Thailand, or the ‘land of smiles‘, is one of the most exotic places to visit for tourists on the face of the planet. Thailand will definitely be in the list of ‘10 places to visit before I die’ for many. Why is Thailand so popular and one of the most visited countries in the world? There is more than one reason for that.

Not for nothing do they call Thailand the ‘land of smiles‘. There is a good reason why the country has by christened by that name. Thai’s are one of those who are known for their hospitality and well mannered behavior. These people are very good at heart and make sure that all the people who visit their country have the best time of their life. This is a very good reason to visit Thailand but there are more in the list of ‘why you should visit Thailand’.

The rich culture and history that Thailand flaunts is another factor that makes it traveled by number of people every year. There are numerous temples beholding some unique history within them. The Grand Palace and the temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok are worth a visit. From there, weather you travel North to the Chiang Mai or South towards Phuket, you will come across temples with distinct history that teaches various aspects of Thai culture. Ayutthaya ruins is another major tourist spot and is UNESCO’s world heritage spot. However there are more than temples and ruins in Thailand to visit.

Mountainous rainforest of the north thrills many. If you are interested in trekking Jungles and looking for some real adventure, you can get it in Chiang Mai. You will also have the privilege to visit small but beautiful Thai villages with people who may go out of their way to make your Thailand experience a one to remember. If you are looking for some serenity, you better head towards South. Southern Thailand offers you some of the most pristine beaches you will ever come across in the East. Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular beaches in Thailand. This is the same beach that has been portrayed in the Di Caprio starring movie, The Beach.

Shopping is another reason why people would visit Thailand. Bangkok is becoming shoppers stop for many around the world. There are gigantic shopping malls all around the city with some great prices that they offer for their products. Siam, Paragon and Central World are the names of the biggest shopping malls in Bangkok, if you want to do some branded shopping. Having been done with the malls, do not forget to miss out the weekend Chatuchak market, which is the biggest open market in the world with more than 15,000 stalls and hundreds of thousands of people visiting the market.

All these factors attract visitors from all around the world and there is no wonder that Thailand is such a ‘must visit’ place. Everyone should visit Thailand at least once in their lifetime.

Many people every year travel to Thailand without knowing what is in store for them. Well, all these people are about to have an experience of a lifetime. Thailand is one of the most beautiful tourist places in the world, and certainly one of the best in Asia. This Eastern country serves millions of travelers all round the year and the number keeps on increasing every year.

Certainly there has to be some reason why people chose to visit Thailand year after year. Thai’s are the best inhabitants of a country you will ever see. These people make sure that everyone who visits Thailand takes with him a memory for a lifetime.

Some of the important cities of Thailand are Bangkok (capital of Thailand) and Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is covered with high mountains and rain forest and is a good tourist spot for adventurous people. Southern Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches that you will ever see. It has attracted many Hollywood projects like The Man with the Golden Gun, The Bridge over River Kwai and most recently Alex Garland’s The Beach.

Bangkok or the ‘rice bowl of Thailand’ is the capital city of the country and is one of the most advanced and modern cities of the East. All the latest amenities and luxuries will be available to you if you wish to have a sophisticated travel. Huge malls and open markets intrigues more and more people every year. The prices for various electronic products are much less here as compared to other countries. Shopping is one of the main reason people come to Thailand.

The weather in Thailand is hot and humid. As a joke, people in Thailand say that they have three seasons in Thailand; hot, hotter and hottest. The temperature varies from 25 to35 degree Celsius.

Thai food is one of the most exotic cuisines you will ever have. Many people travel to Thailand to have some authentic Thai made Thai food. There are many restaurants all over the world that serves Thai food, but one cannot compare those with the ones you get in Thailand; pretty obvious isn’t it? Thai menu’s are big and very diverse offering variety of dishes. Also Northern Thailand will have different special food when compared to south Thailand dishes. Pad Thai is one of the most famous and popular foods in the country.

