Attractions for
the visitor to Thailand are many and varied. From
hill trekking in the north, to the frenetic pace
of Bangkok, and the laid back beaches of the south
- Thailand has it all.
Below
you'll find a summary of the main attractions
and links to more information.
Thailand Beaches
Thailand has been blessed
with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world,
all within easy reach of the capital.
Improved roads and well-developed
air connections make these beaches easier to reach than
ever before. The most well known areas are Phuket,
just off the south-west coast in the Andaman sea, Krabi,
which is close to Phuket but not as busy, and Koh
Samui, in the gulf of Thailand. More remote locations
such as Khaolak,
just north of Phuket are also becoming popular.
Thailand, Around Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand's
capital, with its many temples, palaces, museums and
markets, requires a minimum of three days to appreciate.
The Grand Palace and Wat
Phra Kaeo - featuring some of the most spectacular architecture
in Southeast Asiai, are well worth a visit. Jim Thompson's
Thai House, set up by an American who turned the Thai
silk industry into a multi-million dollar business is
another major hightligh, as are the many fabulous temples
and Wats around the city.
Northern Thailand is
home to many differnet ethnic groups, and trekking tours
out of Chiang Mai are the best way to see the area.
Northern Thailand has a
unique history, culture, language and people. Chiang
Mai makes an excellent base for exploring the rest of
the region - with its wide range of historical sites,
national parks, arts, crafts, and fascinating hill tribes.
Chiang Mai itself is filled with dozens of stunning
temples and interesting sites, as well as some excellent
shopping.
Leaving Bangkok for
a day or two to see some of the sites of central Thailand
can be the most worthwhile part of your trip.
Lopburi, 155km north of
Bangkok, was once the provincial capital of the Khmer
Empire, and there are several monuments worth seeing.
Sukhothai, further north, has been designated a UNESCO
World Heritage site. and includes 193 historic monuments.
Other places of interest include the museum, temples
and fortification of Kamphaeng Phet and Phitsanulok's
famous Buddha image.
Thailand has more than
25,000 square km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
spread almost evenly throughout the kingdom.
Khao Yai National Park,
northeast of Bangkok,
which boasts spectacular waterfalls, countless species
of wild flowers and trees, elephants, tigers, bears,
giant hornbills and other protected wildlife. Doi Inthanon
National Park has the country's highest peak at 2,565
metreswhile Ao Phang Nga National Park, near Phuket
has countless islands containing fabulous aquatic grottoes
and caves.
An overwhelming choice
of high quality shops and multifarious markets have
made Thailand internationally famous for its shopping
opportunities.
Some of the best spots
include the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, set
on a 35 acre plot of public park; Banglamphu, the traveller
hang-out of Khao San Road, near the Chao Phraya River,
in Bangkok; and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Best Buys
include silk, Ceramics & Pottery, Wickerwork, Brass
& Bronze, Gold and Silver, Pearls, Dolls, Shadow
Puppets, Wood Crafts and Jewellery
Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel: From US$ 137 - Chiang Mai, Thailand Puripunn, an intimate property with a total of 30 rooms is constructed in a contemporary Lanna-Oriental architectural style inspired by traditional homes found in Chiang Mai. The...
Holiday Inn Resort: From US$ 118 - Phuket, Thailand The Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, completely renovated and rejuvenated, is located in the heart of Patong. Shopping, entertainment and the beach are all just steps away. Relax...
By The Sea: From US$ 45 - Phuket, Thailand An experience affording you the rare opportunity to own and enjoy a delightful sea view room with an absoloute beachfront location. With panoramic Andaman sea views, a...
