(11-09-09)  Thailand is one of those countries that can still presume to have everything, and everything different. Maybe, the only permanent thing in Thailand is the smile of its people, the smile of Thai, and the welcome signal of one of the most hospitable people in Asia.

   Always wrapped in a bubble exoticism, landscapes in Thailand are a mosaic of images that go from beach to forest, from the most cosmopolitan cities to the villages of the northern tribes, from the intense sun to the appreciated tropical rains.

   Thailand has been said to be the most exotic Asian country by many of its visitors. It is not estrange. Thailand is animated by a very particular culture and has sites and natural wonders that define an independent kingdom with a history dating back over 700 years.

   In Thailand, the beaches, the sun, the food, the character of its people, the dances and parties, have always a personal stamp that combines, as any other country does, the old culture with the advantages and development of the modern world and an extraordinary natural beautyl.

    With a varied tropical climate and an average temperature of 27 º C, the tourism of Thailand allows enjoying a complete holiday at any time of year. From the golden needles and the roofs of the fabulous temples of Bangkok rising upward, to the incredible ruins of ancient cities, lush landscapes, jungles and the most attractive beaches and islands. It is the perfect picture of the tropical paradise.

FROM OCTOBER TO MAY, THE BEST DIVES IN THAILAND

    Of course, diving here is first class, as we can see in the boxes. From October to May we enjoy the best dive site in Thailand, which is considered within the top ten dive sites in the world: Similan Islands, a group of islands in the Andaman Sea, located about 70 kilometres far from the coast. Its name in Yawi, the Malay dialect, means “nine”, since it is consist of nine islands that were considered as a national park in 1982 and that are inhabited, so they keep their aspect of paradise island with turquoise waters and palm trees.

    In the Similan we will find a medium-depth dive of 5-40 meters, a visibility of 20-40 meters and a water temperature from 26º to 30ºC, with dives for all levels and over 30 different dives. There are usually no strong currents and the surface is usually quiet.

    Far from the usual prefabricated trite ideas, Thailand is a quiet, safe and full of contrasts country. The opportunity to do all kinds of sports, the satisfaction of shopping well, and the tranquillity of modern and comfortable hotels, make this country one of the few places where you can still find everything.

when past and present melt

    Bangkok, known as the city of angels, is the first place where one can see that magical Thai ability to combine past and present. The capital of Thailand has accepted the modern development and, after an initial image of office towers rise into the clouds, first class hotels and bright warehouses showing in their windows their treasures from the Orient (silks, gemstones...), it is still possible in Bangkok to dive into the cultural heritage of this fascinating country.

    The authors of fairy tales should have travel to Bangkok to find inspiration for the images that they describe. It would not be strange to see Aladdin looking for his magic lamp between the rich splendour of the Grand Palace, in the Emerald Buddha Temple or the Temple of Dawn. In all of them, the human beings become small and enjoy themselves between so and so surprising beauty.

    But the real Thailand can only be known on the streets. The daily images of Thais almost conquer more photographs than the temples. It could be said that in Thailand the image of children smiling is worth a thousand words.

    Walking through these streets, one of the liveliest and most engaging places in Bangkok is the floating market Damnoen Saduak, a surprising gift to the Western senses. The aromas, flavours, sights and sounds that are discovered in this market are the purest sample of Thai everyday. From small boats on the river, the sellers sell all kinds of food and small samples of Thai handicrafts causing a whirlwind of laughter and screams. And one learns, without realizing it, to speak Thai. Or maybe, just discovered how easy understanding in Thailand is.

    In Bangkok the road to the north begins. It is a region of forested hills and wild valleys. It is a separate world that has known how to keep independent lifestyles, different even from the rest of the country itself, as we read in the box.

MODERNITY INTEGRATED INTO NATURE

    The centre of the northern region is Chiang Mai, located on the banks of the Ping River, and clear example of the skill with which modern facilities have been integrated into the Thai Nature. The city of Chiang Mai feels proud of an extensive tourist infrastructure that offers to visitors a wide selection of hotels. However, the natural and architectural treasures of Chiang Mai are still the main attractions.

    In addition to Buddhist temples and other monuments that illustrate its remarkable past, near the city they are Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, an unimaginably temple on top of a mountain, and the Phuphing Palace, winter residence of the royal family.

    To enjoy the nature of Chiang Mai there is nothing better than to approach the Doi Inthanon National Park, which is the highest peak in Thailand with 2565 meters. Visiting the park it temps to save a wild orchid, the characteristic and most captivating flower in Thailand, but we must not forget that the flora and fauna of the park are protected.