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 Bangkok
Bangkok is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities which will touch all of
the senses with in seconds of your arrival. As with most capital cities,
Bangkok is a 24 hour place, constantly on the go, without letting up. Thailand’s
sprawling, dynamic and fast paced capital offers more variety, sights and
wonders than any other destination in Asia. One full day and night in Bangkok
will allow you to explore the main places of interest. But you could also
explore Bangkok for a number of weeks and still feel like you have only
just scratched the surface. Bangkok encompasses dozens of magnificent temples
that form one of Asia’s great spectacles, countless restaurants with superb
food at great value, legendary night life to satisfy all possible tastes,
excellent shopping and some of the friendliest people in the world. If you
explore with an open mind, before you leave Bangkok you will be under its
irresistible spell.
Main attractions in Bangkok, apart from the night life and shopping, include
The Emerald Buddha Temple, The Grand Palace, timeless canal and river scenes
and the most amazing classical dance extravaganzas.
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Chiangmai
Located 700 km from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is pleasantly sited on the banks
of The River Ping and situated in a lush valley fringed by forested mountains.
The city is popularly known as “The Rose of the North” and presents a huge
contrast to 200 year old Bangkok. Chiang Mai was founded in the late 13th
century and is one of the oldest settlements in Thailand. It was once the
capital of Lanna, an entirely independent Thai Kingdom, complete with its
own unique culture, customs and traditions. Chiang Mai is further characterized
by being the world’s largest centre for handicrafts. The traditional crafts
of the region include silverware, lacquerware celadon pottery and silk,
making the city an extraordinary shopping experience. The region also plays
host to the colourful hill tribes, who reside in the highlands. These tribes,
each with their own distinct culture, religion and language, welcome visitors
to undertake a discovery into the traditions and customs which they have
cherished for centuries. Chiang Mai offers easy access to some of Thailand’s
most breath-taking scenery. Neighboring areas include the mist-shrouded
mountains of Mae Hong Sorn, The Golden Triangle, where Burma, Thailand and
Laos meet and the ancient city of Chiang Rai.
Chiang Mai demands at least 4 days of exploration. The most interesting
places to visit in Chiang Mai include Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, Sankampaeng
Handicraft Centre, The Elephant Conservation Camp and, of course, all the
surrounding mountains, valleys, waterfalls, forests and countryside.
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Nan
A quiet and tranquil province, friendly town with a historical ambience,
Nan occupies a small valley in the far eastern highlands of the north- about
50 Km from the border with Laos, The highest mountain is the 2,079 meter
high Doi Phu Kha in Amphoe Pua, north-east of the city of Nan towards the
border with Laos.Their forebears moved to settle around present-day Pua
district which is rich in rock salt deposits, subsequently moved south to
the fertile Nan River basin which is much more extensive.
Nan's history is deeply involved with its neighbours, in particular Sukhothai
which played an important role in both political and religious terms before
Nan became a part of Lanna, Burma and Thailand in that order. Today Nan
is still the home of numerous Thai Lue and other hill tribes who retain
highly interesting customs and traditions. Nan is a fairly prosperous
town but the old temples, idyllic location, and genuine sense of remoteness
make it one of the better destinations in Northern Thailand.
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Phrae
A quiet and tranquil province, friendly town with a historical ambience,
Nan occupies a small valley in the far eastern highlands of the north- about
50 Km from the border with Laos, The highest mountain is the 2,079 meter
high Doi Phu Kha in Amphoe Pua, north-east of the city of Nan towards the
border with Laos.Their forebears moved to settle around present-day Pua
district which is rich in rock salt deposits, subsequently moved south to
the fertile Nan River basin which is much more extensive.
Nan's history is deeply involved with its neighbours, in particular Sukhothai
which played an important role in both political and religious terms before
Nan became a part of Lanna, Burma and Thailand in that order. Today Nan
is still the home of numerous Thai Lue and other hill tribes who retain
highly interesting customs and traditions.
