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Amazing Thailand

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 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is 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 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

history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

1.

Adventure tourism WHITEWATER RAFTING

Rafting is fast gaining popularity among the young and young at heart. The mountainous regions of the North are the natural venue for whitewater rafting, especially after the rains from June to October when the rivers swell with floodwater. But first-class rafting is also to be found in the northern reaches of the central region.

CANOEING & KAYAKING Sea canoeing is the eco-tourist activity par excellence, and proves the benefit of the natural approach. The quiet of this mode of tourism heightens your sense of awareness, and wildlife is not scared by your silent approach. It is also an exciting physical challenge providing an aerobic workout and tones and develops your arms, shoulders and chest. Some of the most spectacular sites for sea canoeing are around Krabi and the island of Phuket and Phang-nga Bay. Sea Cone Thailand, based in Phuket, was the pioneering ecotour company that launched thousands of travellers on their sea adventures. JET-SKIING Jet-skiing has been taken up with enthusiasm all over Thailand with jet-skis available for hire at all major beaches in Thailand-Samui. Phuket, Pattaya, Samet and Krabi. Despite

the speed, jet-skiing in Thailand is a safe sport, If you keep your head and watch out for other sea traffic, especially swimmers and snorkellers, Rocks are usually markes, but take care, especially at low tide. When you are roaring around the bays, its easy to forget that youre in the full force of the sun so protect yourself.

TREKKING Trekking is one of the most popular outdoor activities enjoyed by visitors of all ages. While trekking you can soothe your mind and spirit in the fresh air and stunning scenery of Thailand's undiscovered wilds, and get a comprehensive aerobic workout at the same time. Treks can range from a single day light excursion to physically challenging adventures of a week or more.

MOUNTAIN BIKING Mountain biking is a sport increasing in popularity in Thailand, both among Thais and young international tourists. It is an ideal means of touring Thailands spectacular natural environment; safe, cheap and fun, and environmentally green. Mountain biking in Thailand is a blend of high-grade exercise and natural, cultural and historical discovery. The hilly North of Thailand is most suitable for mountain biking. The best time to visit is

November to February, when the weather is cooler. A number of companies offer wellorganised biking tours, most include guides and, on certain tours, back-up vehicles carrying food and overnight equipment. Bikes are also widely available in major tourist destinations, where they can be rented at extremely reasonable rates on a daily basis. ROCK CLIMBING

Rock climbing in Thailand is practiced wherever there are rocks-and even some places where there are not. Some of the best locations for rock climbing are in the central regions near Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani Province, or in the spectacular limestone mountains that run through Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. On the East Caost and easily accessible from Bangkok are sites in Chon Buri. The spectacular coastal cliffs of Railay Beach in Krabi are the climbing focus of the South, with further pitches to be found on some of the islands. FISHING Thailand has some of the most exciting gamefishing sites in Asia especially along the Andaman seacoast of Phuket and Krabi provinces. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, huge garoupa and every kind of shark imaginable are a boat ride from shore. Phang-nga Bay plays host to some of the rarest species of aquatic life in the world, including the rare swimming iguana.

WINDSURFING

Windsurfing has become one of Thailands most popular water sports in the last two decades, and it is practiced all over Thailands beaches. Wind-surfing is not only exhilarating and an excellent way to get fit, it is also quiet, non-polluting and environmentally friendly It is a sport that enquires dexterity and coordination and also strength. You can learn to windsurf on all major beaches in Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and Krabi, as well as on islands of Ko Tao and Ko Chang. Once you have mastered the basics, youll find boards and sails available everywhere. While you need wind to windsurf, you can get too much of a good thing.

2. Eco-tourism

Thailand is fortunate in its prime location for tourism in terms of such natural attractions as beaches and mountains, cultural and historical sites which reflect the glories of Thai civilization, and a sophisticated infrastructure, allowing visitors easy access to all these treasures. The government's policy on tourism for the past years has been gearing towards more and more sustainable tourism development with emphasis on community participation, safety of tourists and non-exploitation. The term eco-tourism has been widely used to describe a form of tourism in natural areas that is based on the knowledge about and responsibility towards the ecological system of the area. At present, the number of real eco-tourism visitors is still minimal. Mostly, those tourists are included in other types of tourism such as nature-based tourism, agro-tourism, cultural and historical tourism and health tourism. Most of such tourism areas are in natural parks and specific historical-cultural areas. The national parks system in Thailand was previously cited its growing importance to the eco-tourism industry. With most parks easily accessible by road, there exists excellent potential to expand the number of visitors who use them. In the case of the Maekong River, the nature-based tourism potential particularly applies to Northeast Thailand, an area that the TAT has identified as a priority for tourism development. The national parks in close proximity to the Mekong River include sites of prehistoric, archaeological and natural significance. As the Mekong region increases in its exposure and popularity, these parks will experience an increased number of visitors in search of quality eco-tours. Thailand has a great opportunity to promote eco-tourism, especially when compared to other countries in the Asia region. The kingdom enjoys such benefits as easy access, sophisticated infrastructure and myriad tourist attractions and activities.

