Travel in Thailand

Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais.
 
The remainder of the population adheres to lslam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths. All of which are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast strong influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and villages, the temple (wat) is the heart of social and religious life.

Meditation, one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, is practiced regularly by numerous Thai as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. Visitors, too, can learn the fundamentals of this practice at several centres in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.

Meditation Centres
Some temples and meditation centres in and near Bangkok:

Association for the Science of Creative Intelligence
Ratchapark Building 18/F,
163 Sukhumvit Soi 21,
Bangkok 10110.
Tel: (662) 258-3242, (662) 258-3257

House of Dhamma
26/9 Soi Chompol,
Lardprao Soi 15,
Bangkok 10900
Tel: (662) 511-0439 Fax: (662) 512-6083

Thailand Meditation Center, The World Fellowship of Buddhist
616 Soi Methi Nivet (Sukhumvit 24)
Bangkok 10110
Tel: (662) 661-1284, to 1290

Young Buddhist Association of Thailand (For age 13-25 yrs.)
58/8 Phetkasem 54 (Soi Thipniyom 2),
Bangduan, Pha Si Charoen, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 413-3131, (662) 413-1706, (662) 413-1958, (662) 805-0790 to 0794
Fax: (662) 413-3131

Buddhist Association of Thailand
41 Phra Athit Road Bangkok
Tel: (662) 281-9563 - 4 Fax: (662) 281-9563

The International Buddhist Meditation Center (IBMC)
Wat Mahathat, Tha Phrachan
Bangkok 10200
Tel: (662) 222-2835, (662) 623-6325

Thailand is a country of scenic diversity and ancient traditions, of tranquil temples and modern urban excitement. With an independent history going back more than seven centuries, it has managed to absorb a variety of cultural influences and blend them into something uniquely and memorably Thai.

Each of its four major regions offers a distinctive experience for the traveler in search of discovery.

Misty mountains in the north shelter verdant valleys and exotic hill tribes, while in centers like Chiang Mai traditional customs and crafts have been preserved over generations.

Along the picturesque coastlines of the east and south lie some of the world's most beautiful Thailand beaches and off-shore islands, each with its own beauty.

Scattered over the northeastern plateau are superb Khmer monuments from the time of Angkor Wat and natural parks teeming with wild life.

In the Central Region can be found the evocative ruins of ancient Thai capitals and bustling Bangkok with its dynamic and countless pleasures.