Thailand

Thailand, unlike its neighbors, has been carefully lead by its kings to avoid colonization by western powers, and did not sustain significant wars in modern times. As a result, it is the most developped of the Southeast Asia countries. Travellers will find it easy to explore, thanks to the hospitality and modern transportation system. There is a lot to see, as the country is vast and diverse, dotted with many golden temples and archeological sites, and the traditional way of life has not disappeared, even in the large cities. This page portrays in nine different sites in central and northern thailand with an emphasis on the Thai culture, visited during two trips in 1999 and 2000.