About Thailand
Kingdom of Thailand is one of the most beautiful and amazing countries of Southeast Asia. Its unique culture, marvelous nature and friendly locals attract millions of tourists every year.
Thailand was formerly known as Siam, a powerful ancient kingdom, which history has started almost 10 centuries ago. Its modern name – Thailand or “Phrated Thai” – means “The land of free people” and refers to the fact that Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by any European power.
Thailand is the 3rd largest country in the region and it covers 510,890 sq km of land and 2,230 sq km of water. It has natural boarders with four neighboring countries: Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. The frontiers of Thailand are washed by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
Thailand is well-known by the natural beauty of more than 250 islands, which are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world. The most popular of them being: Phuket (the largest one), Ko Samui, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Chang, Ko Samet and Ko Pangan, which is worldwide famous by Fool Moon Parties.
The ancient culture of Thailand is one of its major attractions. Bangkok, which is the main cultural and business center of the country, is yearly visited by more than 10 million people. Lots of tourists also come to Ayutthaya, Hua Hin and Pattaya.
Despite the fast economic and production growth Thailand is still maintaining one of the best natural environment both in the world and in the region[i]. Thailand is a country with abundant natural resources and wide variety of flora and fauna. The vast majority (more than 60%) of its land is covered by jungles, rainforests, monsoon and mangrove forests. Thailand is also famous for a huge variety of fruit trees and flowers, especially orchids which are Thailand’s national flowers.
The diversity of Thailand’s fauna is represented by numerous exotic animals, such as: tigers and leopards, many species of monkeys, rhinos, antelopes, crocodiles, various lizards and turtles. The most recognizable symbol of Thailand is the elephant, which is sacred according to the local beliefs.
The location just 15 degrees north of the equator forms tropical climate and the average yearly daily temperature, that ranges in most regions of Thailand from 25 to 30°C (77-86°F).
Thailand’s seasons are usually divided into hot season, rainy season and cool season, while generally the weather is hot and humid most time of the year. The hot season lasts from the end of March till the beginning of May and the rainy season starts in summer and ends in October. The cool season from November till March is the time when most tourists visit the country.
The abundance of its culture and fascinating beauty of its nature has made Thailand one of the best touristic choices in Asia, where breathtaking adventures and tremendous experience await for everybody.
[i] According to Environmental Performance Index (EPI) by Yale and Columbian Universities, USA.
