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Recommended Hotels Chiang Mai
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Thailand Travel
Attractions
The Central Region |
The North
| The Northeast | The East Coast |
The South
The Central Region
Geographically, the Central Region extends from rugged western
mountains bordering Burma to the northeast plateau to the east" extends
northwards to Nakhon Sawan where the Ping, Wang, Nan and Yom rivers unite to
form the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings) which flows southwards to dissect
Bangkok before entering the Gulf of Thailand; and southwards to Prachuap Khiri
Khan where Thailand is compressed to its narrowest point, some 60 kilometres
wide between western mountains and the Thai Gulf.
The Chao Phraya River largely irrigates the Central Plain, one of the world's
major rice and fruit-growing areas, and sustains an intricate network of canals
that irrigate bountiful orchards and market gardens; host vibrant floating
markets-, and support a unique, waterborne way of life.
The Central Region is extremely rich in historical sites. These include Nakhon
Pathom, Kanchanaburi, Bang Pa-In, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Lop Buri and, most
important of all, Bangkok, Thailand's capital and major point-of-entry.
Bangkok
Briefly, Bangkok's major tourism attractions include the fabulous Wat Phra Kaeo
(Emerald Buddha Chapel) and Grand Palace complex; Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn),-
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha),- Wat Saket (Golden Mount); Wat
Benchannabophit (Marble Temple),Vimanmek Palace, favourite residence of King
Chulalongkorn (1868-1910) and the world's largest golden teak building-, the
fabulous royal barges-, the Pasteur Institute's Snake Farm
where poisonous snakes are fed daily and venom is "milked" from cobras and
kraits to make invaluable serum-, Jim Thompson's House Museum which contains a
superb collection of Asian objets d'art,- Suan Pakkand Palace's lacquer pavilion
which is decorated with medieval gold leaf murals; the world's largest Crocodile
Farm; a 200-acre open air museum called the Ancient City,- entertainment and
recreational complexes such as Siam Water Park, Safari World, King Rama IX Park
and Dusit Zoo-, unrivalled shopping opportunities for some of the world's most
admired handicrafts,- exceptionally fine dining in gourmet restaurants featuring
the world's favourite cuisines-, and a liberated, almost legendary nightlife.
Beyond Bangkok
The Rose Garden, a riverside tropical park/ country club one hour west of
Bangkok, boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, fine accommodation and a
Thai Village where daily shows feature traditional activities such as folk
dancing, the Thai wedding ceremony, a Buddhist ordination and elephants at work.
Nakhon Pathom, 30 minutes further west (60 kilometres from Bangkok), hosts the
world's tallest Buddhist monument, the 380foot high Phra Pathom Chedi, which
marks the spot where Buddhism was introduced, some 2,300 years ago, to the
Thailand-to-be.
Damnoensaduak, 40 mintes south of Nakhon Pathom, is Thailand's most vibrant
floating market where farmers congregate on canals each morning in produce-laden
boats.
Kanchanaburi
Some 130 kilometres west of Bangkok, is famous for the "Bridge Over The River
Kwai", an Allied war cemetery, and
surrounding countryside characterised by waterfalls, broad fertile valleys and
caves once ingabited by Neolithic man. The Saiyok Noi,SaiyoK Yai, Erawan and
Huai Khamin Waterfalls and 12th-century Khmer Prasat Muang Sing are especially
worth visiting.
Ayutthaya, some 70 kilometres upstream from Bangkok, was the Siamese capital
from 1350 to 1767. Magnificent ruins of temples, palaces and crumbling fortesses
provide eloquent testimony of the former capitalOs splenclour. Wat Panan Choeng,
Wat Si San Phet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Phu Khao Thong and the Chao Sam
Phraya National Museum should not be missed.
Bang Pa-In palace, just south of Ayutthaya, was the summer residence of early
Chakri kings. The local Wat Niwet Thamaprawat is one of Thailand's most unusual
Buddhist temples, the chapel resembling an English Gothic church.
Phra Buddha Bat, Shrine of the Buddha's Footprint, is just north of Saraburi,
some 110 kilometres north of Bangkok. The Buddha's Footprint was discovered
accidentally some 350 years ago when a deer hunter found that a pool of water in
the shape of an enlarged human foot had curative powers.
