Thailand Vacation

Thailand has earned its reputation as the 'Land of smiles' and offers a multitude of attractions on a vacation. Made famous for its welcoming people and laid back way of life, the country is located 15 degrees north of the equator and enjoys a tropical climate with typical temperatures ranging from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F).

Thailand was previously known as Siam, and has existed as a Thai Kingdom since the 14th Century. It is the only South East Asian nation which has never been colonized by Europeans. The country is roughly equal to the size of France, and with over 3000km of coastline, has become a world class destination for holiday makers. Like most tropical countries the weather is hot and humid, with three seasons, 'hot', 'rainy' and 'cool', although because of the countries varying geography, visitors can always find suitable weather in different locations in Thailand throughout the year.

Different variations of Thai dialect are spoken across Thailand, with a large number of Thai's now speaking English as a second language, making the country even more welcoming to western holiday makers. At every airport, bus station and tourist ferry port there are always plenty of English speaking staff on hand to help tourists, making Thailand a safe and easy place to travel. In most of the major tourist destinations such as Koh Samui, Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, hotel and restaurant staff will also speak English, so travellers are able to order food and enjoy light hearted banter. In more remote areas some knowledge of Thai is essential, although wherever you are, a few simple phrases goes a long way to win the respect of the locals.

Thailand is famous for its white sandy beaches and swaying coconut trees, with plenty of water-based activities such as Scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking on offer. There are over 100 national parks throughout the kingdom, with protected rainforest, islands and fascinating flora and fauna to discover. The capital city of Bangkok is a bustling, vibrant hub, with a dramatic contrast of street- side hawker stalls and luxurious five star shopping malls. Temples, museums and galleries filled with interesting Thai and Asian artifacts prove popular with the tourists, as well as gentle boat rides down the city's Chao Phraya river.

The majority of Thai people practice Theravada Buddhism and visitors can enjoy the many temples and learn from senior monks about some of the meditation techniques and guiding principals. Others come to study Thai cooking, learning the art of creating curry pastes from scratch and carving exquisitely detailed patterns into fruit. Many simply enjoy the tastes and sights of Thailand, returning year after year, enchanted by the friendly people, warm weather and gentle way of living.