With its abundant natural beauty, fabulous cuisine, imposing temples and ruins of
ancient kingdoms, its no wonder that the Kingdom of Thailand draws more tourists than any
other country in Southeast Asia.Lying in the
heart of the region, Thailand (formerly known as Siam) serves as a natural cultural
crossroad between its neighboring countries: Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and China.
Divided into four natural regions, Thailand also offers the
visitor natural diversity. From the cold mountains of the Northern Region to the
archaeological sites of the Northeast plateaus… Loll in the pristine beaches and
idyllic islands of the South to the decidedly cosmopolitan Capital City of Bangkok found
in the country’s Central Plain.
Thais are renowned for their friendliness so visitors
won’t have any difficulty in finding their way around. English is widely understood
and used, most especially in Bangkok where it is a major commercial language. Apart from
English, Chinese and some European Languages are spoken in most major tourist
destinations.
Places to Visit/ Things to See
Wats
Thailand’s most characteristic architectural symbol is
the Thai Buddhist temple called the Wat (pronounced as vat). Being a predominantly
Theravada Buddhist country, there are an estimated 18,000 Wats in Thailand that
vacationers can go visit.
Among the prominent temples are those found in Ayuthaya or
the Grand Palace of Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These include Wat Na Phra Meru,
Wat Thammikarat, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Mahathat and Wat
Ratburana.
Tourists must also visit the Wat Trimitr or Temple of the
Golden Buddha featuring a 5.5 ton statue of Buddha made entirely out of solid gold. There
is also the Emerald Buddha at the Temple of Wat Phra Kaeo also located in the Grand Palace
complex.
As in most religious places, use of appropriately
conservative clothing is recommended.
Kanchanaburi
Embark on a pilgrimage to the infamous Bridge at the River
Kwai where millions of POWs and forced laborers lost their lives at the "Death
Railway" during the Second World War.
Chiang Mai
One of the favorite tourist destinations, Chiang Mai City
has over 300 Wats set against an imposing mountain background. While being one of the most
modern cities in Thailand, Chiang Mai retains its rustic and rather historical appeal.
Chiang Mai also offers bargain opportunities for visitors
who may wish to get in a bit of shopping.
Elephant Rides and Reptile Tours
Riding atop one of the world’s largest animals is an
experience not to be missed. The National Elephant Institute of Thailand offers different
packages for tourists who would like to interact with these majestic beasts.
Visitors may also visit the Crocodile Farm and Snake Farm
in Bangkok to take in some of the shows and visit information centers about these
reptilian predators.
Talaat Naam : The Floating Markets
Fancy a bit of shopping with a twist? Wooden boats filled
with fruits, flowers and vegetables make for a colorful scene at market time with Thai
women dressed in blue farmer’s costumes and flat-topped conical hats (‘muak
ngob’.) The floating markets remain important commercial centers for those living
along the banks of 'klongs' or villages with no road access. The three floating markets
within reach from Bangkok are the Damnoen Saduak at Ratchaburi province, the Kha Floating
Market which can be reached from Samut Songkhram by minibus, and the Bang Khu Wiang market
in Nonthaburi province.
The best time to visit these markets is usually at sunrise
when most of the produce are at their freshest.
Muay Thai
Similar to Kickboxing, Thailand’s traditional sport is
as much an athletic event as it is a cultural one. Dating back some 2,000 years, Muay Thai
is a most revered sport in Thailand.
The sport of Muay Thai is similar to kickboxing. Two
participants fight each other using their feet, fists, elbows, and knees as weapons.
However, music, dance, and ritual also play important parts in this traditional Thai
sport. You may check websites like www.muaythai.com for up to date fight
listings and schedules.
Festivals
Most Thai festivals are Buddhist in origin and follow a
lunar calendar. New Year or Songkran, is celebrated in April by washing Buddha images,
paying respects to monks and elders by sprinkling water over their hands. Expect to be
drenched in this festival since is customary for the people to throw water around for fun.
Beaches/ Island resorts
The Southern part of Thailand showcases the beautiful
island of Ko Samui and its beaches. Popular beaches for swimming and snorkeling are the
Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai.
Another popular stopover for vacationers is Phuket,
Thailand’s largest and most visited island. The whole island province, which thrives
on tourism, offers interesting markets, temples and nature reserves.
Due to these places’ popularity, they at times tend to
get crowded.
For less populated beaches and coastal areas, the Mae Nam
Bo Phut and Big Buddha on the Northern coast are excellent alternatives.
Due to the tragic events of the December 2004 tsunami
however, tourists are advised to check tsunami updates and reports when planning to visit
coastal areas.
Whether visiting historical and cultural sites, or taking
in an elephant show at Sampran province, Thailand has something to offer for every touring
taste and entertainment.
Visit Thailand Today, Where the Sky, Oceans and the City Merge...
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