One of Asia’s most
popular tourist destinations, Thailand’s reputation for hedonism attracts
thousands of backpackers and its natural beauty also attracts an increasing
amount of holiday-makers. Thailand is a mystical country which leaves a
lifelong impression on anyone who visits. It offers a rich history, smiling
locals, some interesting quirks and of course an unforgettable experience. To
help you see the best of the country, here is our choice for top ten places to visit in Thailand…
1.
Bangkok
Bangkok is
a restless and chaotic metropolis and an essential part of a trip to Thailand.
Although not everyone’s cup of tea, the culture-shock inducing capital has some
incredible places of interest that you would be foolish to miss. Highlights
include the impossibly bejewelled Grand Palace, Wat Arun (one of the oldest and
best known landmarks in Bangkok Tous ) and Wat Po which
is home to a giant reclining Buddha. Fun-seekers head for the notorious
backpacker’s haven the Khao San road, the bazaars and alleyways of Chinatown
and the infamous Patpong Night Market (located in the city’s red light
district).
2.
The Floating Market
The Floating Market
(made famous by the James Bond classic “The Man with the Golden Gun”) is
located on the Damnoen Saduak Canal in the region of Bangkok Travel. Although now a
major tourist attraction, the market is a photogenic place where visitors can
get an idea of what trading was like in Thailand before the modernisation of
the city. It’s also a lot of fun. Buying something here means hailing down a
narrow long boat piled high with produce – quite an experience in itself! The region
is also filled with lush vineyards, orchards and thriving local businesses
which are great to view by canal boat on your journey there.
3.
Chiang Mai
The spiritual city of Chiang Mai is a
much quieter than Bangkok but still an essential visit if you want to see the
best of Thailand. Dotted with temples, craft shops, restaurants and more than a
handful of excellent Thai massage and cooking schools, the city has a somehow
relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. Many travellers often mention Chiang Mai as
their favourite Thai city and once visited it’s easy to see why. It’s located
high in the north mountainous region of Thailand which makes it a great base
for mountain trekking (organised treks can be arranged very easily here with
almost every other shop offering them). Although the treks from Chiang Mai
are interesting, they are often a well-worn path and many in-the-know
backpackers now head for nearby Pai instead. Pai is a chilled-out small
town located near the Myanmar border which has become popular with travellers,
artists and musicians. Head there for less touristy treks and more ‘rustic’
visits to hill-tribes.
4.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
San Kamphaeng is a
district located 36km from the northern city Chiang Mai. The area is home to
the popular and reasonably priced hot springs which are set in a tranquil, 40
acre landscaped park. They are famous for their restorative properties and
people come from miles to cure aches and pains and to take a break from the
chaos of Bangkok. The deep-source springs reach over 100 degrees centigrade and
are naturally high in sulfur. Visit to bath in the mineral-rich waters, camp in
the surrounding parkland or to boil some eggs in the hot steaming pools!
5.
The East Coast Islands
Koh Samui and Koh
Phangan are islands located on the east side of Thailand which are popular with
both vacationers and backpackers. Both islands are known for their palm tree
lined white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid-back attitudes. Koh
Samui is more developed and geared towards holiday-makers and Koh Phangan
with its cool cafes and world-famous full
moon parties has more of a bohemian feel. Nearby, the
rugged island of Koh Tao and the idyllic Koh Nang Yuan (pictured above) are only
an inexpensive boat ride away. These two islands are much less touristy due to
their more isolated locations and are perfect for those looking for peace and
world-class diving.
6.
Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is the
capital of Thailand’s most northwestern province and its close proximity to the
Burmese border gives it a very different feel to the rest of the country. Very
quiet and isolated, this mountainous city is filled with Burmese style temples
and shrouded in an atmospheric mist. Visitors come here for the unique natural
scenery, mountain trekking, craft markets and to see the local hill tribe
communities – one of which is the famous Karen long neck tribe. The Thanon
Thongchai range between Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand is popular for trekking
and highlights include the beautiful six tiered Pha Sua waterfall.
7.
Ayutthaya
Only an hours train
journey from Bangkok, the ancient city of Ayutthaya should be on
every visitor’s itinerary. Once a sacred, important Siamese kingdom it
existed from 1351 right up until 1767 when it was raided and sacked by an
invading army. Today the ancient city lies in crumbling ruins but the remains
of the extraordinary and once towering temples are classed as an UNESCO world
heritage site and are hauntingly beautiful. To make the most of this site,
allow a full day to explore and of course don’t forget to pack your camera.
8.
Railay and the Krabi Province
Railay and the
surrounding coast of the Krabi province (located in the South of Thailand) is a
tropical paradise characterised by towering limestone cliffs, turquoise water
and powder white sand. From this area it’s also easy to take a trip to nearby
Phang Nga to see the famous ‘James
Bond Rock‘. Railay is a beautiful secluded beach – accessible only
by boat – which attracts a mixture of in-the-know backpackers, well-heeled
tourists and enthusiastic rock climbers. Surrounded by dense vegetation and
mountains, the area is also perfect for trekking. There are many beautiful
beaches in Thailand but Railay is unique because it’s completely cut off from
the daily grind – here visitors kick back and mostly stay a lot longer than
originally planned.
9.
Koh Phi Phi
The tiny but idyllic
west coast island of Koh
Phi Phi is seen by many as the ultimate island paradise. Even
though the island has now fully recovered from the devastating 2009 tsunami, it
has sadly suffered from rapid tourist growth (especially since the release of “The Beach” starring Leo Dicaprio). In spite of
this, Koh Phi Phi still manages to retain a relaxed vibe which seems to keep
both the backpackers and the vacationers happy. Highlights include climbing a
steep viewpoint to watch the sunset and hiring a long tail boat to snorkel in
the beautiful surrounding waters.
10.
Hin Daeng
Adventurous travellers
should head for Hin Daeng, located in the Andaman Sea. Literally meaning the
Red Rock, this is one of the top diving spots in Thailand – if not the world.
Swim amongst underwater pinnacles, swaying carpets of anemone and red soft coral.
It’s also teeming with marine-life including huge shoals of fish, round
batfish, manta ray, barracuda and if you’re lucky the odd whale shark or
two.
No comments:
Post a Comment