Staying in Thailand is not much of an expense. Apart from your air travel tickets, while being in Thailand, things are pretty cheap everywhere. Good hotels will cost you not more than $30, and if you eat from some cheap local Thai restaurant (where the food is sometimes better than the big ones) you can have your meal for $2. If you are on a budget, then staying in Thailand won’t even cost you as much as your air travel fare. There are sophisticated and high class hotels too if you want to spend a lot.

So overall, Thailand offers something for everyone. People from all over can come and have the time of their lives.

Thailand undoubtedly is one of the most exotic locations for travelers seeking tranquility and peace of mind. Every year thousands of people visit Thailand and the number keeps increasing. Muang Thai (as Thailand is locally known) presents it’s visitors with experience they cannot forget. People love this place and look for a chance to revisit Thailand. What is it that people are so fond of in Thailand? May be the diversity this country has. Every aspect of Thailand, may it be geographical or cultural, is beautiful.

No matter which direction you chose to travel in Thailand, you will fell in love with the place. Northern part of Thailand is full of mountains and high terrains that are covered with fog and mist making it all the more adventurous. Contrastingly different is the central and the northeastern Thailand where the mountains disappear and you come across plain landscape. Eastern plains of Thailand are covered with forest and land that is good for agriculture. Southern Thailand on the other hand flaunts some of the most exotic beaches and islands you may ever come across. Apart from all these Thailand has metropolitan areas; Bangkok the country’s capital being the most advanced and formidable one.

Thailand boasts its culture diversity to the same as extent as its geographical diversity. Unlike all the neighborhood countries, Thailand has never been colonized and has a history and culture that is not doped. The people of Thailand are mostly followers of Buddha and practice rituals that are unknown to many who visit the country and that adds to the country’s appeal. Chinese influence in the north and Islamic dominance in the south adds to the diversity the country is already so rich of.

Another major aspect of Thailand travel is its night life. Night life with cabarets and luxurious pubs and bars also attract people. The restaurants and the cuisines they provide complete the list of things you will enjoy in a spectacular package this country offers.

Apart being from so simple and natural, Thailand is one of the most advanced countries in the world. Infrastructure, Transport, banking, and telecommunications are as modern and advanced as in the countries of Europe and America. This helps in visiting and spending your vacations in the remotest of villages in Thailand with ease and convenience. This aspect of Thailand draws lot of travelers. People for business visits, for leisure visits or training courses, all are entertained and satisfied by the diversity that Thailand provides.

As beautiful and tranquil as Thailand, are the people of Thailand. Rarely are occasions where you will find a Thai not smiling. People with lot of character and temperament inhibit Thailand and that adds to the country’s beauty. Despite the mess and disarray the modern life has created, Thailand remains one of those places where people are placid and calm. Perhaps it is in the air of Thailand that all people who come here are pacified and go in a state of tranquility.

No matter whatever is the reason you visit Thailand for, it is almost guaranteed that you will think of visiting Thailand once more.

Most of the resorts in the coast offer adventure games like paragliding, bungee jumping and jet skiing. So, free falling from great heights and cutting through the water at great speeds in easily achievable. For people who enjoy exploring life underwater, places like Phuket and Phi Phi Islands offer diving, snorkeling and also submarine drives.

Many people confine themselves to the south of Thailand and make a mistake of not travelling north. The Northern Thailand is full of adventure with high mountains and terrains with challenging forest areas and waterfalls. Trekking is a very big business in this part of the country and the peak season for trekking is between November and February. During this period the air is clear and the weather is also apt. There are many services in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Pai that offer trekking tours. The trekking often lasts between three to five days and you will need a good pair of trekking shoes and a back pack to encounter the heat.

The trekking tour is lead by a guide who will take you through small ethnic villages of Lisu, Karen, Meo, Akha and Paduang. All these tribes are very different from each other with different language, dress and culture. These people have migrated to this part of Thailand and also to Vietnam from China within the last century. The trek tour will also include rafting and elephant riding too.

