Thailand is full of beautiful scenery, gorgeous beaches, lush countryside and warm, friendly citizens. From the modern landscape of Bangkok to the famous beaches of Phuket to traditional villages in the mountains, it is easy to see why it is refered to by some as a “golden land.”
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and is the only country in the region that was never ruled by a European nation. During World War II, Thailand was occupied for a time by the Japanese. The current king holds the distinction of being the longest reigning monarch in the world, serving for over fifty years.
The country changed its name several times. The name Thailand replaced the former name Siam in 1939. However, it reverted to Siam from 1945 to 1949 before returning to the official name Thailand.
Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand, with over 95% of the population following the national religion of Theravada Buddhism. The influence of Buddhism on Thai culture is unparalleled, though there are also strong influences from Chinese and Indian cultures as well as some western influences.
Bangkok is the capital city and Phuket is the largest island. Both are major tourist destinations for the entire region, not just Thailand. Bangkok draws many business and commercial visitors as well as those seeking to experience the country’s rich history and culture. Phuket is an island paradise with white sand beaches surrounded by the Andaman Sea. Thailand has many cities and villages as well as national parks, beaches, islands and mountains. This variety makes it an exotic and interesting destination.
One of the best things about visiting Thailand is the food. Connoisseurs of Thai cuisine will be in foodie heaven. Local and regional dishes are available everywhere from food stalls on the beach to fine dining establishments in the cities. Shopping throughout the country is incredible. There are open markets, small shops, and Bangkok is known for its plethora of modern shopping malls. Visitors will find 5 star hotels in Thailand as well as boutique hotes, guest houses, and business and chain hotels.
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