Thailand Travel Guide

Thailand is a proud and independent place that burns fiercely with the white heat of modernity while revering the links to its historic past. In recent years the country has witnessed dramatic politic upheaval as ordinary Thais seek to assert their democratic will over the old power structures and elites. Yet the royalist traces of ancient Siam, authentic street food and gorgeous silks still sit side by side with massive industry, a thick fug of traffic jams, fast food and seminal hi-tech. Get used to the idea that Thailand has become a highly advanced 21st-century society, complete with iPads and fast-food chains and you can then enjoy its other countless attractions with a hint of realism.

Thailand Travel Guide Highlights
Mae Hong Son Visit an ethnically diverse hill tribe village, set in lush terraced highlands.	Koh Similan This archipelago has more species than a tropical rainforest; go diving and see a fraction of them.
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang Marvel at the elegant and refined architecture at possibly the finest wat in Thailand.	Chiang Mai Monasteries, bazaars and great food are just some of the attractions of this northern favourite.
Sukhothai Thailand's Golden Age is reflected in this sprawling citadel of temples, palaces and monuments.	Mekong River Sip a cold beer or float on an inner tube on the river in the relaxed of Nong Khai.
Ayutthaya Explore the ruins of a plundered and glorious former capital.	Phnom Rung Immerse yourself in Thai history at this splendid 10th- to 13th-century Khmer sanctuary.
Kanchanaburi A dizzying combination of infamous history and great natural surroundings, including waterfalls and caves.	Koh Chang Despite being a short hop from Bangkok, this is the least known of Thailand's large islands.
Grand Palace An overblown series of buildings, seen as the heart of the nation, in Bangkok's Old City.	Gulf of Thailand islands Visit Phangan for parties, Tao for diving and Samui for everything else.