Thailand, officially named the Kingdom of Thailand, is a state of South-East Asia, located in the southwestern part of the Indochina peninsula and the northern part of the Malay Peninsula. It is bordered by Laos and Cambodia to the east, by Myanmar to the west, and by Malaysia to the south. The total area is more than 513 thousand square kilometers; the population is about 67 million people. The capital of the country is Bangkok. The official language is Thai.

The national currency is the Thai baht. Currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and bureaux de changes. All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are widely spread.

The terrain of the country consists of high mountains in the north, a central plain, and an upland plateau in the northeast. Thailand has a wet tropical climate with a mean annual temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. There are three main seasons – the hot season lasts from March to May, the cool season continues from November to February and the rainy season is from about June to October.

Thailand is often called the “Land of Thousand Smiles” due to sincere hospitality of its people. The atmosphere of Thailand is so pleasant that almost everywhere in the country, the tourists feel comfortable. It is a wondrous kingdom, which combines fascinating history and unique culture, Buddhist temples, spectacular islands and exotic wildlife. Here everyone can find what they like most of all.

Connoisseurs of architecture and history will be impressed by Grand Palace in Bangkok, the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom, constructed in 1782; and Wat Arun, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River; Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning seven-century-old golden temple on the mountain; Ayutthaya, the former trade and political capital, now an abandoned city, whose picturesque ruins attract lots of tourists; Phanom Rung, a carved sanctuary built by the Khmers in the 10th-13th centuries;

Nature lovers should not miss the chance to visit Khao Yai National Park, which occupies four provinces and contains beautiful mountains, fertile valleys, amazing waterfalls and abundant wildlife; Khao Sok National Park boasting jungle forests, rivers, lakes and limestone karsts, Another nature beauty of Thailand is Phang Nga Bay, the world’s unique site, where cliffs jut vertically out of the turquoise water.

Those who like relaxation on a beach will praise Railay, one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand, combining heavenly white sand beaches, caves, and picturesque limestone cliffs that hide a gorgeous lagoon. All the Thailand Islands suggest many opportunities for basking in the sun, swimming and diving.

Your image of Thailand will not be complete without elephant trekking, taking part in a local festival or event, shopping in a floating market and eating traditional Thai food.

Airports

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) serves Bangkok

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) located in Chiang Mai

Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) Chiang Rai

Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) situated near Hat Yai

Phuket International Airport (HKT) serves Phuket Province.

U-Tapao–Pattaya International Airport (UTP) serves Rayong and Pattaya

Udon Thani International Airport (UTH) located near Udon Thani

Diving in Thailand

Crystal-clear waters of Thailand create excellent conditions for scuba diving. Lots of divers come here for rich flora and fauna, beautiful reefs, wrecks, deep drop-offs, walls, tunnels, caverns and pinnacles.

Some of the most popular diving destinations in Thailand are situated in the Andaman Sea, which is known for its water visibility. One of them is Phuket, whose waters have abundant flora and fauna. The dive sites here are suitable both for beginners and experienced divers. The most popular diving places in Phuket are Racha Yai and Ter Bay, well-known for their underwater rocks covered with coral gardens. Another famous diving spot near Phuket is Koh Dok Mai where you can go wall and drift diving and meet lots of various exotic fish, including turtles, octopuses, moray eels, and leopard sharks.

Phi Phi Island, situated between Koh Lang and Phuket, whose coral reefs strike imagination, is also beloved by divers.

Between Phuket and Phi Phi Island there is the Shark Point marine reserve, where divers beside from diving with sharks can explore the King Cruiser, an 85-meter long boat sunk in 1997 and located at a depth of 18-30 meters. Anemone Reef is known for its unique flora and fauna that include clown fish, schools of reef fish and groupers. Off the island of Koh Lanta there are underwater peaks Hin Daeng Island Kantiang and Klong Dao. Although they are more suitable for professionals, beginners will also find opportunities for diving.

Off Phuket Island you will find lots of colorful hard and soft corals teeming with marine creatures.

The crystal-clear waters of Racha Yai can boast bright coral formations, interesting rocks and boulders and lots of tropical fish, including black tip reef sharks, manta rays and leopard sharks.