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Introducing Thailand
Thailand is often referred to as a golden land, not because there is precious metal buried underground but because the country gives off a certain lustre, be it the fertile rice fields of the central plains, white sandy beaches or the warm hospitality of its citizenry.
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Although the rainy season (roughly July to October) gets a bad reputation, there are some bonuses: temperatures tend to be cooler, tourists are fewer and the landscape is lush and green.
First introductions are made in Bangkok, a modern behemoth of screaming traffic, gleaming shopping centres and international sensibilities interwoven with devout Buddhism. Chiang Mai, the country's bohemian centre, is where the unique and precise elements of Thai culture become a classroom, for cooking courses and language lessons; while climbing into the mountain ranges around Mae Hong Son you'll find stupa-studded peaks and villages of post-Stone Age cultures. Sliding down the coastal tail are the evergreen limestone islands of Ko Tao and Kho Phi Phi Don, filled with tall palms angling over pearlescent sand. Thailand's beaches are stunning, hedonistic and mythic among residents of northern latitudes.
People come here as miners: first perhaps for the uniquely Western concept of R&R. And while they toast themselves to a bronze hue on the sandy beaches, they find in the daily rhythm of Thailand a tranquillity that isn't confined to vacation time. The northeast is a region better suited for homestays and teaching gigs than quick souvenir snapshots: here, you can dive deep into the Thai psyche, emerging with a tolerance for searingly spicy food and a mastery of this strange tonal language. Welcome to a life-altering experience disguised as a holiday.
Visa updates: Note that in 2008, Thailand's visa regulations were altered, affecting the length of stay for those arriving in Thailand by land. For details see our Visas section, and for further updates, check the Thorn Tree travel forum
.Make it happen
- check out our complete range of Thailand guidebooks
- book Lonely Planet reviewed and recommended hotels in Thailand
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- discover the Northern hilltribes and villages
- explore Thailand and Laos cycle
- visit the River Kwai and Kanchanaburi
- get in early and save on travel gear backpacks, sleeping bags and more
Visiting Bangkok? Check out:
- the food, wine and nightlife tour to get under the skin of the city
- Recommended transfers and transport
Travel Alert: Travellers should be aware that the political situation in Thailand is potentially volatile. Go to Safe Travel for current government warnings, or check out what travellers are saying on the Thorn Tree forum.
Last updated: Nov 9, 2009
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