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Over the last few decades, Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city. It offers to visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions. Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand's gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world. For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok. Useful tourist information on Bangkok can be obtained from the official website of the Bangkok Tourism Division : www.bangkoktourist.com |
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Thailand
| Kingdom of Thailand ราชอาณาจักรไทย Ratcha Anachak Thai | ||||||
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| Anthem: Phleng Chat Thai Royal anthem: Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami | ||||||
 Location of Thailand (green) in Southeast Asia (dark grey) — [Legend] | ||||||
| Capital (and largest city) | Bangkok1 13°45′N 100°29′E / 13.75°N 100.483°E | |||||
| Official languages | Thai[1] | |||||
| Official scripts | Thai alphabet | |||||
| Demonym | Thai | |||||
| Government | Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy | |||||
| - | Monarchy of Thailand | Bhumibol Adulyadej | ||||
| - | Prime Minister | Abhisit Vejjajiva | ||||
| Formation | ||||||
| - | Sukhothai Kingdom | 1238 - 1448 | ||||
| - | Ayutthaya Kingdom | 1351 - 1767 | ||||
| - | Thonburi Kingdom | 1768 - 1782 | ||||
| - | Rattanakosin Kingdom | 6 April 1782 | ||||
| - | Constitutional Monarchy | 24 June 1932 | ||||
| - | Later Constitution | 24 August 2007 | ||||
| Area | ||||||
| - | Total | 513,115 km2 (50th) 198,115 sq mi | ||||
| - | Water (%) | 0.4 (2,230 km2) | ||||
| Population | ||||||
| - | 2009 estimate | 63,389,730 (21st) | ||||
| - | 2000 census | 60,606,947[2] | ||||
| - | Density | 132.1/km2 (85th) 342/sq mi | ||||
| GDP (PPP) | 2008 estimate | |||||
| - | Total | $547.060 billion[3] (24th) | ||||
| - | Per capita | $8,239[3] (86th) | ||||
| GDP (nominal) | 2008 estimate | |||||
| - | Total | $273.313 billion[3] (33rd) | ||||
| - | Per capita | $4,116[3] (92nd) | ||||
| Gini (2002) | 42 | |||||
| HDI (2007) | ▲0.783[4] (medium) (87th) | |||||
| Currency | Baht (฿) (THB) | |||||
| Time zone | (UTC+7) | |||||
| Drives on the | left | |||||
| Internet TLD | .th | |||||
| Calling code | +66 | |||||
| 1 | ^ Thai name: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep. The full name is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. | |||||
| 2 | ^ According to the Department of Provincial Administration's official register, not taking into account unregistered citizens and immigrants. | |||||
Thailand (pronounced /ˈtaɪlænd/; Thai: ราชอาณาจักรไทย Ratcha Anachak Thai, IPA: [râːtɕʰa ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k tʰɑj](
listen)) is an independent country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Burma. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast and Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea to the southwest. The country is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy with King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the House of Chakri, who has reigned since 1946, making him the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning Thai monarch in Thai history.[5] The king is officially titled as the Head of State, the Head of the Armed Forces, an Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and the Defender of all Faiths. The largest city in Thailand is Bangkok, the capital, which is also the country's center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.
Thailand is the world's 50th largest country in terms of total area (slightly smaller than Yemen and slightly larger than Spain), with a surface area of approximately 513,000 km2 (198,000 sq mi), and the 21st most-populous country, with approximately 64 million people. About 75% of the population is ethnically Thai, 14% is of Chinese origin, and 3% is ethnically Malay;[6] the rest belong to minority groups including Mons, Khmers and various hill tribes. There are approximately 2.2 million legal and illegal migrants in Thailand.[7] Thailand has also attracted a number of expatriates from developed countries.[8] The country's official language is Thai.
Thailand is one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism which is practiced by more than 94.7% of all Thais. Muslims make up 4.6% of the population and 0.7% belong to other religions.[9] Culture and traditions in Thailand are significantly influenced by India, as are Burma, Laos and Cambodia. Thailand experienced rapid economic growth between 1985 and 1995 and is a newly industrialized country with tourism, due to world-class tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Bangkok, and Phuket, and exports contributing significantly to the economy.[10][11]
History
Main articles: History of Thailand and People of Thailand
The region known as Thailand has been inhabited by humans since the Paleolithic period, about 10,000 years ago. Similar to other regions in Southeast Asia, it was heavily influenced by the culture and religions of India, starting with the kingdom of Funan around the 1st century CE. After the fall of the Khmer Empire in the 13th century, various states thrived there, such as the various Tai, Mon, Khmer and Malay kingdoms, as seen through the numerous archaeological sites and artifacts that are scattered throughout the Siamese landscape. Prior to the 12th century however, the first Thai or Siamese state is traditionally considered to be the Buddhist kingdom of Sukhothai, which was founded in 1238.
