For the active traveler, Thailand presents endless opportunity for new and exciting adventure. Hiking, jungle treks, scuba diving, bird-watching, whitewater rafting, dirt-bike tour, rock climbing: These are just some of the ways to explore the country's immense natural and cultural wealth.

On the map Thailand has the shape of an axe with a long, narrow handle. From the topmost part to the butt end is a length of some l,650 kilometers, roughly the distance between New YOrk and Miami. Thanks to its extraordinary length, the country has the most diverse climate in Southeast Asia. In the mountainous North, wintertime temperature can drop below freezing points, while in the Peninsular South it stays balmy all year round. Geographically Thailand is divided into four regions, and the landscape varies from one to the other. The Central Plains, which includes the capital of Bangkok, is flat and fertile. The North is marked by forested mountains, while the high plateau of the Northeast is re1atively dry The Southern Peninsula, flanked by the Gulf of Thailand to the East and the Andaman Sea to the West, has beaches and wetland either side of its lush central mountain range. The country has 2,700 kilometers of coastline along both coasts, making it one of the top destinations for beach and sun lovers.

Thailand's location at the heart of Southeast Asia means an unusual array of plant and wildlife. The mountains of the North form the Southern tip of the Himalayan range and thus support high-altitude species that are not seen in other parts. The Southern Peninsula on the other hand is home to flora and fauna similar to those in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Cultural diversity makes up a large part of the country's charm. Village life varies from one corner to another, and the ethnic tribes and native people of each region have their own distinct traditions and ways of life. Trips to their homeland will enab1e you to explore both the country's natural beauty and the people's amazing customs and lifestyles.

To do all and see all that the country has to oher, you will need months or even years. But if you are planniflg an adventllre holiday you will probably have to choose among the many choices:

For beach and sun: Pattaya and other beach resorts on the Eastern Seaboard; Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi in the South; and the islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman.

For trekking, mountain hiking and hilltribe culture: The mountains of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and the forest land on the Western border with Myanmar, in Tak and Kanchanaburi.

For diving and marine life: Islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, especially Ko Tao, Ko Pangan, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Similan.

For animal spotting and birdwatching: Khao Yai to the North of Bangkok, Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai and other wildlife sanctuarles around the country.

[ Next ]