Destinations / The best countries in Asia / Thailand

Total area: 513,120 km2
Population: 65,998,436 (2010 estimate)
Density: 132.1/km2
Currency: Baht (฿)
Official language: Thai
Capital: Bangkok
Government: Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy
Internet TLD: .th
Calling code: +66

  Thailand is located in South East Asia and shares borders to the north with Burma and Laos, to the south with the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, to the west with the Andaman Sea and to the east with Laos and Cambodia. The Gulf of Thailand separates the country from Vietnam, while the Andaman Sea separates it from Indonesia and India. 

  Thailand is a fascinating country located right in the very heart of South East Asia and it is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations n the world. What makes Thailand unique is the exceptional variety that one can find within its borders: from splendid beaches and islands on its coast to the picturesque mountains in the north. Visitors will be enchanted by this great mélange of traditions, arts, and cuisine that Thailand offers, which will make your trip here an unforgettable one. 

  Revival of tourism industry in Thailand began in 1970, when American soldiers have arrived here, taking a break from the war in Vietnam. In 2005 there were registered 13.38 million tourists visiting the country, with an average stay of 8.1 days, which is a relevant statistics to the great development of tourism in Thailand. 

  If you decide to visit Thailand, here are the main tourist attractions: Bangkok – capital city; Chiang Mai - this city has over 300 temples; Ko Samui – Paradise Islands, Ko Si Chang – an island, Nakhon Pathom - Thailand's oldest city, features the tallest Buddhist monument in the world (Phra Pathom Chedi); Phuket -the largest and most populated island in Thailand; Ancient City - the largest outdoor museum in the world; Ao Phang-Nga – a maritime national park; Jim Thompson's House- an example of authentic Thai residential architecture; Wat Arun - temple named after an Indian God; Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) - temple containing a statue of Buddha in gold, 3 meters high and weighs 5.5 t. 

  The best time to travel to Thailand is from November to February. The time period from July to November should be avoided as it is the monsoon season and temperatures become unbearable, while the air becomes very humid. The busiest period is from November to March.

Others The best countries in Asia .

Maps of Thailand