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Spires of the Buddhist temple at The Grand Palace, Bangkok. Thailand Travel Fast Facts Getting there: regular flights from major cities to international airports in Bangkok and Phuket What to see: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Khao Yai National Park Currencies: Thai bhat Official language(s): Thai

Thailand -- a contrast of storybook fables, architectural gems, natural wonders, and hedonistic pleasures -- remains one of the hottest destinations in Southeast Asia.

Bangkok, the capital city, is infamously known for its urban blight, traffic jams and "flesh markets" of every description. However, it also offers the sophisticated traveler a look at Thailand's rich cultural heritage (most notably as the Grand Palace) along with world class Bangkok shopping and dining.

At the end of the day, a well-earned respite from sightseeing can be enjoyed serenely exploring the interior of one of the more peaceful Bangkok monasteries.

Best insider tip for seeing all of Bangkok? Use the elevated Bangkok Skytrain (rot fai fah) to easily whisk you to top attractions throughout the city.

Also be sure to make a stop at the Bangkok's second city, Chiang Mai, for a dazzling array of cultural attractions, Buddhist temples, and historic ruins, with an opportunity to take in an elephant ride or to hike the Golden Triangle.

While traveling throughout the country, top Thailand tourist attractions usually include Pattaya, the popular beach resort offering world class swimming and diving in addition to cruises out to nearby Ko Laan and Ko Lin islands.

The only way to go in Bangkok: the fast, cheap ride aboard the Skytrain.

And speaking of islands, forget all your troubles at world famous beach at Phuket (pronounced poo-get) offering the ultimate in luxury fun-in-the-sun and dazzling nightlife.

For history buffs, a trip to Kanchanaburi will take you to the site of the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai, with a museum nearby dedicated to the World War II Allied prisoners.

And for eco-tourists and nature lovers the mind-boggling array of scenic waterfalls at Khao Yai National Park are also not to be missed ...

DID YOU KNOW? Thailand Travel Fun Facts

It's party time ....

• Held each year on November 25 in Lopburi is the world's most unusual festival. At the Monkey Buffet, more than 600 monkeys are served grilled sausage, fresh fruit, ice cream and other treats as thank you by locals to the monkeys which inhabit the village (and who happen to bring thousands of tourists there each year.)

• Siamese cats are native to Thailand where they are called wichen-maat, meaning “moon diamond.”

• In a hurry to sightsee? Don't forget to put on your underwear. In Thailand it is illegal to appear in public without underwear and, if caught without it, you could face jail time!

• Khaosan Road is the liveliest and busiest tourist area in Bangkok -- filled with hotels, hostels, bars and cafes, markets, shops, street stalls, plus coach tours departing for all of Thailand's major tourist destinations.

• Taxis are yellow in New York and black in London, but Bangkok doesn't limit itself to only one color. Depending on which cab company it belongs to taxi cabs may be bright green, vivid orange, sky blue or even pink.

also see -> Songkran - Thai New Year | Best Southeast Asia beaches

More about Thailand travel & tourism around the Web:

Tourism Thailand - The official site.

Thailand travel guide - This comprehensive Wikitravel page leads to information on top attractions by region or special interest, restaurants and food shops, air and train schedules, Thai history and culture, recipes, photo gallery, maps, travel etiquette and a host of other practical travel tips.