Following the decline and fall of the Khmer empire in the 13th–14th century, the Buddhist Tai kingdoms of Sukhothai, Lanna and Lan Chang were on the ascension. However, a century later, the power of Sukhothai was overshadowed by the new kingdom of Ayutthaya, established in the mid-14th century in the lower Chao Phraya River or Menam area. Ayutthaya's expansion centered along the Menam while in the northern valley the Lanna Kingdom and other small Tai city-states ruled the area. Thailand retained a tradition of trade with its neighbouring states, from China to India, Persia and Arab lands. Ayutthaya became one of the most vibrant trading centres in Asia. European traders arrived in the 16th century, beginning with the Portuguese, followed by the French, Dutch and English.
After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 to the Burmese, King Taksin the Great moved the capital of Thailand to Thonburi for approximately 15 years. The current Rattanakosin era of Thai history began in 1782, following the establishment of Bangkok as capital of the Chakri dynasty under King Rama I the Great. A quarter to a third of the population of some areas of Thailand were slaves.[15][16] Despite European pressure, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation that has never been colonized. Two main reasons for this were that Thailand had a long succession of very able rulers in the 19th century and that it was able to exploit the rivalry and tension between French Indochina and the British Empire. As a result, the country remained a buffer state between parts of Southeast Asia that were colonized by the two powers, Great Britain and France.
Western influence nevertheless led to many reforms in the 19th century and major concessions, most notably being the loss of a large territory on the east side of the Mekong to the French and the step-by-step absorption by Britain of the Shan (Thai Yai) States (now in Burma)[citation needed] and the Malay Peninsula. The losses initially included Penang and Tumasik and eventually culminated in the loss of four predominantly ethnic-Malay southern provinces, which later became Malaysia's four northern states, under the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. In 1932, a bloodless revolution carried out by the Khana Ratsadon group of military and civilian officials resulted in a transition of power, when King Prajadhipok was forced to grant the people of Siam their first constitution, thereby ending centuries of absolute monarchy. During World War II, the Empire of Japan demanded the right to move troops across Thailand to the Malayan frontier. Japan invaded the country and engaged the Thai Army for six to eight hours before Plaek Pibulsonggram ordered an armistice. Shortly thereafter Japan was granted free passage, and on December 21, 1941, Thailand and Japan signed a military alliance with a secret protocol wherein Tokyo agreed to help Thailand regain territories lost to the British and French. Subsequently, Thailand undertook to 'assist' Japan in its war against the Allies, while at the same time maintaining an active anti-Japanese resistance movement known as the Seri Thai.
After the war, Thailand emerged as an ally of the United States. As with many of the developing nations during the Cold War, Thailand then went through decades of political instability characterised by coups d'état as one military regime replaced another, but eventually progressed towards a stable prosperity and democracy in the 1980s.
