Thailand holds a special fascination for countless visitors. As colourful as her traditional costumes is the fabric of Thailand itself: a friendly people, their fascinating culture, their exuberant festivals and solemn relgious ceremonies. Ancient ruins, modern cities and exotic beachfronts, dusty plains and lush jungle, national parks and bustling markets, revered deities and jangling trinkets - all this is the magic of Thailand. Land of Smiles. The text and beautiful images capture the diversity of the country, from bustling Bangkok and the tropical south with its spectacular coral reefs, to the rugged west, the fertile central plains around Sukothai and the easygoing northern city of Chiang Mai.