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Thailand
Tourist Destinations |
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Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya |
Wat Phra Sisanphet,
Ayutthaya |
 Bangkok,
the capital of Thailand, is a metropolis where one can
find both old and new, East and West, traditional and
fashionable, blended together in a harmonious way. Samut
Prakan (29 km) has countless tourist attractions such
as historical sites, old markets and indigenous lifestyles
along the canals. The largest crocodile farm in the world
is situated here. Samut
Songkhram (63 km) highlights King Rama II Memorial
Park and Amphawa Floating Market. Those who love to experience the local lifestyles
have many choices of homestay programmes to choose from.
The old capital from 1350 to 1767, Ayutthaya
(76 km from Bangkok), is today visited chiefly as a historical
site, especially the World Heritage Historic City of Ayutthaya
and associated Historic Towns. Bang Pa-in Palace, and
Bang Sai Folk Arts and Crafts Centre are places recommended
for inclusion in a one-day tour.
More
about Ayutthaya, see
A
Memorable Cruise from Ayutthaya to Bangkok
Raft - Houses, very popular
in Kanchanaburi |
Kanchanaburi
(128 km), a good place for nature lovers, where
they can raft down the stream watching enchanting
scenery. The Death Railway and the Bridge over
the River Kwai are also located here. On a trip
to Saraburi (107 km), Buddhists
should not fail to pay homage to the Buddha's
Footprint there. Lop Buri (153
km) is famous for shrines in the Khmer style,
the remains of King Narai's palaces of the 17th
century, and the sunflower fields.
|
A Sunflower,
Lop Buri |
Phra Prang Samyot, Lop
Buri |
Nakhon Pathom (56 km) is the town that
boasts the tallest Buddhist pagoda both in Thailand and
in the world. The greatest Elephant Show in Thailand can
be seen here. Phetchaburi (123 km) has
many tourist attractions, including the famous Cha-am
Beach and many other beaches, scenic mountains, limestone
caves, historical sites, and ancient temples. Prachuap
Khiri Khan (281 km) is well known for Klai Kangwon
Palace, a summer palace of the King and the Royal Family,
the oldest beach resort, Hua
Hin, and Khao Samroi Yot National Park. Another famous
attraction is the 12-km-long Ban Krut Beach. Prachuap
Khiri Khan Bay is scenic and suitable for sport activities.
Pattaya Beach |
 Just
2 hours' drive from Bangkok is Pattaya,
the renowned recreation centre on the east coast.
Its fine sand, blue sky and limpid sea are among
many other good things that prove irresistible to
both foreign and domestic tourists. Although Pattaya
is the cream of Chon Buri (81 km),
other places of interest are plentiful in this province
-- Khao Sam Muk, where stands the Chao Mae Sam Muk
Shrine highly revered by Thais; Bang Saen, the nearest-to-Bangkok
beach resort for families; Ko Sichang, a paradise
island whose name has become the title of a song.
Chanthaburi (245 km), a coastal
province famous for its gemstones, fruits, hot pepper
and Chanthabun mats. |
Samet Island, Rayong |
Rayong (179 km), where the most attractive
tourist spot is the Samet Island, which has become very
popular among foreign visitors. Trat
(315 km), the most far-flung province on the eastern coast,
is well known for its Ko Chang Marine National Park. Prachin
Buri (135 km) is famous for its "Hin Phoeng"
Rapids which is part of Khao Yai National Park.
Buffalo Racing Festival
in Chon Buri
|
Hin Phoeng Rapids, Prachin
Buri |
The fine weather, the mountainous scenery, the exquisite
handicrafts and the rich northern Thai culture are some
of the charms of the North. Nan (668 km) is where culture
blends well with nature. This small and peaceful province
amidst the mountains is one of the most exciting sites
to shoot the rapids. Chiang
Mai (697 km), the second biggest province of Thailand,
provides visitors with a host of places of interest, such
as, Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, Bhubing Palace, etc.
Mae Fa Luang Garden,
Doi Tung, Chiang Rai
|
Chiang Mai
Flower Festival
|
Chiang
Rai (785 km), located at the northern tip
of Thailand in the very heart of the Golden Triangle,
gains fame from its scenic views, exotic hilltribes and
exciting elephant-back riding tours.
Doi Tung Royal Villa |
| Lamphun
(670 km) is a town of beautiful women, bountiful
orchards and ancient temples. Lampang
(599 km) is the sole province in Thailand where
horse-drawn carriages are still used as a means
of transportation. Phrae (643
km) is known for the northern costume called mohom
and Phae Muang Phi, a small area of weird earth
formation.
|
Horse-drawn Carriage, Lampang
|
Lying in the northwestern corner bordering Myanmar, Mae
Hong Son (942 km) is well known as the "Town
of Three Mists" because it is mist-shrouded throughout
most of the three seasons. It has several tourist attractions,
both natural and cultural. Being mountainous, the province
has many waterfalls and caves.