Articles Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThailandPhi Phi Islands in Krabi
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| Phi Phi Islands Krabi |
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| Hadnopparattara-Koh Phi Phi National Park is almost entirely dominated by the two Islands collectively known as ‘Koh Phi Phi’ - Koh Phi Phi Don (the larger of the two islands) and Koh Phi Phi Leh. Situated about 50 kilometres southeast of Phuket the islands are regarded by many as being the most attractive in the kingdom, if not the world. The islands feature beaches and clear water that have had their natural beauty protected by National Park status. Once only a destination of day trippers, the islands are now some of the most popular destinations along Thailand’s Andaman coast, and during the tourism high season of December to March they can become extremely crowded. Because of its clear waters the area has become a destination of choice for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts keen to experience the areas splendid corals and marine life that includes sharks. Koh Phi Phi Don Koh Phi Phi Leh Details: Although officially part of a National Park, there is no admission charge to either island. How to get there: From Krabi boats leave for Koh Phi Phi 10:30 and 14:30. From Phuket boats leave 08:30, 13:30 and 14:30. Boats leave Koh Lanta 08:00 and 13:00 for Kho Phi Phi and leave Ao Nang 09:00. |
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Koh Hong in Krabi
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| Koh Hong Krabi |
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| Koh Hong (Room Island) is part of a group of islands one hour north of Krabi. Koh Hong has only one beach - Pelay Beach - but it is recognized for being extremely beautiful, boasting fine white sand, coral and lots of varieties of tropical fish. Pelay Beach is framed by limestone rock formations which give it an enclosed feel. Coupled with the fact that there are seldom many people there, Koh Hong very much offers a ‘desert island’ experience. Its name comes from an eroded group of caves in the middle of the island which harbours a large lake with a small passage to the sea. When the tide is high long tail boats are able to enter the ‘room’ and visitors can swim in around in crystal clear water with a depth of around one metre. Koh Hong is another collection point for the nests that provide the ingredients for bird’s nest soup. You can witness the fascinating sight of young men shimmying up bamboo poles to great heights to collect these nests, genuinely risking life and limb in pursuit of their income. Death and injuries do happen, so be warned! If you are on a limited time frame, a visit to Koh Hong might not be possible, but if you have the time it’s well worth the effort. A visit to the island is really getting away from it all and something you shouldn’t miss if you can avoid it! Details: There is no accommodation on Koh Hong and overnight stays are not permitted. How to get there: It takes about one hour to get to Koh Island from Ao Nang Beach. Group tours can be arranged from Ao Nang. Articles Source : discoverythailand.com |
Beaches and Islands in Thailand
Thailand’s islands & beaches are the destinations of choice for hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Thailand is blessed with natural beauty & its islands are amongst the most scenic & attractive in the world. Likewise, its beaches are basically stunning - tidy sand, clear water, & brilliant scenery. Each of Thailand’s islands has its own character & identity drawing specific types of visitor. Some offer limited accommodation & 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 require 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 & on the mainland). Whereas three beach might offer beaches that provide raucous entertainment, others in the same area might only draw those looking for a calm life. There is then a lot to explore on Thailand’s islands & beaches & to get the best out of your trip you ought to plan where you are going carefully.
What to see
 | Rarely do you find someone bored in Thailand… There is always something to see! Certainly six of the inevitable ingredients to a trip to Thailand is lots of trips to temples - they are great places to see so this is no obligatory chore! Unlike some tourist attractions in other countries, Thailand's temples are not historical sites |
| Thailand's Big and Royal Relatives are probably more revered than monarchs in any country in the world. Their status is reflected in the grandeur of Thailand's royal palaces. These truly are spectacular places to visit and receive a glimpse of Thailand's regal past and an insight in to the lives of Thai royalty. In lots of of the palaces there's museums reflecting aspects of Thailand's past, but museums are by no means restricted to royal palaces - there's scores around the country. Bangkok's National Museum does a thorough job of reflecting all aspects of this diverse country, but each Thai province has its own museum reflecting important aspects of the locality's past and present. Often directly alongside Thailand's museums there's a quantity of galleries reflecting the country's art though the work of past and present artists. Thailand also boasts numerous theatres and cultural centres which host traditional Thai theater and dance and offer cultural shows and events. Of work, as with any country in the world, when you visit Thailand you ought to visit its monuments and shrines. Although you may not grasp their full significance, they still warrant visits; who would go to France without visiting the Arc de Triomphe? And what visit to Thailand would be complete without seeing a Thai boxing match or a trip to a floating market? dressed up to cater for visiting tourists; they are integral components of normal daily life. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok is an excellent example. Although as far as a tourist is concerned a visit to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok is equivalent to a visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Tower Bridge in London, locals visit the temple to worship and make merit. Although they might sometimes be significantly outnumbered, you will see locals at prayer here, as you will at all of the temples on Thailand's tourist track. Temples are not though the only places that reflect Thailand's history and culture that are worthy of a visit. Two of the key reasons people visit Thailand is the physical beauty of the place and for the adventurous there is plenty to see. Thailand abounds with waterfalls, hot springs and places of natural beauty. There's caves to see and mountains and hills to visit. But even in the cities and towns there flower gardens to escape to. You will never need for a place to visit and something to see in Thailand. The wealth of attractions makes a trip easy and means you can plan what you need to see with relative ease. Make the most of what is on offer, and make the best of your time in the kingdom. | |
DESTINATION GUIDE
Thailand-Home of Sun and Smiles
Thailand is located in a cultural turning point; it lays in the center of Southeast Asia, and is neighbours with countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, as well as others. The full name of Thailand is “Prathet Thai” which means ‘Land of the Free’ when translated literally. Thailand has four basic natural regions; in Northern Thailand, are lush forests, and majestic mountains. In Southern Thailand visitors will find the beautiful beaches, and islands along the coast. There are also the seemingly neverending rice fields, located in Thailand’s Central Plains, and the agricultural economy, located in the farmlands of the Northeastern Plateau. Thailand is a kingdom; led by His Majesty King Rama IX, and is composed over seventy-six different provinces, all with their own unique histories, and social structures.
