Overview: From idyllic, unspoilt beaches with turquoise seas and pure,
white sands to bustling cities sporting exotic markets and a
vibrant, colourful nightlife, it is easy to see why Thailand has
become one of the most popular tourist destinations for the
adventurous and young at heart. A turbulent and often bloody history spanning several millennia
has left Thailand scattered with ruins, forgotten temples and
deserted cities; revealing a rich tableau of past eras that
contrasts sharply with the more modern aspects of the nation's
contemporary face. Thailand's booming tourist economy, driven largely by Hollywood
(the country has been the setting for The Man with the Golden Gun,
The Bridge over River Kwai and Alex Garland's The Beach), has
resulted in the opening of a number of expensive and luxurious
international hotels. Those looking for the rustic splendour of the
beaches and islands will find plenty of cheap and comfortable
accommodation, however. The size and geographical diversity of Thailand provides for a
variety of activities: snorkelling, diving and a host of
watersports are very popular around the Islands, while inland
enthusiasts can trek into the mountains or cycle across the flat
river areas of the northeast. Bustling, crowded cities like Bangkok
and Patong display the wilder urban side of Thailand, ensuring the
country has something to offer everyone who visits.
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