Brief Introduction about New Thailand :
Thailand – the Land of Smiles is one of the few countries in
Southeast Asia where you won't mind getting lost. The land of fabulous
architecture, beautiful beaches and islands, inexpensive shopping, fantastic
food, exotic hill-tribe villages, ancient ruins—and all the amenities
as well. The balance between comfort and excitement is near perfect. From
the frenetic capital to the hill country gateway of Chiang Mai, Thailand is
a place that can excite the mind, tantalize the senses and take care of most
everyday needs. The country is generally quite safe, and it has decades of
experience in catering to travelers.
The capital is Bangkok or Krung Thep (City of Angels), the spiritual,
symbolic and physical heart of the nation and home to seven million people.
To the north is Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city and its oldest
for it was founded in the late 13th century and is one of the oldest
continually inhabited settlements in the country.
Thailand's islands and beaches are working definitions of heaven . And as
for urban delights, the huge metropolis of Bangkok, although it can alarm
with its chaos and its scale, tends to so charm visitors with its energy and
cultural treasures that the steamy soupy diesel mixture that passes for air
in this city is more than forgiven. Thailand is an easy country to travel
in, with efficient transport, cheap accommodation and a delicious national
cuisine.
Topography
Thailand is divided into four distinct areas : the mountainous North, the
fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the
peninsula South, distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and
offshore islands. The center of Thailand consists of flat plains no more
than a few feet above sea level, watered by the Chao Phraya River and a
number of smaller rivers and canals
Climate
The weather in Thailand is always hot and humid, although the northern
highlands are generally 10 degrees F/5 C cooler. The best time to go is
November-February, when the days are milder and the nights are cool.
March-May is very hot, with temperatures reaching into the low 100s F/38 C.
Avoid mid May through October, when it's humid and rainy (the streets of
Bangkok flood easily), though those willing to chance it will get better
rates at hotels.
Required clothing: Lightweights and rainwear are advised.
Population
Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the
majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and
thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly,
Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such,
however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
