Variety is truly the spice of life in Thailand and the natural beauty of the country is not limited to beaches and islands. Hills, mountains, forests, jungles, rivers and waterfalls are all features in picturesque landscapes which present refreshing contrasts to both the city and the beach resort. Moreover, Thailand's countryside is easily accessible. Most popular with visitors is the hill country of the North, a region of teak forests and jungle-covered peaks where the folds of the mountains hide secret little valleys, any one of them a contender for Shangrila. Attractive figures in this breathtaking landscape are the colorful hilltribes, semi-nomadic people who follow an independent lifestyles.

Wild and remote through some parts of the North are, you'll nonetheless find an easy path into this charming region. Chiang Mai, Thailand's second city, lies in the heart of the area and provides the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. Here there is an excellent range of hotel accommodation in all categories from deluxe to guesthouse, while travel agents operate numerous day excursion as well as mini safaris by four-wheel-drive, mountain biking, or on elephant back..

Some of the finest spas in the world are to be found in Thailand. Here are truly idyllic oases where you can indulge yourself with the most refreshing, most relaxing health and beauty treatments all amid exquisite surroundings. Whether it is experienced by the fabled River of Kings in Bangkok, amid the tranquillity of a classic beach resort, in the heart of the lush green hills of the North or on a tropical island paradise, spa treatments in Thailand are the last word in pampered luxury. With such exotic settings, together with a two thousand-year-old tradition of massage, meditation and herbal medicine, Thailand is a natural place to escape the pressures of everybody life and rejuvenate the mind and body.