November through March are Thailand's cooler, dryer season, and it's generally the best time to visit.
There are more than 30 airports across the country, but Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport serves the most international travelers.
On May 11, 1949, the country was officially renamed Thailand, which means "land of the free." The country was formerly known as Siam.
Authentic Thai food is a major attraction for tourists.
One traditional Thai dish is red curry, which is made with curry paste cooked in coconut milk. The dish can be prepared with various meats, such as chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.
Stalls at Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market sell everything from mangoes to fried water bugs.
Thailand's national animal is the elephant. Though many elephants have been abused for the sake of tourism over the years, there are many nature parks across the country where tourists can responsibly interact with domesticated elephants.
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Thailand is also known for its stunning beaches. With 2,000 miles of coastline and hundreds of islands, there are plenty of spots to relax or catch some waves.
Almost 95% of Thai people practice Theravada Buddhism, the official religion of Thailand.
At Ayutthaya Historical Park, tourists can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya, which dates back to 1350.
In the 19th century, Bangkok was known as the "Venice of the East" because of its canals and waterways, which have since been paved over and filled. Bangkok is now a bustling metropolis.
Bangkok is the only city in Thailand that has above-ground trains and an underground light rail.
"Fish spas" have become popular in more recent years, despite some health concerns. Here, salon-goers allow small fish to nibble dead skin off of their feet.
Thailand's population has grown to nearly 68 million.
