Thailand

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Ko Khai Beach, Thailand

Introducing Thailand

Travel Alert: The security situation in Bangkok has become more stable and life has mostly returned to normal. The security risk on the border with Cambodia and in the southernmost states remains high. Check Safe Travel for the latest advice.

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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.

Thailand's cool season runs from November until the end of February. With its low humidity, relatively low temperatures and clear skies, the cool season is the best time to visit, though regular days of high 20s and low 30s might leave you wondering just who came up with the term ‘cool’. It is also the peak tourist season, so expect lots of new friends at the more popular spots like the islands and major towns.

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.

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Last updated: Jan 9, 2012

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. fondonzella avatar
    Naughty Aussie footballers in Thailand

    by fondonzella 15 September 2011

    Why can't they stick to Bali? [Check it out|http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/suns-afl-stars-detained-by-thai-police-after-scuff…
  2. dreamsignals86 avatar
    RE: What to move to asia for a bit ? Should I choose Thailand ?

    by dreamsignals86 15 September 2011

    Now you are being even more ridiculous. The westerners who have retired in Thailand with an actual retirement visa follow a certain set…
  3. curlywurly321 avatar
    5-6 weeks November

    by curlywurly321 15 September 2011

    Hi I'm currently in indonesia where I have a flight home from on the 30yh October, however I dont yet feel ready to go home and my plane…

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