The Land of Smiles

Thailand is truly a magical and gentle land. It offers rich diversity: traditional Buddhist culture, exotic hill tribes, lively arts, tranquil islands, lush rainforests, superb cuisine, and some of the kindest people you'll ever meet. Thailand has much to offer anyone from the casual visitor in search of affordable luxury to the rugged backpacker hoping to get off the track. What brings visitors back time and again is the allure of the ephemeral: seemingly spontaneous festivals, chance meetings and whimsical moments in an unpredictable land of ancient culture and elusive wisdom.

The capital Bangkok is a jumble of maddening traffic, local color, and dazzling temples, while Chiang Mai offers cooler climes, more subdued art, and a gateway to the rugged northern mountains. In Southern Thailand , find the deserted island with stretches of white sand beach and acres of coconut palms, that you've always dreamed about.