Thailand is
a collage of animated scenes that comprise bustling modern cities crowded with
motorbikes and tuk-tuks, Buddhist temples tended by orange-robed monks, hill
tribes selling handicrafts, lush landscapes dotted with traditional farming
villages, ancient ruins and stunning coastlines peppered with gorgeous beaches
and blue lagoons. Such a captivating portrait explains why Thailand is
Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destination. This overview of the best
places to visit in Thailand shows where to find the cultural, historic and
natural attractions. For an insight in Thailand’s most popular islands &
beaches see also this island list.
10
Best Places to Visit in Thailand
10. Chiang
Rai
The
northernmost city in Thailand, Chiang Rai serves as the main commercial hub of
the Golden Triangle, which contains the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
A busy town offering something for everyone, Chiang Rai is often used as a base
for exploring the surrounding region.
9. Pai
Once just a
quiet village in northern Thailand, Pai is now a booming town that is part of
the Mae Hong Son Loop stretching between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. Noted for
its picturesque valley and relaxed atmosphere, Pai is a favored destination
among backpackers and tourists wishing to explore the region.
8. Phanom
Rung
Sitting on
an extinct volcano in northeastern Thailand, Phanom Rung is a Hindu shrine
complex regarded for its outstanding architecture. Located near the village of
Nang Rong, this temple sanctuary was built by the Khmer culture between the
10th and 13th centuries as a dedication to the Hindu god, Shiva. Constructed of
sandstone and laterite, Phanom Rung was built to represent Mount Kailash, the
sacred home of Shiva.
7. Railay
Railay (or
Rai Leh) is a small peninsula that is only accessible by boat due to the high
limestone cliffs cutting off mainland access. These cliffs attract rock
climbers from all over the world, but the area is also a popular attraction in
Thailand due to its beautiful beaches and quiet relaxing atmosphere. Almost
every patch of buildable land fronting in the eastern and western part of the
peninsula has been taken over by bungalow resorts, and development is creeping
up into the forest behind. But at least there are no high-rise buildings, and
much of the construction is hidden among trees or set amid prettily landscaped
gardens.
6. Khao Sok
National Park
Considered
by many to be one of Thailand’s most beautiful wildlife reserves, the Khao Sok
National Park covers jungle forests, limestone karsts, rivers and lakes in the
Surat Thani province of southern Thailand. The reserve is home to wildlife such
as Asian elephants, barking deer, wild boar, bears, Malayan tapirs and various
monkeys breeds like gibbons, pig-tailed macaques and langurs.
5. Ayuthaya
Founded in
1350, the city of Ayuthaya is located in the Chao Phraya River valley in
Thailand. It sits on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting it to the
Gulf of Siam. King U Thong proclaimed it the capital of his kingdom, the
Ayuthaya Kingdom, better known as Siam. Once declared the most magnificent city
on earth, the ruins of Ayuthaya are now a major attraction for those visiting
Thailand. It is just 80 km (50 miles) north of Bangkok, and is easily reached
by train, bus and van.
4.
Kanchanaburi
Located in
western Thailand and admired for its beautiful scenery and accessibility to
national parks and waterfalls, Kanchanaburi is best known for the Bridge over
the River Kwaithat is linked with the historic Death Railway to Burma in which
thousands of Asian laborers and POWS died during its construction under
Japanese occupation during WWII.
3. Chiang
Mai
Surrounded
by the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a flourishing city often
used as a base among both backpackers and tourists wishing to explore the lush
landscapes, hill tribes and outdoor adventures of the region. Nevertheless,
Chiang Mai itself is a large and culturally important city where historical and
modern Thai architecture and traditions coexist.
2. Bangkok
Thailand’s
capital city and by far the largest city in the country, Bangkok, is a buzzing
cosmopolis of high rise buildings, magnificent palaces, ancient temples,
glittering nightclubs, bustling markets and streets lined with vendors hawking
souvenirs and tantalizing foods. While the city is sometimes described as a
concrete jungle jam-packed with noisy traffic and air pollution, Bangkok is not
without its natural beauty that is seen in its scenic canals, green spaces and
flowering tropical plants.
1. Thailand
Islands
The islands off
the coast of Thailand are famous throughout the world for their beautiful
beaches, others for their gorgeous scenery and some even claim their fame for
the party atmosphere. There are three main sets of islands in Thailand. To the
east of Bangkok there are Ko Samet and Ko Chang, in the Gulf Ko Samui lie Ko
Pha Ngan and Ko Tao, and in the Andaman Phuket and Ko Phi Phi. Phuket is the
country’s largest and most developed island, connected to the mainland by two
bridges. Ko Phi Phi is famous for the movie “The Beach”, while Ko Tao is
Thailand’s diving mecca. But there are many, many more beautiful islands to
choose from.
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
0 comments :
Post a Comment