There are a diverse number of attractions in Thailand, available for the palate of any tourists taste, such as eco-tourism, wildlife expeditions, historical and educational points of interest, and many more.
- Go exploring in the caves of Thailand, located in the West, South and North of the country, where you’ll discover sleeping bats, intricate tiny scared houses for Buddha, and underground worlds of delight.
- Whitewater rafting is a thrilling adventure for couples or families; there’s also the more relaxed rides, bamboo rafting in the North of the country.
- The wildlife in Thailand is just as diverse as its people and culture; wildlife viewing is another popular activity, in Thailand’s various wildlife preserves, and national parks; there are even elephant tours and trekking for the whole family.
- There are coastal and sea tours available for those who want to travel over the water in style and leisure, as well as fishing, and watersports as well.
- Tourists who want to explore the array of culture delights and traditions all over the country can visit the enormous metropolis of Bangkok, the colorful cultures of the North, the fascinating traditions of the Hilltribes, and the floating markets, and canals on the river.
The cuisine found in Thailand is a cultural blend of both Western and Eastern foods; the five main tastes in Thai foods are sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and occasionally bitter. Some of the other major influences also come from neighbouring countries, such as Laos, Malaysia, and China. As a matter of fact, many of the dishes found in Thailand are actually just natively influenced Chinese food. Thai food is popular all over the world, in the United States, Australia, and all over Europe as well. There are several popular dishes, such as “rad na” which is wide noodles, with different meats, or seafoods, or “pad thai” which is rice noodles, cooked with lime juice, sugar or other ingredients, and egg, while also including meats, or tofu. Sticky rice, called “kao niao” is used in a variety of desserts, along with coconut milk, or bananas.
There are several options for transportation while traveling through Thailand; when in large cities, traveling by bicycle, scooter, can be faster, or even on foot; or, if you don’t mind a more leisurely trip, or the traffic, you can travel by bus or taxi. Traveling through the countryside can be done by car, or by rail, and for those who plan to do a little island hopping while on the coast, can also use ferries for transport. Finding accommodation is easy in Thailand as well to fit any budget; from luxury hotel suites, and spa resorts, to more modest coastaActivities
Introduction of Thailand Activities
Thailand has long been known for the rich diversity of its attractions, but the continuing development of the Kingdom’s tourism product means that there are still more waiting discovery.
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.
For sightseeing and travel, Thailand has few equals. From dazzling temples and palaces to awe-inspiring World Heritage Sites; from timeless rural settlements to vibrant resort towns; from idyllic beaches to national parks where wild nature rules, the choice of where to go and what to see is limitless.
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.
Golfers love Thailand and the feeling is mutual. The Kingdom has more than 100 golf courses, most to international standard and located close to major tourism destinations with first-class facilities and friendly fees.
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.
Thailand’s cuisine is recognised as one of the world’s healthiest. A profusion of fresh produce, fresh-caught fish and seafood with a balanced complement of aromatic herbs and spices, wok-fried or grilled for a dish that is light, nutritious and bursting with flavour.
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.
Giant markets like Chatuchak and Suan Lum Night Bazaar also sell international brand names, but their fame rests on their diversity. From local fashions and handicrafts at giveaway prices, the range of discoveries to be made there is quite astounding.
Everywhere in Thailand traditional products are hand made by local artisans: weavers of cotton and silk, wood carvers, potters working in the local clay, silversmiths, basket makers, and cooks making local gourmet specialities.
Even in the remotest villages, these cottage industries are being supported by the government’s One Tambon One Product (OTOP) project, and OTOP products from communities all over the Kingdom are now sold in many stores. At the same time, OTOP villages are being developed so that visitors can go to the source and stay overnight in the artisan villages.
From this profusion of location and activity, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is identifying new attractions and promoting niche markets, special programmes with appeal to special interests and needs: to younger travellers, to families, to honeymoon couples, to cultural travellers, to voyagers seeking health and wellbeing holidays.
