A journey into The Land of Smiles is more than fulfilling, since the traveler can explore big cities and remote villages, can walk on mountain trails and rainforest paths. From Thai cuisine to Muay Thai shows, from impressive temples to gracious folk dancers, from diving, cycling or hiking to soothing spa treatments, from shopping to meditation, the attractions are practically unlimited and outstanding.
Thailand is blessed with breathtaking views, pristine beaches, spectacular cliffs and mountains. It is a country with abundant natural resources, including a wide variety of flora and fauna, and distinct ecological zones.
There are plenty of destinations to choose from in any of the five regions of Thailand: North, Northeast, East, Central, and South.
The North of Thailand with its mountainous peaks, replete with wildlife and home to exotic hill tribes, will charm any traveler. It is here that you will find colorful celebrations where everyone is invited and treated as a guest, it is here that you will have the chance to interact with elephants and try your hand at being an elephant care-taker and it is here that you can best understand Thailand's history and culture. The city of Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of Sukhothai, the Golden Triangle, bordering the majestic Mekong river and many other sights can be visited in the north of Thailand.
The central plains (the “Rice Bowl of Asia”) with their endless rice paddies are also home to 'the bridge over the River Kwai', the renowned floating markets, a wondrous former capital of Siam – Ayutthaya, as well as the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Bangkok.
Extending to the south are spectacular islands and beaches with unlimited opportunities for relaxing holidays in the sun. It is no surprise that Thailand is famous for it's long sandy beaches and the clear blue water as it is blessed with over 3200 kilometers of coastline and over 1400 islands, located both in the Gulf of Thailand and in the Andaman Sea. That makes southern Thailand a year-round destination for sun lovers.
No least, if you want to delve into Thailand's traditional culture and way-of-life, the northeastern plateau (stretching to the Mekong River border with Laos) should be your destination of choice. This is where Thailand is at its greenest, it is a region of stunning mountainous landscapes, pristine nature and quaint traditional villages.
A trip to any of these areas will enrich you culturally and spiritually, but if you really want to understand Thai culture, you have to visit Thailand's temples, talk to the people, learn about handicrafts, eat with the locals and get an understanding of Thailand and the Thai people’s way of life, or what we call ‘Thainess’ - that unique trait of the Thai people that makes the Kingdom one of the most welcoming and desired destinations in the world. You will find a world of colors, fragrances and smiles.
