Thailand - overview
Thailand lies in southeast Asia, between
the Indian and Pacific oceans. Thailand is
bordered on the north-west by Myanmar, on
the north-east by Laos, on the south-east
by Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand, on
the south by Malaysia, and on the south-west
by the Andaman Sea. The north-western border
with Myanmar, and the long Isthmus of Kra
are mountainous. The central plain is the
most fertile and thickly populated area,
while the low north-eastern plateau is the
poorest region. There is more visible historical
evidence of past eras in Thailand than in
any other South-East Asian country, so if
you're interested in ruins, temples and deserted
cities, this is the place to go. For pure
holiday-making magic, Thailand's islands
and beaches are working definitions of heaven.
As for urban delights, the huge metropolis
of Bangkok, although it can alarm with its
chaos and its scale, tends to so charm visitors
with its energy and cultural treasures.
Blessed with numerous powdery, soft beaches
surrounded by warm inviting seas there is
a lot more to Thailand than Bangkok. Park
yourself on any of the surrounding islands
for ultimate recreation and relaxation. Accessible
only by boat, Koh Samui, Ko Phan Ghan and
Koh Tao are all popular island destinations
in the Gulf of Thailand. Many other resorts
of a more up-market standard can be found
on the other side of the Peninsula in the
Indian Ocean including the increasingly popular
Phuket and Pattaya. For yet another taste
of Thailand, head north to Chang Mai. Away
from the beach and the fast-paced nature
of central Thailand, Chang Mai is the second
largest city with extensive offerings. Trek
through the jungles along the Myanmar border,
discover Thailand's true shopping capital
and respect some of the country's rich cultural
heritage in the northern hilltribes. |