If rafting while trekking is not good enough adventure for you then there are many services that offers the white water variety. In the rainy season starts from June to January and the water level raises with intense rainfalls and it adds to the fun. Pai is the place where you can find the best of such services.

If you are a biker then Thailand offers the best off road motorcycle riding in the world. The roads passing through the mountain regions with awesome and flabbergasting scenery are simply excellent. There are many developed motels and restaurants in the route and you will never be in need of anything while riding as it makes you forget almost everything. You can chose to go on a tour or hire your own bike/ Chiang Mai offers the best services when it comes to renting bikes. It is good to have a guide with you while travelling off roads; someone who knows the place very well.

Also nowadays mountain biking is getting really popular and there are many operators who run tours. Thailand is a must go place for people who love to live their life at its fullest. You can have almost everything in Thailand. From serenity to adventure; you can get almost everything and the best part is, all these comes real cheap

If you are planing a trip to Thailand you may want to consider the following information. It will make your tip more enjoyable and you will have fewer surprises.

Politeness

Thailand is called the land of Smiles. It is in very bad taste to show any anger out in public. Always be courteous to any one you come into contact with. You will receive what you give.

Money Exchange

You can always go to a Thai bank to exchange your money into Thai Baht. They will take travelers checks but it can be a bit of a problem. Any one getting Travelers Checks knows you have to sign them at the bank you get them at. You are always in a hurry to do this and when you go to cash them in, your signature better look like the first one you put on it or it will be scrutinized. If you use cash the larger denomination the bill, the better exchange rate you will get. Make sure to call you credit card company before you leave too, or you may go to use it and get declined. There are a lot of ATM’s around too, so make sure your card will work internationally.

Electricity

Thailand runs on 200 volts ac. The plugs used are the same as used in the United States. So before you plug in your hair drier or electric shaver, make sure they are rated for 200 volts or you will be out looking for new ones.

Some of the major hotels do supply the rooms with 115 volts like the United States but make sure you check first. You can buy transformers that convert 200 volts to 115 volts but they are big and heavy.

Most electronic rechargeable items today will except a wide range of voltage inputs. Things like Digital cameras and laptop computers. Typical ranges on them are 100-240 volts @ 50/60 Hz. Just make sure you check them first.

Water

Do not drink the tap water. Local people seldom drink too. Get bottled water and always inspect the seal to make sure the bottle was not just refilled. If you order water and the seal is broken just politely ask for another one with a good seal. Street side cafe’s and street vender’s, it is a good idea not to use ice also. You should be alright to use ice in all the major hotel chains.

Food

Any 2 star and up hotels will have plenty of things to keep you full if you are do not trust outside food sources. You will not have to be worried of their cleanliness. But if you want to really taste Thai food you can give some of the food stalls and street vender’s a try. Just look to see how clean the cooks and cooking surfaces are kept. I have eaten in some shabby looking places that were clean and have had some of the best food ever in Thailand. If you find one you think you would like to try, just stand around for a while and watch and see how they conduct business. Then see if you want to try what they have to offer. You will never be able to beat the cost also, very cheap and good.

Are you tired of going to the same old vacation spots over and over again? Do you want to rejuvenate your body and explore other side of the world by going to exotic places that were not easily approached by people in this world? Do you want to have a unique adventure far more different from what you always experience? Then there is a perfect spot for you. Explore the islands of Thailand where you can see the effect of merging culture and tourism into one exciting experience that will give you not only an adventure but a memory that you will never forget.

Go to the place where the sky will meet you in your quest to heavenly paradise and discover the Earth beyond the surface of land and waves of the ocean. Enough from the same old habit of going to a place that you can even think in your mind because you already memorized it and it served as an immortal spot on you. Go to the Thailand Islands and experience beauty and life as you indulge in the world’s one of the unexplored spots.

