Thailand

The legacy of the ancient Kingdom of Siam, modern Thailand is a colourful natural paradise. Forest-clad mountain chains and luxuriant river valleys characterize the north, along the border with Laos and Myanmar. This area was the cradle of the Thai civilization, and boasts countless artistic and cultural artefacts testifying to the nation's history. The Northeast, which borders Laos and Cambodia, is the region of the arid Khorat Plateau with its ripple of low-lying hills; here the Khmer culture's powerful influence can be sensed. The fertile central plains are Thailand's rich agricultural heartland, with rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see. This area was the setting for the climactic events that forged the country's history, and here rose the great imperial cities of the past. Lastly, the narrow peninsula that extends between the Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean is edged with spectacular beaches and circled by a string of archipelagos that form the quintessential tropical paradise. A blend of history and art, nature and spirituality, Thailand is more than just a tourist destination.
It is a richly varied and multifaceted nation with a long and conflict-ridden history, where many traces of ancient and sophisticated civilizations are abundantly visible. This book presents an intense, clear and detailed portrait of this great country. Stunning photographs and a thoughtful and engaging text illustrate Thailand's legacy. New in the "Places and History" series, this book is in full colour.