Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country located at the center of Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Burma.
The word Thai is not, as commonly believed, derived from the word Tai meaning “freedom” in the Thai language; it is, however, the name of an ethnic group from the central plains (the Thai people).
The Thai use the phrase “land of the free” to express pride in the fact that Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never colonized by a European power.
Thailand is a newly industrialized country with well-known tourist destinations such as Ayutthaya, Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai.
There are approximately 2 million immigrants and the country has also attracted a number of expatriates from developed countries
Thai culture has been shaped by many influences, including Indian, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, and Chinese.
Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is the national sport in Thailand. In the past “Muay” was taught to royal soldiers for combat on battlefield if unarmedand is also one of the subjects taught in the temples. Muay Thai achieved popularity all over the world in the 1990s with its full-contact rules allowing strikes including elbows, throws and knees.
Thai cuisine blends five fundamental tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Some ingredients include garlic, chillies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fish sauce. The staple food in Thailand is rice, particularly jasmine variety rice (also known as Hom Mali rice) which is included in almost every meal. Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice.
South East Asia Travelling Guide
When it comes to stunning scenery, vibrant culture and fantastic attractions; South East Asia has it all. The area of South East Asia is comprised of several countries including Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand and is a popular destination for student backpackers as well as luxury holidaymakers. Undoubtedly the most popular destination in South East Asia is Thailand which offers a number of exciting locations and a wide range of accommodation from simple hostels to luxury villas.
The main reason why Thailand is so popular is the fact that it has so many amazing visitor attractions and one of the biggest is the Golden Triangle situated in the north of the country, which is the point where Laos, Burma and Thailand meet. The area is also notorious for being an opium producing area and there are a number of museums dedicated to opium production as well as several other attractions in the area including a giant golden statue of Buddha on a boat. Another brilliant attraction is the capital city of Bangkok which features modern shopping centres alongside beautiful traditional temples and palaces. One of the most famous temples in the city is Wat Pho which has the largest reclining statue of Buddha in the world and is closely located to the beautiful Grand palace which are both situated on the island of Rattanakosin often referred to as `Old Bangkok`. However, if the hustle and bustle of the city is too much then head to the stunning island of Ko Tao which has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand as well as a number of opportunities for snorkelling. For a different, but just as busy and exciting experience, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is an excellent destination.
Another popular destination is Cambodia which is located just a short distance from Thailand and offers a more traditional example of life in the region. Although the capital city of Phnom Penh is quieter than Bangkok, it still offers a lot to see including a number of interesting but sobering museums dedicated to the countries tragic past. However, it also offers a number of intricate and breathtaking temples situated around its stunning countryside which has earned the country the reputation of being awe inspiring.
Regardless of which country in South East Asia you choose, a private villa holiday is the perfect way to make the most of the exciting and exotic culture, nightlife and attractions.