Thailand is a great place to introduce travellers to Southeast Asia. With it's natural beauty, and white powdery beaches being the most obvious attractions. It offers friendly, courteous people; great food, a modern airport and hotels. As well as the nightlife, wildlife, ruins, rainforests and archaeological treasures that would make any holiday complete. Something for everybody!

The capital Bangkok is the place many people would start their tour of Thailand. Being the capital city it is as hot and crowded as would be expected, but the sights and attractions, incredible cuisine, and shopping bargains that even the most hardy bargain hunter would be amazed at, all make it a

compelling place to visit, and explains why so many people will return time and time again.

For the travellers who prefer blue seas and white beaches to crowded cities and busy nightlife, then the islands of the south would be a better bet. Hua Hin is Thailand's oldest beach resort, and a great place for a relaxing family holiday with sandy beaches set against a backdrop of green hills.

Pattaya is possibly Thailand's most famous beach resort, with more sports and nightlife than Hua Hin. It is particularly popular with lovers of water sports, where snorkelling, scuba diving, water skiing, parasailing etc are readily available.

Ko Phuket and Ko Samui have also become favourite beach destinations. Formerly havens for back packers, and virtually unknown to tourists around 20 years ago, now are popular world class destinations. Picture perfect with coral reefs, beautiful waterfalls and idyllic beaches.

If however, you are a traveller who wishes to completely avoid the commercialism that often accompanies the more well

known destinations, then nearby Ko Phi Phi, would be the perfect island to visit.

Thailand has a tropical climate and consists of three seasons;

First things first; the banks in Thailand are open 8.30am - 3.30pm.

Shops and department stores are open 8am-8pm, and 10am-9pm respectively. However, all shops/banks are closed on weekends, with the exception of tourist shops.

The beaches in Thailand are as beautiful and perfect as would be expected. There are watersports and nightclubs in Pattaya, Ko Phuket and Ko Samui.

Bangkok is a wonderfully eclectic mix of past and present, a city where the temples and skyscrapers share the same space. The Grand Palace and the many temples sprinkled across the city are must sees. Many of the ruins have been restored and visitors can see some fine examples of Thai architecture and sculpture.

The floating river markets are also a must, as are the excursions to the famous 'Bridge over the River Kwai'.

If the idea of shopping is more of an attraction (or a welcome distraction from the temples!) then Bangkok is still a great place to be, as it is quite rightly renowned for it silks, flowers and spices.

If exploring the caves and jungles of Thailand is more your thing, then the Eco-Nature Safari on Ko Phuket is for you. It's a day long trip through the wilderness of Ko Phuket, at the end of which rewards you with the spectacular panoramas of the island.

If you're feeling a little more adventurous then there is also the Safari Rain Forest Tour of Khao Sok National Park on the mainland. Providing the visitor with some of the most dramatic scenery in southern Thailand.

Learning about the Thai customs and being able to speak a few polite phrases (no matter how badly!) is not only a courteous thing for the traveller to do, but will also help in making friends and again enhancing your stay in this lovely country.

Lonely Planet: Thailand - Joe Cummings (Paperback - July 1999)

Lonely Planet: Thailand's Islands and Beaches - Joe Cummings (Paperback - 25 Feb, 200)

The Rough Guide to Thailand - Paul Gray, Lucy Ridout (Paperback - 29 Oct, 1998)

DK Eye Witness Travel Guide: 25 Thailand - Dorling Kindersley (Paperback - 6 Nov 1997)

Winter is the time to go to Thailand for many of the celebrations and festivals.

November: The festival of Light (Loi Krathong). Is a thanksgiving to the goddess of the waterways and rivers, and certainly one of the highlights.

December: Includes the celebration of King Bhumibols's birthday and Constitution day.

January: Sees the Red Cross fair and is celebrated throughout the month, and a great time to be in Bangkok.

February: Chiang Mai has the Flower Festival and the Chinese/Thai New Year celebrations, as well as the opening of the kite flying season with dances and concerts.

For obvious reasons there are fewer festivals in the rainy season, although if the prospect of being very wet does not deter you, and the idea of having far fewer crowds is preferable, then there are festivities throughout the rainy season to celebrate the approach of the dry season!

Fed up with spending New Years Eve doing the same thing every year? Thailand is no exception to the celebrations that occur all over the world, and is the time when the entire country celebrates. Once again another great time to be there, particularly as it coincides with the winter season and the climate is much more bearable.

The prices in Thailand will vary depending where about you are staying.

A meal by the beach can cost as little as £6/7, whereas in Bangkok it would be more likely to cost around £12-15.

Drinks are cheap in general, you can buy a coke or most soft drinks for around 60p, beer can cost anything from 80p to £2, whereas the wine is more expensive ranging from £5-9.

In Bangkok you can get a room and breakfast from as little as £16 in the First House hotel. Hotels such as the Zenith and the Emerald in Bangkok are more along the mid price range, as well as the Novotel Lotus and Indra Regent, all of which cost around £30-50 per night.

Hotels such as the Garden Sea View Resort in Pattaya, Banthai Beach hotel in Phuket and the Royal Garden Resort/Central Hua Hin Village in Hua Hin are all slightly more expensive than Bangkok, with prices from around £30 up to £80-90 per night.

Hepititus A, Polio and Typhoid are recommended as is Yellow Fever. The latter being essential if arriving from an infected country. Please seek professional advice, these are only guidelines.

As with any visit abroad, there are aspects that are important to bear in mind - particularly health wise to ensure your holiday is safe and enjoyable. Only drink bottled water, or tea or coffee made with boiled water. Do not consume ice, and do not brush your teeth with tap water. Other common health concerns for travellers to Thailand are food and waterborne disease and infection.

It almost goes without saying (but better to be safe than sorry!) that sunburn and heat exhaustion are not uncommon, drinking lots of water, wearing high factor sun cream etc are the best forms of defence.

Remember - Prevention is always better than cure!!!

Phonetically written! So just say it as it looks.