What are you looking for in a holiday? Sunbathing on a white sandy beach? An elephant ride through a steamy tropical rainforest? Kayaking through a rugged marine archipelago of limestone cliffs and islands? How about rafting, mountain biking, bird watching, snorkeling or scuba diving? Or perhaps your favorite water sport, in a truly natural setting? Apart from its kaleidoscope of historical and cultural sites, Thailand has all the natural attractions a tropical country can offer.

Thanks to its extraordinary length, 1620 km from north to south and 780 km from east to west, Thailand has the most diverse climate and landscape in Southeast Asia.

Thailand's topography is immensely and distinctively varied from region to region, from the forested mountains and lush valleys of the north, fertile agricultural areas of the Central Plains, to the beautiful beaches and islands of the south. Thailand's natural blessings also include an amazing array of fauna and flora, tropical fruits, hardwood, bamboo trees, flowers and much more.

A lot of travelers to Thailand have itineraries that combine several activities in one journey. The convenience of air travel and an effective transportation network makes everything possible in a single trip to Thailand. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or as a couple, Thailand has natural attractions to suit every taste. Mountains, jungles, whitewater rapids, beaches, coral reefs, historical parks-Thailand has it all.

If you like, you can join an organized tour group to visit the isolated hamlets of the northern hill tribes. Or you can experience the thrill of a raft excursion down one of the many fast-flowing northern rivers, coupled with elephant rides through the dense mountain jungles.

Or is it Thailand's amazing tropical beaches and islands that you're interested in? The south of the country has some of the finest beaches in the world. The large islands of Phuket and Samui offer tasteful resorts in unspoilt environments, popular among European families. Nearby Phangan Island attracts the younger generation of international globetrotters, with its cheap beach bungalows and excellent snorkeling. Further north in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Tao has some of the best diving sites in the area.

Even better diving can be found off the Andaman coasts. The protected coral reefs of the Similan, Surin and Tarutao Marine Park archipelagos offer staggering undersea beauty.

Over the past two decades, a sophisticated travel industry has evolved to meet the international trend for eco-based tourism. Fortunately, Thailand's wealth of natural attractions enables it to respond to the diverse needs of travelers. Backed by the spontaneous hospitality of the Thai people and great cuisine, your vacation to this amazing wonderland will be one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime.

Relax on the beach beside the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, or enjoy some of the world's most fantastic scuba adventures among the islands of the Andaman Sea. Thailand is one of the best, most reasonably priced places for a seaside vacation. There are hundreds of beaches to choose from. From the tropical paradise of a bungalow on Ko Samet off the coast of Rayong province, only a few hours from Bangkok by comfortable air conditioned bus, to the luxurious resort developments on Phuket Island, just a short flight from Bangkok, you can have the best vacation of your life. More remote venues, such as the lovely and unspoiled Ko Ngai in the Andaman off the coast of Trang, make it possible to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life without spending a fortune.

Most visitors choose to come after the rainy season ends in late October and before the hot season starts in April. But even during the peak of the monsoon season in September it usually only rains for an hour or so in the afternoon, and the rest of the time you can indulge in the water sport of your choice, or just lay in a hammock and chill out.

Islands in the Gulf, like Ko Chang, are great for a family excursion. Backpackers will love the wild parties on Phangan Island off the coast of Surat Thani. For scuba enthusiasts, exotic Ko Tao is not to be missed. Single travelers may prefer the uninhibited nightlife of Pattaya Beach. Whatever your holiday preference, Thailand's beaches and islands can provide the precise combination of excitement, exotic locales, recreation, entertainment and leisure that you desire.