The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. Few countries are so well endowed.
From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveler.
Thailand's natural wonders are matched only by its cultural marvels. You could spend years just trekking its highlands, mooching through its national parks, browsing its islands, checking out the temple architecture, traditional crafts and ancient cities in between.
Thailand shares borders with Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Cambodia. The country's east coast borders the Gulf of Thailand and the west coast abuts the Andaman Sea. The country is divided into four main zones: the fertile, central plains of the Chao Phraya River; the poorer region of the 300m (985ft) high northeast plateau; the fertile valley and mountains of Northern Thailand; and the rainforested southern peninsula. The highest peak is the 2596m (8512ft) Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai province.
Phuket
Dubbed 'Pearl of the South' by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand's largest, most populous and most visited island. A whirl of color and cosmopolitanism, Thailand's only island province revolves around and thrives on tourism, but still retains a spark of the real Thailand.
There are a hundred and one ways to pass the day in Phuket. There are also more tourists here than on any other Thai island - it certainly knows how to cater to tourists' every whim. Most flock to the beaches on the southwestern side, which are loaded with amenities and entertainment options.
The sailing in Thailand is second to none, with warm waters and unspoilt tropical Islands and the best way to go sailing in Thailand is with a yacht charter.
Phuket has long been known for its spectacular Islands, dramatic scenery, beautiful beaches, world class diving and excellent sailing all year round. Thailand is a romantic and alluring destination for any yacht charter vacation. It has everything you could hope for in man and nature. The sailing conditions are perfect all year long. Phuket is conveniently located for yacht rental close to Burma, Malaysia and the Indonesian Archipelago. The cruising ground is extensive, 250 miles of sailing pleasure stretching from Burma (Mergui archipelago) to Malaysia (Malacca Straits). You will sail among the most beautiful islands in the world, many only accessible by yacht.
Phuket is home to two marinas, with a third nearing completion. But be sure to visit Ao Chalong, a safe harbour on the south east of the island, the adopted home of Phuket's yachting society and an informal, bustling community of restaurants, shops, pubs, a yacht club and more.
When To Go
The best time for visiting the islands of the Andaman Sea, including Phuket, is when the rest of Thailand is suffering from the heat (January to May). From May onwards, the rains arrive and the water becomes cloudy and unpredictable - but the crowds disappear and prices plummet! The weather takes a turn for the better near the end of the year - just in time for high season for airfares and hotels (December-April).
Culture
Thailand's culture is about more than music and paintings. It arises from a complex system of mutual respect and politeness that binds the country's people together
Hospitality
Hospitality is the essence of Thai people's nature and while greeting guests into their houses or offices, first off, they cater guests with a glass of water. Likewise in the restaurants, first, you'll be served up cold water no matter you haven't order anything yet. Prior to entering a Thai house, make sure to take off your shoes. The same is true in Buddhist temples and in traditional Thai restaurants where guests are seated on the floor. Appropriate to mention that it's quite natural for Thai folks to sit whether squatted or right on the floor, rather than on chairs. In most households, the floor is also used as a dining table. Most houses don't have beds either, just the mattresses. Traditionally, rich Thai families have large short tables made of teakwood, used to serve the food and while eating, to sit on.
Respectfully Yours
Thai culture evolves largely around Buddhism and respect for seniority, whether in terms of age, status or wealth. However, monks receive absolute deference and it is common to see healthy young monks sitting on buses while elderly passengers stand. Seniority has different forms: younger people respect elders, the poor look up to the rich, and common citizens defer to politicians and high ranking military personnel. Seniority in years is sometimes unclear, so Thais often ask a person’s age. With seniority established, the older person may address the younger as nong, and the younger person may address the older as pii.
Paying Your Way
Seniority is complex and involves unwritten obligations. For example, a manager dining with her staff will automatically pay the bill, regardless of the ages of those present. Some visitors find this unfair. A common assumption in Thailand is that foreigners are rich and should therefore pay higher prices than locals; hence the two-tiered pricing system seen at many tourist attractions.
A Wai Goes a Long Way!
A traditional greeting is the wai, made by pressing the fingers and palms together at chest level while slightly bowing the head. The wai serves several functions: saying hello, showing respect to a senior and asking forgiveness. A wai is always returned, unless it is from a child.
Keeping it Inside
You will not see Thai couples hugging, embracing, kissing, or any other acts of explicit affection on streets or in public places. It is unacceptable by the norms of Thai society. And for that matter, any display of strong emotions in public, especially when inhered in loud speaking or noisy arguing, is considered as disrespectful.
Keeping calm is important, and outward displays of anger are unwelcome. People generally overlook minor misdeeds, and even major offences are dealt with as discreetly as possible. Patience is a virtue.
History
It is believed Thailand’s history stems from the Bronze Age some 5,000 years ago. Recorded history indicates a number of periods that mark important stages in Thailand’s history – the Sukothai Period from 1238 to 1438, the Ayutthaya Period from 1351 to 1767, the Thonburi Period from 1767 to 1782, and the Rattanakosin Period from 1782 until the present. The legacy of each of these periods is a series of temples, shrines, palaces and ancient sites, all depicting unique Thai architectural styles and lavish design. Although some of the historical significance of these attractions may at times be lost on you, the visual feast you experience more than compensates for your lack of insight. These are some of the most beautiful places you will ever experience. Simply relax and soak in the sights and sounds and build unforgettable memories. Never colonized, Thailand has never been detached from its culture. Thai dance, theatre, music and art, have all developed in entirely unique ways across the ages and play as important a role today as they did in years gone by. The numerous galleries and museums housing the treasures of bygone ages offer visitors a genuine visual delight.
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