Thailand - Bangkok - Chiangmai - Phuket - Pattaya Beach
Travel and Visit Beautiful Thailand Today!

Written by: Debbie Salcedo
03/26/05

Title: "Thailand At the Heart of Southeast Asia"
About: Travel and Tourism Thailand

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.

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.