07/04/2022
*~SPOTS TO VISIT IN THAILAND~*
Ayutthaya
The former capital of Siam during 477 years, Ayutthaya is a city full of history and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Despite the partial destruction of the site by the Burmese people in the 18th century, the remains of the gigantic Buddhist
monasteries enable to measure the magnitude of the city.
Bangkok
Bangkok, the city of Angels… The Thai name of the Thailand’s largest city is Krung Thep, “City of Angels”. About 10 million people
live in Bangkok, the political, administrative, commercial, social and cultural capital. An eclectic mixture of tradition and
modernity sets Bangkok apart as Asia’s most exotic and fascinating city. The old City, in the north-west of the capital, contains
the largest concentration of historical sights - the Grand Palace, the National Museum, Wat Arun... Bangkok became Thailand’s
capital, after Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Thonburi, at the beginning of Chakri Dynasty with Rama I in 1782. The Chao Praya River
divides the city like into 2 distinct towns, Bangkok on its right bank and Thonburi on its left bank, and is like the life line of the
city. Bangkok remains the shopping paradise of South-East Asia. It is also one of the world’s most exciting cities in the world. Its
lively nightlife and markets, shops and restaurants, and magnificent wats (temples), museums, palaces and parks, have
something for every visitor.
Chiang Mai
Popularly known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous cultural
identity. The kingdom was founded by King Mengrai by merging the various city states in the region in 1296. Today Chiang Mai is
the economic, communications, cultural and tourism centre of
Northern Thailand.
About 700 kilometres from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is situated in the Mae Ping River basin some 310 metres above sea level.
Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometres. The fertile terrain consists
mainly of mountains and jungles parts of which are within national parks and are verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There
are many sites and locations which tourists can visit to study the lifestyle of the tribal people who live in the hills.
Chiang Rai
This is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, established in 1262 by King Mengrai as the centrepiece of the first independent
kingdom in the country, and heart of the Lanna Kingdom. Yet, after just 34 years of glory, Mengrai moved his capital south to
Lamphun and then finally to Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai largely fell into disuse and was fought over by Siamese and Burmese until
1786, when it was finally incorporated into the Siamese Kingdom.
The northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai is situated on the Kok River basin 416 metres above sea level. With an area of
some 11,678 square kilometres, it is about 785 kilometres from Bangkok. Mostly mountains, it reaches the Mae Khong River to
the north and borders on both Myanmar and Laos.
The province is rich in tourism resources in terms of natural attractions and antiquities, evidence of its past civilisation. It is also
home to several hill tribes who follow fascinating ways of life and a tourism gateway into Myanmar and Laos.
Chiang Rai is unlike other towns. It is small enough to make visitors feel welcome but large enough to accommodate all these
people in comfortable accommodation.
Isan Region
Often neglected by most tourists, yet Isan offers incredible natural wonders through discovering the more authentic and rural
side of Thailand. The majestic National Parks as well as the Angkorian ruins are perfect places for trekking, leaving great
memories to travelers.
Kanchanaburi
"Muang" Kanchanaburi is the capital of Kanchanaburi Province, located where the River Kwai Noi and River Kwai Yai merge to
form the Maeklong (Mekong). An ancient Thai civilisation, Kanchanaburi is best known for its more recent history when, during
World War II the Japanese Imperial Army began construction of the infamous "Death Railway" which included the Bridge Over
The River Kwai.
In total, over 100,000 POW's lost their lives building the railway, tunnels and the famous bridge.
A relatively modern province, the origins of Kanchanaburi can be traced back to the reign of King Rama I, who established the
area as a defence against the invading Burmese in the late 18th century. The Thais and Burmese have a long history of crossborder troubles and Three Pagodas Pass in Sangkhlaburi district is still used today as a smuggling route!
Over the next century, Thailand as a nation became the economic power of South East Asia, due in large part to the creation of
small towns such as Kanchanaburi, complimenting the established Kingdoms of Ayutthaya, Sukothai and of course Bangkok.
