|
 |
Tourist Destinations & Sites
|
|
|
|
|
|
AMAZING THAILAND
Thailand's great appeal as a holiday destination is that it is so different. Thailand possesses a wealth of architecture, culture, cuisine and traditions that are each distinctively Thai. Moreover, with their natural charm, hospitality and happy temperament, Thais are supremely adept at making visitors feel right at home.
Thailand is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and is shaped somewhat like an elephant’s head. The profile faces Myanmar (Burma), the ears border Laos and Cambodia, and the trunk extended southwards between the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand towards Malaysia.
Rich and varied natural scenery ranges from northern misty mountains and jungles, through emerald rice fields in the central plains, to palm-fringed beaches and lush tropical islands.
Thailand offers numerous sporting opportunities including golf on championship courses and every major water sport in popular beach resorts. “Soft adventure” activities include scuba diving, white-water rafting, sea canoeing and elephant trekking in various regions. More than 60 national parks offer extraordinary scope for ornithology, trekking and camping to savor exotic flora and fauna.
Average temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius make the climate predominantly warm and sunny, though northern hills become somewhat chilly during December and January.
THAI FOOD – A Gem Of A Cuisine
Thai food is not exclusively spicy. Although certain northeastern and southern dishes can be tongue-tingling hot, wonderful meals can be enjoyed without worrying about chilies. First-rate Thai cuisine is generally a fortuitous combination of ultra-fresh ingredients (local meat, poultry, fish, vegetables), healthy spices and herbs (several of which have positive medicinal properties) and native ingenuity.
Thai food offers an extraordinary choice of flavors, principally in the form of rich curries, tangy soups, tart salads and stir-fried dishes in which rice and noodles are prominently featured. Thai sweets and desserts tend to be egg or coconut based, and succulent Thai fruits – some 20 major popular kinds, including mangoes, durians, pomelos, bananas, pineapples, grapes, melons-are second to none in quality or choice.
Regional variations abound, and include specialties such as tangy papaya salad and minced dishes from northeastern Thailand, Kantoke dinners from Chiang Mai, sweet curries from southern Thailand and seafood specialties from popular resorts such as Phuket and Pattaya.
Thai cuisine has become so internationally popular that several people visit Thailand specifically to learn how to cook Thai food. Many major hotels, including Bangkok’s riverside Oriental Hotel, offer expert tuition.Naturally enough, international cuisine is found in most major tourism destinations, especially in Bangkok where there are superb Chinese restaurants and specialty restaurants offering excellent French, Italian, Japanese, Scandinavian, Indian, Burmese, Vietnamese, German, Korean, Irish, Mexican, Muslim food, indeed food from almost every corner of the globe.
SHOPPING – A Chest Full of Treasures
'Shop till you drop' is the motto of avid shoppers all over the world, and what a better place to shop than in Thailand. There’s great value-for-money and thousands of alluring bargains both local andimported to choose from. However, for that special something that is uniquely Thai and serves as an introduction to the exhilarating fun of shopping in Thailand, then why not buy our exquisite and beautiful silks, ceramics, woodcarvings and jewellery among the many other items either for yourself or for a friend.
From small traditional street markets and floating markets to modern multi-storied department stores and shopping malls, Thailand has it all. So come on!
DESTINATONS CENTRAL THAILAND
BANGKOK
Also known as the "City of Angle", Bangkok, or Krungthep as it is known in Thai, is situated on the historically renowned 'River of Kings', the Chao Phraya. When flying into this vast metropolis of approximately 10 million people, one sees a very modernized lifestyle with towering multistory high-rises, but once on the ground, the hidden mystique of this Oriental city is revealed.
Among the small alleyways that run off the major thoroughfares and the maze of canals that cross the city are aspects of life that are truly uniquely Thai. Temples of various architecture styles built by the Chakri monarchs, food markets that are hustling and bustling with hawkers selling their wares, the Chao Phraya River – lifeline of the city and country with craft of all sizes carrying people in all directions, and much more that is all entwined with modernity to create Bangkok. Take a walk or a river cruises to see and experience the cultural, traditional and historical charms that attract people from all over the world to the “City of Angles".
