Welcome to Thailand!
Thailand is indeed a wondrous kingdom – of glittering temples, exotic wildlife, tropical islands with pristine beaches, a fascinating history, and a unique culture that includes its world-renowned Thai food and Thai massage.
Some come here to snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Andaman, others to explore the ancient ruins, and many to dive into the country’s bustling capital with its more than six million friendly fun-loving people who have made this kingdom known as the “Land of Smiles”.
In the Kingdom of Thailand, religious devotion is everywhere – and very colourful – from the golden temples and Buddhas to the timeless banyan trees ceremoniously wrapped in sacred cloth to honour the spirits within, to the shrines that decorate even the humblest of homes. Those who want to delve in deeper can make a pilgrimage to the religious festivals in the northeast, explore the underground cave shrines in Kanchanaburi and Phetchaburi, trek to the hilltop temples of the north, and even embark on a meditation retreat in Chiang Mai.
Wherever you go, you will find one fundamental element of Thai culture – the food – each dish crafted from fresh local ingredients like lemongrass, chillies and seafood, and all built around the four fundamental flavours of spicy, sweet, salty and sour – the four flavours we all crave. From the noodle shacks of Bangkok, to the seafood pavilions of Phuket, to the Burmese market stalls of Mae Sot, the variety of Thai cuisine is infinite – and a few cooking classes will provide you with a souvenir that you – and your family – will cherish forever.
From the spectacular islands to the bustling cities, Thailand’s 77 provinces are home to 63 million people – take the opportunity to get to know some of them – and their wondrous kingdom – while you are here.
| APTHC 2018
