Thailand is a magnet for travellers from across the world with its postcard-perfect beaches, majestic mountains, fascinating culture, tropical climate and great food. This country is rich in diversity with its capital, Bangkok, a swarming metropolis with gilded palaces and temples to the more peaceful and authentic hill tribes that live in the mountainous interior regions of the country.

A great lasting impression on the Thailand holiday is certain to be the warmth and friendliness of the local people. Here is our overview of Thailand:

Climate
The tropical climate in Thailand is best described as hot and humid, but can vary with the region of the country. The southern peninsular region of the country has two seasons, while the region north of Bangkok has a climate with three seasons.

The seasons in the southern part of the country consist of the dry and the wet. The timing of the seasons varies with the west and east side of the peninsular. On the east coast of Thailand the rainfall is heavy and falls between September and December, while on the west coast the region is hit by a monsoon that brings the heavy weather from April to October.

In the northern districts of Thailand the seasons are defined clearly with most of the dry weather taking place during the months of March to May (warmer months of the year) and November to February (benefits from the cooling breezes). Also, the third season is from May to November which has to endure the southwest monsoon, which leads to a lot of rainfall in this part of the country. If planning the Thailand customized tour during the rainy season it can benefit to take along the relevant waterproof gear.  

Tourism
One of the major economic aspects of Thailand relates to tourism. The estimated income from tourism is in the region of 11 billion Euro per year with nearly 26.5 million people visiting the country on an annual basis.

A common Thailand tour package is to combine other countries in Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos) into a single trip for the most unique and cultural experience.

A few of the great things to see and do on the Thailand tours include visiting he ancient cities of Chiang Mai, the churches and temples of Chiang Rai, the stunning beaches of Koh Samui and Phuket, and shopping in Bangkok's Siam Square.
 
Food
Thailand is certainly famous for its food. The local Thai dishes are characterized by light flavours of fresh coriander, lemon grass and lime juice. By combining these ingredients it is possible to create the most unique and distinct taste.

Many of the Thai dishes make use of a lot of red pepper. Also, there are a few regional cuisines that have taken influence of the neighbouring countries. For instance, those local to the north of the country take their inspiration from dishes created in Myanmar and China. The Thai food in the south takes its influence from Malaysia, and those in Isan are likely to favour the Laotian food.

Thailand is well-known for its varied seafood dishes that include steamed lobsters, steamed fish curry, cuttlefish, chicken curry, pork floss and scallop, Tom Yam Kung, and Mikrop prepared with sweet and sour sauce, fried vermicelli, eggs, pork and shrimp.

Curries are a popular choice in Thailand, but unlike those in India, the Thai curries are a lot more like soup. A popular choice like Tom Yam Kung includes ingredients like galangal, prawns and lemon grass. Plus, this curry can be very spicy. A Thai chicken soup called Tom Kha Kai is rich in coconut and hot stuff. A sweet green curry like Kaeng Khiowaan is made with ingredients like coconut and lemongrass.

Language
The local and official language spoken is Thai which sounds quite perplexing to the casual tourist on the Thailand family tour. But, for travellers to major cities like Bangkok, there are plenty of locals that speak English which is regarded as the preferred language for business and commercial activities. Also, English and a few European languages are common in the major tourist destinations, restaurants and shops, most hotels, and street and road signs can include a combination of Thai and English.

Religion
Theravada Buddhism is the national religion in Thailand and is followed by nearly 90% of the population. Beyond the following for Buddhism, there are several minority faiths such as Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. The practice of Buddhism has a significant influence of the day-to-day life of the local people. In many of the villages and towns, the local wat is a popular destination and the central base for religious and social life. The monks, especially those of a high standing are highly revered.

One of the major parts of Buddhism is the ability to practice meditation which is performed at regular times by the local Thai people to promote happiness and inner peace. Travellers to Thailand can find out more about this practice by visiting one of the few centres in the capital that teach the fundamentals.

People
The local people in Thailand are seen to share a rich diversity when it comes to ethnicity, which the majority of the people coming from Thai, Indian, Persian, Malay, Chinese, Laotian, Khmer and Mon stock. Because of the diversity in race there isn’t any one particular Thai physique or physiognomy. The Thai people can be light-skinned, dark-skinned, round or those that are statuesque and petite.

On average, 80% of the population are involved in agriculture - although the direct involvement can vary. Plus, the country holds plenty of religious festivals and ceremonies throughout the country, which has made Thailand a very unique place

Also, Thailand has for a long part of its history been slowly absorbing immigrants from neighbouring countries. But, a lot of these people have helped to enrich the indigenous culture because of their skills as architects, musicians, dancers, sculptors, painters and writers.