Destination

Destination - Bangkok, Thailand

Geography

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

The country comprises of 76 provinces that are further divided into districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and the Upholder of all religions.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present King. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud histroy, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the kingdom in a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

Religion

Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90% of all Thais. The remainder of the population adheres to Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths, all of which are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast a strong influence in daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and villages, the temple (Wat) is the heart of social and religous life. Meditation, one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, is practiced regularly by numerous Thais as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. Visitors, too, can learn the fundamentals of this practice at several centres in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.

Weather

Thailand can best be described as tropical and humid for the majority of the country during most of the year. The area of Thailand north of Bangkok has a climate determined by three seasons whilst the southern peninsular region of Thailand has only two.

In northern Thailand the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and May the weather is mostly dry, however this is broken up into the periods November to February and March to May. The later of these two periods has the higher relative temperatures as although the northeast monsson does notdirectly effect the northern area of Thailand, it does cause cooling breezes from November to February.

The other northern season is from May to November and is dominated by the southwest monsson, during which time rainfall in the north is at its heaviest.

The southern region of Thailand really has only two seasons - the wet and the dry. These seasons do not run at the same time. on both east and west side of the peninsular. On the west coast the southwest monsoon brings rain and often heavy storms from April through to October, whilst on the east coast the most rain falls between September and December.

Overall the southern parts of Thailand get by far the most rain with around 2,400 millimetres every year, compared with the central and northern regions of Thailand, both of which get around 1,400 millimetres.

Tradition & Culture

Thailand is a country of scenic diversity and ancient traditions, of tranquil temples and modern urban excitement. With an independent history going back more than seven centuries, it has managed to absorb a variety of cultural influences and blend them into something uniquely and memorably Thai.

Each of its four major regions offers a distinctive experiences for the traveller in search of discovery. Misty mountains in the north shelter verdant valleys and exotic hill tribes, while in centres like Chiang Mai traditional customs and crafts have been preserved over generations. Along the picturesque coastlines of the east and south lie some of the world's most beautiful beaches and off-shore islands, each with its own beauty.
Scattered over the northeatern plateau are superb khamer monuments from the time of Angkor Wat and natural parks teeming with wildlife. In the central region can be found the evocative ruins of ancient Thai capitals and bustling Bangkok with its dynamic and countless pleasures.