The Kingdom of Thailand, previously known as Siam, is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia. It shares a border with Cambodia to the east, Laos to the northeast, Myanmar to the west, and Malaysia to the south. Thailand, with its shape resembling a head of an elephant, is around 198,114 square miles, or roughly the size of the state of Texas. The Kingdom borders two bodies of water—the Gulf of Thailand to the south and the Indian Ocean to the west.
Thailand is divided into four natural regions: the north, northeast, the central plain, and the south.
The north is a mountainous region comprised of ridges, natural forest, and deep, narrow alluvial valleys.
The northeast is an arid region characterized by a rolling surface and undulating hills.
Central Thailand is a lush, fertile valley and possesses the richest and most extensive rice-producing area in the country.
The south is hilly with thick forests and rich deposits of minerals and iron ores. The southern region is also the center for rubber production and the cultivation of other topical crops.
It’s People
Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. No wonder their country is also called the “City of Smiles”.
A large majority of over 64 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 8 million people reside in its capital city - Bangkok.
Thailand is also considered a melting pot. You can meet people from different countries of different colors of different nationalities.
It’s Language
The official language, spoken by almost 100 percent of the population, is Thai. Thai is a tonal, uninflected, and predominantly monosyllabic language borrowed from Khmer, Pali, and Sanskrit. Chinese and Malay are also spoken in some areas, while local dialects are common in rural communities. English is widely spoken in Bangkok and other major metropolitan areas.
It’s Climate
Thailand has a warm, tropical climate affected by a seasonal monsoon. Thailand experiences a rainy season from June to October and a dry season for the rest of the year. Temperatures average 75 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, with the highest temperatures occurring from March to May and the lowest appearing in December and January.
It’s Religion
Buddhism is the faith of approximately 95 percent of the population. Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and other faiths are also openly practiced and protected under the Constitution.
It’s Ways, Roads and Means of Transportation
The state owns the Thai railroad system and it runs along a total of 3870 km of track. There is a network of railway lines that go from Bangkok to surrounding cities in all directions. It goes to Chiang Mai in the north to the frontier of Malaysia in the south. There is another line available that extends to Myanmar in the northwest.
The highways in Thailand were improved upon in the 1970s and are comprised of roads totaling about 65,000 km.
Means of Transportation:
Skytrain.
Within Bangkok.
Metered cabs.
Within major cities
Tuk-tuks.
Within a city.
Samlor.
Short distances, e.g., within a neighborhood.
Train.
City to city.
Local Bus.
Within a city.
Inter-city coach.
City to city.
Public ferries and boats.
Within a city, or short distances to other cities and islands.
Chartered boats.
Within Bangkok.
Motorbike cabs.
Certain cities.
Rental motorbike.
Anywhere.
Rental bicycle.
Certain cities and countryside.
Rental car.
Anywhere.You'll need an international driving license.
It’s Activities
Thailand provides variety of activities around its region. The south part is ideal for aquatic fun like sailing, water skiing, windsurfing to big game fishing and diving. While the north part, it is famous for their waterfalls, caves and wildlife including rare birds, gibbons, elephants and tigers. Trekking in this beautiful region is what this area offers.
Thailand has a network of beautiful national parks. This provides pleasure of peace and relaxation.Thailand also offers sports opportunities and pleasure. Some visitors enjoy the excellent golf courses. Others come to learn cultural skills such as Buddhism, meditation, traditional massage and Thai cooking techniques, which includes vegetable carving.
The Tourist Spots
Central
Samut Prakan (29 km) has countless tourist attractions such as historical sites, old markets and indigenous lifestyles along the canals. The largest crocodile farm in the world is situated here.
The old capital from 1350 to 1767, Ayutthaya (76 km from Bangkok), is today visited chiefly as a historical site, especially the World Heritage Historic City of Ayutthaya and associated Historic Towns.
Bang Pa-in Palace, and Bang Sai Folk Arts and Crafts Centre are places recommended for inclusion in a one-day tour.
East
Pattaya, the renowned recreation centre on the east coast. Its fine sand, blue sky and limpid sea are among many other good things that prove irresistible to both foreign and domestic tourists. Chanthaburi (245 km), a coastal province famous for its gemstones, fruits, hot pepper and Chanthabun mats. Rayong (179 km), where the most attractive tourist spot is the Samet Island, which has become very popular among foreign visitors. Trat (315 km), the most far-flung province on the eastern coast, is well known for its Ko Chang Marine National Park. Prachin Buri (135 km) is famous for its "Hin Phoeng" Rapids which is part of Khao Yai National Park.
North
Chiang Mai (697 km), the second biggest province of Thailand, provides visitors with a host of places of interest, such as, Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, Bhubing Palace, etc. Chiang Rai (785 km), located at the northern tip of Thailand in the very heart of the Golden Triangle, gains fame from its scenic views, exotic hilltribes and exciting elephant-back riding tours. Lamphun (670 km) is a town of beautiful women, bountiful orchards and ancient temples. Lampang (599 km) is the sole province in Thailand where horse-drawn carriages are still used as a means of transportation. Phrae (643 km) is known for the northern costume called mohom and Phae Muang Phi, a small area of weird earth formation. Mae Hong Son (942 km) is well known as the "Town of Three Mists" because it is mist-shrouded throughout most of the three seasons. The province has many waterfalls and caves. Sukhothai(427 km), the first capital of the Thai Kingdom, it has been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1991. Tak (426 km) This mountainous province is ideal for nature lovers and adventurous tourists as there are numerous places for white-water rafting, trekking and elephant riding. Phetchabun (346 km) is where the scenic Nam Nao National Park and Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park are situated. It is also rich with waterfalls, rivers and lakes.
NorthEast
Nakhon Ratchasima (259 km), or Khorat for short, is the gateway to the Northeast, where are located the Thao Suranari Monument, Khmer-style stone shrine Prasat Hin Phimai and an over 250-year-old banyan tree. Khon Kaen (449 km), one of the northeastern commercial centres famous for the local product -- matmi silk. Kalasin (519 km) is where dinosaurs' fossils were excavated and are now exhibited at Dinosaur Research Centre in Sahatkhan District. Surin (457 km), the land of elephants, is world famous for its Elephant Round-up taking place at the third weekend of November.
South
Phuket (862 km), the biggest island of Thailand located in the Andaman Sea. It has rapidly become one of the best known seaside resorts of the world. Samui Islandof Surat Thani (644 km) will be another choice. Its tranquillity and unpolluted environment will refresh you. Ranong (568 km), Thailand's rainiest province, is well known for its hot mineral springs. Trang (828 km) With plentiful picturesque islands, this province has many fine beaches and beautiful scenery waiting to be explored such as Chao Mai National Park, and Ko Muk and its Morakot Cave.
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