It's hard to summarize the diversity of travel to Thailand. Its capital, Bangkok, is a teeming metropolis with gilded temples and palaces, while the two coastlines, on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, have postcard-perfect beaches. In the mountainous interior, hill tribes live as they have for millennia. And wherever you travel in Thailand, there's the food: fresh seafood, countless curries, and noodle dishes so delicious you'll never want to return to your local Thai take-out. Your most lasting impression, however, will be the friendliness of the locals - calling Thailand the "land of smiles"; may seem cliché, but it has a foundation in truth. Read our Thailand travel guide to make the most of your visit to this beautiful nation.
Things Not to Miss in Thailand
You may not be able to cover the whole country in one vacation, but here are the cities, islands and activities you absolutely can't miss when you travel to Thailand:
• Shop in Bangkok's Siam Square, and enjoy the city's nightlife
• Relax on the tropical beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui
• Visit the temples and churches of Chiang Rai
• Take in the lush greenery and ancient cities of Chiang Mai
When to Go to Thailand
When you plan to visit Thailand, remember that there are three seasons: summer, winter, and the wet season. The rainy season runs from May until November in most of the country, meaning Thailand travel during that time will bring rainy days. In the South, however, the monsoonal rains fall from April to October along the Andaman Sea coastline, and from September to December along the Gulf of Thailand coast.
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