Overview
Overview
Around 2000 B.C. people built settlements in the hillsides of Thailand. The first one is thought to be Ben Chiang. Pieces of pottery, tools, and jewelry from 200 B.C. to 300 A.D. have been dug up in this area. Thailand, which means “land of the free,” was known as Siam until 1939.
Thailand is in the heart of Southeast Asia. Cambodia and Laos border the country to the east and northeast, and Myanmar lies to the northwest. To the west is the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma. The long southern region, connecting
Rain falls almost every day between the months of May and September. The moist and humid weather encourages the diverse and abundant wildlife in Thailand.
Lotus flowers are common and the favourite flower in Thailand. Lotus flowers live above the surface, but they are rooted in the mud. There are many flowering trees and shrubs, and fruit trees. In the jungle, one can find carnivorous (meat-eating) plants such as the mysterious insect-eating pitcher plant. The deep forests are home to tigers, elephants, wild ox, leopards, and the Malayan tapir. The tapir is covered in black fur on the first half of its body and white fur to the rear. Cobras and crocodiles are also found in Thailand.
About 90 percent of the people are Buddhist, but about three million Muslims live in the south near the border with Malaysia. Food in Thailand is influenced by Chinese and Indian cultures. Most Thai dishes are spicy and many common dishes include hot chilies, lemongrass, basil, ginger, and coconut milk.
Thai farmers cultivate mulberry trees that feed silkworms. The worms create silk, which is made into beautiful silk clothing in Thailand, France, and the United States.
Bangkok is called the Venice of the East because there are 83 canals. As many as 10,000 boats full of fruits, vegetables, and fish crowd the canals and create a floating market.
The city of Bangkok is home to many impressive Buddhist structures featuring gold-layered spires, graceful pagodas, and giant Buddha statues.
Knowing Thai geography can be useful in helping you decide where to travel to in Thailand. There are many natural wonders and vistas to visit and each province and region of Thailand has its own unique sights.
There are three coasts in Thailand : the southeastern coast, the southern Gulf of Thailand, and the Andaman coast. It is known to most travellers for beautiful Thailand’s beaches and islands.
Southeastern Coast : Bang Saen Beach, Pattaya, Koh Lan, Koh Kham, Koh Samet, Mae Rumpeung Beach, Laem Mae Pim Beach, Koh Chang, Koh Mark
Gulf of Thailand : Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Thung Wua Laen Beach, Nai Phlao Beach, Thong Ching Beach, Samila Beach, Maharat Beach
Andaman Coast : Koh Payam, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe, Chaomai Beach, Koh Ngai, Koh Muk, Koh Kradan
