They called Thailand `The Land of Smiles', and with good reason- for there's a smile on every face here, a welcoming and friendly smile. The land itself, a completely intoxicating blend of clear azure seas, white beaches, gold-spired temples and serene-faced Buddhas, is welcoming all the way. The sheer abundance of sights and experiences in Thailand make it one of the world's most popular places to go for a holiday. For the sun-seeking, leisure-loving band, the gloriously white, palm-fringed beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui, Hua-Hin Thailand's oldest beach resort and Pattaya are perfect.

For a change from beaches and blue seas, travel inland to the historic cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, where ancient ruins stand sentinel, seemingly against the passage of time itself. Visit Nakhon Si Thammarat, the oldest city in Thailand, to get a glimpse of the renowned Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest Buddhist structure in the world. Take a trip into the mountains, to the pretty city of Chiang Mai, erstwhile capital of the kingdom, or go on a tryst with nature in the Khao Yai National Park.

And, should you get tired of history and culture and natural beauty, head for the national capital, Bangkok. Slick, sleek, raunchy Bangkok, which manages to be home to tranquil pagodas and chaotic bazaars, quiet side streets and the hottest bars in this part of the world. Tread the temple trail through Bangkok's 400-odd wats; whiz down the city's canals in a boat; feast on some of the most mouthwatering grub anywhere on earth.

Sawasdee. Welcome to the land of the Thais - to the country of smiles, to a kingdom with a hundred wonderful treasures, each just waiting to be discovered.

Making your way here…
Thai Airways and a host of other airlines operate regular flights to and from the international airports at Bangkok and Phuket. In addition to this, the seaside destination of Pattaya is a well-loved port of call on important cruise liner routes. Travelling by surface transport, you can enter Thailand from either Malaysia or Laos pretty easily. There are four border crossings between Thailand and Malaysia (trains / coaches between the two countries run daily), and a few crossings with Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia too, although they're infrequently used. For the adventurous, a Mekong ferry is available between Laos and Thailand.

…and getting around
Making your way around Thailand is best done by air or train- both rail and air networks in the country are efficient and extensive. Alternately (and especially if you're headed for more obscure places) you can use the bus system, or hire a car from one of the many car rental agencies in larger cities. Within cities, transport options are abundant, running the gamut from overhead trains (Bangkok's `Sky Train) and river-taxis to buses, cabs, motorbike-taxis and cars for hire.

A Roof over Your Head…
Thailand's amazingly popular on tourist itineraries, which translates into a vast range of accommodation options to choose from. Sleek five-star deluxe hotels and resorts; budget hotels, bungalows, guesthouses, houseboats, beach huts and hostels are just some of the many places you can stay while in the country.

… a Good Meal, a Great Bargain and more
Fresh herbs and seafood, delicate flavours and fiery spices give Thai cuisine a flavour all its own. Tuck into it at posh restaurants, tiny eateries, roadside stalls- you'll find exquisitely cooked local food virtually everywhere! For those whose tastebuds aren't too adventurous, there are always a number of restaurants serving Chinese, Continental or other cuisines. Thailand's a great place to go shopping for everything from jewellery and cloth (especially silk) to basketry, ceramics, nielloware, flowers and more. Stores, malls, local bazaars are everywhere; but remember one thing: bargain!

…and one Last bit of Advice
Tourists attract touts by the score, and the only way to deal with them is to keep a step ahead. Do not get taken in by those who'll swoop down on you, offering guided tours, transport and more at huge discounts. Instead, shop around for travel agents and tour operators on your own (you could ask your hotel for suggestions); hail a taxi on the road; and- wherever you go- bargain.
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