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Thailand
The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, and Southern China. Its shape and geography are divided into four natural regions: the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farmlands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

Thailand is a truly multi-faceted destination of enormous topographical and cultural diversity with all of the modern advantages to ensure the most pleasurable travel experience.

Variety is indeed the spice of life in Thailand, from the golden-spire temples of Bangkok to the majestic ruins of ancient capitals, from the tranquil charm of rural towns to the excitement of tropical beach resorts.

In Thailand, visitors can escape to a tropical island hideaway and laze on pristine sandy beaches, go mountain biking amid high, forest-clad hills, journey up the Chao Phraya River, or explore the flora and fauna of more than 60 national parks and 32 wildlife sanctuaries. If culture is the draw, numerous annual festivals are celebrated in traditional style, highlighting enduring customs and beliefs. Special interest activities such as studying Buddhist mediation at a temple or learning the art of Thai cooking from an expert chef can also be arranged.

From exclusive service to superior opportunities for sightseeing, accommodation, dining, and shopping, travelers will find plenty to appreciate in Thailand.

10 Things to do

Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple - The temple and palace, located in the historic Rattanakosin Island.

Floating Market - Take a long-tailed boat tour past canal-side houses and floating petrol stations and experience sights you won’t find anywhere else.

Muai Thai (Thai Boxing) - There are many gyms all over the country that welcome foreigners and give classes in English. What’s even more thrilling are the Muai Thai resorts and training camps near the beaches of Pattaya, Phuket and Ko Pha-ngan.

Meditation - The stressed-out urbanite craving peace-of-mind should contemplate doing a meditation retreat in one of the country’s many temples such as Suan Mokkh and Wat Mahathat.

Spa & Traditional Thai massage - With its long history of traditional medicines, treatments, and Buddhist meditation practices, Thailand has long been a destination for the health conscious.

Elephant Trekking - The most scenic outings are up in the great green north. At the National Elephant Institute in Lampang province, visitors can sign up for courses on how to be a mahout.

Thai Food & Cooking - Experience authentic Thai food preparation with distinctive local flavor. You can take a day course or longer and learn the secrets of preparing your favorite local dish from a real Thai chef.

Golf - Tons of pros and amateurs have a ball on Thailand’s world class golf courses located in scenic settings like Hua Hin, Phuket, Samui Island, and Khao Yai.

Diving in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman - Experience the magnificent scenic undersea islands such as Similan Island.

Cultural Shows - Enjoy the famous cultural shows in Bangkok, such as, Siam Niramit and the Puppet Theater (Joe-Louis).

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Thailand is an all-year-round destination with pleasurable tropical climate all through the three distinctive seasons:

Summer: During March to May the weather is hot and sunny with temperatures averaging from 82-91° F.

Fresh and green: TThailand has perhaps the driest monsoon season of any country in Southeast Asia, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures averaging from 80-86° F. During the month of May to September, visiting the southern beaches and islands during this season is incredibly convenient, and with some planning, you’ll never see a drop of rain. During January to August, visitors can avoid the rain and enjoy the scenic beaches of Samui Island including many other famous islands in the gulf of Thailand. From January to June and October to December, visit our most famous Phuket Island, the pearl of the Andaman Sea, located in the west coast of Thailand.

Cool: During November to February the weather is cooler, but still very sunny with temperatures averaging 75°-80° F.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony (February 14th) - Brides and grooms parade through the city streets and attend lavish parties. The wedding ceremony is held on the beach in a traditional Thai style while the registration procedure will take place underwater off Ko Kradan.

Songkran Festival (April 13th - 15th) - Songkran embodies traditional Thai cultural values. The underlying significance of Songkran is the process of cleansing and purification, starting the New Year afresh with all that is good and pure.

Thailand Grand Sale (June-August) - During the sale, you can find goods from all over the country from renowned brand name clothing and accessories to new collections of local Thai products.

Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival & International Candle Carving Competition (July) - Join the alms-giving for Asalha Puja and the Khao Phansa Buddhist ceremony. Participate in the ceremony welcoming His Magesty’s Royal Candle and the international candle-carving competition which attracts artists from various countries.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival (late Sept/early Oct) - The Thai-Chinese in Phuket celebrate the vegetarian festival to purify the mind and soul by refraining from meat consumption and engaging in meditation.

Loi Krathong Festival (mid-November) - View the Loi Krathong activites including the illuminated boat procession and illuminated buildings and historical sites on both sides of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

Surin Elephant Roundup (late November) - Experience the lifestyle of the local Mahout trainer, Kuai or Suai peoples. Enjoy the elephant shows and sports played by the elephants.

SIGNATURE FOODS

Phad Thai - Stir fry rice noodles with peanut sauce and shrimp

Tom Yam Kung - World famous hot and sour shrimp soup

Tom Kha Gai - Light coconut soup with galangal and chicken

Green curry - Coconut soup with famous green curry and meat or seafood

Som Tam- Spicy papaya salad

Mango-Sticky rice - Most popular
desert dish during summer, sweet sticky rice with coconut sauce and sweet mango

Click Here to Visit Thailand's Culinary Page

TOP BUYS

	Handicrafts - An enormous range of beautifully hand-crafted items is on offer everywhere, from the sophisticated metropolitan emporia to small provincial stalls, and reflects an array of traditional artisan skills with centuries of history that have few rivals worldwide.
	Thai Silk - Fabric is the best buy in Thailand, with Thai silk being considered the best in the world. The weave and soft texture of Thai silk is easily dyed resulting in brighter colors and a unique luster. The best deals can be found in Thailand’s northern and northeastern provinces. Tailor-made and ready-made clothing are relatively inexpensive.
	Gems and Jewelry - Thailand offers both the latest in top-notch fashion jewelry along with the ever-popular classic. Thailand is one of the world’s leading exporters of gems and ornaments. The Jewel Fest Club (JFC) is a non-profit organization that is actively engaged in setting merchandise standards at reasonable prices for tourists and local customers. For more information on JFC, please visit http://www.jewelfest.com

KEY WORDS

	Sa-wat-dee - Good morning, Good evening, Good afternoon, Hello and Goodbye
	Sabai dee reu - How are you?
	Khun - Mr./Miss/Mrs.
	Kop koon - Thank you
	Nee Tao-rai - How much does this cost?
	Suai - Beautiful
	Aroi - Delicious
	Di-mak - Very Good
	La gon - Goodbye
	Kor thoad - Sorry

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	Big Mac	$4.00
	Dinner for two	$20.00
	Cab ride from airport to town	$20.00
	Local subway/train	$2.00
	Souvenir tee shirt	$3.00
	30-minute massage at a local spa	$3.00
	A bus tour around the city	$30.00
	Souvenir Gift	$2.00

Bangkok Weather Forecast, Thailand

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