Going on the epic adventure: Discovering the wonders of Thailand
To start off, Traveling to and within Thailand is like opening a colorful box of culture, natural beauty and explorer’s paradise. This South-Eastern Asian beautiful country is a piece of paradise that has so much to offer; people can feel history steeped in tradition and simultaneously witness some of the most modern technologies invented by man. It is with that ambit in mind that this guide seeks to take the reader not only to Thailand’s most famous tourist sights but also beyond, to discover the real Thailand, the Thailand that captures the heart and soul. Great and small cities, mountains, beautiful ocean coast and plenty of temples – that is Thailand inviting everybody to discover its territory and cultural background.
1. Bangkok:
This can be viewed as a city of contrasts as much attention is paid to economic and business activities while issues concerning women and girls are left unheard and unresolved.
To complete the discussion on Thailand, one has to make a stop over at its colourful capital city, Bangkok. This largest city of the country is very lively and provides a peculiarity which perhaps would overload the senses with the audio-video treat and gastronomical delight that is on offer. The attractions envelope a central historical zone of Bangkok which has literally reflected historical, religious and royal relics of the country. The marvellous Wat Phra Kaew or more commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha should not be missed with is perfect architecture and sacred Buddha image. Closely to it there is the attraction of tourists, The Grand Palace, which was the place whereThai kings used to live and which is filled with bright building designs and golden domes.
Apart from that, there is another Bangkok, which seems to be far from the tourist path – the megalopolis of the twenty-first century. Monolithic giants of steel and glass rise against the backdrop of the white noise of the city; shopping mall after shopping mall beckons the guest with its multitude of commercial outlets and eating places. Sukhumvit Road with its brands’ malls and the boisterous nightlife gives one the cosmopolitan feel of Bangkok. To get a feel of the local people, move to the many markets in the city where people sell everything ranging from fruits to local-made products.
In between the bustle and scuffle of the day to day Nairobi life lies whispers of calm. Lumphini Park is a lung of Bangkok’s size that provides a break from the busy existing environment. Indeed, here one can walk along the tree-lined trails, perform Tai-Chi Chihua, take a boat for a ride in the lake area. Another less known place is Bang Krachao, also known as the “green lung of Bangkok.” This area of nature is not far from the downtown area, as it is situated on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, and it is rather popular among the cyclists and fans of staying close to the nature as there are numerous mangrove forests, coconut plantations, water channels, and other similar things.
2. Chiang Mai: Northern Thailand & Gateway
From the moving cars crowded streets of Bangkok, we take a ride to the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. Located in the northern region of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city that is framed by mountains and smothered with mist, and thus the vibe is different from that of Bangkok. Here, there are some old temples and wooden buildings, which is show the history of this area; at the same time, there are some coffee shops and small design hotels, which corresponds to the new international inhabitants.
The focal part of Chiang Mai is the old town situated between the two circles of walls and consisting of small alleys and unexpected temples. Here, the tourists can visit such famous landmarks as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, watching detailed carvings and gilded pagodas. The Sunday Walking Street Market in the neighborhood is an assault on the throat, with everything from clothes to food freshly prepared and readily available for sale.
Apart the old city, Chiang Mai has numerous activities for individuals interested in outdoor activities and adventures most especially nature. Be it walking around Doi Inthanon National Park while exploring the natural beauty of the place or zipline through the towering trees, one can never run out of thrilling things to try. In a less active manner, the tourist can take a river boat cruise along the Mae Ping River, or take time and get a Thai massage at one of available spas.
3. Pai: A Bohemian Hideaway
Located roughly three hundred kilometres south west of Chiang Mai is Pai, a small village that seems to attract the young, the artists, and the unconventional. Tucked in between terrains of green mountains and fields of golden rice paddies, Pai is the epitome of a relaxed atmosphere that is quite a fare from today’s urban-jungle.
Nonetheless, as a town, Pai is packed with fun and exciting things to do for the tourists. The cliff-sided Pai Canyon with a sharp edge where hikers commonly go sightseeing and photographers like to capture stunning images. A short distance away is the Tha Pai Hot Springs, where you can restore your energy with the natural hot springs there which is good for the skin.