Lop Buri, an ancient city dating from the 9th century, and some 150 kilometres
north of Bangkok, contains Hindu and Khmer ruins and the imposing Ramratchaniwet
Palace built by Ayutthaya's King Narai during the 1600s as a summer retreat.
Major ruins include the Khmer Phra Prang Sam Yot, the Hindu San Phra Kan, and
Wat Phra Si Mahathat.
Phetchaburi, 120 kilometres southwest of Bangkok, is well known for exotic
sweets, the Buddha-filled Khao Luang Caves, the hilltop Phra Nakhon Khiri
palace, the lovely Wat Suwanaram with its Ayutthayan meeting hall, murals and
scriptural repository, and the mountainous, scenically arresting Kaeng Krachan,
Thailand's largest national park.
Cha Am
773 kliometres southwest of Bangkok, has a popular beachside resort hotel and
public beach.
Hua Hin
198 kilometres from Bangkok, is Thailand's oldest beach resort and has been the
Thai royal family's summer residence since the 1920s. A genteel Edwardian
ambience characterises a resort with a fine beach, excellent accommodation and
opportunities for swimming, sailing, riding, windsurfing, waterskiing,
parasailing, snorkelling, fishing, playing tennis and golf.
Sam Roi Yot National Park, one hour south of Hua Hin, occupies some 60 square
kilometres of coastal land.
Prachuap Khiri Khan, some 280 kilometres from Bangkok, is a fishing town with a
scenic bay and the beachside Khao Chong Krachok (Mirror Mountain) which supports
a small pagoda and a resident monkey tribe.
The North
Bordered by Burma and Laos, characterised by forested mountains - -
lower extremities of Himalayan foothills - - and fertile river valleys, northern
Thailand encompasses part of the fabled Golden Triangle and was the cradle of
Thai civilization where, several centuries ago, small independent kingdoms held
away.
In 1238, the aptly named Sukhothai ("Dawn of Happiness") became the first truly
independent Thai kingdom where the Thai alphabet was created and nascent art
forms developed.
Diverse elements, including crisp mountain scenery, exotic hill tribes, forests
worked by elephants, colourful festivals, invigorating Cool Season weather,
ancient cities, exquisite northern Thai and Burmese style temples, and friendly
people contribute to northern Thailand's enduring charm.
Sukhothai, 427 kilometres north of Bangkok, is notable for massive sentinel
stone Buddha images that preside over ruins within the old city walls. The
largest temple, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Si Chum, with its massive seated Buddha
measuring some 11 metres from knee to knee, merit special attention.
Phitsanulok, some 60 kilometres south of Sukhothai, is famous as the site of the
riverside Wat Phra Si Rattana Maha That which enshrines the venerated Phra
Buddha Chinarat, cast in 1357, and commonly regarded as Thailand's most
beautiful Buddha image.
Si Satchanallai, 55 kilometres north of Sukhothai, was the ancient seat of
Sukhothai's viceroys, and is noted for several magnificent ruins, including Wat
Chang Lom and Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo.
Lampang, 600 kilometres north of Bangkok, is the sole provincial Thai capital
where horsedrawn carriages remain in daily use. Lampang is noted for several
Burmese-style temples, including Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Si Chum, the
magnificent Wat Lampang Luang, and a Thai Elephant Conservation Centre.
Lamphun, 670 kilometres from Bangkok, is famed for beautiful women, bountiful
orchards and the stunning Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a classic example of
northern religious architecture.
Chiang Mai
The principal northern city, some 700 kilometres north of Bangkok, was founded
in 1296 and is located in a fertile valley some 1,000 feet above sea level.
Chiang Mai is famous for beautiful women, historic temples dating from the
1300s, crisp mountain scenery, distinctive festivals and handicrafts, and
several formerly itinerant hill tribes of Tibeto-Burman origin.
Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Ku Tao and Wat
Phra That Doi Suthep merit visits.
The Bor Sang-San Kampaeng area is particularly rich in cottage industries which
produce handicrafts such as parasols, silks, cottons , jewellery, woodcarvings,
silverware, ceramics and lacquerware.
Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, lies to the west. A 90 kilometre
drive from Chiang Mai brings the visitor to the 8,514 footsummit, passing the
beautiful and popular Mae Klang, Wachirathan and Siriphurn waterfalls.
Mae Hong Son
A 35-minute flight northwest of Chiang Mai, is the tiniest and most isolated
northern provincial capital, nestling in a valley surrounded by mountains
containing several hill tribes and Burmese style temples.