Khao Yai
Located in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Khao Yai is the third largest National Park of Thailand. Within its 2000 km2 space, a
diverse fauna and flora are grouped together. Many treks will allow travelers to admire different waterfalls, colorful birds and
other jungle animals.
Ko Phi Phi
Located in Krabi Province, southern Thailand, this archipelago composed of 6 islands has built an incredible reputation. Although
very frequented by tourists, Ko Phi Phi still considered today having the most beautiful beaches in the world. Consequently, the
much known Phi Phi Don will surely leave travellers speechless.
Koh Chang
The second largest island of Thailand, Koh Chang is also considered as the most impressive. With its white sand beaches and
wildlife, this is the ideal spot for a trek in the jungle populated by colorful birds. The sea lovers will find incredible seabed to
discover and will surely have a wonderful experience.
Krabi
If the south be the crown of Thailand’s stunning coastal regions, then Krabi is surely one of the most sparkling of jewels
within that crown. Situated on the Andaman seaboard, it has some of the finest and most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom.
Almost virgin stretches of alluring soft sands welcome the visitor and the spectacular waters invite moments of blissful
swimming, snorkeling and other marine pleasures.
Krabi is also known for its historical significance. Stone tools, ancient drawings, pottery and skeletal remains found in the
region have been dated back tens of thousands of years.
To describe Krabi as a fantastic place to relax and enjoy a pleasing tropical climate is an understatement. The pace of life
here is unhurried and some beaches can be reached only by boat, a notion which lends itself to that unmistakable islandgetaway atmosphere. The area is growing in recognition as a resort destination offering a less developed alternative to
bustling Phuket. A range of accommodation is available, much of it in the main centre of Ao Nang, where there is as well a
selection of restaurants and shops. There is also stunning national park land to explore, with the presence of Hat Noppharat
Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park. And for those looking for a touch of adventure to add to their ‘fun in the sun’, Krabi certainly
delivers: kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, trekking, cave exploration and island hopping are on the list of activities here.
Mae Hong Son
Nestled in Thailand’s northern regions is Mae Hong Son, a province once difficult to reach and its natural beauty unseen by many
visitors to the country. Nowadays this land of mist shrouded hills, remote valleys and ethnic hilltribe villages is much easier to
access and yet it’s mystical attraction of being a rugged and intriguing destination is as strong as ever.
Some 900 km from Bangkok, Mae Hong Son is bordered by Myanmar to the north and west and - while a strong Burmese
influence is evident in the province’s beautiful temples and buildings - it is a region of ethnic diversity. The population is an
enchanting mix of Thai, Shan and different hilltribes such as the Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu and Padong. It’s from the Padong
hilltribe this exotic spot draws one of its most intriguing attractions – the women of the group are famed for their elongated
ringed necks.
Enjoying a cooler climate than most of Thailand almost year round, Mae Hong Son offers a wealth of nature based activities.
There’s rafting, hiking through lush jungle countryside, visits to the hilltribe villages, exciting elephant rides and much, much
more…
Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)
The city of various Khmer ruins is also commonly known as Khorat or Korat, which is a short version of the ancient name
Korakapura. It is located at the western edge of the Khorat Plateau, 260 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, and historically
marked the boundary between the Lao and Siamese territory, however now is considered a gateway to the Northeast (Isan).
From archaeological evidence it has been found that there were 2 ancient towns named Sema and Korakapura which currently
are in Sung Noen district, 30 km west of present-day Khorat. It was once part of the Khmer empire. In the years of 1656-1688
King Narai moved the city to its current location. The city was attacked by Anouvong, the King of Vientiane, in 1827 in an attempt
to halt the growing Siamese control of Laos. Thao Suranaree is a local heroine with a statue in the centre of the city; she is
credited with having saved the city from Anouvong's army. The old town of Khorat west of the Thao Suranaree monument was
designed and built by the French engineer who is believed to be the same one who built Naraimaharaj Palace in Lopburi.