Nan is a fairly prosperous town but the old temples, idyllic location,
and genuine sense of remoteness make it one of the better destinations
in Northern Thailand.
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Chiang
Rai
Chiang Rai, the northern most province in Thailand, is well known for its
crisp mountain scenery and unique hilltribes. Sharing borders with Myanmar
to the north and west and Laos to the east, Chiang Rai hosts the Golden
Triangle, which offers awe-inspiring views at the convergence of the borders
of all three countries. With stunning accommodation, Chiang Rai is a good
centre for exploring the far north. The town itself has several impressive
temples, while easy excursions can be made to a number of fascinating sights.
On the banks of the river Mekong is the charming little town of Chiang Saen,
where ancient ruins indicate an importance long before Chiang Rai was founded.
Especially worth visiting is Doi Tung, a mountain where Her Royal Highness,
The Princess Mother, has instigated hill tribe and agricultural development
projects, and maintains a hill-top palace. Other “must-sees” include Wat
Phra Kaeo, Doi Mae Salong and The Hall of Opium. |
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Mae
Hong Sorn & Pai
When you visit Mae Hong Sorn, you will feel an aura of utter remoteness.
An array of mountains, waterfalls, caves and pristine forests lend the province
much of its unspoiled charm. The road leading to Mae Hong Sorn was only
established in 1965, which answers for the sense of calm, which this province
possesses. Hidden deep in a valley fringed by majestic mountain ranges,
the town of Mae Hong Sorn has a leisurely ambience that comes as a welcome
contrast to the bustle of most other northern towns. The liveliest time
of the day is between 6 and 8am, when a busy market springs up in the centre
of the town, with stalls selling food, clothing and household goods, and
hill tribe people mingle with the locals. Otherwise, the chief attractions
in Mae Hong Sorn are a stroll around the scenic Jongkhum lake, visiting
Wat Prathat Doi Kong Mu and taking in the delightful charm of Tham Pla Forest
Park. Go to Mae Hong Sorn for a lovely cool climate, over-whelmingly stunning
nature and thrilling adventures in the forests. |
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Sukhothai
Heading south from Chiang Mai, through the towns of Lampang and Tak, each
worthy of a look, you travel down to the very edge of the northern region
to legendary Sukhothai. Located 350 km from Chiang Mai, this was Thailand’s
first capital, founded in the early 13th century. The numerous ruined temples
of what was once a large and glorious city are today preserved in Sokhothai’s
wondrous historical park. This ranks as one of Thailand’s not to be missed
ancient sights. Spread over a large area are the monuments that attest to
the birth of a Thai nation, and which, in their unique architecture, display
the first flowering of the Kingdom’s characteristic art. A short distance
from Sukhothai are the remains of it’s satellite towns, Sri Satchanalai
and Kampaeng Phet, the former uninhabited and enhanced by a hilltop location,
the latter a thriving provincial centre. A good base for exploring the Sukhothai
area is the town of Phitsanulok, which has some stylish accommodation, stunning
architecture and the people are fantastic there too.
Other impressive sights and interesting places to visit include Ramkhamhaeng
National Museum, Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Sawai and Wat Sri Chum.
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Ayuttaya
For over 400 years the rivene island town of Ayuttaya served as the second
Royal Capital of Thailand. Though largely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767,
many of the restored architectural ruins provide eloquent testimony to the
splendor of Thailand’s once most powerful empire. Ayuttaya is one of Thailand’s
largest archeological sites, as well as being a centre for Thai art and
architecture. Just viewing the beautiful ancient sculptures and paintings
in Ayuttaya is enough to make it a more than worthy place to visit. However,
once the sight-seeing is completed, there is plenty more to experience.
