With stunning beaches, incredible diving, cultural marvels, delectable cuisine and infamous nightlife, Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in South-east Asia. Even if youre coming here for the sand and sea of the south, you simply have to begin (or end) with Bangkok. Khoa San Road at night, especially late, is a sight to behold and there is no shortage of bars, discos and other entertainment. During the day, take a cruise down the river as its the best way to see the city.
The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of South-east Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions.
Thailand is a holiday treat with the culture, weather, natural wonders, beaches and extremely friendly locals to ensure you’ll find something to entertain you day after day. It is an environment of non-stop activity with hundreds of restaurants serving fabulous food, great night spots and endless shopping opportunities.
The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures is sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches. The high North-east Plateau still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries, while the Central Plain, one of the world’s most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas has a colourful traditional culture and way of life. The sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok, and the peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital rubber cultivation and fishing are places you simply must visit.
Thailands capital of Bangkok is a mix of ancient temples and palaces in the shadow of a modern, big city skyline. A visit to the Royal Grand Palace is a necessity, as is the Temple of the Golden Buddha where you will see Buddha crafted from over five tons of gold. In fact there are over 400 fascinating Buddhist temples in the city. Make sure you explore the timeless canals of the Venice of the East and Chao Phraya River (River of the Kings) winding through the city.
Bangkok became the capital in 1782 with the founding of the Chakri Dynasty that still occupies the Thai throne. Its early rulers sought to recreate the glories of Ayutthaya and many of the city’s landmarks date from this period, among them the magnificent Grand Palace and its adjacent Wat Phra Keo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha),Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). The flavour of the capital’s past can be captured by a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River that flows through its traditional heart or an exploration of the picturesque klongs, or canals of Thonburi.
Other sought-after locations in Thailand are Pattaya, Thailand’s premier beach resort with a terrific range of entertainment, theme and amusement parks, museums and glorious botanical gardens. Phuket and Koh Samui are also very highly regarded beach destinations with an abundance of things to see and do.
Visiting the hill-tribes is one of the most wonderful parts of visiting the northern regions of Thailand. Some of the tribes are still relatively remote and have not been influenced by modern life. Many tribes still make and wear traditional clothing and sell their handicrafts for a living. Elephant riding has also become an integral part of a visit to Thailand. Well-trained elephants can be ridden through local villages and surrounding forests. The type and length of rides varies – it can be a half hour walk around an elephant village or tourist attraction, or you can book a three or five day trek through the jungle in northern Thailand.
Ban Chiang, a small village about 50 kilometres east of Udon Thani province is the single most significant historical site in Thailand. Archaeological discoveries made in the 1970s produced evidence of a Bronze Age civilisation that flourished over 5,000 years ago. This predates sites in China and Mesopotamia as the earliest known evidence of an agrarian, bronze-making culture, and suggest that the Khorat plateau is one of the possible ‘cradles of civilisation’. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and is a National Museum.
Ubon Ratchathani, the largest and one of the most important provinces in the region, is rich in history and diverse in cultural attractions. It was an American air base during the Vietnam War and has continued to grow in prosperity since then. Due to the large number of fascinating temples dotting the city, Ubon is a place of pilgrimage at the beginning of Buddhist Lent. The province borders the Mekong River in the east and features superb scenic views of Cambodia.
Of further interest here is Pha Taem where prehistoric rock paintings extend for over one-and-a-half kilometres along an imposing cliff face overlooking the Mekong River. This province also holds the annual Buddhist Rains Retreat in July with the Candle Procession Festival, a colourful pageant with a procession of floats bearing enormous, intricately fashioned beeswax candles. Nakhon Ratchasima or commonly called ‘Korat’ is the gateway to other Isan provinces. This province is rich in Khmer culture and has a long history. It is famous for the highly revered Khun Ying Mo (Ya Mo) statue in the middle of town. Fifty-six kilometres away to the north-east of the provincial capital lies the town of Phimai, site of a 12th century Prasat Hin temple, one of the examples of classical Khmer architecture found outside Cambodia.
Each of the National Parks in the country has its own distinct character. Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, is 80 kilometres from Phitsanulok on the route to Lomsak and is marked by its open savanna, which blazes with colour during the wildflower season (July-October). Wild animals are often spotted feeding around these fields. Phu Hin Rong Kla, 125 kilometres from Phitsanulok, got its name from the strange-looking rock fields eroded by wind and rains. The Park features many hiking trails, most of them leading to beautiful waterfalls.
Nam Nao National Park on the Lomsak-Chum Pae route offers picturesque pine forests, caves of stalactites and stalagmites, and dry, cool weather. Khao Sok in western Surat Thani and the adjoining Khlong Sean Wildlife Sanctuary provide a home for tigers, clouded leopards, Malaysian sun bears, elephants, gaur and many other rare species. The Park has hiking trails leading to caves and waterfalls surrounded by virgin forest. Hiking is also popular on coconut grove-dotted Samui and Ang Thong Archipelago’s Mae Ko, which has a lake at its centre.
If you have a taste for the exotic, Thailand is a tantalising destination teeming with attractions and memorable experiences. From delectable cuisine to sampling the countrys history and shopping until you drop, you will find this Asian paradise a holiday destination you will love.