Chiang Rai
Northeast of Chiang Mai, and 785 kilometres from Bangkok, lies in the very heart
of the Golden Triangle and is particularly famed for majestic mountains and many
highaltitude hilltribe villages. Popular attractions include Chiang Saen, an
ancient capital facing Laos across the Mekong River, and the mountaintop Wat
Phra That Doi Tung which commands a spectacular view of surrounding mountains ,
and several Akha hilltribe villages.
Nan, some 790 kilometres from Bangkok, is the site of famous annual boat races,
and several historic temples, including Wat Chang Kham, Wat Chae Haeng, Wat Phra
That Khao Noi and Wat Phumin with its undulating Naga balustrades and famous
murals.
The Northeast
Known by Thais as I-San, the sprawling Northeast Plateau is bordered
to the north and east by the Mekong River and Laos, and to the south largely by
Kampuchea.
The Northeast is a distinctive region thanks to a topography of lovely forested
mountains and national parks and rolling farmland-, to its colourful inhabitants
who speak their own melodious dialect, have a delicious highly spiced cuisine,
and a hospitable, vibrant and
oftentimes boisterous folk culture; and because of archaeologically significant
excavations and shrines - - such as Ban Chiang where the world's oldest Bronze
Age civilisation flourished some 5,600 years ago,- and venerable prasat hin
(stone castle) temples, legacy of I-San's former importance to the Angkor-centred
Khmer empire.
Khao Yaii National Park, northeast of Saraburi and some 200 kilometres from
Bangkok, covers parts of four provinces at an average elevation of 800 metres.
Khao Yai is some 540,000 acres in area, has a highest peak of 1,351 metres and
contains within its rain forests and high grasslands numerous species of
protected wildlife, such as deer, bears, tigers, elephants, giant hornbills,
sunbirds and silver pheasants. The park is laced with hiking trails, and has 10
rapids and waterfalls.
Nakhon Ratchasima, 259 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, is the gateway to I-San.
56 kilometres to the northeast of provincial capital lies Phimai, site of an 11
th-century prasat hin temple, one of the loveliest examples of classical Khmer
architecture found outside Kampuchea. The complex occupies land within boundary
walls measuring 250 x 280 metres and was sufficiently important to have been
connected by road with Angkor.
Other major I-San attractions include Khon Kaen, a university town some 450
kilometres from Bangkok in I-San's geographic centre and famous for its Mat Mi
silk; Loei province's Phu Kra Dung National Park, a crisply beautiful forested
plateau between 1,000 and 1,350 metres where night-time temperatures sometimes
drop to near freezing point, and the Kaeng Khut Khu rapids at Chiang Khan; the
scenic Si Chiang Mai to Nongkhai road which largely parallels the Mekong River;
Udon Thani's Ban Chiang village and museum which house priceless Bronze Age
jewellery and pottery excavated from local burial mounds; Nakhon Phanom's Phra
That Phanom, the most revered Northeast shrine, the spire of which dates from
the 9th century; Ubon Ratchathani, 629 kilometres from Bangkok, which introduces
the annual Buddhist Rains Retreat with a lovely Candle Festival, and the
pre-historical rock paintings at Pha Taem in Khong Chiam district near the
Mekong River; Yasothon, where, each summer, massive homemade rockets are
ceremoniously fired into the air to "ensure" bountiful rains; Surin, where an
annual Elephant Round-Up each November attracts visitors from all over the
world; and Buri Ram's Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, a lovely hilltop Khmer sanctuary
once connected by road with Angkor.
The East Coast
Beyond Bangkok, from the estuary of the Chao Phraya River, the East
Coast unfolds in a series of bays and beaches to the ThaiKampuchean border. Many
popular resorts, including Pattaya , Asia's permier beach resort, occupy a coast
characterised by cliff-hidden bays, palm-fringed beaches, innumerable fishing
communities, lovely islands and largely tranquil Gulf waters. The region is rich
in natural resources, including rubber, rice, fishing, orchards and gemstones,
and scenically arresting with several national parks containing waterfalls,
virgin forest and uninhabited, remote islands.
Bangsaen, 100 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, is the capital's nearest resort.
A cool palm-lined promenade separates Bangsaen's long crescent beach from
seafront bungalows, a water amusement park and a modern hotel.