Besides, there’s the glistening spires of the magnificent Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the traditionally designed Jim Thompson’s Thai House, and the world’s largest golden teak building of Vimanmek that all house impressive religious and object d’art collections from bygone eras.
But this isn’ t all: there’s more! For sports enthusiasts, there’s the excitement of Muay Thai or Thai kickboxing at the Ratchadamnoen and Lumpini Stadiums, or why not have a round of golf at one of the approximately 50 world-class courses in and around Bangkok. There are opportunities for shopping everywhere with value-for-money bargains, and as for food, this city is 2-hour gourmet’s delight with tantalizing mouthwatering delicacies of various tastes.
THE GRAND PALACE AND WAT PHRA KAEW (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
This Bangkok landmark, which features some of the most spectacular architecture in South East Asia, should be the first place on visitor’s itinerary. Its huge compound on Na Phra Lan Road near Sanam Luang is surrounded by high white waIls and occupies an area of about a square mile. The palace, begun in 1782, consists of several buildings with highly decorated architectural details. The magnificent Royal chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo, which is in the same compound, houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand.
PHRA THI NANG VIMANMEK AND ABHISEK DUSIT THRONE HALL
Vimanmek Palace is located behind Bangkok’s National Assembly and is the world’s largest building made entirely of golden teak. The three-storey wooden palace has 81 rooms, halls and ante-rooms, excluding terrace and verandahs. Near the entrance to Vinammek Mansion is the Royal Carriage Museum where a splendid collection of 13 royal house drawn carriages once used during the reign of King Rama V. The collection is of great historical value.
Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall (The SUPPORT Museum), a one-storey teak building built in the reign of king Rama V, is situated on the east wing of Vimanmek Mansion. Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is now Thailand’s first handicraft museum where Her Majesty the queen has begun a collection of handicraft masterpieces created y members of SUPPORT Foundation. In the museum, visitors find such handicrafts as nielloware, Thai silk with various unique designs, basketry woven from the “Lipao” vine, handbags studded with jewels in different designs, or items decorated with the wings of the green beetle.
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Within walking distance of the Grand Palace, across the Phra Mane Ground, is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. The National Museum houses over one thousand artifacts ranging from Neolithic times to the present Bangkok period. The complex, also began in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colorful Thai architectural design.
SANAM LUANG
This huge public ground, also known as the Phra Mane Ground, is in front of the Grand Palace. Special activities or ceremonies such as the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May, and most recently the king’s Golden Jubilee Ceremony, take place here. The area is also popular for kite flying, especially during the months of March and April.
WAT PHO (Temple of the Reclinining Buddha & Home of Traditional Thai Medicine)
This famous temple, located next to the Grand Palace, is one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples. Wat Pho was conceived by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago as a source of public education, providing information on subjects such as literature, archaeology, astrology and medicine, and is therefore sometimes called “Thailand’s First University”. The chapel houses the gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha, which is 46 meters in length and 15 meters high with beautifully inlaid mother-of pearl soles depicting the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha. The temple is also the headquarters for the Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Bangkok. There are stone plaques and inscriptions describing treatment for various ailments and methods of massage and meditation. Thai-style massage is available two open plan areas within the temple ground.
WAT ARUN (Temple of the Dawn)
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun can be reached either Arun Amarin Road or by crossing the river by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. Its highlight is the 79-metre high pagoda or “Phra Prang”. Despite its name, “Temple of the Dawn” is at its most attractive when viewed at sunset from the Bangkok side of the river.
WAT BENCHAMABOPHIT (The Marble Temple)
The Marble Temple, on Si Ayutthaya Road Chitralada Palace, is well-known because its main building was con structed during the reign of King Rama Loma V. The best time to visit this temple is early in the morning when Buddhist monks chant inside the chapel. The interior of the main building is magnificently decorated with cross beams of lacquer and gold. A large collection of bronze Buddha images lines the walls of the spacious, inner courtyard.
