Thailand – located in South-Eastern Asia and bordered by Malaysia, Burma, Laos, and Cambodia – boasts a hot, tropical climate all year long. Turquoise seas tumble onto pristine beaches and azure skies turn coral, as the sun slowly sets behind sheer rock faces hiding from sight the many treasures of this magical land.
Islands And Beaches
Visit the South Islands of Thailand for a relaxing, short holiday. Avoid hours of hot travelling and enjoy the laid-back style of these magical islands. Among the many South Islands of the Railay Peninsula, are West Railay, Koh Phi Phi and Phra Nang Beach in the Krabi region, where a natural wonder exists –inside a vast cave lies a hidden lagoon.
Nightlife
Thailand has a vibrant nightlife, including spectacular fire shows on the beaches. Shows even continue past midnight becoming more stunning, as the jugglers and dancers throw flamed torches and fireballs into the night sky and balance on blazing tightropes. KohPhiPhi has numerous hostels and bungalows and free pool parties are held at The Princess Diamond Resort on Fridays.
Exquisite Food
There are plenty of restaurants and bakeries, where one can find the renowned peanut butter donuts. Thai food is so diverse and is enjoyed by people the world over, from delicious Green & Red Curries, Oodles of Noodles, mouth-watering Soups, Bamboo desserts, and even Coconut Ice-Cream.
If you are travelling to Thailand for the first time, the following book is highly recommended to take with you:
Lonely Planet World Food Thailand – Paperback – March, 2000 by Joe Cummings
Here you will discover what the Thai people mean by im jai (full heart) – an expression of satisfaction and contentment.
Shopping
Take a look at the flamboyant colour-filled ‘Guide to Shopping in Phuket’, from day to night markets, malls, fresh markets – a what to buy, where to buy, how to buy! From very cheap to incredibly expensive, Thailand is a shopper’s paradise!
Thai People
Affectionately known as the Land of Smiles, the Thai people are very warm, friendly and hospitable. Villagers are delighted to have tourists help them to plant rice and overnight at the Hill Tribe Village in the North.
They have a good sense of humour and one of their common expressions is: ‘It is bad to be stressed out or tense (krait), but good to be relaxed or happy (sabai).’
They enjoy slapstick comedy and goofy humour.
Family Fun
Thailand is so diverse and offers something for everyone including family budget accommodation anywhere in the country. Taking a ride on the three-wheeler Tuk-Tuks is a must experience to get around the cities but don’t expect comfort. The drivers are known for loading a whole family into the tiny space!
Elephants
Elephants World motto ‘We work for the elephants, they do not work for us’.
The elephants at this sanctuary are rescued from the trekking industry. Visitors are encouraged to assist in making their food, feeding and even bathing them. This hands-on interaction makes for a lifetime of memories.
Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in the North also has a great reputation.
Island Hopping
There are countless tours that one can take, depending on just how active or relaxed you want to be. For an in-depth guide to Island Hopping, click here.
Be assured that as you seek, you will find the hidden treasures of this magical land.
