Almost at the switch of a button, Thailand reveals the innumerable shade it wears, tossing one appearance for the other like a careless whim. While one half of its capital dazzles with its neon, pace and full moon party scene, the other half sits sedate and wise wrapped in a cloak of temples, classical art forms and history. Further inland the country gradually slips into the glow of starry skies and breezy rhythms of rural life where forests blanket the earth and rice fields lie sprawled in a sea of green. Hills echo with the sound of tribal traditions and 51 different indigenous tongues dialects construct the country’s mores. Twist further south and the sand pushes through the toes among lively beaches and clear waters that invite a splash or deeper exploration among its reefs.  With its unique form of transportation, food and sporting events that are typical of the nation, Thailand throws up constant surprises for  travellers in their 30's and 40's, all in a good way.

Best time to visit:  is during the cool and dry season between November and early April, However, the climate varies throughout the country and you can visit all year round. In the south, the climate differs between the eastern and western coasts.

Currency: Thai Baht

Weather and Average temperature: Thailand is tropical and humid for most of the year, but the average summer temperature is 30C (86F), while winter averages 10C (50F).

National Language: Thai

Top Dishes to try: Gai Yang - grilled chicken marinated in fish sauce, cilantro, lemon grass and garlic, paired with sticky rice and salad, Pad thai: a fried noodle dish with peanuts and lime, Tom yum goong: a sour seafood soup spiced with lime and lemongrass