The world is a big place, with more than 200 independent nations, each with its own culture and if you are looking for an unforgettable holiday experience, look no further than the magical Land of Smiles, named because Thai people are always smiling. Arriving in Bangkok is an assault on the senses and you quickly see the Buddhist influence on the Thai people; they are very patient and tolerant and, in many respects, Thais live for the moment, so they never get stressed!
Proud nation of Siam
Thailand has a colourful history and she managed to defend her lands from many enemies; formerly Siam, Rama V was a very wise monarch and he managed to avoid colonisation by the British and French; Siam was much larger in the 19th century and Rama V gave the French what is now Laos and he gave the British lands in the south (now Malaysia),which effectively guaranteed Siam’s independence.
Unique culture
Thailand is a monarchy and the people revere their royal family; never disrespect anything connected to the monarchy (there are strict Les Majeste laws in place). If you stay at an all-inclusive hotel in Patong Phuket, take a walk at night and you can see how the local people like to have fun. Buddhism heavily influences Thai ways and this becomes evident when you see the monks walking early in the morning and the people giving alms of rice and other edibles.
Beaches, mountains, rainforests & plains
When you look at a map of Thailand, it narrows at a central point (Bangkok) and south is tropical beaches, while the north is mountainous with lush green valleys and paddy fields. The northeast is the major rice-growing area and is quite flat.
Tourist hotspots in the south include,
- Hua Hin
- Cha-Am
- Koh Samui
- Phuket
- Krabi
The southern region of Thailand is the busiest, especially during high season (November to February) and we recommend booking your 4-star hotel in Phuket as soon as you know your dates, such is the popularity of the tropical island of Phuket.
Chiang Mai & the Golden Triangle
The quaint city of Chiang Mai is the gateway to the Golden Triangle; take a guided tour to meet the hilltribes and enjoy spectacular views. The best hiking in the world awaits the adventurer and you can have a glimpse of the local lifestyle; there are more than 40 National Parks in this part of Thailand and over 100 across the kingdom. Here are a few tips for relocating to Thailand.
Thai food
This is reason enough to fly to Thailand; the best (and cheapest) street food awaits and as for fruits, there are too many to list. The Thais are very creative in the kitchen and use coconut, rice and spices in so many ways. The seafood restaurants are the best; order fresh shrimp and enjoy 5-star service, they also cater for vegetarians, in fact, they can cook any dish you ask for!
Thailand is an amazing country and we are sure that once you have experienced the Land of Smiles, you’ll want to return.