Nakhon Ratchasima is connected with the north-eastern railway line, connecting Bangkok with Ubon Ratchasima and Nong Khai.
Also passing the city is Thai highway 2 (Friendship highway). 26km east of the city is the Nakhon Ratchasima Airport. As of 30
November 2006, the airport does not handle passenger traffic, and shipping has not been seen as a major commercial possibility.
Passenger service has been attempted many times with financial failure (charges were as low as 99 Baht to fly to Bangkok),
authorities are still discussing ways to make the over 400 million Baht investment several years ago a paying venture.
Phuket
Dubbed the 'Pearl of the South' by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand's largest island and lies in the Andaman Sea off the
country's south-western coast. The island is connected to the Thai mainland by a bridge, but has retained a distinct culture fused
from Chinese and Portuguese influences combining with the culture of the chao naam, the indigenous sea-faring people. About
35% of the island's population is Thai Muslims.
The island's terrain varies from rocky beaches and long, broad sweeps of sand to limestone cliffs and forested hills. It has good
beaches, tropical vegetation and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, but its ambience and ecology are under pressure from
extensive and irresponsible development. The main resorts include Patong, Karon and Kata, but better beaches are scattered all
around the island. Roads radiate from Phuket Town, in the south-east of the island, making it a good base for exploring. Don't
ignore the island's interior which has rice paddies, plantations of rubber and cashew nut, cacao, pineapple and coconut, as well
as Phuket's last slice of rainforest.
Samui
At 247 sq km (95 sq miles), Samui is Thailand’s third largest island, after Ko Phuket and Ko Chang. Dubbed the biggest coconut
plantation in the world until the first backpackers arrived in the 1970s, this island has now seen tourism become its main income
earner. Samui’s beaches are world famous - its long, perfect strands attract around 500,000 visitors each year. Chaweng beach,
in particular, has a reputation as something of a hang-out for an international party crowd.
Sukhotai
The former capital of Thailand during the 13th century, Suhkotai has become a popular tourist destination. Located just a few
kilometers from the ruins of the ancient city, magnificent temples and historical monuments are there to explore.
Trang
Relatively small numbers of Thai people can claim to have visited this splendidly scenic part of their own land, and if it is
amazingly well endowed with natural beauty, its other great asset is being one of Thailand's little-known tourist secrets. Whilst
an average of one plane every few minutes uses Phuket's busy runway, Trang's tranquil airport (opened in 1999) welcomes just a
handful of flights a day, with the few overseas visitors on board generously outnumbered by Thai businessmen and local citizens.
At the nearby seaport of Kantang, the charming 19th century train station marks the terminal of the South-western Thai railway,
adding to the comforting end-of-the line feeling in this lovely part of the Kingdom, with the noise and pollution of Bangkok some
830 kilometres and 15 hours up the track.
Here, lazy beach lounging and stunning sightseeing attractions can be enjoyed without the standard recipe that tends to define
and often defile tourist resorts everywhere, and since over two thirds of the province has been designated as national parkland,
thoughtful ecological considerations are likely to shape future development.
Ubon Ratchathani
Located Northeast of Thailand, on the border with Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is mainly consist of forest and farms ideal to explore
nature. Its national parks are an opportunity to learn more about the fauna and flora typical of Thailand. Since it was once
connected to the Khmer Empire, the region is also home to numerous Angkorian temples.
Udon Thani
Located in The Northeast of Thailand, less than a hundred kilometres away from Vientiane (Laos), Udon Thani is the 4th biggest
city of the country. It became famous during the Vietnam War as it hosted one of the largest US military bases. Moreover, the
city is also renowned for its numerous surrounding parks and archaeological sites making it an ideal place for exploring nature.
The Ben Chiang site, especially, is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage.
