I had maag sanuk ["a lot of fun"] on the holiday to Thailand.
I was enthralled by the culture. A land of golden temples, tropical beaches and
forested hills, Thailand is truly a veritable oasis in an increasingly hectic
world. Secure in its devotion to the Buddhist faith and to its beloved King, it
merges a centuries-old culture with way of life that preserves its identity and
gracious natural hospitality.
Bangkok is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities, known as "Krungthep" which
means the City of Angels. Major tourism attractions include glittering Buddhist
temples, palaces, timeless 'Venice of the East' canal and river scenes,
classical dance extravaganzas, an almost legendary nightlife, and numerous
air-conditioned shopping centers.
Chiang Mai is not only a large and ancient city of northern Thailand, but also
a famous tourist destination. Historical places from the Lanna era as well as
natural beauty, which allows for climbing, elephant riding, trekking an
bicycling await tourists.
Ayutthaya, a former capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767, is and interesting
historic spot visited by large numbers of tourists on a one-day trip from
Bangkok. Unlike other tourist centers, Ayutthaya's main attraction is not its
beautiful scenery, but its calm atmosphere with the remains resulting from the
destruction by the invading Burmese army in 1767. The ruins offer the visitors a
glimpse of old Ayutthaya, with once was a prosperous and majestic capital with
over 400 magnificent Buddhist monasteries.
Food is one of the reasons many tourists flock to Thailand. Not only for its affordability, but because the Kingdom's exotic cuisine offers an unrivaled culinary experience that is internationally famous for its distinctive flavours.
Dishes from all of Thailand’s regions can be found in Bangkok, as well as fine dining at sophisticated restaurants of world-class quality. The city is one of Asia’s great shopping experiences, too, with gleaming modern malls and department stores with top international brand and specifically Thai names along with smart boutiques and busy street stalls. Soft adventure options blend with eco-tourism in mountainous jungle terrain, with trekking on foot or elephant back, 4-wheel drive safaris, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and meeting with remote highland communities. Away from the upland forests, the blue watersof Thailand’s extensive coastline beckon, offering the relaxing joys of beach life as well as diving, sailing, windsurfing, and sea canoeing, all with expert tuition provided.
Thailand’s islands and beaches are the destinations of choice for hundreds of
thousands of visitors every year. It is not called the Caribbean of Asia for
nothing. Yet, until recently, Thailand's unparalleled marine playground has been
quite difficult to access, enjoyed by but a handful of cruising yachts and an
even smaller group of charter holidaymakers. But no more. A surge in the
development of marina facilities and in the number of yachts available for
charter mean that Thailand is set to burst upon the international scene as the
world's newest yachting playground. Thailand is blessed with natural beauty and
its islands are amongst the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Likewise,
its beaches are simply stunning - clean sand, clear water, and wonderful
scenery. Each of Thailand’s islands has its own character and identity drawing
specific types of visitor. Some offer limited accommodation and facilities to
draw the adventurous looking for a more ‘back to basics’ holiday experience.
Others offer world class facilities (accommodation, restaurants, etc.) to entice
visitors with bigger budgets who need their creature comforts. It is though
important to note the diversity that exists not only between the islands, but
between the beaches (both on islands and on the mainland). Whereas one beach
might offer beaches that provide raucous entertainment, others in the same area
might only draw those looking for a quiet life. There is then a lot to explore
on Thailand’s islands and beaches and to get the best out of your trip you
should plan where you are going carefully.
Safe tropical climate. Although in the tropics, Thailand has no typhoons. It is
not in a hazardous weather zone. Even the seasonal monsoons are gentle.
Temperatures range from 25' - 35'C for most of the year, and the sea rarely
varies from a balmy 28'C. This means comfortable, exotic cruising all year
round.
A thousand places to see
The world-famous ‘Pearl of the Andaman' – Phuket – to the mysterious limestone
karsts, mangrove swamps, creeks, islets and perfect beaches of Phang-nga Bay,
Krabi, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta. The almost unknown and unspoiled islands off
Thailand's west coast, heading towards the Myanmar border, to the extraordinary
Similan Islands northwest of Phuket and south to the Malaysian border.
From the favourite holiday islands Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan in the Western Gulf
of Thailand across to the mountainous and heavily forested Ko Chang and Kut
Archipelagos in the Eastern Gulf.
The sheer number of destinations awaiting you within Thailand's borders is outdone only by the unbelievable variety. From world-class marina to tiny fishing village, from big city Pattaya to deserted beaches and uninhabited islands, this is the marine wonderland of Thailand. This is Asia's boating playground. This is the ‘Caribbean' of the East.
Thailand . . . an exotic land, of magnificent temples and ancient ruins, rich in culture, abundant natural beauty and warm, charming people.
The Thai secret of relaxation is a secret that can be shared by learning and practicing meditation in Buddhist retreats or training centres. The revitalising Thai massage is an ancient tradition that is another part of the secret visitors like to share, while at the many luxury spas, they can experience the most modern, sensual techniques at the firm but caressing hands of a trained therapist.