SUAN PAKKARD PALACE
Set on Si Ayutthaya Road not far from the intersection of Phayathai Road, this place used to be the residence of Princess Chumphot of Nagara, Svarga, one of Thailand's leading art collectors. There is a cluster of five traditional Thai houses, overlooking a beautifully kept garden. They house a large collection of Asian art and antiques. One building exhibits a collection of seashells, mineral crystal and painted pottery from Ban Chiang.
ROYAL BARGES NATIONAL MUSEUM
This dry dock, where several royal barges are displayed, is located on Khlong Bangkok Noi off the Chao Phraya River not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. The barges are used for special Royal ceremonies such as the Royal Kathin Ceremony. One of the most beautiful and well-known barges is the "Suphannahongse", now replaced by the "Narayana Song Suban. Rama IX", as the King's Royal Barge. The unique design and decorative details of each barge should be of great interest to all visitors
JIM THOMPSON’S THAI HOUSE
This remarkable Thai-style house was the work of Mr. Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at the end of Second World War and revived the Thai silk industry. His later disappearance in the Malaysian jungles remains a mystery to this day. The house, now a museum, is at the end of Soi Kasemsant on Rama I Road. On permanent display are Mr. Thompson, collection of Asian artifacts, such as blue-white china ware, Cambodian stone figures, Benjarong (a multi-coloured porcelain), wooden Burmese statues and many other fabulous antiques.
OUT OF BANGKOK
SAMUT PRAKAN CROCODILE FARM
Near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River is Samut Prakarn is the world’s largest crocodile farm that has more than 30,000 of these large reptiles in all stages of age.
ANCIENT CITY
One the the largest open-air museums in the world, with replicas of important architectural edifices from various provinces situated in a beautiful park.
AYUTHAYA
Within easy reach of this capital are some major attractive destinations to explore. Just 70 kms north is the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya (1350-1767) with its impressive ancient ruins of temples and palaces that are reminders of the glorious past of this period of Thai history. This historical park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and each year in December, there are celebrations displaying the traditional culture and lifestyles of Ayutthaya’s past and present.
AYUTHAYA HISTORICAL PARK
Located here are many of Ayutthaya's most important attractions, among them the Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopitr, containing one of the largest coated bronze Buddha images in Thailand; the Royal Palace, Wat Mahathat, dating from 1958, now on display in the Ayutthaya National Museum.
LOPBURI
Lop Buri, formerly known as “Lawo”, was one of the important ancient towns of the Khmers from the 10th-13th century. Many Khmer ruins are found in and around this town. During the Ayuttyaya period, King Narai the Greath established Lop Buri as the second capital with the help of French architects. Most of the architecture of that time reflects the mixture of Thailand Western styles.
PRANG SAM YOT
Prang Sam Yot, which means the Temple of Three Towers, is a good example of Khmer architecture, consisting of three laterite prangs linked by a center corridor typical of the Bayon style in the early 13th century. Also in the same general area are several other prangs influenced by Khmer styling at Wat Mahathat, one of which, Prang Prathan, has fine lintel and stucco decorations.
THE WEST
NAKHON PATHOM
A very old city which has been a center of the Dvaravati vivilisation. Over 2,000 years ago, a Buddhist missionary from India was sent to introduce Buddhism and its philosophy to a land called Suwannaphum, which had Nakhon Pathom as its capital. Phra Pathom Chedi was the important structure of the kingdom. The prosperous city was abandoned in the 12h century. A new community settled down after the renovation of Phra Pathom Chedi was completed in the reign of King Rama V of Bangkok period.
PHRA PATHOM CHEDI
Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom, just west of Bangkok, is one of the largest religious structures in the world. Standing 127 metres tall, the present Chedi covers the original structure which is believed to have been built during the Dvaravati period in the6th century A.D. and was in the shape of an Indian stupa. The present chedi was started in the reign of King Rama IV and completed under King Rama V.
KANCHANABURI
To the west is Kanchanaburi that is more well known for the Bridge on the River Kwai and Death Railway built by Allies prisoners-of-war during World War II. In late November, early December, weeklong celebrations with a spectacular light and sound presentation focused on the infamous bridge are held.
