|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
Thailand
Land of a Thousand Smiles
Location Thailand in an independent Kingdom in Indo-China. It shares borders with Malaysia in the South, Cambodia and Laos in the east and Burma (Myammar) in the west.
The People
The official Language is Thai. English is
widely spoken and is taught in all schools, although the ability to speak
is poor. It has never been colonized by any Western power. Thailand is a
constitutional Monarchy since 1932. The Thai king HH King Bhumibol is the
longest reigning monarch. The majority of people practice Buddhism of the Theravada School. Thailand
has been greatly influenced by Indian culture and practices. There are
minority groups living in Thailand and generally they are free and happy
to practice their culture and way of life. Climate Depending on where you are in Thailand and the time of year it can be cold or very hot. Towards the south of the Capital Bangkok the climate is primarily Tropical with seasonal Monsoon rains. In the North and Western parts it is tropical wet and dry. It is very cool in the months of November till January.
Temperature range from 30 deg C to about 18
deg C in the northern part. In Chiangmai the temperature in December
drops to around 14 deg C and in the mountain ranges it sometimes dip to freezing
point at night. What's in for the Visitor
There are numerous places to visit, Temples, Natural sights, Cultural ways, Hill tribes, wonderful beaches in Phuket, Pattaya, Songkla in the south, Koh Samui Island , Krabi Island etc. and highlands and cooler areas in the north Like Chiangmai, Chiangrai.
For Divers’ and sea sports lovers there is Pattaya, Phuket and the southern Islands Koh Samui. There are some great SCUBA diving spots. You also can get PADI certified after training in some of these schools.
For the more adventurous there is Jungle trekking and rafting.
There are over 48 National Parks located throughout the country and many trails worth exploring.
When it comes to food there is the famous
Tom Yam ( Spicy lemon grass Prawn Soup). Thai cuisine is actually four
different types .There is the Northern Lanna, Southern, Central and North
Eastern. Many share the same ingredient but the cooking style and serving
vary. The Southern cooking tend to be more Curry based and the Northern
more use of Lime juice and thus presents as many colors, flavors and smells. Overall
you will get to enjoy the choice of a huge selection of food at
restaurants. For the more daring the Street food ,sold by street vendors
are a super great choice. During WW2 although Thailand was neutral part of was occupied by the Japanese building the infamous Death Railway immortalized in the movie "The Bridge over River Kwai". Thousands of Allied prisoners perished and there are cemeteries and memorials erected along the River. You can take take a rail ride to visit this site.
Getting there
Quick Facts
Cell phone: Extensive coverage in major
cities with full roaming. GSM,3-G,
EDGE Electricity: 230V AC 50Hz. Currency: Thai Bath Credit cards:
Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, shops and
restaurants. Visas:
Immunizations: Hepatitis, Malaria
Ko Pha Ngan Thailand Hotels are relatively cheap and there is a abundant selection in terms of comfort and price. There are Resort style hotels, boutique hotels to backpackers' Inns in all over the country. It is generally safe, friendly and easy going place. Thailand travel industry is well established.
Remember to Say Sawa Dee Kap (Said with the traditional palm clasped as in prayer (WAI) and a slight Bow -will certainly bring on a smile from a Thai.
The Land of a Thousand smiles Welcomes you today.
 |
||||
