| Travel to Thailand About Thailand Sawadee kha. Welcome to the land of smiles! Thailand was once known as Suvarnabhumi meaning Golden Land which is an appropriate name for this fertile country, rich in natural beauty and traditions. From Bangkok’s urban madness to historical cities, beaches, jungles and tribal villages, Thailand offers a package of surprises and delights. History and Culture Thailand has been civilised for some 4000 years. Its most important kingdom was Ayutthaya, which lasted 400 years, beginning from the fourteenth century. In the eighteenth century, it was known as Siam. Thailand is among the few Southeast Asian nations that has never been colonised. In 1932, a bloodless army coup spelt the end of monarchy and Thailand’s first step towards democracy. |  |
A distilled version of Hinduism coupled with the deep influence of Buddhism has shaped Thai culture for centuries. Extreme courtesy, cleanliness and respect for the elderly are time-honoured values. While the King and his family have no political powers, the Thais hold them in great esteem. Language and communication | |
The Best Places to Visit in Thailand and Why Koh Samui |   |
| Hua Hin Thailand’s King lives in Hua Hin, a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. Great for a fun day trip. Ride a horse along the beach and try freshly cooked seafood at an ocean side restaurant. For longer stays, book early as Hua Hin is quite the tourist hotspot. |   |
| Phuket Sand, snorkelling and scuba diving are three good reasons to visit Phuket Island. Phuket is a party place so drop into a nightclub, watch fire-dancers do their stuff on the beach and if you’re looking for peace and solitude, there’s sure to be a beach hidden away just for you. |   |
| Chiang Mai This northern city is a low-key version of Bangkok, a quick plane hop from the capital. It’s a lovely old city with accommodation for varied budgets, great street food and art galleries. Visit the night markets for traditional Thai souvenirs. Doi Suthep is one of Thailand’s most revered temples. |   |
| Bangkok Yes, Bangkok is hot, crowded and frenetic, as everyone says. But the Thai capital is a lot more. Its gleaming temples are oases of spirituality. Glide down the Chao Phraya River, go shopping or go for a tuk-tuk ride. There’s also every imaginable kind of restaurant and a happening nightlife. Enjoy! |   |