PRASAT MUANG SING HISTORICAL PARK
Located in Kanchanaburi, this park is a Khmer sanctuary to the west of Bangkok. The ruins have been restored by the fine Arts Department as a showcase for Khmer style architecture of the Bayon style dating from the Lopburi period, some 700-800 years ago.
THE NORTH
A completely different travel experience awaits visitors to Thailand’s mountainous north where the climate is more temperate, magical morning mists are commonplace and winter evenings are quite chilly.
PHITSANULOK
Phitsanulok has long been an important center both for political and strategical reason. It was a recruiting place when Ayutthaya had war with Myanmar. It was a capital of Thailand for 25 years during the reign of King Boromtrailokkanat of Ayutthaya.
WAT PHRA SI RATTANA MAHATHAT
This monastery commonly called by the inhabitants as “ Wat Yai ”, is the most important monastery of Phitsanulok, the home of the famous Phra Buddha Chinnarat. It is located at the foot of Naresuan Bridge on the city side of the river.
SUKHOTHAI
Sukhothai, site of the first independent Thai kingdom, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and straddles the area where the northern and central regions meet. Massive stone Buddha dominates ruins dating from the late 13th century. Sukhothai is the favorite setting for the Loi Krathong (Festival of Lights) celebrated each November.
THE SUKHOTHAI & SI SATCHANALAI HISTORICAL PARKS
Located in Sukhothai, some 250 kms from Bangkok, these are UNESCO-Designated World Heritage Sites. The Sukhothai Historical Park encompasses most of Sukhothai's leading structures. Among the attractions are the remains of the royal palace, several major Buddhist temples, walls, and a complex system of canals and ponds to supply water to the city. Lotus budshaped stupas typify Sukhothai architecture.
Si Satchanalai was a satellite city during the Sukhothai period, located on the bank of the Yom River east of the capital. Among the ruins to be seen in the park are Wat Chang Lom, adorned with 39 stucco elephants, buttresses, and Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo.
CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai, the former capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom, is the region’s principal city and is less than an hour’s flight north of Bangkok (or overnight on a sleeper train). The city’s distinctive religious architecture, food, dialect, festivals (such as Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year celebrated each April), traditions, handicrafts, setting and customs make it quite different from anywhere else.
Visitors can savor Chiang Mai’s historical past by taking a pedicab through ancient city streets to visit temples dating form the last 1200s: its immediate environs by visiting the Doi Suthep mountain, setting for a royal winter palace, and a magnificent temple from where an exhilarating view of the Chiang Mai valley may be enjoyed: its topography by elephant treks that visit jungle waterfalls and exotic hilltribe villages: and its fertile present by agro-tours that transport visitors to hillsides where, in orchards and plantations, everything from apples to asparagus is cultivated in great abundance.
WAT PHRA THAT DOI SUTHEP
This is undoubtedly the most celebrated of Chiang Mai temples, and is located in the mountain to the west that overlooks the city. The present buildings dated from the 16th century and have been considerably expanded and restored by various Chiang Mai rulers; the gold covered Chedi enshrines sacred Buddhist relics.
PHU PHING PALACE
Located on Doi Buak Ha, about 4 kms. from Doi Suthep. Phu Phing Palace is the winter Palace and open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as holidays, when Thai Royal Family is not in residence.
OLD CHIANG MAI CULTURAL CENTER
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center gathers the Lanna Thai arts and culture. Within its area, a hilltribe village and a Thai styled house have been erected. Souvenir shops are available. Two attractive events held regularly in the late evening are the Northern style supper called “ Khan Tok ” and folk dancing performances.
DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK
Doi Inthanon is one of Thailand’s most famous National Parks and one of the best equipped to welcome visitors. It is situated in the area of three Amphoes: Chom Thong, San Pa Tong and Mae Chaem and covers some 1,005 square kilometers. It offers marvelous natural scenery. Shooting, fishing and causing damage to trees and plants are strictly forbidden.
