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Author:
M. Ellis

Over six million foreigners fly into Thailand each year. It has become Asia's primary holiday destination and is well located, serviced and popular as a first stop on any overland journey through Southeast Asia.

Tourist money has played a significant part in the country's recent development. Yet amazingly Thailand's cultural integrity remains largely undamaged. In this country of fifty-three million people, over 90% are practicing Theravada Buddhists. King Bhumibol is a revered figure across his nation. Temple rooftops and saffron-robed monks dominate the entire country. Though some cities and beach resorts are have been westernized by high-rises and neon lights, the typical Thai community is the traditional farming villager. Still true to this day, ninety percent of Thais still earn their living from the land.

Most journeys start in Bangkok . It can be an overwhelming introduction to Southeast Asia, as Bangkok is characterized with its chaos, noise and pollution, but there are traveller-oriented guesthouses in droves here, and many spectacular temples to visit. It's also the best place for arranging onward travel and visas for neighboring countries. A popular side-trip from the city takes in the raft houses of Kanchanaburi, the infamous site of the Bridge over the River Kwai. After Bangkok, most travelers head north, via the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai . They head to the enjoyable ad laid-back city of Chiang Mai. There, very often, treks are organised to the nearby hilltribe villages.

If tranquility is what you are after, you will find it in the countryside up in the northern highlands around Mae Hong Son and along the Mekong River in Thailand's northeast (Isaan). There you can stay in village guesthouses or even family shacks if you are lucky, then hop across the border into Laos. In northeast you will find two fine ancient Khmer ruins at Phimai and Phanom Rung, they are certainly worth a visit and give you something to boast about, as the are much less frequented by tourists. There is also Thailands most popular national park, Khao Yai .

After trekking, cycling, white water rafting or going for an elephant ride, as well as the rural relaxation experience, most visitors head for the beach - and Thailand's eastern and southern coasts are lined with magnificent white-sand shores, aquamarine seas and kaleidoscopic reefs. The most popular beaches in Thailand with its foreign visitors are the east coast backpackers' resorts of Ko Samet and Ko Chang, the Andaman coast of Laem Phra Nang, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta and Ko Tarutao and the Gulf Coast islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao,. The southern island of Phuket as well as the east coast resort of Pattaya are more expensive, package-tour oriented areas. In the furthest part south, Thailand merges seamlessly with Malaysia. There are plenty of border crossing points there and the city of Hat Yai offers travellers long-distance bus and rail links to many Malaysian towns. Crossing over to Cambodia overland, alas, is not so easy, however, there are two crossings currently open, Poipet and Trat.

The climate of most of Thailand is governed by three seasons: rainy (roughly June to October), caused by the southwest monsoon; cool (November to February); and hot (March to May). The cool season is certainly the best time to visit, with Christam being the peak season for Thailand. In the hot season, temperatures can rise to 40°C. The rainy season hits the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) harder than anywhere else in the country and usually heavy rains persist from May to October. On the other hand, The Gulf coast (Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao) hardly sees any rain between June and September, but is hit heavily by the northeast monsoon, brings torrential rain between October and January.

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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Thailand Travel... Pattaya, Thailand Retirement! Yes, you CAN retire on $50USD a day! Although it may be crass to say, MONEY is everything in this world-by having money, you have the FREEDOM to do most anything you want. You're fortunate to live in the West where you have the opportunity to earn and save sufficient capital to last a lifetime. Even if you don't have a lot, most Western countries' governments will guarantee a monthly income (pension) of around $1,000 (USD) beginning in your early 60s. And while not much in your home town, it is A LOT in Pattaya, Thailand. Here's what I mean: Sample monthly budget based on $50 day- Housing (including ALL utilities)-$300 Food-$180 Transport-$20 Entertainment-$500 Misc/Everything else-$500 Not bad, eh! 1/3 of your budget is going towards entertainment which is A LOT of SANOOK (fun) in Pattaya! While our budget of $50 a day exceeds the $1,000 monthly pension mentioned, a little tweaking in the entertainment or miscellaneous categories could bring it in-line. Or, having $100,000 in savings at 6% yields $500 per month thus putting you at the $50 figure. Note that didn't factor a 'separate' travel fund for the annual trip back to your home country. Inevitably you'll need to back, so ensure you plan for it. Now if you're too young for a pension, their is hope! If have around $350,000USD saved, you've hit the mark, assuming a 6% return on your money. And DON'T be discouraged if you're too young for a pension and short on money--consider 'semi-retirement'. Make a plan to spend six months or so a year in Pattya, Thailand and the balance working in your home country. This is the 'having your cake and eating it too' strategy! Go to http://www.retire-to-pattaya-thailand.com for more INSIDER information on retiring to Pattaya, Thailand. John Galt is...