Thailand Travel Guide

People

The people of Thailand, more appropriately known as Thais, speak a national Thai language which includes a Thai alphabet that is written in Khmer script. The Thai language is a form of Kradai and is rather similar to the ones spoken in Lao, Shan, and Burma. Several other dialects do exist though, depending on the region.

Regarding religion, the majority of Thais are Buddhists practicing in the Theravada tradition. The second major religion is Islam. Most of the time, the Muslims and non-Muslims live separately. Catholics also are present in Thailand as are Sikhs, Hindus, and Jews.

Geography

Similar to the size of France or California, Thailand is the world's 50th largest country in terms of land mass. Its local climate is tropical with the regular monsoons. May to September is generally characterized by clouds and rain, while the rest of the year, the country experiences dry and cool weather.

In regards to terrain, the country has rugged mountains, great rivers, lakes, and rolling plains. As a matter of fact, because of its terrain, the country is able to export rice, textiles, and even rubber. Because of the Mekong River, the country also has a very large area of arable land making rice, which is one of Thailand's most important crops.

History

The history of Thailand is a tale full of the rise and fall of a multitude of empires. Before the fall of the Khmer, many empires ruled in Thailand and then were ultimately replaced and overrun by another. Based on artifact evidence gathered all over Thailand, it was discovered that the very first kingdom to rule the country was the Sukothai Empire before the 12th century.

Thailand is one of the few Asian countries that has had very little influence from Western civilizations. As a matter of fact, it is the only Asian country that never became colonized by any European or Western country. This is due to the fact that Thailand has always been governed by very able rulers in the 1800s, so much so, that the country was even able to exploit the tensions between France and Britain at that time.

On the other hand, one of the few ways that the West was able to touch Thailand was through trade. Ever the businessmen, the Portuguese started the trade relationship between Europe and Thailand in the 16th century.

If there was a country that was able to conquer Thailand, it was Japan. During World War II, the Japanese invaded the country and was able to command Thailand troops. The leaders of Thailand were able to make a treaty with Japan wherein Thailand agreed to â€˜helpâ€™ Japan in fighting against the Allies, while at the same time secretly making an anti-Japanese campaign in its home ground. When the war ended, Thailand emerged as a United States ally.

Famous Attractions

There are a lot of famous attractions in Thailand such as the Golden Triangle, Nan Province and Chiang Mai. If you are seeking backpacking and nature trails, then Nong Khai is the place to go. It is an area the Mekong River and is a favorite stop over for serious backpackers, as well as those seeking a casual nature hike. It provides dreamy views of the river, delicious banana pancakes, a relaxed pace of life and amazing attractions.

The Pahnom Rung Historical Park is an all-in-one famous hot spot in country. It sits on top of an inactive volcano, providing great views of the Dongrek Mountains of Cambodia. It also houses Khmer monuments, in the Pahnom Rung temple complex, which gives anybody who reaches them a great feeling of satisfaction. From this temple, one can see the Angkor Wat of Cambodia in the west, Prasat Khao Wihan in the north, and Thailand's Prasat Phimai in the southeast.

Nightlife

Thailand has one of the most hectic and upbeat nightlife scenes in Southeast Asia. Bars are abundant, especially in Bangkok and Phuket that meet anybody's wants and needs. Shopping centers and street markets are also available for almost 24 hours a day, seven days a week to those who love to shop and explore.

Culture

Thai culture is thoroughly true to the roots of its people. For the most part, it contains Indian, Chinese, Cambodian, and Southeast Asian influences in it. As can be seen from the numerous Buddhist temples within the country, Theravada Buddhism plays a major role in Thai culture.

In Thailand, you can see that they have a strong sense of social hierarchy. Many believe that this is of Indian origin, since it is similar to India's caste system. The difference, however, lies in that in Thailand, this practice is not as evident or as relatively serious as in India.

The famous wai greeting in Thailand is similar to India's namaste. It is done with the hands pressed together, the fingertips pointing up, and touching the face to the hands as the head is bowed. To Thais, this is a sign of respect and, in fact, there are even certain rules as to who says the greeting first when being introduced to someone.

Another thing that Thailand is known for is their national sport called Muay Thai. Once taught to soldiers, this sport and martial art is now practiced and gaining influence worldwide.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Thailand is characterized by sweet, spicy, bitter, and sour tastes. All these may or may not be present in one single dish, but you can trust that Thai food will always revolve around them. When it comes to the key ingredients, garlic, rice, chili, lemon, and fish sauce all take center stage in almost every Thai dish.

