The country of Thailand is actually a Kingdom, located at the heart of Southeast Asia. Two of its most visited cities are Bangkok (Land of Smiles, formerly best known as a backpacker’s playground) and Phuket.
Attractions include the opulent Royal Grand Palace, the floating market (Damnoen Saduak – for the inimitable experience of floating through one of Thailand’s river villages), the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Mae Sa waterfall of Chiang Mai, the National Museum of Bangkok, Chatuchak Market (said to be the world’s biggest flea market), and several stunning and historic temples within Bangkok itself and throughout Thailand, including the Tiger Temple and the Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit). Thailand also has many regal structures, sacred buildings, landscaped gardens and animal safaris. Thailand has immaculate beaches and offers every kind of traveller the ultimate holiday experience, whatever your budget. Koh Phangan is well-known for its monthly full moon parties, euphoric beach gatherings where natives and travellers share the vibe and enjoy the rhythm of the music from dusk until dawn.
For a secluded getaway, there are private palm-fringed islands, where you can stay in a tree house, a rustic beach-side hut or an authentic camp lodge. For those who prefer luxury, Thailand has hundreds of spa hotels which offer treatments such as specialist Thai massage.
There is so much to do, whether you prefer lounging on one of the hundreds of sunny beaches or catching the waves. There is a good choice of water sports (diving, snorkelling, surfing), or there are excellent routes to hike or bike – take your camera and lots of water. The country is at its hottest between March and May, while peak tourist season is from November to February. Parts of Thailand (and many other regions of Asia) were devastated by the 2004 tsunami, but true to the Thai spirit, a full recovery is in good progress and Thailand continues to attract millions of tourists every year.