Thailand's
world-famous attractions have been well documented on television, are used as
backdrops in several Hollywood movies and crop up again and again in modern
fiction. Still, to witness the Grand Palace in person or to watch a Railey
Beach sunset or even to approach Phi Phi Don for the first time is guaranteed
to send a shiver up the spine of even a hardened traveller and the frisson of
passing by a limestone monolith in Phang Nga Bay is unforgettable.
From
the north of Thailand in Chiang Mai to the lush southern province of Krabi
you'll be charmed and even shocked by the raw beauty of Thailand.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok
The most important of all Thai momuments, Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.
Phang Nga Province - North of Phuket
Located north east of Phuket, Phang Nga Bay is an almost unique site in the world (only Ha Long Bay in Vietnam presents some similarity). A distinctive feature of Phang Nga Bay is the sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water. James Bond Island and Koh Pannyi are just two of the more famous spots in this bay. By far the best means of enjoying the spectacular scenery, with only brief encounters with thetourist crowds as James Bond and Koh Pannyi, is to take one of the boat trips from the northern end of Phuket. A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour.
Similan Islands Phang Nga Province - West of Khao Lak
This group of rocks and islands lies 90 minutes by speedboat off the coast of Phang-Nga, or eight or more hours by slow boat from Phuket. The area was declared a Marine National Park in 1982 and consequently remains largely undeveloped. Derived from the Malay term 'sembilan', meaning 'nine', Similan refers to the nine main islands in the group. The waters surrounding the Similans are teeming with tropical fish, colourful coral, and offer exceptional underwater visibility. As a result, the diving is generally considered to be the best in the region, and compares favourably with some of the best in the world
Floating Markets Near Bangkok
Bangkok's colourful floating markets are familiar to many through the ubiquitous photos in tourist guides and travel books. Even though transactions are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days, the floating market boats are still piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat.
Bangkok's colourful floating markets are familiar to many through the ubiquitous photos in tourist guides and travel books. Even though transactions are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days, the floating market boats are still piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat.
To
enjoy the atmosphere without haggling over prices, try relaxing on a guided
boat tour of Damnoen Saduak market. Other floating markets to visit are Taling
Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Tha Kha, and Damnoen Saduak
The
Phi Phi Islands are some of the loveliest in Southeast Asia. Just a 45-minute
speedboat jaunt and a 90-minute ferryboat ride from Phuket, these
picture-postcard islands offer the ultimate tropical getaway. Classic beaches,
stunning rock formations, and vivid turquoise waters teeming with colourful
marine life - it's paradise perfected. There are two islands, Phi Phi Don and
Phi Phi Leh. The larger and inhabited, Phi Phi Don attracts hundreds of
visitors to stay on its lovely shores. For many, Phi Phi Don is the last
word in hedonistic nightlife. Starting when the sun sets and lasting throughout
the night, the whole village is party central, with its bars, pubs and clubs
filled with young and carefree partygoers
Mai Doi Suthep Chiang
Doi
Suthep is a constant part of life in Chiang Mai. A Thai saying goes, "If
you haven't tasted Khao Soi or seen the view from Doi Suthep, you haven't been
to Chiang Mai." This regal mountain overlooks the city from the northwest,
providing commanding views of surrounding countryside and Chiang Mai from its
summit.
Aside
from its dominating presence on the horizon, Doi Suthep is the home of some of
the most deeply loved symbols in the Kingdom and is home to Wat Prathat Doi
Suthep Temple as well as Bhubing Palace.
Railay Beach Krabi
Province
Now
on every savvy traveller's list, Railay is one of Thailand's most sought-after
beach areas. Just south of Ao Nang Beach, around a rocky headland and
accessible only by boat, Railay presents a tranquil and extraordinary world. In
just one small peninsula you'll find gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring
limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs,
shaped and fed by the changing tides. And all within walking distance!
The
very picture of tropical paradise, with no roads and no hassle, Railay offers
lazy days, adventure forays and chilled-out evenings
Ayutthaya North of Bangkok
In
400 years, Ayutthaya went from a prosperous trade and political capital to a
completely defaced city – plundered, burned and abandoned to ruin. The city was
under a constant power struggle with neighbouring Burma; nevertheless it
remained a flourishing centre for regional trade and a burgeoning metropolis
where art and culture merged. Exhibiting sophisticated techniques and styles,
Ayutthaya’s architectural heritage is an amalgam of Lopburi, Sukhothai,
Dvaravati, U-Thong, ancient Khmer and Persian styles. Today, Ayutthaya’s temple
and palace ruins serve as a powerful reminder of Siam’s glorious past as well
as haunting memories of one of the darkest periods in Thai history
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Bangkok
Wat
Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of
the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that after fighting his way out of
Ayutthaya, which was besigned by a Burmese army at the time, King Taksin
arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. He later had the temple
renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn.
During
his reign (Thonburi Period), Wat Chaeng was the chief temple, and it once
enshrined the Emerald Buddha and another important Buddha image, the Phra Bang,
both of which had been removed from Vientiane.
Khao Yai National Park North
of Bangkok
A
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khao Yai is Thailand’s second largest (2,168sqkm)
and one of the most visited national parks. It spreads across four provinces,
namely Saraburi (west), Nakhon Nayok (east), Nakhon Ratchasima (north) and
Prachinburi (east). The highest peak, at Khao Rom, is 1,351 metres above sea
level. Blessed with a lush, mountainous landscape, with fertile valleys,
pounding waterfalls and rich biodiversity, Khao Yai is a year-round getaway
destination just three hours’ drive from Bangkok. Khao Yai is also home to a
rich diversity of animal life with 320 species of birds, 67 species of mammals
and thousands of different types of plants.
