Thailand
Called Siam until 1939 when it's name was changed to Thailand meaning 'land of the free'. It is located in South East Asia, South of Myanmar (formally Burma) and North of Cambodia. It is a Monachy It comprises 4 main geographic regions;
1. The Central Plain, the country's rice and fruit growing region, which also includes the coastline along the east of the Thailand gulf, some of that on the west of the gulf and Thailand's capital Bangkok, which lies at the Apex of the Gulf of Thailand.
2. The second region is the mountainous North.
3. The North East region, comprises mainly of semi-arid farm lands.
4. The Southern region includes the coastline and tropical islands of the southern peninsula.
Many of the tourists to Thailand flock to the beautiful beaches along the Southern peninsula or the East Coast, but there is a wealth of beauty and places of interest to be found throughout the country. There are many National Parks and conservation areas throughout Thailand. The Gulf of Siam is said to have the best diving in South East Asia.
Central Thailand
Bangkok, the capital, is the best place in Thailand for shopping with many markets and street vendors. Bangkok has numerous sights including the Royal palace with the temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Arun the "temple of Dawn". The Bridge over river Khwae (Kwai), War museums and a number of War Cemeteries are all located in the Kanchanaburi province of this region. The Petchaburi district contains peaceful seaside resorts and mountainous dense jungles. with wonderful beaches. The temple ruins of Ayuthaya is a World Cultural Heritage site. The oldest beach resort of Hua Hin is in this region. A relaxing luxury resort with white beaches and crystal clear water. Pattaya - in the east coast province of Chonburi is a very popular beach resort. It has lots of nearby attractions for visitors. The Million-Year Stone park and crocodile farm. Mini Siam. Three Kingdoms park. Orchid Farm. Pattaya Elephant village and Underwater world Pattaya; largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia.
North Region
17 Provinces of densely forested mountains and natural wonders. Includes the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, a world heritage site, in the Umphang province. Many scenic waterfalls. Chiang Mai is the main city in the region where there is good shopping in the many shops and bazaars.
North East Region
Comprises a 1/3 of Thailand's land mass. Includes Phu Wiang National Park dubbed "Dinosaur land" because of it's numerous archeological sites, where important discoveries in the world of dinosaurs have been made.
The South
Includes Phuket, Thailand's largest island, with white powdery beaches, tropical in-land forests, broad bays and world-renouned diving. The main town here is Thalang, which has the Thalang National Museum. Attractions at Phuket include The Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, with wild animals, waterfall and walking trails. Another attraction here is the Temple of Wat Phra Thong.
Phang-nga is a seaside province on the west coast above Phuket with beautiful beach, forest and underwater scenery. Krabi province with the world famous Phi Phi Islands and two world-class beaches of Ao Nang and Hat Rai Le.
Airports - Bangkok (BKK), Chiang Mai (CNX), Hat Yai (HDY) and Phuket (HKT)
Currency - Baht
Language - Thai
Time Zone - GMT +7 hours (all year)
Flight Time - Approx. 12 hours 10 minutes from London to Bangkok
Average temperature and days of rain