NATURE STUDY

Thailands national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are some of the best and most extensive in Southeast Asia, and although abundant wildlife is found everywhere in the kingdom, they are the best places to see rare and protected species. Almost all parks have on-site accommodation and food, trails of varying levels of difficulty, and many organize trips, recreational and educational activities. Huay Kha Khaeng and Thung Yai Naresuan wildlife sanctuaries in Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi provinces respectively are two of the best places to start. They contain such magnificent creatures as bears, Leopards, tigers, elephants, tapirs, deers, gibbons, monkeys, macaque, guars, shy forest ox, and banteng, or wild red cattle. Khao Yai National Park, three hours from Bangkok, is another excellent nature study site, with many research projects currently underway on creatures such as gibbons, tigers and hornbills. Khao Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chon Buri Province has an open zoo which makes its wildlife particularly accessible. Species include guar, dusky languor, barking deer and brow-antlered deer. In one of the largest aviaries in the world, it also has the sarus crane and black-necked stork, which it is hoped will one day be reintroduced to the wild. In Kaeng Krachan National Park, the countrys largest pristine forest, there are superb walking trails around a 36 kilometre road, and treks of up to two weeks can be organized. Be prepared for some truly inspiring trees, 70 metres tall and more. Where the forest is open, it is like being inside a living cathedral. BUTTERFLY WATCHING The kingdom of Thailand is alive with the fluttering brilliance of over 1,200 species of butterfly more than almost any country in the world. If you are out in the forest at night, you could well see the worlds largest moth, spectacular for both its bold brown and cream markings and for its incredible eight inch wingspan. BIRD WATCHING

Khao Yai is a major bird watching hub, being home to rare species including all four species of hornbill: the great, wreathed, oriental pied and brown. Chiang Mai - this northern capital is on important bird watching destination. Doi Inthanon, The highest peak in Thailand at 2,565 metres above sea level, froms the southernly end of the Himalayan range and provides a home for 364 species of birds, many of them not seen elsewhere in the country. The best time for bird watching is from November to February.

3. Cultural tourism
Thailands cultural heritage was influenced by ancient India when the Indian merchants and scholars set foot and gradually settled in Southeast Asia some 2,300 years ago. It continued for several centuries. Buddhist religion and popular myth are the most obvious examples. Much of Thailands royal tradition is also rooted in Indian culture. The most important cultural sites are: Khmer Kingdom, Dvaravati Kingdon, Lanna Kingdom, Sukhothai Kingdom, Ayutthaya Kingdom; also Historical Parks: Muang Sing Historical Park, Phanom Rung Historical Park, Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Sri Thep Historical Park, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Phimai Historical Park, Phu Phra Bat Historical Park.

4. Shopping tourism
A SHOPPERS PARADISE A wealth of shopping opportunities await visitors, and bargains abound throughout the Country in traditional handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewellery and antiques, as well as more contemporary items. But it isnt only the variety of creatively designed and meticulously crafted products that so captivates the traveller. The shopping experience itself is a pleasure in its own right as one explores from upscale shopping malls and department stores to high streets and back streets and bustling markets.

5. SPA

The Thai spa experience brings together a range of indigenous resources, folk wisdom and traditions that have been handed down through the centuries. It captures the very essence of traditional Thai living. Spa operators delve into this ancient treasure trove to create exceptional spa products so that alluring dimensions of this tropical paradise enrich the spa experience. Gracious hospitality and service is complemented by the friendly and caring nature and gentle ways of the Thai people, adding a uniquely Thai touch to worldclass service and hospitality. Kindness, compassion and the act of comforting and caring for others, as advocated by the Theravada Buddhist tradition, is very much part of everyday life. The gesture is instinctive and genuine.

6. Scuba diving

Scuba diving is Thailands most popular water sport and the country boosts some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world the water is clear, sea life plentiful, transport and accommodation readily available and instruction to a very high standard. Diving in Thailand is comparatively cheap, and once you have achieved your certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba-diving all over the world. Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that the underwater world is visible from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs.

7. Thai Food & Cooking

Thai food has become in recent years one of the world's favorite cuisines. When we speak of "Thai food ", we are in fact talking of four very distinct regions in the country, each with their own culinary traditions. We are speaking too of the dishes created in the royal courts and palaces of Old Siam, that have been passed down through many generations of chefs, and finally into public domain.

Good food also comes up from the street level, and many of Thailand's most popular dishes can be found at the smallest food stalls and restaurants. And there is the influence of China, India, Malaysia and other neighbouring countries. So all these different factors come together under the label "Thai food", and you will find them in varying degrees at any Thai restaurant you care to visit, anywhere in the world. One of the most distinctive aspects of the cuisine is its use of herbs and spices. With regard to the spices, some Thai dishes are very hot, but by no means all of them. The herbs have another function, in addition to providing flavour, in that they all have to varying degrees various medical and therapeutic benefits. A Thai meal ideally is a communal affair, principally because the greater the number of dinners the greater the number of dishes that can be sampled. Diners choose what ever they require from share dishes and generally add it to their own plate of rice. All the dish are serve simultaneously, or nearly so. The object is to archive a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and a meal is meant to be equally satisfying to the eye, nose and palate. Thailand is blessed with many varieties of plants, herbs and spices which ensure s balanced diet. Today, visitors can both relish classic Thai menus and the benefits of a natural diet, and study the art of Thai cooking at several specialist schools in Bangkok and major beach resorts.

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