Thailand

Thailand has it all — fascinating culture and art, gorgeous architecture, glorious beaches, friendly people, five-star hotels and resorts, scintillating nightlife, and some of the finest cuisine in Asia. Thailand is often called "The Land of Smiles" because the mostly Buddhist people are extremely affable and hospitable. The Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, was one of the few Asian countries that was never colonized by the west, so its rich culture is largely free of European influence. Thailand, and Bangkok in particular, is quite modern relative to some of its neighbors, and is an economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia with first-rate hospitals and other facilities. The resort towns of Phuket and Chiang Mai are amongst the finest in the world, with unrivalled scenery, world-class hotels and the always impeccable Thai service.