Thailand is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Asia. One of the few countries in this region never to be colonised, Thailand has retained a unique and fascinating culture, blending bustling commercialism with age old traditions.

It is also a land of incredibly diverse landscapes, from the warm, tropical south with its endless beaches, clear blue water and towering jungles to the beautiful ancient ruins of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai in central Thailand, and finally the mountainous north with its diverse hill tribes.

Top Highlights

Bangkok:
The capital of Thailand combines the ancient and modern worlds, and is a treasure house of cultural attractions. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination. The Chao Phraya or the 'Mother of the Waters' winds through the city and a trip along its waters is a must for the visitor.

A 'must do' in Bangkok is to experience a Tuk-Tuk, these 3-wheelers are popular for short journeys, but remember fares must be bargained for in advance. Not much cheaper than taxis, but where else can you ride in a Tuk-Tuk?

Must see's: Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace is home to Thailand's most revered Buddha image. the Emerald Buddha. Vimanmek Mansion is the largest golden teakwood building in the world. Wat Pho, home to the gold-plated Reclining Buddha is the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok .Wat Arun is a famous Bangkok landmark - the temple has a massive central pagoda and four smaller ones at each corner. The best time to photograph the temple is as the sun sets. Wat Traimit is home to the 700-year old, 3m-tall, 5.5-tonne, solid-gold Buddha image.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is 104km south-west of Bangkok where you will see wooden canoes laden with multi-coloured fruit and vegetables, paddled by Thai women. Weekend Market - everything is sold here from clothing, musical instruments, flowers, pots and pans, to chickens, snakes and handicrafts.

Chiang Mai:
Thailand's second largest city is modern and cosmopolitan. Located 700km north-west of Bangkok, Chiang Mai has over 300 temples. Noted temples are: Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Ku Tao. The most important temple is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - at 1,056m above sea level offering panoramic views of the city. This large golden pagoda with a five-tiered golden umbrella in the centre contains holy Buddha relics and draws Buddhist pilgrims from all over Thailand.

There are a number of cultural and spiritual learning experiences (Thai massage, Thai cooking, yoga) available in the city. A great place to shop is the Night Bazaar, one of Chiang Mai's biggest tourist attractions. Chiang Mai province is known for its parasol-making, silk weaving and wooden furniture made from teak, rosewood and rattan.

Andaman Coast - Beach Resorts:
Known for its sandy beaches, soaring mountains of jagged limestone and striking scenery. Comprised of the provinces of: Ranong, Phang-Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, with a varied terrain, ranging from rocky beaches to sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, forested hills and vegetation of all kinds, the island caters to the traveller. There are a number of off-shore islands offering excellent dive sites.

Ko Samui:
A very pretty island with a relaxed atmosphere, the best 'chill-out' beaches are to the north, near the Big Buddha Temple. The centre of beachlife is Chaweng Beach which is very popular with lots of nightlife.

Pattaya:
147 km south-east of Bangkok, is one Thailand's busiest beach resorts, with hotels, bungalows and guesthouses spread along Hat Pattaya, Naklua and Jomtien beaches. There are a number of off-shore islands that cater to diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Ko Phi-Phi:
Fly into Phuket or Krabi, and then a 2 hour boat journey across to the island. Amazing beaches, white cliffs and great marine life - excellent place for diving and snorkelling. Similan Islands National Marine Park is world-renowned amongst divers for incredible underwater sightseeing at depths ranging from 2m to 30m, plus sandy beaches, granite rock formations, rock reefs and dive-throughs. Best diving months are December to May.

Trekking in Northern Thailand:
The best time to trek is between November and February, when there is little or no rain and the poppies are in bloom. Gives travellers opportunities to visit hill tribes and see how the people live in these remote areas.

More Thailand highlights:
Ayuthaya, 86 kms north of Bangkok is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its historic temples which are scattered throughout this once magnificent city. Kanchanaburi, about 130 km west of Bangkok is high on the must see list because of the so called Bridge on the River Kwai (the Death Railway), built by POWs and labourers, to link Thailand and Myanmar, which was bombed 20 months after completion in 1945. Little remains of the original railway. There are two cemeteries containing the remains of Allied POWs who died in captivity during WWII.

Sukhothai, the original capital of the first Thai kingdom, Sukhothai was viewed as the golden age of Thai civilisation. Sukhothai temple architecture is most typified by the classic lotus-bud stupa, which features a conical spire topping a square-sided structure on a three-tiered base.  

COUNTRY DIALLING CODE:
+ 66
CAPITAL:
Bangkok
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE:
Thai (English widely spoken).
ELECTRICITY:
220V, 50 cycles. Usually round, two-pole plugs, some flat, two-bladed plugs.
CURRENCY:
Thai Baht.
CREDIT CARDS
Visa and MasterCard are most commonly accepted.
TIPPING:
Customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who give good service. 10-15% tip in restaurants. Customary not to tip taxi drivers.
BARGAINING:
Bargaining is acceptable in markets.
GEOGRAPHY:
Thailand is divided into four distinct areas: the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South; distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.
AIR:
Thai Airways International (domestic & international routes)
BUS:
Private Buses operate between major tourist and business destinations all over the country. A Government Bus service also operates, but is not recommended as services are unreliable.
BORDER CROSSINGS:
There are a number of International Border Crossings between Thailand and Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia & Myanmar where foreigners are allowed to cross.