Thailand

Overview
Each year Thailand is discovered by millions of visitors, drawn to its pristine beaches and aquamarine seas, as well as its rich culture, glitzy shopping malls, chic boutiques and colourful markets crammed with bargains.

With its enticing mixture of established destinations such as Phuket and Hua Hin, and out-of-the-way palm-fringed islands, Thailand appeals to the most varied of travellers, whether they are craving barefoot luxury or hippy chic. From staying on a converted rice barge, clambering into a jungle tree house or bedding down in a hill tribe village, Thailand offers a wealth of choice for every taste and budget.

Pampering is an art form in Thailand, and throughout the country spas offer authentic treatments whether it's in a 5-star luxury resort or a beach-side hut. If it's pulse-raising excitement you are after, head to the hectic sprawl of Bangkok's futuristic high-rise buildings.

Early morning is when the saffron-robed monks leave the sanctuary of their wats (temples) to receive alms from the people, be it in a dusty village or on crowded city streets. Buddhism is a way of life here and the Thai's are also strong supporters of their monarchy. In fact, His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world, since coming to power in 1946.

Following the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy, but this was thwarted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The most recent was in September 2006 when a bloodless coup overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and replaced him with an interim prime minister until elections at the end of 2007.

For all this, Thailand has risen above the economic collapse of 1997, SARS and avian influenza as well as the devastating tsunami in December 2004, to become a hugely popular destination on the long-haul tourist trail.

Top Things To Do

• Take a memorable train trip across the notorious River Kwai Bridge at Kanchanaburi, which was built by Allied prisoners under the direction of the Japanese during WWII
• Admire the skills of the kite fighters. Opposing teams fly male Chula and female Pakpao kites in a surrogate battle of the sexes.
• Take in a muay thai (Thai kick-boxing) match; this traditional sport can be seen every day of the year at the major stadiums in both Bangkok and the provinces. Thai boxing matches are preceded by elaborate ceremonies and accompanied by lively music.
• Cast off all cares through traditional meditation. Thailand has dozens of temples and meditation centres specialising in vipassana (insight) meditation. Attend a class for just one day or a retreat lasting several weeks.
• Get to know northern Thailand better, particularly the remote provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son by trekking, riding an elephant or rafting through this spectacular region. Check out the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
• Enjoy Thailand's spectacular coastline. Have a go at sea canoeing and kayaking through the spectacular limestone islands in Phang Nga Bay and explore the half-submerged caves and grottoes.
• Learn traditional massage and the healing properties of herbal medicine at ancient Wat Pho.
• Try Thai cooking at one of many cookery schools. Learn how to blend the many herbs and spices that provide the unique flavours of Thai food.
• Take a boat trip through Bangkok's Floating Market, or along the klongs; a network of canals leading off the river, and lined with dwellings opening directly on to the water.
• Dive with the sharks in the aquarium at Bangkok's Siam Ocean World (website: www.siamoceanworld.co.th), and live to tell the tale.
• Have afternoon tea at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, one of the most famous hotels in the world. Once the haunt of the likes of Somerset Maughan and Joseph Conrad, it is now frequented by royalty and celebrities.
• Be entertained by the infamous 'lady boys' or katoeys of Bangkok at the outrageous Calypso Cabaret at the Asia Hotel.
• Be wowed by the spectacular cultural production of a Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Thailand with hundreds of performers and special effects at Siam Niramit in central Bangkok
• Join a wine-tasting tour at the Siam Winery near Bangkok.

Top Things To See

• Marvel at Bangkok's glittering Grand Palace (website: www.palaces.thai.net/gp) and Wat Phra Kaeo - a temple complex housing the Emerald Buddha. Upriver are the Royal Barges (website: www.thailandmuseum.com), ornate barges used for special processions on the Chao Phraya River.
• Don't miss Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and home to the Reclining Buddha. The Buddha's statue is enormous at 46m (150ft) long and 15m (49ft) high.
• Discover the delightful 81-room Vimanmek Palace which was once a royal summer retreat that was rebuilt in Bangkok in 1900.
• Travel north to Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city and a centre for excursions to the region's ancient temples, hill tribes and the Golden Triangle. Climb the 300 or so steps to Doi Suthep temple for sweeping views of the city.
• Visit Kanchanaburi, inextricably linked with the horrors of WWII and the allied forces who were forced to build the Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Use the town as a base to explore the area's waterfalls and jungles, and spend the night on a floating raft house.
• Step back in time with a visit to Ayutthaya, once the capital of Thailand. Ramble through the ruined palaces and wats on foot, by bicycle or even on the back of an elephant.
• Head to Phang Nga Bay, which is world-famous for its stunning seascape, with its hundreds of limestone islets emerging from a translucent sea. Easily reached from Phuket, many visitors will recognise scenery featured in the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun.
• Take time to explore the little-visited northeastern part of Thailand, especially Phimai, one of the most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand, dating from the 11th century. The intricate structures bear some resemblance to Angkor Wat and many lintels depict scenes from the epic Ramayana. The story of Prince Rama is one of the most important literary works from ancient India.
• Thailand isn't just beaches and temples. Go on an adventure into Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand. Here dripping rainforest covers majestic limestone formations laced with sparkling streams and waterfalls. Stay in tree houses or on bamboo rafthouses.

Climate
Generally very hot, particularly between March and May. The monsoon season runs from June to October, when the climate is still hot and humid with torrential rains. The best time for travelling is November to February (cool season), although the southern islands are best from June to September.

Required Clothing
Lightweights, and rainwear are advised.