Thailand is located at the very heart of South East Asia and is the only country in the region to have escaped Colonial Rule; it has a long and varied history with magnificent ancient capitals to be found at Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. 

Today Bangkok, as the political, cultural and spiritual capital, is a chaotic mix of the old and new which to the visitor can sometimes seem overwhelming but this is quickly dispelled by the sheer charm and smiles of the gracious Thai people.  

Religion, with 95% of people Buddhist, pervades many aspects of Thai life and senior monks are highly revered. Most Thai houses and workplaces will have a “Spirit House” outside, where offerings can be made to appease the spirits. 

The Royal Family is also revered by the Thai people and the monarch; King Rama IX commands enormous popular respect and moral authority. The Thai people now pay their respect to the King by wearing a yellow shirt on Monday ever since the 60^th anniversary of the king’s reign in 2006.

Thailand is a country with a rich and varied culture, with magnificent temples and ancient sites but also with an abundance of natural resources and a wide variety of flora and fauna. With over 100 national parks, ranged across the country from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the North down to the islands of Phuket and Samui in the South there is something to suit everyone from trekking and photography to scuba diving and bird watching. 

Thai cuisine is world renowned with a delicate balance of flavours using the freshest herbs and spices, the opportunity to spend a day learning this delicious way of cooking should not be missed. No visit to Thailand would be complete without spending sometime relaxing on the powdery sands of the beaches in the south.