Khao Khiao Open Zoo, 15 kilometres inland from Bang Phra, occupies a 1 200-acre
hillside setting. Favourite Asian, African and European mammals occupy spacious
enclosures. Thailand's most spectacular aviary, nestling against a forested
hillside, contains several rare Asian species.
Si Racha, 15 minutes further down the coast from Bang Phra, is a fishing
community famed for a delicious, tangy sauce and excellent seafood.
Pattaya
147 kilomatres southeast of Bangkok, is Thailand's "Riviera" and internationally
famous beach resort. All manner of watersports, motor-racing, offshore coral
islands, luxury accommodation and a vibrant nightlife comprise Pattaya's main
attractions.
Bang Sare, fishing village, from where game fishermen seek marlin, sharks, king
mackerel, tura and other Gulf denizens, and Sattahip, lie within 30 minutes to
the south.
Rayong
Rayong is best known for its Ban Phe fishing village and the narrow, 6-kilometre
long Samet island. Ko Samet has some 15 bays and lovely beaches, Coral reefs and
limpid waters ideal for swimming. snorkelling, scuba-diving and fishing are
found on the island's east coast.
Chanthaburi, is famous for historic sites, Thailand's largest Christian church,
locally mined star sapphires, bountiful orchards and the Khao Khitchakut and
Namtok Phlui national parks which contain attractive waterfalls.
Trat, the province bordering Kampuchea, is best known for the 52-island Ko Chang
Marine National Park which is dominated by Thailand's second largest island.
The South
Lush tropical islands, dazzling palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs
teeming with colourful marine life, picturesque fishing villages with
distinctive hand-painted boats, remote national parks, forested mountains,
waterfalls, historic cities, ubiquitous rubber estates, scenic wildlife
sanctuaries, the juxtaposition of temples and mosques clearly define the
region's visual appeal.
Geographically, southern Thailand extends through the Kra Isthmus from Chumphon,
460 kilometres south of Bangkok, to the ThaiMalaysian border, and is bordered in
the east by the Gulf of Thailand, to the west by the Indian Ocean.
Chumphon has several lovely beaches, birds' nest islands and excellent scuba
diving waters, particularly around Ko Tao.
Ranong, to the southwest, 568 kilometres from Bangkok, has a Hot Spa Health
Resort drawing water from Thailand's sole potable Geo-Thermal Mineral Water
Spring.
Surat Thani, is best known for the beautiful Ko Samui, Thailand's third largest
island, 268 nautical miles south of Bangkok, and jewel of a sparkling
archipelago that contains the lovely Angthong (Golden Bowl) Marine National
Park.
Nakhon Si Tharnmarat, 780 kilometres south of Bangkok, is an ancient city, home
of the historically important Wat Phra Maha That, and is the major centre of
southern Thai handicrafts such as black and gold neilloware, yan lipao basketry
and intricate shadow-play figures.
Songkhla
950 kilometres from Bangkok, a medieval pirate strong-hold, is a historic,
albeit sleepy town with a thriving fishing community and the lovely Samila
beach. The Great Songkhla Lake hosts the 520-square-kilometre Khu Khut Waterfowl
Park, home to some 140 species.
Pattani, some 100 kilometres further south, has Thailand's most beautiful mosque
and innumerable fishing communities with handpainted, lavishly decorated boats.
Narathiwat, further south, bordering Malaysia, is noted for its Ba Cho
Waterfall, a massive seated golden Buddha at Wat Khao Kong, and the border town
of Sungai Golok with its liberated nightlife.
Hat Yai
933 kilometres from Bangkok, is southern Thailand's principal commercial,
communications and entertainment centre and regularly attracts visitors from
nearby Malaysia.
Phatthalung, some 95 kilometres north of Hat Yai, has the Talay Noi Nok Nam bird
sanctuary at the northwestern end of the Songkhla Great Lake.
Trang's Khao Chong Nature Reserve, some 65 kilometres further west, contains one
of southern Thailand, sloveliest waterfalls.
Krabi's
Major attractions are the beautiful Phi Phi islands, the 75-million-year-old
Susan Hoi shell graveyard, one of the only three in the world, and the sweeping
Noppharat Beach.
Phang Nga's major attraction is the eerily beautiful Phang Nga Bay where verdant
limestone islands, honeycombed with caves and aquatic grottoes, soar
perpendicularly to heights of 300 metres and more from almost perpetually calm
waters.
