| Thailand is one of the most beautiful and | | | | to shop. Gourmets will love the many |
| culturally diverse areas in Southeast Asia. | | | | varieties of sea food. Many travelers also |
| Because it was never colonized, it retains | | | | come here for an adventurous vacation. |
| much of its original culture. | | | | Thailand offers aquatic sports for all ages, |
| | | | including scuba diving, snorkeling, |
| The people of Thailand are very friendly and | | | | wind-surfing and water-skiing. Afterwards, |
| hospitable. There is no language barrier | | | | tourists can relax on the beautiful beaches, |
| because the staff speaks English and other | | | | sipping their favorite cool drink in good |
| European languages in most of the hotels, | | | | company. |
| restaurants and tourist places. There are | | | | |
| many different modes of transportation in | | | | Thailand offers something to every traveler: |
| Thailand. Tourists can hire a taxi, take a | | | | |
| bus, ride on a train, rent a car or | | | | Phuket is known for its exotic islands and |
| motorcycle or hike on foot through the | | | | beautiful beaches. Tourists can sunbathe on |
| beautiful countryside. The most interesting | | | | the beach, relax around a hotel pool or go on |
| ride is the Tuk-Tuk, a three wheel bike, | | | | a number of popular excursions. Phuket's |
| which provides a fantastic open air ride | | | | nightlife is very lively. The multi-cuisine |
| around any city. | | | | restaurants and bars are always filled with |
| | | | tourists. |
| Thailand means "the land of the free", and is | | | | |
| blessed with three seasons. Summers runs from | | | | Chiang Mai is a combination of modern city |
| February to May. The rainy season extends | | | | life and old village charm. Tourists can |
| from June to October. The cold season lasts | | | | visit a working elephant camp, the Mae Sa |
| from November to January. Many people | | | | Waterfall and an Orchid Farm. There are |
| vacation in Thailand during December and | | | | temples which are close to 700 years old. The |
| January to get away from the cold in their | | | | Doi Suthep monastery sits on the top of a |
| countries over Christmas and New Year's. | | | | mountain 3500 feet above sea level, |
| Thailand has vacationers from all over the | | | | overlooking the fertile valley embracing |
| world. | | | | Chiang Mai. The monastery is famous for its |
| | | | many holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Chiang |
| Thailand has a very diverse geography. | | | | Mai's night bazaar is a favorite shopping |
| Tropical islands are found in the southern | | | | place of tourists. Almost anything can be |
| peninsula. There are many beautiful beaches | | | | bought there at bargain prices. |
| surrounded by clear, blue waters on one side | | | | |
| and tropical jungle on the other. The people | | | | In Chiang Rai, tourists can see the local |
| here are involved in rubber cultivation, tin | | | | hill tribe villages of the Akha and Yao. They |
| mining, and fishing. In the central part of | | | | can also see the ruins of Chiang Saen, Mae |
| Thailand are paddy fields, farms and many | | | | Sai and the Golden Triangle. The triangle is |
| varieties of edible fruits. Here, too, are | | | | where the borders of Burma, Thailand and Laos |
| the ancient ruins of Ayuthaya, the royal | | | | meet. Together with Chiang Mai, the city sits |
| capital of the kingdom of Siam, and | | | | in one of the artistic and religious centers |
| Sukhothai. The mountains and forests of | | | | in Thailand. |
| Thailand are in the north. Many different | | | | |
| tribes are located in the mountains. Tourists | | | | Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. The name |
| can visit them from boats or by crossing the | | | | means "city of angels." Bangkok is a centre |
| rail road lines over the famous river Kwai. | | | | of commercial, industrial and cultural |
| They can also see unusual native handicrafts | | | | activities. The Grand Palace; Wat Phra Keo, |
| and multicolored orchids. The northeast | | | | which houses the Emerald Buddha; and Dusit |
| plateau is famous for its rich archaeological | | | | Maha Prasat Hall are three of Bangkok's |
| and anthropological findings. | | | | largest attractions. Here tourists can see |
| | | | large, gleaming golden spires, soaring roofs, |
| Thailand is the perfect vacation spot for | | | | intricate paintings and ornate statues. |
| those seeking a romantic getaway or who want | | | | |