Thailand is bounded by Myanmar, the Indian Ocean, Malaysia, the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. The capital, Bangkok, although increasingly westernised, is underpinned by a strong sense of tradition.
The city's canals are untouched by the fast and loud streetlife. Through the city flows the Chao Phraya River on whose banks can be found some of the best hotels in Bangkok. It is also where visitors will find the Grand Palace – a major site. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temples and shrines.
East of Bangkok lies the Rose Garden Country Resort with daily performances of Thai music, dance, games and ceremonies.
Kanchanaburi is the site of the famous Bridge Over The River Kwai. It is an area that also boasts several beautiful waterfalls and limestone caves.
In the Eastern Gulf is Pattaya, South-East Asia's most renowned beach resort.
Thai dishes include tom yam (a coconut-milk soup prepared with makroot leaves, ginger, lemon grass, prawns or chicken) and gang pet (hot 'red' curry with coconut milk, herbs, garlic, chillies, shrimp paste, coriander and seasoning)
Bangkok's nightlife is infamous. Nightclubs are air-conditioned and many of the sleazier variety provide hostesses.