Phuket
862 kilometres from Bangkok, is Thailand's largest island (the approximate size
of Singapore). Phuket is a resort of international stature, is blessed with a
wide variety of magnificent beaches, hidden coves and secluded bays, and has
probably the best seafood in Thailand.
Special Interests
Buddhist Meditation
Suan Mok, a 120-acre forest temple in Chaiya district, Surat Thani province,
some 580 kilometres south of Bangkok, attracts and accepts meditators from all
over the world. Meditation opportunities are also found in Bangkok, particularly
at Wat Mahathat (facing Sanam Luang), \A/at Pak Nam, Wat Chonprathan Rangsit,
Wat Phrathammakai and Banglamphu's Wat Bowon Nivet where English-language
instruction is available.
Elephant Training
Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, 28 kilometres outside Lampang on the main
highway to Chiang Mai, has replaced the former Elephant Training School at Ngao.
Logging training sessions for young elephants are held daily at 9.00 AM in an
attractive forest setting, and visitors are welcome.
Jungle Treks
Most popularly originating from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, these 2-6 day treks
take visitors through forested mountains and high meadows in what are, actually,
the lower extremities of Himalayan foothills. Major attractions are remote
hilltribe villages. Mountains surrounding Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai host seven
major, once-itinerant hill tribes of Tibeto-Burman origin - - the Meo, Lisu,
Lahu, Yao, Akha, Lawa and Karen. Each has distinctive dialects, costumes and
customs.
Orchid Farms
Several establishments in the suburbs of Bangkok, and in Chiang Mai and Chon
Buri province welcome visitors who may wish to admire, purchase or learn more
about these fabled blooms.
Traditional Thai Massage
Courses are taught principally in Bangkok's Wat Pho, "home" of traditional Thai
massage. Thai massage is also offered in Wat Mahathat and Wat Parinayok, both in
Bangkok.
Wildlife Sanctuaries National Parks
Thailand has some 50 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries covering more than
25,000 square kilometres. Evenly spread throughout the kingdom, such places
afford nature lovers opportunities to enjoy Thai flora and fauna in unspoiled
surroundings. The most popular in
terms of convenient accessibility and immediately visible attractions are as
follows:
Khao Yai National Park lies some 200 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, covers
more than 540,000 acres, has an average elevation of 800 metres and a highest
peak of 1,351 metres. The park supports elephants, tigers, bears, giant hombills
and other protected wildlife, countless species of wild flowers, trees and
spectacular waterfalls.
Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province covers Thailand's highest
mountain (2,565 metres). Forest above 1,800 metres is covered with lichens and
wild orchids while at lower levels several lovely waterfalls share the
mountainside with Meo and Karen hilltribe villages.
Ko Samet in Rayong province is the focal point of a Marine National Park. The
narrow, 6 kilometre long island numbers among Thailand's most beautiful islands
and is fringed by splendid beaches, dazzling coral reefs and limpid waters ideal
for snorkelling and scubadiving.
Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province is extremely popular. The
mountainside forest setting contains the seventiered Erawan Waterfall, widely
regarded as one of Thailand's loveliest cascades.
Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province provided major
settings for the award-winning movie The Killing Fields. A multi-peaked, thinly
forested limestone mass rises majestically from coastal marshes that host
numerous waterfowl species. Caves, islands, fine beaches and frequently seen
wildlife comprise major attractions.
Khu Khut Waterfowl Park in Songkhla province occupies 520 square kilometres of
the Great SongkhIa Lake and hosts some 140 resident and migratory species.
Ao Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga province featured prominently in the
James Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun. Verdant limestone islands,
honeycombed with caves and aquatic grottoes, soar perpendicularly from almost
perpetually calm waters. Major attractions include prehistoric rock paintings
and a stilted Muslim fishing village.
Tarutao Marine National Park in Satun province, 31 kilometres off the southern
Thai coast near the Thai-Malaysian Indian Ocean maritime border, is a 51 -island
cluster covering some 1,400 square kilometres, and offers some of Southeast
Asia's best scuba-diving waters.
Ko Samui and Ang Thong Marine National Park, covering an area of over 250 square
kilometres, is located in Surat Thani province and composed of various islands
noted for silvery sand and colourful coral reefs. Access to the islands can be
made either from Ban Don, Surat Thani or Don Sak in Nakhon Si Thammarat. |
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