Thailand Airports infomation

Flights to Thailand

Hotels in Thailand

Hotels in Bangkok

Articles in Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand - Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand 8 Sep, 2020

By the Chao Phraya River of the Thai Capital, stands a 5-star luxury hotel set within lush tropical gardens: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. This city resort hotel has 799 well-appointed guestrooms decorated stylishly with classic Thai accents, all boasting of either river or city views. Rooms from one of its two wings benefit from having balconies. Featuring its signature spa and Shangri-La's reputation for attention to detail, the hotel promises serenity amidst the busy city of Bangkok. Being Thailand's capital and main port, Bangkok is also the biggest and only metropolis of the country. The city is known for its cultural wealth, notorious nightlife, and its multitude of fantastic shopping options. Bangkok embodies contrasts: old and new, rich and poor, exotic and Western. It is an exciting place to visit and has been voted as one of the hottest tourist destinations of the world. Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is located by the river at the heart of the business district of Silom. It is within walking distance to numerous shopping districts and famous sights. Among the attractions near the area are the Wat Yannawa Buddhist Temple, the Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu Temple, and the Lumphini Park, Bangkok's biggest park. For a dose of Thai boxing, go to Lumphini Boxing Station, which is also close to the hotel. Not far from Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is a building paler in grandeur but no less important than Bangkok's other architectural buildings. This is the Bangkok City Hall, the seat of the <a href='http://city.bangkok.go.th/en/index.php.'>Bangkok Metropolitan Administration </a> , which is the governing body of Bangkok Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on <a href='http://www.asia.com/hotel'>Asia.com hotels</a> search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. <a href='http://www.asia.com/'>Asia.com</a> is neither affiliated with nor sponsored by MShangri-La Hotel, Bangkok. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Bangkok, Thailand - Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand 8 Sep, 2020

Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkok is built on eight acres of lush tropical gardens. This 5-star luxury hotel in Thailand offers a relaxing retreat amidst the bustling city capital. Aside from 338 elegant guestrooms featuring private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, the Swissotel Nai Lert Park also has an Executive club with exclusive suites for discerning travelers. Bangkok, or "Krung Thep" in Thai, means the City of Angels. It is a very populated cosmopolitan city with an estimated 10 million inhabitants. It is famous for its temples, its large outdoor shopping markets and shopping centers, and its exuberant nightlife. Restaurants of different kinds abound, from authentic street-side eateries to high-end fine-dining restaurants. Traffic congestion in Bangkok is one of the worst in the world. Fortunately, most of its interesting sites are made accessible by BTS Skytrain or the Underground MRT. The Swissotel Nai Lert Park is located in the district of Pathumwan and is a few minutes walk from the Skytrain Station (BTS). This strategic proximity to the BTS, which is recognized as one of the safest and fastest means of transport in Bangkok, makes it very convenient to visit points of interest around the city. It is also near main shopping malls (like Siam Square and MBK Center), the business district, and Bangkok's famous nightspots. Heading the transport committee that is responsible for increasing the efficiency of the city's traffic condition is the <a href='http://city.bangkok.go.th/en/index.php.'>Bangkok Metropolitan Administration </a> The legislative branch of BMA, the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC), and 11 other general committees work together at making Bangkok an even better city. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on <a href='http://www.asia.com/hotel'>Asia.com hotels</a> search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. <a href='http://www.asia.com/'>Asia.com</a> is neither affiliated with nor sponsored by Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkok. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Bangkok, Thailand - The Landmark Bangkok a Summit Hotel

Bangkok, Thailand 8 Sep, 2020

The Landmark Bangkok, Thailand is one of the centrally located luxury hotels in Bangkok. Situated on Bangkok's famous Sukhumvit Road near the city's Sky Train Station, its guests are assured of convenience in reaching both the business district and the city's tourist attractions. Since the hotel's launching in 1987, it has sustained its popularity after a major renovation just a few years ago. The hotel's 414 rooms and suites are now all equipped with direct high-speed Internet access and digital movies. Many things come to mind at the mention of Bangkok. Venice of the East, shopping paradise, notorious night life, excellent seafood and really spicy hot dishes, unique cultural heritage, Thai boxing, Thai massage and so on. In truth, there are so many interesting things to do and see in Bangkok. However, to get the most out of what Bangkok has to offer, weather plays a difference. Ideally the best time to go to Bangkok is during the Christmas season until the middle of January when the rainy season has just ended and cooled off the heat a bit. The Landmark Bangkok provides speedy access to Bangkok's major conference, business, and shopping centers. Among the major key attractions that are within 3 km from the hotel are the Seafood Market, Pat-pong's night life, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, and the Emporium Shopping Mall. Less than a kilometer away are two mass train transit stations and an underground station. If you are eyeing to stay in The Landmark in Bangkok, you will get the advantage of being close to everywhere you would like to be or see. If it rains, you can always catch up with your workout at the hotel's fitness center, the largest of its kind in Asia. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on <a href='http://www.asia.com/hotel'>Asia.com hotels</a> search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. <a href='http://www.asia.com/'>Asia.com</a> is neither affiliated with nor sponsored by Landmark Bangkok . This article is provided for informational purposes only.