Overview

Buddha in Phutthamonthon © Tevaprapas

From idyllic beaches with turquoise seas and white sands, to bustling cities sporting exotic markets, and a vibrant, colourful nightlife, it is easy to see why Thailand has become one of the most popular tourist destinations for the adventurous and young at heart.

A turbulent, bloody history spanning several millennia has left Thailand scattered with ruins, forgotten temples and deserted cities, revealing a rich tableau of past eras that contrasts sharply with the more modern aspects of the nation's contemporary face.

As Thailand's tourist industry has boomed, helped to some extent by Hollywood's influence (the country has been the setting for movies like The Man with the Golden Gun, The Bridge over River Kwai, and Alex Garland's The Beach), numerous large and luxurious resorts have been developed. Yet, for those with a smaller budget, many cheap, comfortable but more basic accommodation options are still readily available on the islands and beaches.

The size and geographical diversity of Thailand provides for a variety of activities: snorkelling, diving and a host of watersports are very popular around the islands, while inland enthusiasts can trek into the mountains or cycle along the flat river areas of the northeast. Bustling, crowded cities like Bangkok display the wilder urban side of Thailand, ensuring the country has something to offer everyone who visits.

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