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Overview
The United Kingdom is
in fact consists of four different countries: England, Wales, Scotland
and Northern Ireland. From Stonehenge to Tate Modern and Cambridge to
the 2012 Olympics,
England is loaded with interesting places to visit. Scotland's castles
and Scotch Whiskeys are legendary. Wales and Northern Irelands on the
other hand are off the beaten track and ideal for great outdoor activities. And throughout the
country, you are never far away from the nearest pub. And also with
respect to fashion, fine dining, clubbing and shopping, the United
Kingdom rates
among the world's best. But don't just stay in
London, make sure you visit some of the
other towns as well as the countryside and costal regions.
A bit of History
As the dominant industrial
and maritime power of the 19th century, the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland played a leading role in developing parliamentary
democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its peak, the
British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. In the
first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously
diminished
in two World Wars and the Irish Republic withdraw from the union. The
second half saw the dismantling of the British Empire and the UK rebuilt itself into a modern and prosperous European nation.
The country is one
of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member
of NATO and of the Commonwealth. Despite is relatively small size, the UK pursues a global approach to
foreign policy. A member of the EU, it chose to remain outside the
Economic and Monetary Union for the time being. Hence, the Euro is not
an accepted form of payment. Constitutional reform is
also a significant issue in the UK. The Scottish Parliament, the
National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were
established in 1999.
How to Get There
Thai Airways
is taking you to London on their twice daily nonstop flights throughout
the year. British
Airways,
Qantas and
EVA Air also serve this route daily. If
you want to fly to Birmingham or Manchester, try
Etihad Airways
or some of the other Middle Eastern airlines.
The Highlights
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Spend a few days in
London, one of the world's most vibrant cities |
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Visit the spiritual
site of Stonehenge and try to make sense of it |
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Explore Cambridge,
Oxford and many other lovely towns in England |
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Take a train up to
Scotland to visit Edinburgh and the beautiful countryside |
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Take a trip to the
relaxing seaside town of Brighton |
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Country Profile
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Country Name |
United Kingdom
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Capital City |
London |
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Major Gateways |
London (LON),
Manchester (MAN) |
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Population |
60.7 million |
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Languages |
English |
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Main Religions |
Anglican |
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Currency
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Pound Sterling
(GBP) |
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Time Difference with Thailand |
-6h (summer), -7h
(winter) |
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Calling Code |
+44 |
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Best Time to Visit |
March - October |
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Visa Requirement for Thai Citizens |
Visa required |
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Travel Time from
Bangkok |
12h (nonstop) |
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More info |
www.visitbritain.com
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Map |
Click here
(England)
Click here
(Scotland)
Click here
(Wales)
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National Flag |
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