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.
Thailand:Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- Explore Northern Thailand in 8 days
Last updated: Jan 9, 2012
Tips & articles
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How to eat like a local
19 January 2012
A huge part of the travel experience is getting to know local traditions, history and culture. Happily, you can get in...
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Going beyond pad thai
19 January 2012
There’s an entire universe of amazing dishes once you get beyond ‘pad thai’ and green curry, and for many visitors,...
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Master the art of cooking like a local
19 January 2012
One of the best souvenirs you can bring back from a trip is some tasty dishes to share with your...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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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…
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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…
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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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Thailand
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Our Top Picks For Thailand
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1 Ko Tao
Be a small fish in a big tank while diving with mighty whale sharks from this coral-fringed island, stay a while, or choose another beach paradise
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2 Sangkhlaburi
Border outpost amid a misty lake and rugged karst mountains far from the tourist trail; the bus ride here from Kanchanaburi is one of Thailand's best scenic journeys
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3 Cooking classes in Chiang Mai
Learn about Thai culinary herbs and spices, tour a local market and prepare a feast - choose from loads of classes in Chiang Mai, which is also a top ecotourism spot
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4 Khao Sok National Park
You wouldn't be surprised if a T-Rex emerged from the jungle in this amazing tangle of limestone karsts and rainforest. Home to snakes, monkeys and tigers, and the incredible Rafflesia kerrii flower, this special corner of Surat Thani Province in Thailand's south is only a ten hour bus ride form Bangkok.
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5 Mae Hong Son Province
Remote crossroads with ethnic minorities, jungle trekking and the hippie retreat of Pai
Fast Facts about Thailand
- Pick-up joint: the world’s second-largest pick-up truck market after the US
- Border countries: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma)
- Population: 65,493,296
- Guinness World Records: longest condom chain, most couples married underwater and most Mini Coopers in a convoy (444 cars parked to spell out ‘Long Live the King’)
- Karaoke culture: every major band or singer releases video CDs (VCD) specially formatted for karaoke-style singalongs
- Religion: 95% Buddhist
- Literacy: 92.6%, though reading anything other than the newspaper or comic books is regarded as an eccentric hobby
- Currency: what's the Thai baht worth today?
- Prime Minister: Yingluck Shinawatra
- Number of 7-Elevens currently: 3912
- Highest point: Doi Inthanon 2565m
- Head of state: King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
Our favourite Thailand Blogs (beta)
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Travel Thailand
Blog: My Little Nomads - 31 January 2012
The best travel info and articles for traveling to Thailand. Continue reading → Related Articles: Washington DC With Kids – The Best Things To Do Cheap Hotels In New York City
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Top 10 WOW Travel Destinations on Earth
Blog: Backpacking on the Cheap - 31 January 2012
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Heartbreak and healing at Elephant Nature Park
Blog: The Adventures of D - 27 January 2012
Heartbreak and healing at Elephant Nature ParkMae Sai Roong lays on the ground. She looks so little compared to the throngs of people around here — the Elephant Nature Park volunteers, the vets, the mahouts, Lek [...]d travels 'round
