Vacation Thailand

Thailand’s well-earned reputation as one of the world's top tourist destinations is backed up bay a huge choice of attractions and things to do. Of course, the famous Thai hospitality plays a major role, too. The country also has beautiful weather in various locations year round, with temperatures usually ranging between 19 and 38 degrees Celsius.

Until the 1930s and the abolition of absolute monarchy, Thailand was known as Siam. The kingdom of Siam has existed continually since the 1300s, and is the only part of Southeast Asia to never be colonized by a European nation. Thailand is about the same size geographically as France, and its provinces on the Malay Peninsula make up a large part of the Kingdom's 3000 plus kilometres of coastline. Thailand is usually thought of as having three seasons, “rainy”, “hot”, and “cool”, but there is significant variety when it comes to seasons, even within the country at any given time of year.

There are several variations of the Thai language spoken throughout the country. Central Thai is what is spoken in Bangkok, but dialects exist throughout the country. One of the most widely-spoken is the Isaan dialect, a mixture of Thai and Lao, indicative of the ethnic mixing in Thailand’s agricultural quarter. English is now quite common as a second language, and virtually anywhere a traveler goes there will be somebody who speaks English around to help. Hotel and restaurant staff will also have good English, and can help answer questions. However, despite fairly widespread knowledge of English, it is always a good idea to try and learn at least a few phrases of Thai. Locals will be respectful and appreciative of the effort.

With so much coastline, Thailand has many options as far as water based activities go. Of course, you can always lounge about on the beach, but for the more adventurous there is SCUBA diving, snorkeling, jet skis and plenty more. There are also many national parks with protected forests and jungles, and the islands in the south are teeming with things to explore. For a more urban experience, Bangkok offers modern, first class shopping in a distinctly Thai environment.

All around the country, Buddhist temples or 'wats' are a reminder of the country’s strong spiritual sentiment, and can be a truly educational and cultural experience. Cooking schools are also a great chance to learn about Thai culture through its food, as well as a chance to interact with local Thai people. Whatever a traveller is looking for, be it a dynamic urban vacation in Bangkok, a serene meditation course in the north, or simply relaxing the days away on a tropical island beach, Thailand has it all This, combined with a warm, friendly and welcoming people. It's no wonder so many travelers keep coming back to the land of smiles.