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The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. Thailand receives visitors with a smiling warmth, the hallmark of the East. Bangkok is the final successor to capital cities through history that were located in this region, on either side of the Chao Phraya River, known as the "Rice Bowl of Asia". It is the location of virtually all major business, government, culture, trade and also where most of the religious monuments are. Vast forests of bamboo and hardwood trees, sheltering varieties of wildlife, spectacular water-falls and great rivers such as the famous River Kwai, characterize the western region. Beach resorts, such as Hua Hin and Phuket are located in the west and southwest.

The mountainous north offers cool retreats and is great for rafting & trekking. The nort-east is a huge, mainly agricultural area, which has separate culturally defined festivals, cuisine, and dances. Local dialects resemble neighbouring Laos and Kampuchea. The east coast offers some of the finest beaches in South East Asia. The south has thick jungles, steep mountains, and countless islands with its own economic, ethnic and political characteristics. Thailand offers good sightseeing, gourmet cuisine, variegated shopping, pulsating nightlife and a long, colourful history, in dramatically diverse natural splendour.

Seasons to Visit: The best overall time for visiting most of Thailand vis a vis climate is between November and February - during these months it rains least and is not too hot. The south is best visited when the rest of Thailand is miserably hot (March to May), and the north is best from mid-November to early December or when it starts warming up again in February. If you're spending time in Bangkok, be prepared to roast in April and do some wading in October - probably the worst two months, weather-wise, in the capital. The peak tourist months are December and August, and the least crowded months are May, June and September.

Entry Requirements: Most visitors can stay for 30 days without a visa, unless your stay is longer than 21 days. A valid visa is necessary for most business purposes except for certain restricted cases. All visas are issued according to the stated purpose of visit, which must be clearly stated by the applicant.

Dress: Light, loose cotton clothing is best. Nylon should be avoided. Sweaters are needed during cool season evenings or if visiting mountainous areas or national parks. Jackets and ties are required in a few restaurants and nightclubs. Neat clothes are required for entering temples or palaces. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.

Food/ Restaurants: Thai food is distinctive. The combination of spices, herbs and fresh ingredients makes dining a special experience in Thailand. Thai meals are heavily based on rice accompanied by soup, curry and a number of side dishes followed by dessert. Dessert would most likely consist of fresh fruits. The most popular spirit among Thais is Mekhong, a local cane whiskey that you can drink straight or with mixers.

Shopping: Bangkok is a shopper's paradise. You can literally overdose on cheap, copy watches, jeans, T-shirts, luggage & computer parts as well as buy the 'real thing' at a fraction of the price back home. Keep receipts for purchases over Bt5, 000 for reclaiming VAT at the airport on departure. Thai silk is justifiably renowned as the best in the world.

Pantip Plaza is the place to go for computer technology. Located on Petchburi Road, it comprises a large shopping mall selling everything from chips to mainframes. Pirate software is also available here. Central department stores, with fixed prices, are located at various points around the city, selling everything from houseware & baby clothing to cosmetics. Emporium on Sukhumvit Rd is an upmarket shopping mall selling authentic Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Fendi, Versace & others. For antiques & collectables, try River City shopping centre adjacent to the Royal Orchid Hotel & for bags & luggage of all brands, shapes & size, check out the nearby Silom Village on Silom Rd.

Transportation: Don Muang International Airport is located 25 km north of the city centre. There are two adjoining international terminals linked by a covered walkway (10 mins) to a domestic terminal. The most international flights arrive in Bangkok, flights from Kuala Lumpur take you direct to Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Mai, while flights from Singapore fly to Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, and Ko Samui. Laos, Burma (Myanmar), and Southern China are also connected by regular flights to Chiang Mai.

An efficient rail system links major northern and northeastern towns with the capital. A southern route permits the visitor to travel by train into Malaysia and Singapore. Domestic express trains include first, second and third class cars.

Bus transport in Thailand is fast, clean and reasonably comfortable for shorter journeys. Most buses provide reclining airline-style seats and video movies. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses are available on major routes.

Thailand is an outstanding country to tour with rented transport. Traffic is moderate and manageable, except in Bangkok. Highways are in good condition, and directional signs are often in English. Less expensive rentals are available from local agencies, but make sure to check the condition of the car thoroughly before handing over your money.

Health risks: Visitors should not drink tap water. Boiled or filtered sterilised water, or bottled water is always freely available in the main hotels and restaurants. Rabies is indigenous to Thailand and visitors, particularly those travelling up-country, should avoid dogs in the streets and take anti-rabies precautions if bitten. AIDS, cholera, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria are the other.

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