Thailand is a nation of contrasts, where the colourful past co-exists with the 21^st century. A world of the ancient and the modern, it holds an irresistible appeal for the modern-day traveller.

The country has a diverse population of 60 million, of which the majority hale from Thai ethnicity. Traditionally the country has been a migratory junction and as a result it has become a land of multi-ethnic diversity where people of Chinese, Burmese, Indian, Malay, Khmer and Mon ethnicity are represented. The national religion is Buddhism, making Thailand one of the most devout Buddhist countries in the world.

The country is the gateway to Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and Bangkok airport has comprehensive flight connections with the rest of the world. It is a land of long distances and is served by excellent internal flight services, a modern road infrastructure and a reliable train service.

First stop on a trip to Thailand is invariably Bangkok, one of Asia's premier cosmopolitan cities. It is the centre of the nation's spiritual, cultural and commercial life and its prime attractions include stunning Buddhist temples, glittering palaces and the world-renowned "Venice of the East" with its floating markets and vibrant canal and river scenes.

As much as one is struck by such sights, a journey on the sky-train that whisks you above the congested traffic is a modern-day wonder.

Even the most dedicated shopper or sightseer must stop sometime to eat and the choice of eating places, both indoors and outdoors, is staggering. Thai food, influenced by Chinese and Indian neighbours, is spicy and aromatic and the multitude of eating places caters well for every budget.

Bangkok

The capital is home to over 400 temples and a multitude of other attractions and the visitor is particularly recommended to see. Numerous waterways criss-cross the city and create an unusual transport system. A visitor taking a trip on a long-tail boat will gain an insight into the lives of the bank-side inhabitants who dwell in wooden houses that rest on stilts. The waterways are a comprehensive thoroughfare, hosting the services of the Floating Market, a playground for children and a place in which to bathe and to wash ones clothes.

There are many tours that one can take directly from Bangkok, and one of the more evocative enables you take a train journey on the infamous "Death Railway", to see the remains of the bridge over the River Kwai. The tale of the bridges grim history is detailed in the nearby War Museum.

Pattaya

A two and a half hour drive south-east from Bangkok is Pattaya, a leading beach resort languishing in a tranquil tropical environment with every facility for a memorable holiday. The choice of accommodation ranges from deluxe beachside hotels offering every amenity and to somewhat more modest guest- houses. Wonderful opportunities abound for sporting activities on land and sea, in particular one must list golfing, game fishing and scuba diving. There are a multitude of leisure and cultural pursuits for the less energetic such as a visit to the lush botanical gardens, out-of-the- ordinary museums and inviting theme and amusement parks.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city, is a beautiful, walled urban area that has gained the reputation of being the countries very own Shangri-La. It gained that reputation for the cities picturesque beauty, the legendary beauty of its women, its wide choice of spectacular festivals and its variety of 14th Century historic temples. Additionally, all manners of artistic craftsmanship are the pride of the city, famed for its silverware, silk, woodcarvings and its superb lacquer-ware.

The city and its surroundings enjoy a mild and invigorating climate that allows for plentiful growth of flowers and a tempting array of temperate fruit such as apples, peaches and strawberries, while an annual aromatic Flower Carnival is held each February.

The adjoining province of Chiang Rai encompasses Maesai, the most northern point of Thailand. It is famed

for its hill tribes who perch their villages amongst rugged mountains and fits within the region known as the Golden Triangle, the intersection of the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos.

There are a wide variety of trips on offer that will enable you to see elephants at work, enjoy a leisurely bamboo-raft river trip, visit hillside Karen villages or trek amidst Thailand's spectacular northern scenery.

The Northeast of Thailand

In many ways the north is a more traditional part of the country, retaining its distinct landscape, history and culture. Ancient temples and shrines abound and against this backdrop, locals prepare earthenware and weave the silk for which the region if famed.

Phuket

Phuket, is Thailand's largest island and without doubt, is home to the countries finest beach resorts. Phuket is just a one-hour flight southwest from Bangkok and nestles in the balmy waters of Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline.

The island is a major destination for golfing enthusiasts and has many international standard courses. As Phuket attracts many visitors for all manner of reasons, accommodation can be found to suit your needs.

Patong

Patong is a lively centre, however its great popularity has caused it to become heavily commercialized. Luckily for those seeking quieter spots on the island, there is a wide choice. The island is famed for its magnificent beaches, coves and bays. Two of the islands most popular beaches are Kata Beach and Nai Yang Beach.

Phi Phi & Krabi

An short hour from Phuket, the clustered islands of Phi Phi are favoured for their scuba diving and snorkelling. The islands are famed for their rocky cliffs, calm blue seas, coral reefs, stunning aquatic life and beaches of the finest white sand.

CLIMATE

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with 3 distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 28 degrees, and in Bangkok, it ranges from 30 degrees in April to about 24 degrees in December. The monsoon season begins in may through to November with torrential rainfalls and high humidity. Winter begins towards the end of wet season and is dry and cool. Summer experiences high temperatures and high humidity.