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Map of Thailand
 Thailand is a kingdom sharing borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Its capital, Bangkok, is roughly in the centre of the country. The city is famous for its numerous canals and is sometimes known as the Venice of the East. The canals have floating markets from which food and other goods may be bought. The temple of Wat Arun is possible the best known in a city of over 400 monasteries and temples. Another temple to visit is the Wat Phra Kaeo which dates from 1782. The temple is in the Grand Palace, the official residence of the king of Thailand. It is on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is surrounded by defensive canals. Cha-Am Beach lies south of the city and is an ideal contrast to the sights of Bangkok.
 Chiang Rai is an upmarket resort in the north of the country. It has a number of interesting handicraft shops, including a night bazaar. Temples include the large Wat Phra That Doi Tong. This is a useful centre for trekking holidays. Not far away is Mae Hong Son, a tourist centre set in the beautiful countryside close to the border with Myanmar, formerly Burma. The hillside villages are charming and there are lots of hiking trails around the resort. From Wat Doi Kong Mu, there is a lovely view of the lakeside resort, especially at sunset.
Thailand’s second largest city is Chiang Mai, also in the north. Traditional wooden houses can be seen in the moated old quarter. This are is full of attractive markets and massage centres – everything for the weary traveller!
In many respects the Blackpool or Brighton of Thailand, Pattaya, is a resort offering much more, including prostitution. Its location on the Gulf of Thailand makes it one of the best water sport centres in the country. On the opposite shore of the Gulf, Hua Hin, is the country’s oldest beach resort. It is a popular family destination for locals.
 Ko Samui is an island to the north east of Surat in the Gulf of Thailand. It is the dream island of blue seas, golden sands and waving palms. There are frequent ferries from the mainland. Scuba diving is one of the many water sports available,
Krabi, is a small fishing town on the Andaman coast. It is close to many of the stunning beaches and is a good centre from which to visit some of the islands. There are opportunities for snorkelling trips and sea-kayaking. Close by, Phuket is the largest of the islands boasting lots of lovely beaches. This is an ideal place in which to learn to dive. There is a night market in Phuket Town every evening.
 Thailand has a moist, tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 13ºC in the winter to 37ºC at the height of the summer. Temperatures tend to be lower on the coasts and in the mountains. The wettest period is from June until October. The terrain includes jungles and swamps with a wide variety of tropical plants including hibiscus, coconut and banana. Animal life is also varied and includes the tiger, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and, of course, the Siamese cat. The food is spicy and fragrant and there are lots of restaurants around.
Map of Thailand
map courtesey of CIA World Factbook - Thailand
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