Thailand Holidays

Thailand is and will continue to be one of the peak experiences in travel. You can combine any different number of experiences - your holiday can be relaxing, cultural, exciting, indulgent, luxurious, adventurous, romantic and fun... or a wonderful combination of it all. 

Palm fringed beaches, magnificent mountains, romantic soaring hills, Buddhist temples, herds of happy elephants, superb scuba dive sites, vibrant metropolises, lively nightlife, fabulous food (the country is dedicated to filling you up - DO NOT leave without trying the Massaman curry), and everything from budget backpacker joints to super swish resorts are all yours for the taking. Then there's the Thai people themselves - charming and hospitable, they always have time to talk and are ready to engage in a spot of 'sanuk' (fun). What more could you want? Bargain prices? Well since you ask, there's that too with a week-long Thailand holiday setting you back the same as a week-end in Britain (excluding flights of course). Hmm, tough choice...

Present day Thai society is the result of centuries of cultural interchange, particularly with China and India, but more recently with the West. Rather than shaking hands, a Thai will be greeted with closed hands and a slight bow of the head. This is called the Wai. Thai's often use it as a form of thank you.

You will see amazing shrine-like images of the Royal family virtually everywhere, they are treated with almost religious reverence so this needs to be respected, never make a derogatory comment about the King or the Royal family.

Although general informal dress is widely acceptable, beachwear should be confined to the beach, men should wear T-Shirts when walking around resorts and topless sunbathing is frowned upon.

As for Thai religion, the vast majority adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form), 5% are Muslim and there are Christian and Hindu minorities. A large Buddha sits on top of the hill above Karon and Kata beaches.