History and Tourism

An amazing history has left Thailand with an array of ancient temples and age-old cities that show a rich tapestry of era's gone by for those with an interest in the past and lessons we can learn from them.Thailand has become one of the top tourist spots for adventurers and the ever-young at heart. This is well served with beautiful relaxing sandy beaches with wonderful blue seas to radiant cities containing exciting markets and a varied and exotic nightlife. In a testimony to its allure Hollywood has used it on more than one occassion for filming in major productions such as: The Man with the Golden Gun, The Bridge over the River Kwai as well Leonardo De Caprio's The Beach.This has helped to drive a thriving tourist industry and helped to produce a number of high quality international hotels. For those who want to have a more humbling experience of Thailand and experience its beaches and islands
from a different perspective, there is a plentiful supply of cheap and comfortable accommodation.

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Things to do...

Thailand is a large and geographically diverse country. A range of watersports including snorkelling and diving are
available around the islands. As for those who enthusiastic about trekking and cycling. You can cycle the flat river
areas of the northeast or trek in the mountains.Thailand's capital is in one of the worlds most fertile rice-producing delta's. The capital has the Chao Phraya Riverrunning through it. Bangkok's is approximately 579 square miles and is full of canals that lace their way through the city carrying passengers and cargo. Despite the canals being used as a main transport hub, traffic is common on the roads
and as you observe the city you will see it spread in many directions with all sorts of buildings. A new overland railway
has been built, this allows one to observe the pandomonium from above and offers a different perspective on the Thai capital.

Thailand is the most popular tourist destination point in South-East Asia, and for a good reason. Exotic yet safe and largely problem -free , low cost yet packed with every modern facility you could need, there is something for everybody whatever your budget, from beachfront backpacker apartments to some of the most luxurious hotels on earth. Not withstanding the heavy flow of tourism, Thailand maintains its essential culture, with a unique way of life and history and a carefree people famous for their smiley faces and their fun-loving lifestyle.

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Geography

Thailand is home to several different geographic regions, usually corresponding to the provincial groups. The north of the territory is mountainous, with the highest peak being Doi Inthanon at 2,576 metres.

The northeast is the place of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong river. The middle of the land is dominated by the mostly flat Chao Phraya river valley, which winds its way into the Gulf of Thailand.

The southern region consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malaysian Peninsula.

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About Bangkok

Bangkok is a polluted and overcrowded city, so come readily prepared for a city of contrasts. Nevertheless it is one of Asia's most enthralling cities as well as being one of the largest cities. It is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be opened.Exploring the banks of the River Chao Phraya, explorers will find the palace temple constructed entirely from translucent jade as well as the grand palace. The royal theme continues further along the river with wonderfully ornamented Royal Barges, which are occassionally used on special occasions.

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Religion and Ethnicity

The Buddhist religion is central to modern Thai identity and belief. However, in the Southernmost regions of Thailand, Islam is the dominant faith.

numerous different ethnic groups populate various parts of Thailand, some of these groups spill over much into neighbouring Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, and lots of these groups are socially sidelined in Thailand.

Ethnic Chinese form quite a large part of Thai society, particularly in and around the capital city - Bangkok. Moreover, many positions of economic and political power are held by the Chinese, including the premier post of the Prime Minister.

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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

This is a mall like nothing in the west, a floating shoppers oasis. This offers a window into the life of the residents who live in stilt-houses perched on the canals. Visitors can enjoy the unique experience of floating through the market as well as one of Thailand's many river villages on boat trips and have the opportunity to trade with local farmers.

How to get there: Catch Bus number 78 from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Damnoen Saduak Bus Terminal
Market opening times: Daily 6am to 11am.

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Royal Grand Palace

The palace took 3 years to complete from 1782 to 1785 in time for the coronation of King Rama 1, it was opened to mark the end
of the Burmese invasion of Thailand. The palace itself consists of a complex array of smaller buildings.

How to get there: Na Phralan Road, Phra Nakhon

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Royal Barges National Museum

The museum contains a range of decorative royal barges, the earliest barge dates back to 1357. The barges have served a range of purposes from being war vessels to being used on royal or state occasions. The barges were last used to celebrate the kings 72nd birthday.

How to get there: Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok Noi

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Kanchanaburi

This town which is eighty miles from west of Bangkok, is the site of the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai. The bridge has withstood the sands of time and a museum has been built entitled the JEATH museum which stands for Japan, England, Australia/America, Thailand and Holland. In addition to this there is the beautiful Sai Yok Yai Waterfall in the Sai Yok National Park.
The falls are celebrated in Thai songs and poetry.

Opening times: Daily 8.30am to 6pm

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Customs

The customary greeting in Thailand is a prayer-like movement called the wai. Taboos include touching someone's head or pointing with the feet, as the head is considered the most noble and the foot the lowest part of the body.

Stepping over someone, or over food, is considered insulting. Books and other documents are considered the most revered of secular objects - therefore one should avoid sliding bookS across a table or placing it on the floor.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and the King is a highly respected and looked up to. It is against the law to insult the Royal Family.

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Travelling Facts

Language: The national language is Thai, although English is widely spoken in Tourist areas.
Tipping: Taxi drivers are not tipped, although most hotels and restaraunts will add a 10% service charge to the bill.
Vaccinations and travel health checks; Tourist should take the relevant medical consultation 3 weeks before travelling to Thailand.
Customs and traditions: Public displays of affection are not seen as acceptable. Drugs are illegal, possession of small quantities can lead to imprisonment and drug traffickers could face the death penalty!

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Cuisine

The food alone is really enough of a reason for a journey to Thailand. Famous for its cuisine the world over. Curries, fruit shakes, stir fries, fresh fish made a million ways - and that's just for starters.

Food in Thailand can be as low cost and easy as 20 baht phat thai (Thai fried noodles) cooked by a street market or as expensive and intricate as a $100 ten-course meal prepared by a master chef served at one of Bangkok's many five star establishments.

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