Thailand Islands consist of numerous islands along the harbor of the country. It serves as microcosm of the country as it will give you definitely a Thailand experience. The unexplored beauty of the island gives it an unusual touch that foreigners are what after for. They just want to see the difference between exotic and beauty and also, have a taste on the islands delicious food that you can never experience in any other part of the world. Definitely, the experience that you will have in this island will give you an immortal memory that you will never forget as you go along with life’s journey.

Truly, the islands’ breeze will captivate your soul and can make you forget the problems and stress that your daily life gives to you. This is a sure relaxing venue where you can replenish your lost energy and indulge yourself in its beauty. Aside from that, with their cultural pattern that you can experience even in the resorts and houses that will cater you. You can feel how they developed these places into a wonderful paradise that you can never forget. Thailand Islands are really worth travelling for and you will never regret every effort and money that you exerted just to personally witness its beauty and culture.

So, what are you waiting for now that you know about it? Pack your things now and get ready to explore a South East Asian experience. Be prepared as you will now witness a breathtaking experience that will take away all your problems and other stress in your life. Be ready to dive in the cold waves of the water and feel the air as if you are floating into a horizon that you do not want to stop. Explore the beauty that you will discover and leave everything behind because Thailand Island will give you an experience that is far different from before.

Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primate city of Thailand. The city mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian, Buddhist, Muslim and Western culture combined with the driving force of the Thai economy makes it gradually more nice-looking to foreigners both for business and happiness and has made the city the world’s top tourist objective. A river journey in Bangkok provides a very different viewpoint of life in the city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, an aspect you can’t get from the usual Bangkok city tour.

Bangkok nightlife has a status for life form natural and noisy. But at the same time it’s comfortable, secure, agreeable and great fun! Quickly establishing itself as Asia capital of cool, Bangkok miscellaneous nightlife panorama facial appearance everything from excellent live music and good jazz clubs to ultra cool bars, trendy clubs and great restaurants - and goes far beyond its once-upon-a-time seedy and mischievous image.

The traveler can find Bangkok by night as a careless place to relax with a drink, enjoy a straight dinner while listening to a live jazz performance, take a dinner cruise on a traditional teak rice barge down the Chao Phraya river in the moonlight or enjoy a conventional dance presentation at the Patravadi Theater, where conventional and fashionable theater elements are included into something quite unique and Thai. Bangkok is known for its large green sections within the city center, including the large forest park between Yannawa and Samut Prakan. The Stock Exchange of Thailand is located in Bangkok with over 500 listed companies.

Bangkok also includes many shopping and business roads like the Sukhumvit Road which includes high-rise business buildings, apartments, and shopping malls, Sukhumvit Road is where many foreigners like to come shopping. Bangkok is Thailand’s major tourist gateway, which means that the majority of foreign tourists arrive in Bangkok. The city boasts some of the country’s most visited chronological venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok’s momentous sites in the Rattanakosin area and river districts. Wat Pho, which houses the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace. Thailand has a variety of shopping experiences from street markets to world class luxury malls.

Tourists have in times gone by always preferred famous markets to the other forms of shopping. The Chatuchak weekend market is one of the largest shopping destinations in Bangkok. Bangkok offers a widely varied nightlife. Like nearby Pattaya, the city is notorious for some concentrations of massage parlous, go-go bars and karaoke places, with Pat pong, Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza being the main areas catering to male tourists. This has led Bangkok to be called ‘The World Biggest Whorehouse’. Millions of people from all corners visit Thailand every year to enjoy its nightlife, which led to the growth of new hotels clubs and bars. In many nightclubs in Bangkok, you will see dance very sensual. Nightclubs, nightclubs, taverns and offer customers all sorts of alcoholic beverages. A section keen for the Pat pong nightlife is, in most of this district, you can also visit the interesting Nana Plaza.

