| Back in 1939 the Kingdom of Siam changed its | | | | Further south, Krabi is still a relatively untouched |
| name to Thailand, which means "The Land of the | | | | area, where you can go island hopping to some of |
| Free". While the king is still in place and generally | | | | the approximately 200 small islands off the coast, |
| beloved, the government is now a constitutional | | | | many of which are uninhabited. The opportunities |
| monarchy. The country is among the most | | | | for scuba diving, snorkeling and just exploring are |
| beautiful and interesting in all of Asia, and certainly | | | | endless, as the water is pure, shallow and |
| one of the most inviting to vacationing families. | | | | indescribably welcoming. |
| Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has one of the | | | | Among the tropical island resorts, Koh Samui in |
| busiest and most modern airports in the world, | | | | the Gulf of Thailand is the ultimate "blue sky, blue |
| and serves as the doorway to the wonders of | | | | sea, white sand, green mountain" scenario. Koh |
| the rest of the country. For a family or group | | | | Samui is among the best locations for luxury |
| visiting on holiday, almost every location is easily | | | | resorts and tropical living in high style. The many |
| accessible and offers accommodations from the | | | | smaller islands scattered around also offer |
| rustic to the luxurious. | | | | unparalleled delights for snorkeling and scuba diving |
| Outside of Bangkok, in the southwest of Thailand, | | | | aficionados. |
| the number one tourist destination is Phuket, with | | | | The oldest and possibly the most peaceful and |
| a well-established tourist industry and myriad | | | | relaxing tourist area is Hua Hin, where the bustle |
| hotels, resorts and private housing geared to the | | | | and nightlife of other resorts is muted, and you |
| needs of families. The coastline is dotted with | | | | can rent a Chevy from a roadside business (near |
| caves, coves and rugged tropical islands, and is a | | | | the Burger King and Starbucks!) and take your |
| center for yachting and sailing. | | | | own private tour. |