Sitting between Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia in south-east Asia, Thailand is the most visited country in the region. Its sandy beaches and vibrant culture draw scores of tourists each year, from backpackers and gap year students to the international jet set.

The kingdom was established in its current form in the 14th century and was known as Siam until 1939. It is the only nation in south-east Asia never to have been held by a European power and its name means "land of the free". The country’s varied geography offers a host of possibilities for travellers, from lush mountains and forests in the north, to the tropical islands and southern coastal regions.

The Thai capital Bangkok is a regular stop for tourists and offers an overwhelming array of activities for every type of traveller, from its dance clubs to its stunning temples. Some of the highlights include the famous floating market on the Chao Phraya river, where traders sell colourful wares from narrow boats, the Grand Palace and National Museum, the city’s stylish bars, and a trip down the river.

Thailand is studded with magnificent Buddhist temples, many intricately decorated with coloured glass, carvings, gold and pottery, and beautifully situated. It is important to dress appropriately as they are sacred sites, and a good idea to visit early when the morning light is on them and the weather is cooler.

A visit to Thailand is not complete without sampling the country’s excellent cuisine, which can be purchased everywhere from market stalls to fancy restaurants. It is generally very reasonably priced and the traditional dishes are full of exotic flavours, with cookery classes available for those that want to try their hand.

Thailand’s beaches are world famous and attract thousands of tourists each year, though with 3,219 km of coastline it is still possible to avoid the crowds even in peak season. The tropical weather, glistening sand and friendly people of resorts like Phuket and Krabi make the country one of the best beach holiday destinations in the world.

Besides lounging on the beach, Thailand also offers a host of spas and health resorts, complete with a dizzying array of treatments and massages. Those of a more active bent can go diving, play golf, or explore on elephants, jeeps, mountain bikes and mules. Shopping at colourful markets and purchasing made to measure clothing are also a must.

Thailand’s rainy season runs from July into November and visitors are advised to avoid it if possible. The highest temperatures can be found between March and June, with cooler weather between November and January. Accommodation of all kinds is plentiful, from hostels to five star luxury, and well priced, though flights can be expensive, unless you shop around.

Thailand has a population of around 65 million, predominantly Buddhists. There are tensions between the authorities and Muslim minority groups in some of the southern provinces so it is advisable to check government travel advice. The country’s Andaman coast was hit by last year’s Boxing Day tsunami, but much of it has now recovered and tourists are returning.