Thailand, island nation located in the south east of Asia. Thailand is a country rich in culture and natural beauty. It has been hallowed with liberal natural parks, productive plains, isolated jungles, beaches washed by turquoise waters and humid islands bathed in endless sunshine. The country has more visible historical indication of its past cultures than any other country in Southeast Asian. Its history is very composite, involving the incursion of many different peoples, the rule of different kings, the concern of various kingdoms and the interaction of dissimilar cultures. Thailand is known for its prominent hospitality, sacred temple, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Thailand offers something for all type of travelers. Thailand’s restrictions stretch to adjacent regions of Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean. You plan to visit Thailand between July and November; the weather can be awkwardly for you. Around July and November, it will be rainy season in Thailand. The weather is at its best from February to March. It is perfect time to go to the beaches. Places of tourist significance in Thailand include Phuket, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Chang and Koh Samui while provinces like Krabi, Koh Libong, Koh Hai provides great photographic memoirs of Thailand as a tour destination.

Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand with the King of Thailand respected as the supreme emperor and also the supporter of all religions embraced by the people. Thailand truly is an amazing place, with so much to offer tourists. The regular and most popular destinations of Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai etc are only a small part of the country, and there are so many more undiscovered charms to be found. Thus, Thailand has spiritual forbearance wicker into its social structure and respects people of all races. This multiculturalism makes Thailand a hot much loved as a tour destination for the global traveler with add-on visits to nearby cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Butter worth and other major southern Thai towns being part of an avid tourist’s list. You visit Surin islands, again stopping at a couple of top lunge sites.

The sea is mediator and there is less sickness. We again see some truly amazing fish while diving in the clear steamy water. But the most fantastic moment comes when a small husk of dolphins swim alongside our boat. How are barely credible to see this while traveling to and from tropical paradises. There tends to be more boats that have come from Phuket for the diving around the Simolan Islands. The largest groups of non-Thai people are the Chinese who have traditionally played an extremely important role in the economy. Many have assimilated into majority Thai society, and do not live in Bangkok’s Chinatown on Yaowarat Road. After the end of the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese refugees settled in Thailand, mainly in the northeastern region. Muay Thai, after they retired from the army, these soldiers often became Buddhist monks and stayed at the temples. Most of the Thai people’s lives are closely tied to Buddhism and temples; they often send their sons to be educated with the monks. “Muay” is also one of the subjects taught in the temples.

The lotus flower is a very important part of Thai life. It is also the most commonly found flower in Thailand. It is found in ponds, swamps, canals and also in the temples of Thailand.

Lotus is a flower that is associated with heavenly beings in Thailand literature and holds a special place in Thai life.

Besides being used in temples and prayers, lotus also has medicinal properties and is used extensively in traditional Thai medicine. Besides this, many handicrafts across Thailand are inspired by the beauty of this flower.

Every year on the 14th full moon night in October, the Lotus Flower festival is held at Bang Phi in Samut Prakan district of Thailand. This festival is celebrated one day before end of the Buddhist Lent. Bang Phi is renowned for its lotus flowers which grows in abundance here. People from all across Thailand come here year in and year out, collect the lotus flowers and offer them to the monks. This Lotus Flower Festival is considered as one of the merit making festivals in Thailand.

During the festival, the image of Buddha is carried on a boat. This image is a replica of Luang Poh To Buddha image. People stand on either sides of the canal and they throw lotus flowers on the boat carrying the Buddha image. These flowers are meant as homage to Lord Buddha, Dhamma and Sangka. The local people also throw lotus flowers on the boats’ of the visitor as a gesture of welcoming them to join the festival.

As per traditions, Buddhist from across Thailand come to this district to pick flowers to offer to monks. The local people consider this as an honor and believe they will be blessed so they volunteer to keep the flowers to distribute it to the visitors. This tradition has become known as the Lotus Receiving Festival or Rap Bua festival.