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Thailand in brief
Thailand attracts millions of tourists annually from all walks of life, from backpackers and honeymooners to families and pensioners. Its dazzling beaches, tropical weather, endless entertainment options, deep rooted culture, delicious food, and smiling locals are all part of the Thai experience.
Thai culture
Thai culture has been developed over hundreds of years, from the early Lanna period through to the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods, and is well represented in Thai classical dance and music, traditional costume, architecture, and arts and crafts. The most obvious cultural attribute to the tourist will be the ubiquitous temples which adorn every village and town in the country, the finest of which are in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya.
Bangkok
The vast majority of visitors to Thailand enter through Bangkok, the Thai capital and the richest and most expensive city. While a hodgepodge of concrete monstrosities, luxurious hotels, cheap guesthouses, impossibly congested streets and millions of people, Bangkok is intoxicating. Highlights in the capital include the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the country’s foremost temple; Khao San Road, a major backpacker hangout; Siam Square, shopping central; Chao Praya River; and the ever-present red light districts including Patpong.
Thailand beaches
Phuket is the most popular beach destination in Thailand, receiving direct flights from Europe and having the most crowded beaches. The tourist infrastructure here is second to none and the variety of beaches on the west coast, from the quiet and the remote to the all out hedonistic, is its main draw. Popular beaches include Patong, Karon, Kata and Surin, with the former having the bulk of the nightlife, hotels and restaurants. Options for water sports in Phuket are excellent, with scuba diving and surfing being particularly good, while the nearby attractions of the Phi Phi islands, Koh Lanta and Krabi add further appeal.
Koh Samui island in the Gulf of Thailand is another major seaside destination, famed for its glorious white beaches and characterised by immense coconut plantations. Koh Pha Ngan, to the north of Samui, is more popular with the backpacker fraternity, especially during the notorious Full Moon Party, while the small island of Koh Tao (heading north again) is famed for its diving, snorkelling and laid-back feel.
Other major beach areas in Thailand include the popular royal getaway of Hua Hin, not far south of Bangkok, and the islands of Koh Samet and Koh Chang, which also lie in the Thai Gulf.
The North
The more discerning travellers to Thailand tend to head for the mountains of Chiang Mai in the northwest. While a large city, moated Chiang Mai is incredibly compact at heart and has a wonderful atmosphere, complete with an abundance of accommodation and dining options and superb cultural highlights - the lofty setting of Wat Phra Tat Doi Suthep overlooking the city being the main one. The Night Safari, zoo and jungle trekking are also highlights.
Thai food
Thai food is indicative of the Thai character; rich, spicy and incredibly diverse. Many people come just to taste the food, which ranges from a humble bowl of noodles or a plate of fried rice, to all out exotic seafood feasts. Thailand’s spicy curries and spicy seafood salads are particularly popular, served in all types of eateries across the country, and at affordable prices.
Thai people
Tourists will find Thais generally very polite and respectful, which is a direct consequence of their culture and Buddhist beliefs. The Thais come across as the friendliest people on earth, with their ubiquitous and endearing smiles and their famous hospitality. The formal ‘wai’ greeting enforces this – palms together against the chest with the head bowed.
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