ORCHID FARM
Along Mae Rim – Samoeng Road is the center of all northern orchids. Some orchid farms provide an opportunity for visitors to admire the famous “The Queen of the Forest” that blooms all year round.
BO SANG UMBRELLA MAKING VILLAGE <br>
9 kms from town where artisans make umbrellas with accuracy and speed. People there make paper products by an ancient process and produce charmingly painted umbrellas.
WAT PHRA SING
One of Chiang Mai's most important temples, Wat Phra Sing was built in 1345 to house the ashes of King Kham Fu. The Viharn Laikam, built in late Lanna style around 1806, is considered one of the finest structures in Chiang Mai; it houses the famous Phra Buddha Sihing of Chiangsaen or early Lanna style, and also contains beautiful murals dating from the fourth reign.
CHIANG RAI & THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Chiang Rai, north of Chiang Mai, lies in the heart of the fabled Golden Triangle, the mountainous region where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) converge. The area is populated by exotic hilltribes who live at altitudes above 3,000 feet.
WAT PHRA THAT DOI TUNG
Located near the summit of Doi Tung, Chiang Rai's highest mountain, this temple offers spectacular views of Thailand, Myanmar, and the The Mekong River valley. The golden Chedi enshrines a sacred relic of the Buddha and attracts crowds of devout Buddhists during an annual pilgrimage.
PHRA TAMNAK DOI TUNG
A beautiful royal residence is built for the Princess Mother on the way to Phrathat Doi Tung. The main attraction is Suan Mae Fa Luang, a very beautiful garden decorated with different kinds of plants and flowers. The garden is open to visitors daily.
MAE SAI
Thailand’s northern most border district to Myanmar, The Myanmar atmosphere is prevalent in this area and also Myanmar goods and handicrafts can be purchased.
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
The most famous attraction where the borders of the three countries: Laos Thailand and Myanmar meet. It is about 9 kilometers north of Chiang Saen. From this place, Laotian and Myanmar border can be seen through Mae Khong and Ruak River respectively. Accommodations are available for tourists who want to stay over night. Boats can be rented for trips along the Khong River.
CHIANG KHONG
Located 114 kilometres northeast of Chiang Rai and 55 kilometres east of Chiang Saen, this is a small district by the khong River. Its fame lies in its cloth weaving at Ban Hat Bai and, in the Khong River, the Pla Buk the world’s largest freshwater cat fish capable of reaching 2.5 metres long and weighing 300 kilograms. Each April celebrations are held when the giant fish are caught. At the Chiang Khong Fishery Station, fertilization of the fish can be witnessed.
MAE HONG SON
Mae Hong Son, the west, is completely isolated by mountains and has several Burmese style temples of note. Mae Hong Son is a principal center for elephant treks, river-rafting and visits to hilltribe villages.
WAT CHONG KHAM
Located in Mae Hong Son this temple overlooks a small lake surrounded by a palm grove -perhaps the most picturesque spot in the Mae Hong Son valley. The temple is in Burmese style and offers an impressive display of intricate metal fretwork, patterns of inlaid coloured glass, carved wood, and other characteristic Burmese decorative techniques.
THE NORTHEAST (ISAAN)
During the 1970s, and archaeological excavation in the tiny hamlet of Ban Chiang, 50 kilometers east of Udon Thani, unearthed indisputable evidence of a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the area some 5,000 years ago. Ban Chiang now is UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today visitors can inspect the bones, pottery and jewellery that were excavated from local burial mounds.
Khao Yai, Phu Kradung, Phu Rua and Kaeng Tana national parks each offer different topography, flora and fauna, and are as distinctive in their own ways as the region’s colorful festivals and traditions. These include the Rocket Festival in Yasothon each May, the Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani each July, and the world-famous 2-day Elephant Round-up in Surin each November. Each are celebrated with special élan by a fun loving and warmly hospitable people.
KHAO YAI
KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK
The park Cover an area of 2,168 sq.km. in four provinces. The Park comprises various mountains, two important rivers of Lam Takhong and Nakhon Nayok, with may rare species of fauna, flora and over 20 waterfalls.
