THAILAND INFO
Thailand Travel Guide
General information
Thailand or the Kingdom of Thailand is located in Southeast Asia and it borders Malaysia to the south, Myanmar to the northwest and Laos to the northeast and Cambodia to the southeast with coasts on the the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. With a surface area of 513,000 square kilometers and over 2,600 kilometers of coast, Thailand is the world's 50th largest country.
Bangkok is Thailand's capital and largest city: it's the political, financial, commercial and spiritual country's centre.
Thailand is constitutional monarchy: King Bhumipol Adulyadej (Rama IX, the ninth Chakri king) has reigned since 1946, making him the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history.
King Bhumipol Adulyadej is beloved and respected from all Thais.
HM the King and Queen of Thailand
Weather & Climate
Thailand's climate is tropical and always hot and humid all year around. It's characterized by monsoons: there is rainy and warm southwest monsoon from June to September, as well as dry and cool northeast from November to February. Essentially there are three seasons:
HOT: from March to June, with high temperature ranging from 35°C to almost 40°C (104°F).
RAINY: from July to October, the tropical monsoon hits most of the country, especially along the Southwest coast.
It doesn't mean it rains all day, but when it does it pours and flooding is not uncommon.
COOL: from November to February temperatures at their lowest, although there is a big difference from the South region and the northern mountains, where temperatures call fall to 4-5°C
Important: these are general patterns, Thailand is a large country and weather can be difference region by region.
On the Southeast coast (Koh Samui) rainy season is from October till mid January.
Geography
Thailand has several distinct geographic (and social) regions:
- NORTH
- NORTHEAST (ISAAN)
- CENTRAL
- SOUTH
NORTH THAILAND
Mekong River
Northern Thailand is mountainous: Doi Intanon is Thailand's highest peak (2,565 meters above sea level).
Chiang Mai is the most important city in the region and it's famous for its orchids and flowers (Chiang Mai is named The Rose of the North)
The major tourist attraction is represented by the Golden Triangle.
NORTH-EAST THAILAND (ISAAN)
Farmers in Isaan
Northeast region, also known as Isaan, consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered by the Mekong River.
Isaan is country's poourest region: its main economy is characterized by rice farms and a basilar agriculture. Khorat (Nakhon Ratchasima) and Khon Kaen are the major cities in the region.
CENTRAL THAILAND
Bangkok
Central region is characterized by the flat valley of Chao Phraya River and Thailand's capital, Bangkok. It's country's most industrialized region.
Central Thailand offers are some important historical and cultural sites to visit as Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi.
The major cities in the region are Bangkok and Nakhon Sawan.
SOUTH THAILAND
Tropical beach in South Thailand
South Thailand is characterized by the Kra Isthmus, bordered by Andaman Sea on the west and by the Gulf of Thailand on the east. Southern Thailand offers many white sandy beaches and its main economy is represented by the tourism.
Thailand is Southeast Asia most popular tourist destination; it offers almost everything: pleasant weather all year around, white sandy beaches with crystal waters, unspoiled jungle, mountains, culture, historical sites, shopping and nightlife.
