Table of Contents

Introduction: The Best of Thailand; The Kingdom of Thailand; Geography and Landscape. History: Decisive Dates; Early History; Ayutthaya to the 1932 Coup; Comtemporary Thailand. Features: People and Culture; Religion; The Performing Arts; Arts and Crafts; Cuisine; Architecture. Insights: Mini Features: A Much-Loved Monarchy; Thailand's Hill Tribes; Thai Literature; Culture of Rice; Waterways; Love for Sale; Full-Moon Fallout; Chao Lay Sea Gypsies; Khmer Legacy. Photo Features: A Calendar of Celebrations; Images of the Buddhe; Temple Art and Architecture; A Feast of Fruits; Submarine Surprises; Hill-Tribe Crafts and Clothing. Places: Introduction. Bangkok and Suburbs; Bangkok; Bangkok's Suburbs. Central Thailand: West of Bangkok; North of Bangkok; South of Bangkok. Southeast and South Thailand: Eastern Seaboard; Northern Gulf Coast; Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao; Northern Andaman Coast; Phuket; Krabi, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta; The Deep South. North Thailand: Chiang Mai; Around Chiang Mai; Chiang Mai and East; Sukhothai and Surroundings; Tak and Mae Hong Son. Northeast Thailand: Nakhon Rachasima to Ubon Ratchathani; North to Loei; Along the Mekong River. Taavel Tips: Transport; Accommodation; Activities; A-Z Practical Information; Language; Further Reading.