KORAT
Nakhon Ratchasima, Khorat for short, and adjacent areas, is also steeped in history. One thousand years ago, the area was part of the Angkor-centered Khmer Empire. Prasat Hin (stone castle) temples in Phimai and Phanom Rung are superb examples of classical Khmer architecture.
PRASAT HIN PHIMAI
Prasat Hin Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) was built in the early 12th century and has been described as the largest Khmer sanctuary in Thailand, and one of the finest examples of classical Khmer architecture. It was once linked by a direct road with Angkor itself. The temple was restored by Bernard Groslier, a French archaeologist.
BURI RAM
PRASAT PHANOM RUNG
Although the Northeast has several Khmer ruins of major archaeological interest, perhaps the best known is Prasat Phanom Rung, an historical park in Buri Ram. This Khmer sanctuary on the peak of a mountain dates from the beginning of the Angkor Wat period, early in the 12th century, and has an impressive 200-metre avenue leading to the main building, adorned with superb stone carvings and friezes. A lintel of Reclining Vishnu, taken from the temple, was recently returned by an American museum.
THE GULF OF SIAM
PATTAYA
The‘sun and fun'culture of Pattaya beach resort, just a 2-hour drive southeast of Bangkok, offers something completely different for the entire family, including all major water sports, house-riding, tennis, go-kart racing and golf on a dozen challenging golf coursed designed by such luminaries as Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Children will enjoy water parks, model villages, open zoos, including the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, and elephant shows. Quality accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and shopping help make Pattaya the perfect all-round holiday destination.
JOMTIEN BEACH
A long beach and only 4 kilometres from Pattaya. A beach road runs parallel to the shore along which are hotels and other accommodation facilities. Less noisy than Pattaya, it is popular as a site for relaxation, swimming and water-sports.
THE RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT ODDITORIUM
A large collection of stories of oddities from every corner of the globe. The Motion Master Moving Theatre offer hi-tech screening of motions and movements as experienced in real life.
ALCAZAR CABARET SHOW
Fantastic transvestite cabaret shows with three– four daily performances.
KO LAN
The clear waters of the offshore Lan Island are popular with snorkellers. 7.5 kms from Pattaya, the 2 x 5 km island offers several white, sandy beaches such as Hat Ta Waen to the north. This is where most of the tour boats make anchor to take advantage of the foodshops and stalls along the shore. Hat Laem Thian and Hat Samate are located to the southwest while Hat Ta Phan is to the west of the island. Facing Hat Ta Phan are coral ranges. To the south are some hotels and is another site to view coral reefs. Visitors can choose glass-bottom boats and surface-diving.
KO SAMET
The sandy beaches of Samet Island, to the southeast, are perfect for that intent on doing precisely nothing. The east coast provinces of Rayong and Trat are well known for their uncrwded beaches, tranquil islands and national parks.
RAYONG
Further down along the cast from Pattaya, Rayong’s beaches are quiet and unspoilt. The few hotels are quite spread apart.
KO CHANG
Ko Chang is Thailand’s 2nd biggest island, now accessible from Bangkok by road and ferry within about 3-4 hours. Near the Cambodian border, it is jungle covered and offers some of the most beautiful beaches, but most accommodation is still rather simple. Excursions to nearby snorkeling grounds. Malaria prophylaxis recommended.
HUA HIN & CHA-AM
On the western side of the Gulf of Siam there are several popular beach resorts which are also within easy reach of Bangkok. A new four-lane highway means the journey from the capital to the region’s principal town of Hua Hin now takes just over two hours.
Cha-Am, about 20 kms north of Hua Hin is very popular with Bangkokians on weekends and most hotels are a bit out of town.
Hua Hin is actually the country’s oldest beach resort, having been popularized by royalty in the 1920s. Today, its elegant charms continue to attract the wealthy of Bangkok, along with a growing number of international tourists. Its fishing village, long, curving bay and excellent golf courses are its major attractions. A number of excellent hotels can be found here and so can some splendid golf courses. Hua Hin’s night market is popular with both locals and tourists.
