Thailand's World

Thailand is a modern democratic Nation in Central South East Asia. '' Thai '' is the Tai word for '' free ''. The '' Thai '' identity was formed in the late 13 th C at Sukhothai and is not to be confused with '' Tai '' the name of the ethnic groups of people who migrated from Yunnan in the 12th & 13th Centuries. The character of the Thai Nation today and of its people can only be appreciated by exploring its 2000 years of recorded history and the cultures of the various peoples who live here. Thailand's natural landscape includes tropical wet evergreen forests in Southern Thailand to temperate deciduous forests in North Thailand and we explore these in the Thailand National Parks. Thailand art architecture and decorative objects need to be considered with regard to the influences of religion, mythological beliefs and regional artistic styles. Thailand is so large and diverse we detail all about Thailand in separate regions, North or Northern Thailand, South or Southern Thailand, Central Thailand and North East Thailand [ I 'san ].

North Thailand Travel & Places Of Interest

The Thailand Government defines North Thailand as consisting of both [ 1 ] the 84,000 square kilometres comprising 8 provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae and Mae Hong Son, which area originally comprised the Lan Na principalities detailed in the North Thailand History link [ the Upper North ], and [ 2 ] the 86,000 square kilometres of the Lower North, comprising the provinces of Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, which area originally comprised the Kingdoms of Sukhothai and later the northern parts of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Thon Buri and Bangkok Kingdoms.

The Differences Between The Upper North Thailand And The Lower North Thailand

One discernable difference between the Upper and Lower North Thailand is topography. Upper North Thailand is characterised by long valleys generally running north south. The climate has three seasons, hot [ April to May ] cool and rain [ July to September ]. Approximately 72% of the area is mountainous, 21% upland and 8% lowland. The lowland is cultivated by the Tai people to produce wet rice.

Lower North Thailand has 45% of its total land mass less than 150 metres above sea level and is thus similar to Thailand's Central region. However the two mountain extensions of the Upper North, [ 1 ] Thanon Thang Chai Range to the west and, [ 2 ] Petchabun Range to the east attract an extension of swidden hill tribe communities as in the Upper North, all part of the exodus from China of these ethnic minorities over the past hundreds of years. The geographic differences in topography need to be appreciated as the ethnic, sociological and cultural differences are essentially between lowlanders and highlanders [ Hill tribes ]. These classifications and detailed explanations are discussed in North Thailand People .

About Central Thailand

Central Thailand is situated on the central plains of the Chao Phraya River and the Meklong River valley. The first substantial civilisation here was that of the Mon people and during the 6th - 9th C its Buddhist Kingdom was referred to in chinese records and on silver coins as '' Dvaravati ''. Influences from India when merged with Mon characteristics formed the basis of religion, art, architecture and public administration.

About South Thailand

South Thailand comprises the Southern Peninsula with the Andaman Sea to the West and the Gulf of Siam to the East. It is a mountainous region and the Phuket Mountain Range is the most important on the West from Chumphon to Krabi and to the East is the Nakhon Si Thammarat Mountain Range from Surat Thani to Satun. Between these ranges are the plains and limestone hills and to the South the Sannkalakhiri Mountains which divide Malaysia and Thailand.

Thailand has in excess of 138 wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks. The major locations are listed in the opposite links and we detail 20 National Parks and eco tourism locations. Thailand is home to over 15,000 species of vascular plants and 16,000 species of animals

Thailand travel and tourism to Thailand places of interest is not a matter of a few choices as is the case with many Asia destinations. Thailand is large and diverse with a large selection of travel and holiday options. In 2005 over 14 million tourists visited Thailand and their range of interests varied.

James Andrew is of the writers at Thailand's World. To know more about Thailand, you can check out http://www.thailandsworld.com for more info.

By James L Andrew

Phuket Resorts, Tourism and Beyond

Of the many tourist spots there are to visit and see in the world, possibly right amongst the best is the island of Phuket. Phuket is the Bigesst Island among all in the country of Thailand and has fast proven to be a formidable place for vacations in recent times. It has picked up tremendous popularity from the people all over the world. Also called the Jewel of the Andaman Sea, the city is renowned for its sandy beaches and various other tourist attractions.

Phuket lies in the southern west coast of Thailand and is an extremely up market and developed place to travel to. It caters to the various needs of the tourists and the local people in the area are extremely warm and friendly. That's what gives the place its own unique and distinct flavor. When you visit Phuket, you feel glad to visit the place and almost every tourist wants to have more of it.

As can be predicted easily, one of the main reasons Phuket is so popular is because of the wide coastline, and hence, plenty of beaches. That is what the tourists come to see and enjoy. Often in Phuket, there are beach themed parties where by you can just chill or enjoy yourselves. Fun and frolic goes on all night as there are a host of parties on various beaches right across the island of Phuket. What makes Phuket the most visited island in the south though, is the fact that the beaches here are not normal. They are exotic white sand beaches with palm fringed trees and that's what makes it such an experience for the tourists to be swept away by the beauty of the whole situation.

Phuket also plays host to a variety of adventure sports and is party to extremely popular activities like scuba diving and snorkeling, which are gaining popularity by the minute amongst the tourists who visit Phuket. There is a host of luxury resorts and hotels in the local island of Phuket which attract tourist attention and are also very apt at handling guests and sharing hospitality. Friendly staff and warm people really add to the flavor of Phuket and make it a win win combination as a tourist destination.

