THAILAND. The name conjures up picture-postcard images of golden, sun-drenched beaches, mist-wreathed hill-tribe villages, exotic spas, shops, designer greens, spices and awesome temples.

It is indeed quite a bit to digest but, despite, the range of experience and tempo - from fast-paced adventure to meditation with monks - it's all quite manageable. And, everywhere, beaming Thai hospitality and the obligatory "Khop khun khraps" will usher you from one dazzling experience to the next.

For beaches, there's no better place than the South, a vast swathe of coastline, from Phuket, Krabi and Trang, stretched beckoningly along the azure Andaman Sea, to the Gulf of Thailand's islands of Ko Samui, a neighbouring marine reserve, and a number of seaside retreats like Pattaya - a resurgent

Dives, colourful marine life and coral aplenty are to be found in the Phuket region with the Similan Islands offering some spectacular options. The Phi Phi Islands near Phuket best illustrate the stunning limestone karst outcroppings of the South that decorate much of the coast. The sharply protruding hills provide a dramatic backdrop for a coastal drive or cruise and, at sunset, turn a brilliant orange hue. Explore hidden coves, beaches, and waterfalls. Do keep your camera handy. You'll need it.

The Far North of Thailand is a verdant landscape of rice fields, tea gardens and country roads winding through rolling hills. Chiang Mai is a brief flight from Bangkok and can also be reached on an overnight train. With fine hotels, a myriad of temples, and a bustling night market, there is much to do here - at your own unhurried pace. Chiang Rai is another charming northern outpost.

The arc from here to the sleepy hamlet of Mae Hong Son near the Myanmar border - where, in late November, the hills light up with the brilliant yellow of sunflowers - encompasses colourful hill tribes with their rich traditions of weaving.

The Northeast beckons with the Prasart Khmer route while Ayutthaya in Central Thailand offers a host of historic sites.

There is no dearth of adventure. Raft through foaming white water in Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi, head out for a jungle trek, an elephant trek, or cruise the green rivers on slow boats. The over 2,000sq km Khao Yai forest reserve not far from Bangkok is another jungle sanctuary, and to the West, in Kanchanaburi, lies the well-known River Kwai - with all its relics of history, including the railway and infamous "bridge". The area is popular for rafting and several of the popular hotels rest on floating pontoons on the river.

The southern region of Phuket, Krabi and Trang, offer a broad variety of adventure, from hiking and rock climbing - above stunning sea vistas - to sea canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Kayaking is a splendid way to explore coastal caves, mangroves and inlets. The beaches present fine, white, powder sand underfoot. Take in the sun, or enjoy a romantic candelit dinner.

Three things that travellers to Thailand inevitably look for, and greatly enjoy, are spas, shopping, and golf. There are more spas in the country than you could shake a large stick at, from pampering hideway day spas in larger cities like Bangkok, to state-of-the-art potion-and-lotion establishments at beach resorts and hill retreats.

Whatever your pleasure, rest assured that you are getting both the finest in hand-worked, natural, organic oils, and a quality of massage and treatment distilled through centuries of holistic healing and temple tradition. Wrap, exfoliate, steam, indulge in a floral bath, or simply get the back and pressure points kneaded. Ahh. One of the best known exponents of traditional Thai massage, is Wat Po, a temple near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Golf courses - several designed by international pros and quite striking in design and layout - are strung out all over the country. Bangkok has quite a few options for dedicated golfers,

and just about everywhere from Phuket to Chiang Mai will offer verdant greens, landscaped grounds and fees that won't break the bank. But it's in the department of shopping that Bangkok really comes into its own. For fun, variety, bargaining and sheer volume, Krungthep (as the Thai capital is locally known), is unbeatable. Try the weekend Chatuchak Market, now served by the SkyTrain and the underground. You'll find faux antiques, furniture, flowers, clothes, jeans, table mats and the ubiquitous silkware for which Thailand is renowned. Of course, if price is no object, pop into a Jim Thompson shop for breathtaking silk fashions.

Elsewhere in Bangkok, choice is unlimited at malls like the upscale Gaysorn and Emporium, Central, and the teeming cut-price MBK. Trains will transport you with ease. For knock-down prices on garments, shoes and leather, try Pratunam Market, a sprawling collection of stalls; or wander the alleys and smart shops of Siam Square and Siam Centre.

Thailand's Buddhist ancestry and rich tapestry of successive kingdoms can be traced through historic sites around the country. Bangkok itself is home to Wat Phra Kaeo, the fabled Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Grand Palace - on the shores of the Chao Phraya River where an annual Royal Barge procession takes place. On the other side of the river are the striking spires of Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). Of course, the best times to visit, are dawn, and sunset.

The ancient capital of Ayutthaya founded in 1350 AD is a short and enjoyable half-day river cruise, or drive, from Bangkok. Farther north, in central Thailand, is the 13th century Sukhothai, the heart of one of the country's oldest kingdoms. Sukhothai's restored temples and city ruins are a popular UNESCO Heritage Site. Lopburi was part of a flourishing Khmer empire and Surin, near the Cambodian border, hosts the annual elephant roundup. A diverse

mix of cultures has offered Thailand the opportunity to celebrate life, harvest, and renewal in a variety of festivals of which, the best known perhaps, are Songkran, the New Year water festival in April, and Loi Krathong in November, where people light candles and set their dainty "krathongs" (banana-leaf cups) afloat in streams and lakes.

Any visit to Thailand is incomplete without sampling some spicy tongue-tingling food. One bite and you're hooked. If the chilli is too hot, ask the chef to tone it down. The strong flavours, of ginger, garlic, basil and lemon-grass will stay in your nostrils a long while. Or try a chic international restaurant. Whatever you're looking for - action, bliss, beach, spa, shops, culture, or golf - Thailand has it all. That's why a visit to this country will ensure "Happiness on Earth" - for all.