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Thailand is nestled between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, bordering Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. It is exotic yet
accessible, with something for every visitor. Relax on
white sand beaches, hike through vast areas of tropical
forest, or live it up in the humming capital of Bangkok.
There is much for you to discover in Thailand. The
country offers a huge range of new experiences in sights,
sounds, tastes, and outlook. But different as it may
be from your home, Thailand is probably the easiest
exotic country for visitors. The people are friendly,
leisure activities are well organized, the food is great
and you receive excellent value for money.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
There is much for you to discover in Thailand. The country
offers a huge range of new experiences in sights, sounds,
tastes, and outlook. But different as it is from your
home, a visit to Thailand is an easy journey of discovery
Newcomers to Thailand sometimes overlook the kingdom’s
rich geographical and cultural diversity. After all,
one week in a five-star hotel in Bangkok or Phuket is
unlikely to give a proper insight to a realm with so
much to experience. But compared to the subtle variations
found in many western countries, the people, culture
and food of Thailand’s regions are strikingly different.
North of Thailand
In the north, with its exquisite temples and handicrafts,
the rugged, forested mountains contrast with the fertile
central plains, where rice is grown in paddies that stretch
to the horizon. The northeast, known locally as Isan and
punished by alternate drought and flooding, has some of
the finest Khmer ruins beyond Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Though
less developed than Thailand’s other regions, Isan offers
a lot. Its food, dialect and music are easily discernible,
and northeasterners possess a character all of their own.
To the south are what sun seekers consider Thailand’s
glory: stunning beaches, lush green islands and azure
seas. 
Floating Market
Visitors’ reactions to Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital
city, vary as much as everything it has to offer; some
say you either love it or you hate it. Traffic, pollution,
heat and noise are compensated by countless restaurants,
historical and cultural treasures and exotic curiosities.
Shopping facilities rival those of neighboring countries,
and bargain hunting is the sole purpose of many trips
to Thailand. Glitzy malls or crowded markets, the choice
is yours.
Getting around the city is easy. Metered taxis are
everywhere, as are tuk-tuks; three-wheeled buggies that
constitute the city’s unique novelty ride. Local buses
offer an interesting experience, and adventurers can
take motorcycle taxis. The sky train offers a limited
but scenic alternative.
Snorkeling in Thailand
Lasting impressions of any trip depend largely upon a
person’s experience with the local people. Bangkok folk
deal admirably with hectic city life, but it is in the
provinces that real Thai warmth, charm and personality
are found. The Thais possess an innate friendliness and
are hospitable to all who pass through. To take it all
in, a trip upcountry is a must for anyone wishing to see
for themselves the true face of Thailand and all its treasures.
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