And the best part of it is Thailand offers this wealth of diversity with the legendary Thai smile — which is not a legend at all, but one of the genuinev delights of discovering Thailand.
source:tourismthailand.org
About Thailand
CENTRAL & EAST COAST
There are 26 provinces that make up Central and Eastern Thailand, and Bangkok is one of them. Geographically, this is Thailand’s heartland, extending from Lop Buri in the north and covering the rice bowl of the Central Plains around the Chao Phraya River. Further south, the area embraces the east and west coasts of the upper Gulf of Thailand.
This is Thailand’s most fertile farming area, a wide-ranging landscape of paddy fields, orchards and plantations. More than 1,000 years ago Thai settlers moved down from the north, gradually replacing Mon and Khmer influences and establishing communities at Lop CENTRAL & EAST COAST Buri then at Sukhothai, before founding a kingdom that lasted 417 years with Ayutthaya as its capital. When the Burmese destroyed Ayutthaya in 1767, the capital moved to Bangkok.
The Central region has a dramatic history, and its heritage of ancient temples, battlefields and ruins and two capitals, Ayutthaya and Bangkok, are a continuing fascination for visitors. The east and west sea coasts at the region’s southern end also draw huge numbers of visitors every year. Bangkok residents spend long weekends enjoying the relaxing seaside atmosphere, while holiday-makers from around the world to discover the delights of the tropical beach life.
On the eastern side, 400 kilometres of coastline extend from Chon Buri to Rayong with some of the finest beaches in Asia. Pattaya, with an enormous range of resorts, hotels and guesthouses, is its centre. If you are seeking a more relaxing experience, travel further down the coast to Rayong or Ko Samet, and the lovely islands of Ko Chang National Park near the Cambodian border.
On the west coast, the resorts of Cha-am and Hua Hin attract international travellers who prefer their more sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere.
Far from the sea in the northwest of the region is Kanchanaburi, whose forested mountains, waterfalls and caves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries on the border with Myanmar provide some of Thailand’s most enthralling scenery.
The 26 provinces of Central and East Coast are Ang Thong, Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri and Trat.
THE NORTH
The North is the birthplace of the earliest Thai civilisation and has many sites of archaeological and cultural interest. Northern people are famous for their courtesy and hospitality, and the region is also noted for its variety of cultural traditions. Many tourists from the surrounding provinces converge on Chiang Mai for the annual Songkran Festival, and to Sukhothai for Loi Krathong.
The North falls into two distinct areas, the plains of the lower north from Nakhon Sawan to Sukhothai, and the mountainous upper north leading to borders of Myanmar and Laos. The mountain ranges along the borders are breathtaking, with waterfalls and fast-flowing rivers ideal for rafting. They are also the home of many ethnic hill people.
The region has three seasons, hot from March to May, wet from June to November and cool from December to February. High up in the mountains, though, “cool” may often mean extremely cold.
The Thai nation had its origins in the North, in city states that were gradually incorporated into the Lanna kingdom centred on Chiang Mai. Sukhothai became the first capital of Thailand, but the influence of the Lanna states of Laos and Myanmar can be clearly seen in the architecture and cuisine of the North.
The nomadic hill people of the region pursued their own course, moving back and forth across frontiers. There are six main tribal groups, Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Mien, Akha and Lisu, each with its own unique customs and clothing. Today, they are settled in villages on the mountainsides, a great attraction for travellers.
Most overseas visitors make for Chiang Mai, the northern capital, as a base for visiting ethnic tribes, soft adventure activities and shopping. Further north still, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son are centres for rafting, trekking and tours of tribal villages. To the south, the Historical Park at Sukhothai is an essential destination for all those wishing to discover more about the history and culture of Thailand.
The 17 provinces that comprise the North are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phichit, Uthai Thani, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Sukhothai, and Uttaradit.
THE NORTHEAST
The Northeast of Thailand, a vast plateau covering nearly one third of the country, is usually known as Isan. It extends northwards to the Mekong River which divides Thailand from Laos, and to the south and it ends at the Dong Rek mountain range along the border with Cambodia.
It is known to be an arid region with soil of poor quality, but for tourism, Isan is one of the country’s most intriguing destinations with many Stone Age and Bronze Age dwellings and artifacts, and several significant temples that are a legacy of the great Khmer empire.
