Thailand is known as the land of smiles, and with good reason.
The people of this beautiful country offer a warm welcome and an exquisite sense of hospitality and style.
Thailand's beaches
Over the years it has grown in stature and refinement and you can find resorts and hotels to match the best in the world. Many visitors come here for the beaches and they certainly don't disappoint. The islands and beaches of the south epitomise palm-fringed beauty, with the Andaman Sea at its best through the UK winter and the Gulf of Thailand bright and sunny for the rest of the year. But there’s much more to discover.
History and culture
The capital, Bangkok, is Southeast Asia’s major city, a fascinating, frenetic place where life only slows in tranquil temples, quiet canals and on the river that flows through its heart. In the north, hill tribe communities still live in small wooden villages, tenaciously hanging on to an age old culture and traditions. Ancient cities date back to earlier Siamese civilisations, national parks are rich with tropical flora and fauna and in small provincial towns you still find gentle Buddhist temples hazed with incense smoke and lit by candles.
To travel to Thailand and see only the beaches is to miss a magical and enthralling experience: Southeast Asia’s spiritual giant.
Beaches
For some Thailand is synonymous with beaches and there is no debating that many of the islands and beaches in the south of the county are truly stunning with a dramatic backdrop of limestone casts which literally erupt out of the water. Many of the islands are still relatively undeveloped and the crystal clear water and abundance of marine life make for some stunning diving and snorkelling.
Local cuisine
An absolute paradise for food lovers, from the spicy soups of the north to the sublime creamy green curries in the south, Thai food is adored by visitors and locals alike. For those who wish to broaden their palate Bangkok is one of the cuisine capitals of the world with food from virtually corner of the planet represented in the various stalls and restaurants.
Local culture
"Mai pen rai" is a common expression used by the Thais which means "it's all right". This sums up their approach to life and is reflected in their warm smiles and genuine love for giving warm and friendly service to the farangs (friends) who visit their country. Many people say their main reason for repeat visits is down to the warmth of the people. This warmth permeates through all levels of Thai society from city dwellers to the many ethnic hill tribe people living in the north of the country.
Temples
The majority of Thais are devout Buddhists and this devotion manifests itself in the ornate and wonderfully sculptured temples, or wats, which can be found in every part of the country. The two most famous examples are Wat Pho in the capital, Bangkok and the magnificent Doi Suthep in the northern town of Chiang Mai which is perched on a hill overlooking the city. However a typical journey through Thailand will throw up an array of more subtle but no less interesting wats where the locals can be seen paying their respects to Buddha.