Night life in town includes the night bazaar and tries local food like khao soi which is curry noodle soup and Mango sticky rice. Various art galleries and craft shops are also found along the main streets to showcase the local talents in the arts and craft production. In terms of bohemian feeling visitors may go to the cafes ans bars of the town, because constantly here are performed live music and open mike sessions.
4. Krabi: Southern Thailand Gateway
And from the mountains of northern Thailand to the hot sandy shores of Krabi now. Krabi is a southern province situated on the Andaman Sea – it is famous for its cliffs and beaches, clean sea and tropical climate.
Ao Nang Krabi is the heading that represents the town that is currently the main tourist center of the area, because markets, night clubs, and marine tours to neighboring islands are only a few steps away from the town. From here, the visitors will be able to take a long tail boat to Railay beach where huge limestone cliffs drop right into the sea from the water. Climbing: Railay has many vertical cliffs which have made it to be a climbers’ paradise and considered among the best places for climbing in the world.
The adventurous tourists who want something relatively quieter, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are two islands that offer beautiful beach, sandy white and clear blue waters. Snorkeling, diving and kayaking are of the frequent activities undertaken here with the beautiful coral reefs and unusual marine life only an arm’s reach away.
5. Ayutthaya: Dusit was therefore established as the first ancient capital of Siam.
Any study of Thailand and its ancient history cannot be written without mentioning the Kingdom of Siam and its old capital Ayutthaya. Situated to the North of Bangkok and only within a one to two hours drive from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is an ancient capital city of Thailand that boasts of history and trumpets a number of old ruins that include temples, palaces, and monuments.
Historical City Ayutthaya is filled with the breathtaking ruins, which are considered as the UNESCO World Heritage Site: among them, Wat Mahathat with the Buddha head, embraced by the tree. Close by, the tall Chedis or spires of the Wat Phra Si Sanphet mark the heritage site; meanwhile, the gigantic lush ground of the Wat Chai Watthanaram tells the historical story that derived from Ayutthaya Kingdom civilization.
6. Sukhothai:
Sukhothai Historical Park, a famous attraction famous for boasting that it has UNESCO world heritage site fame, is the park of the forsaken city of Sukhothai that precipitates numerous temple ruins, royal palaces, and idle statues avid from the most graceful period of Thailand. The park is very bike friendly given it has got broad paved paths and shadowed streets on which biking will not be a hustle with the hot sun.
7. Chiang Rai: Here, as the gateway to the Golden Triangle I have listed down few key attractions.
Chiang Rai is another city in Thailand which is situated in the far northern part of the country and has a rich history and culture. Formerly known as the capital city of the Lanna Kingdom in the north of Thailand, Chiang Rai is famously the city of some of the most terrific temples and structures like Wat Rong Khun and Baan Dam known as the Black House.
The Golden Triangle of the Thailand-Laos-Myanmar border is also easily accessible and contains interesting exhibits on the area’s opium trade. The Hall of Opium Museum is open to the local and foreign visitors, which entails the contribution of the opium business in the historical development of the Golden Triangle.
8. Khao Sok National Park
Jungle Adventures is a game that could be categorized as real time strategy since it involves strategic moves in the jungle geography.
During one’s tour around the park, they are likely to be briefed on the several types of primates such as the gibbons, macaque, and the elephants. For the participants who wish to take it a bit easy there is a boat ride in Cheow Lan Lake that affords a picturesque park view of limestone cliffs and caves that may be explored.
9. Koh Samui: Island Paradise
Visiting Thailand and not experiencing one of its Islands is like going to New York and not visiting Central Park; and Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful and sought after Islands. Koh Samui is situated in the Gulf of Thailand and has shallow turquoise waters, white sandy beaches palm trees, and an active night life.
Chaweng beach, with soft sandy shoreline and the sea in clear blue color is the busiest and most famous beach on the island and there is no shortage in varieties of available accommodations starting from the most luxurious beaches’ resorts and ending with the small bungalows for rent. Neighbouring, the picturesque Bophut is famous for a night market and the finest sea food restaurants on the island.