A camping area in Phetchabun |
Another perspective of
Sukhothai Historical Park
|
Sukhothai (427 km), the first capital of the Thai Kingdom,
is well-known for its two historic sites -- Sukhothai
and Si Satchanalai Historical Parks, which have been declared
World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1991. Tak
(426 km) This mountainous province is ideal for nature
lovers and adventurous tourists as there are numerous
places for white-water rafting, trekking and elephant
riding. Blessed with high mountains and natural beauty,
Phetchabun
(346 km) is where the scenic Nam Nao National Park and
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park are situated. It is also
rich with waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Phitsanulok
(377 km) features many historic sites and natural scenic
spots like Chat Trakan and Thung Salaeng Luang national parks. The province is also famous for the Khek River which is excellent for shooting the rapids.
Known as Isan in Thai, the Northeast consists mostly of
a plateau. Some may think that this area is dry and lifeless.
But in fact, it has large numbers of tourist spots, especially
sites of historical and archaeological significance. Nakhon
Ratchasima (259 km), or Khorat for short, is
the gateway to the Northeast, where are located the Thao
Suranari Monument, Khmer-style stone shrine Prasat Hin
Phimai and an over 250-year-old banyan tree. Khon
Kaen (449 km), one of the northeastern commercial
centres famous for the local product -- matmi
silk. At Phuwiang National Park, dinosaurs' fossils, which
were uncovered at the site, are on show. Kalasin
(519 km) is where dinosaurs' fossils were excavated and
are now exhibited at Dinosaur Research Centre in Sahatkhan
District.
Samphanbok, Ubon Ratchathani |
Prasat Hin Phanom Rung,
Buri Ram |
Ubon Ratchathani (629 km) is the easternmost
province of Thailand, bordering Laos on the east and Cambodia
on the south. The renowned Pha Taem and Pha Mon are sandstone
cliffs featuring prehistoric colour paintings. Other attractions
include beautiful old temples and many rapids and cascades
along the Mun and Mekong rivers. Sakon Nakhon
(647 km) offers tourists the picturesque scenery of the
vast Nong Han Lake and Phu Phan National Park. Surin
(457 km), the land of elephants, is world famous
for its Elephant Round-up taking place at the third weekend
of November. Si Sa Ket (571 km) where
the famous Khmer ruins, Khao Phra Wihan, is located on
the Cambodian border. There are many other Khmer-style
stone buildings in the province which are worth visiting.
A view of Phu Kradueng
National park. |
Buri
Ram (410 km) Comprising plenty of Khmer
ruins, this province is where the largest Khmer-style
stone temple, Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is located.
Loei
(520 km), a challenging place for nature lovers
who want to admire the scenic beauty of Phu Kradueng
National Park in the cool season.
|
Udon
Thani (564 km) is famous for its World
Heritage site -- Ban Chiang Village of ancient
civilisation, and Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
with bizarre rock formations. Nakhon Phanom
(740 km) is well known for its Phrathat Phanom,
which is a very ancient pagoda containing a relic
of the Buddha, and its annual Illuminated Boat
Procession Festival, which is held around October
or November.
|
Ban Chiang, Udon Thani |
The 14 provinces in the South stretch
along the narrow peninsula of Thailand from Chumphon to
Malaysian border. The Andaman Sea coast on the west with
numerous offshore islands and a beautiful underwater world
offers many fascinating travel opportunities to the sea
loving tourists. The most prominent tourist attraction
in the South is inevitably Phuket
(862 km), the biggest island of Thailand located in the
Andaman Sea. It has rapidly become one of the best known
seaside resorts of the world.
Patong Beach |
But if you find Phuket a little too crowded in the peak
tourist season, then Samui Island of
Surat Thani (644 km) will be another
choice. Its tranquillity and unpolluted environment will
refresh you. Pha-ngan Island, which is a famous diving
centre, is also an interesting destination.
Ko Nang Yuan, Surat Thani |
Ranong (568 km), Thailand's rainiest
province, is well known for its hot mineral springs. Visitors
can enjoy mineral bath in many hotels here. The offshore
Surin Island is stunning with abundant coral reefs and
colourful fishes. Phatthalung (840 km)
is believed to be in the realm of the ancient Sri Vijaya
Kingdom, which has long been forgotten leaving only a
few hallowed hills today. Songkhla (950
km) is a famous seaside resort in the far South where
a cruise on Songkhla Lake is fascinating. Another famous
place in this province is Hat Yai, the
big bustling city widely known for the low priced imported
goods.
Similan |
Phang-nga
(788 km), adjoining Phuket, is full of magnificent seascape
and beautiful lime-stone caves. Those who love diving
may visit Krabi
(814 km) to explore its Phi Phi, Lanta, and Hong Island
Groups. At Rai Le Beach, you can enjoy the exciting rock
climbing. Krabi and Phang-nga are two stars besides Phuket.
They are becoming popular with tourists because there
are interesting attractions both on land and in the sea.
Au Maya, Krabi |
Trang
(828 km) With plentiful picturesque islands, this province
has many fine beaches and beautiful scenery waiting to
be explored such as Chao Mai National Park, and Ko Muk
and its Morakot Cave. Tarutao Island off Satun (973 km),
being the remotest, will provide you with the most marvelous
underwater life and most tranquil atmosphere. Nakhon Si
Thammarat (780 km), the land of predominant Buddhism during
the Sri Vijaya period, is famous for its Talumpuk Cape
and Hat Khanom-Mu Ko Thaletai National Park.
See lists of "Tourist Centres" on Contents
page for more details of Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pran Buri &
Cha-am, Pattaya, Krabi, Phang-nga, Phuket and Surat Thani. |
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