Maybe you’ll want to dine on the river, care of one of the town’s floating
restaurants or perhaps stroll through the market where the sites, sounds
and smells culminating to offer an opportunity to experience all manner
of Thai customs and ways of life. If Ayuttaya sounds like your type of destination,
make sure you do not miss the main places of interest, such as The Historical
Park of Ayuttaya, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Mongkonborpit. The luxury
accommodations in Ayuttaya will not disappoint, having been designed to
compliment the city’s history. You will find that they are adorned with
antiques and sculptures, draped with the most exquisite silks and scattered
with priceless antique furniture, which all blend beautifully with the appealing
architecture.
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Phuket
Phuket is one of the largest islands in the Indian ocean. It is blessed
with magnificent coves and bays, powdery palm fringed beaches; sparkling
island-dotted seas; sincerely hospitable people; superb accommodation and
delicious seafood. All of these elements combined create a marvelous ambience
for a truly memorable holiday.
Before the tourism industry took hold in Phuket, it was noted for its rich
tin ores, from which the island’s wealth derives. Today, the island is renowned
for it’s magnificent long beaches, abundantly rich vegetation, crystal blue
warm waters, fantastic underwater scenery and perfect snorkeling, scuba
diving and sailing conditions. Despite being highly popular with tourists,
you can still find deserted beaches to escape to in some sunny corners of
the island. Some of the most revered attractions in Phuket are: the town
itself, with it’s Indo-Portuguese architecture and quaint flea markets;
the aquarium, with an abundancy of spectacular marine life; Pha Nga Bay,
Phuket’s neighboring province which is home to “James Bond Island”, used
as the location for The Man with the Golden Gun; and not forgetting Patong
beach, famous for its colourful characters, sensational nightlife and superb
choice in Aqua activities. Phuket is a good place to base yourself to take
day excursions to neighboring islands Ko Pi Pi, which you may recognize
from the staggeringly beautiful scenery in the Hollywood movie “The Beach”,
and also Ko Lanta, a remote island where you can take in the peaceful tranquility
of the quiet beaches. Phuket really does deserve a good five days stay to
fully appreciate the destination. Visitors never fail to fall for this vibrant,
lively, strikingly stunning island.
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Krabi
Krabi – one of the most enchanting places on the planet. This idyllic southern
province really is the ultimate destination, comprising of one of the most
geographically interesting and scenically charming landscapes in Thailand.
Situated close to the provincial capital of Krabi, which welcomes visitors
arriving in its busy port, lies an oceanic wonderland of limestone outcroppings,
surrounding white-sand beaches and primeval islands. Less crowded than Phuket
and more laid back than Ko Samui, Krabi has an excellent reputation for
the cleanest beaches, untouched coral reefs and amazing rock climbing opportunities.
Beaches vary in type, from the bustling beach of Ao Nang to the more secluded
bays of Railay and Nophorat Thara. Small, neighboring Islands are easily
accessed from Krabi town, such as Koh Poda, an ideal retreat for snorkellers
and sunbathers; Chicken Island, named so because of the chicken-shaped rock
formation at the islands northern tip; and Mosquito and Bamboo Islands,
which are both mostly renowned for an abundance of marine life and having
some of the most impressive dive sites in Thailand.
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Koh
Samui
Located in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by over 60 other islands, Koh
Samui is an island of natural beauty and charm. Spend the day lapping up
the sunshine on a local fishing boat, trying to catch your dinner, or take
a tour of the island, to see the cascading Nam Muang waterfalls, monkeys
working in the coconut trees, the Grandmother and Grandfather rocks, which
look similar to the male and female genetalia and the largest sitting Buddha
in Thailand, grandly overlooking the northern tip of the island, the choice
is yours. Samui is in close proximity to Koh Pha Ngan, famous for it’s hippy
reputation and full moon party nights; and Turtle Island (Koh Tao), almost
untouched by development. Both these islands are only an hours journey to
reach and make excellent day excursions. One of the must-sees is the Ang
Thong National Marine Park, which was the inspiration for James Garland
novel “The Beach”. This archipelago of 42 small islands is characterized
by its impressive limestone outcrops, rare coral reefs and blue lagoons.
