Thailand is a country in South East Asia that is bordered by Malaysia, Burma, Laos and Cambodia and covers an area of approximately 517,000 sq km. The Gulf of Thailand meets the country's east coast while the west coast abuts the Andaman Sea and its population of 62 million people is distribute across 76 provinces, with 6 million alone residing in the hectic capital of Bangkok. Thailand has four distinct geographical zones; the fertile central plains of the Chao Phraya River, the 300m high north-eastern plateau, mountains and lush valleys in the north, and the rain forests of the southern peninsular that contribute to making up one fifth of the entire nation. The amazing diversity of Thailand's natural habitats is breathtaking, from high altitude pine forests in the north to freshwater delta swamps and mangroves in the south; environments that support an abundance of wildlife, including roughly 10% of the world's bird species and an array of indigenous mammals that are now mainly to be found within the national parks and sanctuaries.

Thai culture is proud and strong and deeply rooted in history and custom with examples of ancient architecture to be found in every urban and rural area, from crumbling ruins and humbling temples to traditionally built villas and bungalows, some of which have luxurious facilities including private pools, and are available to rent as holiday accommodation by the army of tourists that invade Thailand each year, drawn by the magic and mystery of this fascinating country. The influences of modern technology and foreign cultures is more evident in the towns and cities where life seems to pass by at a constant trot, often breaking into a full-on gallop, but much of the countryside has remained an unadulterated wilderness, with remote mountain passes affording the most stunning panoramas across the canopies of many unexplored rainforest regions.

Thailand has a climate governed by the monsoons which begin around May when the temperatures are really starting to climb, and continue through until November. The dry season then takes over when things cool down a bit and conditions become more comfortable for a holiday in Thailand, with southern regions best visited from March to May before the heat kicks in again, and northern Thailand ideal during November and December. Only well-seasoned travellers to South East Asia know how strength sapping the fierce heat and high humidity can be, especially when there seems to be no escape from it, unless you have the benefit of an air-conditioned hotel room, holiday bungalow or villa in Thailand with a pool. The mind-blowing landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Thailand offer enormous holiday opportunities, whether it's action you're seeking or therapeutic peace and relaxation. From the fast and furious hedonism of Bangkok with its western attitudes and exciting night-life, to the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River; from bustling street markets to the eternal hum of rainforest insects, there is a place and a pace to suit everyone.

There are so many beautiful destinations for a vacation in Thailand - you can find beautiful holiday villas in Phuket as well as some fabulous apartments in Central Thailand, but few can match the paradise island of Koh Samui off the south eastern mainland coast. Covered by coconut plantations and completely encircled by palm-fringed, sandy beaches, this is an island of film-set perfection, but to secure your beach-side villa in Koh Samui with a private pool, you need to book early. Self catering accommodation is extremely popular in Koh Samui during the high seasons between December and February, and from July to August, but the island copes well with the demand while still managing to retain peaceful areas away from the more crowded beaches. A veritable feast for the senses, whatever you want from your holiday you can find it in Thailand.

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