The fascinating kingdom of Thailand

Posted by paul on December 23rd, 2007 filed in Bangkok, The North, Top attractions, Travel destinations

Thailand is a country, which definitely ranks high among the globe’s most popular travel destinations continuously teeming with visitors. This tropic South Eastern Asian country truly offers something for each type of tourist. The ‘land of smiles’ enjoys a lot of respect from Buddhists all over the world. Thailand boasts some of the world’s most sacred Buddhist temples and the majority of practicing Buddhists wish to, at least once during their lifetime, to travel to this fascinating nation.

One of Thailand’s most significant Buddhist temples is the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which is positioned in downtown Bangkok. The temple’s ancient Buddha statue is completely made out of jade, which dates back to the 15th century. The interesting murals on the compound’s walls were painted more than 200 years ago. Most of the visitors will be enchanted by the temple’s tranquil ambience.

Besides Wat Phra Kaew, the Thai capital features several more Buddhist temples of great historical and religious interest. Bangkok, which enjoys the reputation for being the world’s hottest city, has its visitors a wide range of attractions to offer. From outstanding museums to the most naughty nightlife venues, this pulsating metropolis has it all! The internationally acclaimed National Museum is South East Asia’s largest. The facility displays a comprehensive selection including: musical traditional instruments, weapons, contemporary as well as old Thai art, ceramics, woodcarving, sacred Buddha images and costumes. The globe’s biggest teak house is known as the “Vinmanmek Teak Mansion”, and is another must-see attraction. Great fun for the entire family is provided by the Dusit Zoo and the Royal Elephant Museum.

More interesting things that Bangkok has to offer include: excellent shopping areas such as the vibrant JJ weekend market and a number of huge malls, some of the country’s finest international as well as Thai restaurants, several world-class golf courses, interesting courses, the city’s China Town section, the ancient Wat Po temple, and a wide range of accommodation establishments.

The historical city of Ayutthaya is located to the north of the capital. The area is filled with Buddhist stupas, several ancient temples along with two pivotal national museums.

Attracting huge crowds of visitors year-round, Kanchanaburi and Lop Buri in Central Thailand have become tourist hot spots. A selection of exciting and adventurous outdoor activities is the main reason for many holidaymakers travelling to Koh Chang in the southeastern part of Thailand. Another of Koh Chang’s principal attractions is the fabulous wildlife.

Koh Chang boasts areas of exeptional natural beauty

In the province of Rayong travellers will find several superb beach areas while the magnificent Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park boasts stunning limestone mountains, cliffs, caves, impressing flora and fauna and awesome waterfalls. The seaside resort of Pattaya is nicknamed “the Thai capital of fun”. Situated about 150km from Bangkok, the place mainly attracts single men looking for erotic entertainment.

The province of Lamphun can be found in Northern Thailand and is bestowed with numerous historic temples. One of Thailand’s most beautiful temples is known as “Wat Phra That Lampang Luang” and is positioned Lampang province. Also located here is the renowned Thai Elephant Conservation Center. Sukhothai is mainly known for housing the breathtakingly beautiful Ramkhamhaeng National Park.

Enchanting scenery in Sukhothai

Chiang Mai is the second biggest city in Thailand, located in the province with the same name. The province’s capital is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist and backpackers’ destinations. This inexpensive city is bestowed with fascinating culture and a rich history. Chiang Mai also provides an ideal base for trekking enthusiasts and travellers who wish to explore the Northern region.

If you want to avoid mass tourism than Thailand’s North Eastern region might be a great destination. The mainly rural area known as Isaarn isn’t yet invaded by buses filled with tourists. Comprehensive Isaan travel info is provided by this reliable online resource.