The sandstone shrines are popular tourist attractions, particularly the superbly restored sites at the historical parks of Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima and Phanom Rung in Buri Ram. The great temple complex at Khao Phra Viharn in Si Sa Ket on the border with Cambodian is now accessible to visitors after a long period of isolation.
The Bronze Age settlements at Ban Chiang in the province of Udon Thani provide fascinating evidence of the work of the local potters some 5,000 years ago. The red and white pottery with characteristic “fingerprint” designs are thought to be the first earthenware vessels known to man.
Two of Thailand’s best-loved national parks, Khao Yai, Phu Kradung and Phu Rua in Loei, are in Isan. Other major attractions include the villages in Khorat and Khon Kaen where the beautiful local silk is woven by hand.
Isan is a comparatively poor region whose main income is from agriculture, and many of the younger people in the villages migrate to the city. But Isan folk have a distinctive character and dialect and a vigorous culture, with their old traditions still reflected in the many festivals unique to the region.
With its strategic position bordering Laos and Cambodia, Isan has in recent years risen to become a useful starting point for adventurous journeys to destinations along the mighty Mekong River. There have been important developments in infrastructure to accommodate what is expected to be a boom in tourism.
Travel in the region has been improved by domestic airlines with regular flights to regional airports; and it is no longer impossible to find luxury accommodation, especially in large provinces of Khon Kaen, Udon Thani Nakhon, Ratchasima and Ubon Ratchathani.
The Northeast consists of 19 provinces: Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Yasothon.
THE SOUTH
This region extends southward along a narrow peninsula lying between the Andaman Sea its west side and the South China Sea on the east. It is a rich land in terms of the abundance of its natural resources, the fertility of its soil, the diversity of its people and its commercial viability.
The South is made up of 14 provinces from Chumphon in the north down to the Malaysian border 1,200 kilometres from Bangkok. It has a long coastline on either side with sandy beaches and offshore islands on both, and a rugged central hinterland of mountains and forests.
The east coast on the Gulf of Thailand always seems to be more relaxed, with long, wide bays and calm seas; the Andaman Sea coast tends to be more rugged and exhilarating, with its strange limestone rock formations and cliffs.
The occurrence of two seasonal monsoons means that the climate differs from the rest of Thailand. The southwest monsoon sweeps the west coast and the Andaman Sea from May to October, while the northeast monsoon moves across the Gulf of Thailand form November to February. The peninsula forms a barrier so that rain rarely falls on both coastlines simultaneously.
The area was once part of the Buddhist Srivijaya Empire but later came under the rule of Ayutthaya and then Bangkok. Chinese and Malaysian influences have played a large part in the cultural makeup of the region; the further south, the stronger the Malaysian influence, with a dialect akin to Malay, a predominance of Muslim communities and mosques. Rice fields give way to rubber plantations, and Chinese tin mining operations become evidence.
The coastline attracts most tourists, though Samui island in the Gulf of Thailand is growing in popularity as a laid-back holiday spot with first class diving opportunities nearby on Tao and Pha-ngan islands.
The Andaman Sea coast offers more sophisticated choices in the island province of Phuket, Thailand’s premier holiday resort. However, the fascinating rock formations and offshore islands at Phang-nga, Krabi and Trang are extremely popular for the diving and sailing opportunities they offer.
The mountains, rivers and forests in the national parks in the interior of the peninsula are also gaining popularity with eco-tourists, as can be seen with the growing numbers of safari expeditions on foot, by elephant and in canoes.
Saturday
Bangkok
Bangkok Bangkok is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.
Bangkok exceeds 1,500 square kilometres in area and is home to one-tenth of the country's population. Major tourist attractions include glittering Buddhist temples, palaces, timeless “Venice of the East” canal and river scenes, classical dance extravaganzas, and numerous shopping centres.
How to get thereBusPublic buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 3.50 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares of 8 and 18 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 25 baht all routes. A Bus Route Map is available at bookshops and the TAT office.
TAXITaxis cruising city streets are metred. They charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often don’t! Passengers must pay tolls in the case of using an expressway.
TUK-TUKSThese three-wheeled ‘open-air’ motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometres, are approximately 30 baht.
BTS Sky TrainsBTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The
routes connect Bangkok’s leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market. The fare ranges from 10-40 baht according to the distance. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at tel: 0 2617 7300 or visit http://www.bts.co.th/BoatTaxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya River. Some are just cross river ferries, but others serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi
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