. There is also mountain biking, motorcycling and climbing, or perhaps river and sea kayaking, or some jungle rafting.
And, it's not just the stunning beauty of the land and sea that draws travellers to this country; Thailand's fascinating culture is an equally powerful enticement. Thailand's past has left its mark in the shape of numerous temples, palaces and ruins, all easily visited using the countries modern transport infrastructure. Such a wonderful blend of historic past and modern comfort makes Thailand the perfect destination.
The country of Thailand lies in the southeast tip of Asia. With an area of some 510,000 square kilometres and a population of some 57 million, Thailand is approximately the same size as France. It shares borders with Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Malaysia. The west coast of Thailand is bounded by the Andaman Sea, and narrows to a peninsula in the south. To the east the coast stretches for 1,500km along the Gulf of Thailand to the border with Malaysia. Both coastlines are dotted with numerous tropical islands.
Thailand is known as ‘The Land of Smiles,' it is a country rich in ancient history with an abundance of fascinating ruins, temples and deserted cities. Thailand means "land of the free", and throughout its 800-year history, Thailand can boast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized.
One of the things making Thailand so intriguing is that it respects its past while embracing the future. The culture and traditions blended with architecture and the arts are admired by people around the globe. The people of Thailand have proven that they can adopt foreign influence while maintaining their own special identity.
As with its long and glorious history, Thailand is amazingly rich in cultural heritage. The most important element that has been, and will continue to be, the major driving force of cultural development in Thailand is the belief in Theravada Buddhism. Thailand's culture is about more than music and paintings - it arises from a complex system of mutual respect and politeness that binds the country's people together.
All in all, if its culture you're looking for, Thailand's the right place to go- you won't be disappointed.
