Thailand

Formally the Kingdom of Thailand, Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions: the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South. Visitors to the Kingdom of Thailand will quickly understand why it is referred to as "the Land of Smiles". A warm smile and elegant 'wai' welcome travellers to this predominantly Buddhist country with its rich culture, intense colour and charm and fascinating history stretching back more than 700 years. Comprising of 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages, Thailand is blessed with a myriad of attractions. The capital city, Bangkok, is the spiritual and symbolic heart of this nation of 62 million people. A plethora of cultural tours, temple visits and river trips is offered in the capital, as well as a wide array of restaurants, nightlife and great shopping. Further afield, the majestic scenery of the North can be discovered with a visit to Chiang Mai, where elephant riding, rafting and trekking are easily arranged. Within a short distance of Bangkok, resorts in Rayong and Hua-Hin are nestled in landscaped gardens by sun-soaked beaches; whilst in the South, pristine coastlines and a wide variety of activities await visitors to Krabi and Phuket.