HUA HIN RAILWAY STATION
Built in the reign of King Rama VI, this is one of Thailand’s most beautiful train stations of which the local people are very pround.
THE SOUTH
Two lushly tropical islands, Samui in the Thai Gulf, and Phuket, in the Andaman Sea, offer all the ingredients for truly memorable holidays, Phuket is the more developed of the two. Both boast luxury accommodation, numerous water sports activities, and opportunities for exploring neighboring islands.
PHUKET
Little more than one hour by air south of Bangkok, Phuket is internationally renowned for its beautiful beaches and excellent seafood. Phuket’s western coast is characterized by especially fine sandy beached separated largely by forested headlands. Within this area, some of the world’s most picturesque resort complexes offer every imaginable luxury. Phuket also has 3 international golf courses and enough water sports opportunities, including some of Asia’s best game fishing, sailing and scuba diving, to keep everyone happy.
PHUKET TOWN
Located in the middle of the island, Phuket town is worth a visit to admire the Sino-Portugese architecture of some of its streets.
CAPE LAEM PHROMTHEP (Sunset Cape)
As the name indicates, this is a most popular spot to watch sunsets at the southern tip of Phuket.
PHUKET FANTASEA
A fantastic world class show combining traditional Thai elements with magic, acrobatics and cabaret.
KRABI & PHANG NGA
The neighboring province of Krabi and Phang Nga offer equally fine beaches and lushly tropical offshore islands. Indeed island-hopping is a popular pursuit. Both the Phi Phi and Similan islands feature magnificent underwater coral gardens teeming with multi-hued tropical fish. Phang Nga Bay, to the northeast of Phuket, offers great adventure trips. Long-tail launches transport visitors through mangrove swamps, caves dripping with stalactites, and out into the bay where scores of tiny volcanic islands soar hundreds of feet skyward. Many such islands can be explored by “environmentally-friendly” sea-canoes, which allow access into otherwise hidden grottoes where the timelessly tranquil atmosphere is decidedly prehistoric.
PHANG NGA
A bridge links Phuket to the mainland and the province of Phang Nga. Movie-goers may recall the spectacular scenery featured in the James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun"- towering limestone islands jutting out of a tranquil sea. These and more of nature's wonders, including incredible inland lakes, hidden from sight to all but the most adventurous of sea canoeists or helicopter pilots, can found here at Phang Nga.
KHAO LAK
About 1 – 1.5 hrs. north of Phuket airport on the mainland. Khao Lak’s beaches are a good choice for those seeking unspoilt beaches and quiet atmosphere. Excursions to Similan Island and Khao Sok National Park are possible from here.
KRABI
Further down the southwestern coast is the province of Krabi, whose craggy coastline is replete with secluded coves and bays, accessible only by boat. Here, too, are some of the finest beaches in southern Thailand.
PHI PHI ISLAND
These comprise six islands, the most notable of which are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. The superb scenery of the islands included high hills with jutting cliffs, surrounded by beaches of silver sand and clear sea full of coral reefs and colourful marine life. Phi Phi Le also boasts a Viking cave with ancient wall painting and swallows’ nests.
MAYA BAY
Famous since the movie “The Beach”, excursions are now being offered which include the agnificent Maya Bay.
SAMUI
Samui Island is also approximately one hour south of Bangkok by air. The palm-fringed and mountainous Samui is the major island in a sparkling archipelago that includes the Ang Thong Marine National Park. Samui offers the broadest imaginable range of accommodation, fine sandy beaches, several ‘hideaway’ coves and a relaxed ambience equally well attuned to lazy days and a vibrant nightlife.
ANG THONG ISLANDS
Both of these islands are within close proximity of the Ang Thong islands, a national marine park, and Ko Tao, famed for its scuba diving sites.
HAT YAI & SONGKHLA
On the southern mainland, Hat Yai, just 50 kilometers from the Malaysian border, and Songkhla, offers very contrasting lifestyle. Hat Yai is a major commercial, entertainment and shopping area. Songkhla is a somnolent beachside town with a scenic beach and a freshwater lake containing Thailand’s largest waterfowl sanctuary.
|
|
|
|