On free nights, take a stroll through the fishermans village of Bo Phut
and down to the beach where you can sip cocktails whilst watching the sunset
in the horizon. The seafood restaurants here are outstanding!
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Khao
Yai National Park
Khao Yai is the flagship of Thailand’s national parks. It was the first
one to be established (in 1962), it is the most visited, and it remains
one of the largest at 2,168 square kilometers. Above all it is one of the
best refuges in the country for animals and birds in the wild, and remains
the most likely spot in Thailand to see a wild tiger or elephant. At lower
altitudes, it harbors some fine old tracts of seasonal evergreen forests,
some of which is unusually wet. Orchids and other epiphytic are in abundance
and there are several plants unique to the area. The park boasts over 20
species of large mammals such as hog badgers and leopard cats and 300 species
of birds such as The Coral Billed Ground Cuckoo, The Asian Fairy Bluebird
and The Scarlet Minivet. Its wonderful trails, originally made by elephants,
wind through forests, streams and grasslands, passing huge buttressed trees,
strangling figs, wild boar wallows, mushroom clusters, hornbill nests and
salt-licks with quivering mud-pudding butterflies, and possibly a hidden
tiger. There are 5 nature trails in total, which take from 2 to 6 hours,
depending on which trail you choose. However, they all have there own special
points of interest. As well as enjoying a trek in the day, Khao Yai is also
famous for its popular night safaris. Sightings of deer, otters, tigers
and gibbons are not all that rare in this area.
All this, with the sweet scents, vivid colours and shining sun, makes Khao
Yai a most memorable destination. Any lover of nature will be inspired and
spoiled. With so much to see and so many activities to partake in, Khao
Yai will always hold a special place in your memory and heart.
Khao Yai can be reached easily by car and is only 2 -3 hours south-east
of Bangkok.
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Umphang
Wildlife Sanctury
Unphang is a destination that the average tourist rarely visits. The lucky
visitor to this district will be witness to completely unspoiled nature
and dense forest in the largest and tranquil ambiance of this untouched
part of the world. The Umphang Sanctuary has a motley mix of forests on
its mountain slopes and many small animals, but is best known for a pair
of remote forest lakes, the tallest waterfall in Thailand and a river with
two-tone banks. The picturesque Thi Su Law waterfall cascades down a classic
limestone staircase from the “strong-legged mountain”, Khao Kha Kaeng, the
highest in Western Thailand. Activities in the area include trekking to
hilltribe villages, rarely visited by travelers, exploring some of the oldest
remaining stands of forest in the country and partaking in rafting expeditions
down the Mae Klong River to enjoy tremendous waterfalls and isolated caves.
Umphang is also the ideal place to relax, with its peaceful and tranquil
atmosphere and lazy pace of life. The actual town of Umphang is inhabited
by both the Karen and Mon hill tribes people and Thais. There is a population
of approximately 3,000 and with travelers being few and far between, the
towns people enjoy the opportunity to communicate with foreigners and are
extremely friendly. To just get away from it all, get in touch with nature
and appreciate the districts dramatic scenery, Umphang is the perfect place
to visit. It is located close to the Burmese border in the province of Tak.
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Kanchanaburi
The destination of Kanchanaburi is most well known for its main tourist
attraction, The Bridge Over the River Kwai, made famous by David Leans Oscar
winning motion picture. But the area itself offers much more than just that
to see. This beautiful and relaxing region, three hours west of Bangkok,
offers pretty floating raft restaurants, refreshing waterfalls, hiking,
national parks, and cool caves filled with Buddhas. The history of the Thai-Burmese
Railway construction is strongly represented in Kanchanaburi town, which
hosts The JEATH War Museum, Hell Fire Pass Memorial and The War Cemetery
and Museum. All of these are a blunt reminder of the atrocities which occurred
here during World War II. This destination is a great getaway for those
wanting to delve in to the history and enjoy stunning nature in abundance.
Also, you only really need a couple of days here to see the main points
of interest, making it an ideal mini tour between larger destinations.
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