According to a recent survey conducted by a tourist guide magazine, Phuket comes in 5th among the all time favorite tourist destinations of the world and that is no mean feat. The cuisine, the hospitality, the local flavor and of course, the beaches add to the zing and the décor of the tiny island called Phuket. As the years go by and tourists come and go, they will surely be taking Phuket in their hearts. Because, the island sure has one thing and that is the heart itself!!

Karon Beach Resort is considered as best option for spending your holidays. If you want to get more information on best Phuket Resorts then simply click on the links.

By Yachi Sharma

Tour the Best of Thailand on a Luxury Yacht Charter

Thailand is one country on almost every traveler's list. Very few countries offer the exotic combination of scenic tropical beauty found in Thailand's blue and golden beaches and green and yellow mountains, the mixture of diverse cultures, and the affordability of it all. Thailand, in particular its 3200 km long coastline, is a highly popular tourist destination which offers a mix of adventure and entertainment; solitude and liveliness; fishing village charm and city nightlife, all of which can be wholeheartedly experienced with a yacht charter to Thailand.

Thailand's coastline is a playground of diverse and exotic species of flora and fauna. It is divided into two parts - the eastern coastline which border the Gulf of Thailand and the western coastline which is defined by the Andaman Sea. The eastern coast is marked by long stretches of sandy beaches and calm waters, perfect for sailing and lounging on the tropical sun-kissed deck of your yacht. In particular the coastline around Phuket is a very popular sailing destination for yachts. As of 2009, Phuket boasts of the 'best marina in all of Thailand' - The Ao Po Grand Marina - with over 200 berths for yachts over 80 m in length and world class facilities available around the clock. Starting from here lets you head straight into the Phang Nga Bay, a very popular sailing and sight-seeing destination.

Phang Nga bay is marked by characteristic large green-blue-yellow limestone rocks that cut the water surface, some excellent diving and snorkeling sites, and virtually uninhabited isles, caves and other rock formations waiting to be explored. It is an absolutely heavenly location to be yachting. Phang Nga Bay has some of the most popular as well as secluded islands -- Ko Ping-gan, which is popular as the island which saw James Bond brandishing his Golden Gun; or Ko Panyi, where an entire village is built over-water on stilts. If you're really up for adventure, you can visit the islands of Ko Hong, Ko Khien and Ko Mak. These islands are not on popular tour packages, but then, you have your very own luxury yacht to take you places that others will miss out on!

Continuing the trend of chartering (literally) uncharted territories, you can sail towards the Phi Phi Islands. Phi Phi are the most popular islands in the southern part of the Thailand where sheer beauty meets sheer laziness. The islands have few roads, and even fewer people to walk on them. So it's just the sun, the sand, the clear blue waters, lush greenery, local people, you and your yacht. You might even be tempted to try out the traditional Thai Long Tail boats for a change. After such relaxation, you might be in the mood to try some diving or snorkeling and the Racha Islands are a splendid location for this. Among these, Racha Nai remains almost untouched by commercial development, whereas Racha Yai has now developed into a resort island.

A yacht charter around Thailand can be quite a rewarding experience, not just because of the beauty of physical surroundings but also because how removed and how different the cultural experience can be from most of the Western world. Most of these islands would be almost inaccessible to tourists living on the mainland, but with a yacht replete with all the comforts you can imagine and a professional crew to cater to all your needs as well as the yacht - no destination is too far away.

Thailand Yacht Charter - Fraser Yachts specialize in luxury yacht charter in Thailand.

By Mrunmai Menon

Exploring Thailand

It seemed as if the earth smiles, Thailand is a Southeast Asian frontier, the Andaman Sea Gulf of Thailand, Burma south. Bangkok is also the largest city and capital. It is also the center of the country's political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. This country is very popular with tourists from all over the world, its diversity. Their traditions are fascinating and diverse cultures. The country has a lot of historical attractions, including temples, palaces and museums. Country, nature, friendly people, exotic cuisine, relaxation and wellness.

Thailand has its own language. Thailand has spent nearly 75 million people. English is taught as a second language in this country and it is used for its residents. As in any other language in the world, Thailand is also known as a complex mixture of different sources. Some of these hubs, Sanskrit, Khmer, Malay, Chinese and English.

There are several opportunities throughout the country and "a simple and convenient. Land is also a modern transport system. You can take the plane, train, bus, elephant taxis, taxis and tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuk three wheels of vehicles for the transport over short distances in the journey of the country.

Thai food is known throughout the world. If you are not eating in Thailand? Each Thai dish, the principle remains the harmony, or was a hot chili or very mild. Thai cuisine is a combination of ancient Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined with some very Thai. This kitchen offers a variety of ingredients, spices and complex flavors of a complex fragrance. Your favorite dishes Gay Mamuang Met Pad (Fried Chicken cashew nuts), Pia Tord (deep fried roll), Panaeng (spicy beef and coconut cream), Som Tam (spicy papaya salad), Moo-Te (Grilled with turmeric sticks), gay Tom Yam (spicy chicken soup), Tom Kha Kai (chicken coconut soup), Central and Eastern European Gay Kang Wan (Green Chicken Curry), Pad Thai (noodles chips) and Tom Yam Gung. (Spicy Shrimp)

Most popular destinations in Thailand, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew Nang Yai (shadow puppet), Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Ayutthaya Jim Thompson House, Umphang and ecotourism, Sukhothai, Ao Phang-Nga Marine Park, Pattaya, and many others. Offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a great night market. Weekend Market in Bangkok Chatuchuk shopping paradise with hundreds of rich antique items, clothing and animals .

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