Thailand
is the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, and for a
reason. You can find almost anything here: crystal blue beaches, thick
jungle, great food, cheap beach front bungalows and some of the best
luxury hotels in the world. There is something for every interest and
every budget.As the only Southeast Asian country never to be colonized,
it is also studded with incredible cultural and historical sites,
including ruins that stretch back hundreds of years. And despite the
heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential identity with
its own unique culture and history and a carefree people famed for
their smiles.
Erawan Falls :-Just
a short trip from Kanchanaburi, the Erawan Falls are the major
attraction of the Erawan National Park in Western Thailand. The
waterfall was named after the erawan, the three-headed white elephant of
Hindu mythology. The seven-tiered falls are said to resemble the
erawan. Macaques are common around the falls while occasionally water
monitor lizards can also be seen. The park is open for visitors all year
and generally very busy during the weekends.
Ao Nang :-Formally
Ao Phra Nang Ao Nang is the most popular beach town
in Krabi. It was originally a backpacker hotspot but now moving slowly
upmarket as the airport brings in higher flyers. While not quite as
scenic as Rai Leh, there is a good range of cheap accommodation, many
good restaurants, easy transport and plenty of travel agencies, making
it a good base for exploring Krabi.
Floating Markets near Bangkok:-Get
an idea of what shopping in Bangkok used to be like before all the
canals were filled in, many people visiting the capital take a day trip
to one of the floating markets outside the city. Though today floating
markets typically function as tourist attractions and community meeting
places rather than vital aspects of local farming economies, they still
remain vibrant places brimming with scrumptious food. The most popular
floating market for foreign tourists is Damnoen Saduak while most Thai
favor the Amphawa Floating Market.
Hua Hin Beach:-Originally,
built in the 1920s as a royal getaway for King Rama VII, Hua Hin has
been a long-time favorite weekend getaway for Bangkok residents. Today,
the 8 km (5 mile) long beach is also popular with tourists. Hua Hin is
the site of the Klai Kangwon Palace, which is still used by Thai royalty
today. In addition it is home to the highest concentration of golf
courses in all of Thailand.
Prasat Hin Phimai :-Prasat
Hin Phimai boasts some of the most impressive Khmer ruins in Thailand.
Similar in style (if much smaller) than those at Angkor, the temples
were built during the 11th and 12th century, during which time the area
was part of the Khmer empire. Though built as a Mahayana Buddhist
temple, the carvings also feature many Hindu deities as explained in the
visitor center.
Khao Yai National Park:-The
third-largest national park in Thailand, Khao Yai National Park is
located in the eastern part of the country in the Nakhon Ratchasima
Province. Homes to a wide array of wildlife, including Asian elephants
and black bears, the park offers observation towers, hiking trails,
lodges, cabins and campsites. There are even dinosaur footprints, so
visitors find surprises at every turn.
Mu Ko Ang Thong :-Ang
Thong, which means “Bowl of Gold,” is a popular national park in the
Gulf of Thailand. Consisting of 42 islands, which are close together for
easy island hopping, the park is headquartered on Ko Wua Talap. There,
travelers can stay in lovely bungalows and take in incredible views of
the surrounding islands and bizarre rock formations. Exploring the
island’s white sand beaches and snorkeling among the shallow coral
gardens makes a popular day trip from Ko Samui.
Sukhothai Historical Park:-Located
in northern Thailand, Sukhothai Historical Park contains the ruins of
Sukhothai, which was the capital of the kingdom of the same name during
the 13th and 14th centuries. Roughly translating to mean “Dawn of
Happiness,” the walled-in park contains nearly 200 sets of ruins,
including 26 temples and the Royal Palace. In addition to exploring the
many fascinating wats and other ruins, visitors can learn more about the
Sukhothai culture at the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum.
Ko Nang Yuan :-Ko
Nang Yuan is a tiny island very close to Ko Tao. It is a popular day
trip from Ko Tao, so its beautiful beaches can be crowded at times. But
it’s a pretty island and its clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and
scuba diving. To visit this island, travelers who are not staying on Ko
Nang Yuan must pay a 100 baht fee. The island does have one dive resort
for travelers who prefer to stay on this small island.
Wat Arun :-The
name of this lavishly adorned temple roughly translates to mean “Temple
of Dawn,” which is fitting as it was built to honor Aruna, the Hindu
god that is most commonly represented by the radiations of the rising
sun. Located in the Bangkok Yai district on the west bank of the Chao
Phraya River, Wat Arun’s distinctive prang, or spires, are lavishly
adorned with colorful patterns of seashells and porcelain.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar :-The
famous Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai sprawls along several city blocks
along footpaths, inside buildings and temple grounds. It has
handicrafts, arts, clothing and and imported products of all
descriptions, and a number of large, well-appointed modern shopping
centers. At first, the market was owned by Chinese merchants, but since
it grew in size as more commercial buildings were built, it was no
longer owned by a single group of people. Instead, there are many
owners, and most of them are Thai.
Ko Lipe :-Located
in the Andaman Sea off the Satun Province, Koh Lipe is a tiny island
near the Malaysian border. Small enough to be covered by foot within
about an hour, Koh Lipe boasts four gorgeous beaches whose waters are
home to about 25 percent of the world’s fish species. Coral reefs
attract snorkelers and scuba divers, and travelers can stay in beach
bungalows in different sizes.
Chatuchak Weekend Market :-Known
locally as JJ Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is the
largest of its kind in Thailand. Some even say it’s the largest weekend
market in the world. With more than 8,000 stalls peddling wares ranging
from antiques to clothes to furniture, the wildly popular market draws
in more than 200,000 people on weekends and includes a wide array of
tasty restaurants. Shoppers are also entertained by shows, including
dancing and live music.
Khao Sok National Park :-Home
to the largest expanse of virgin forest in Thailand, Kao Sok National
Park is a must-visit destination for people who want to immerse
themselves in the natural beauty of Thailand. The remnants of an ancient
rainforest stretch across the park, which is split by a dramatic
limestone mountain range. More than 5 percent of the world’s animal
species can be found in this lovely national park, which also boasts
networks of dirt trails, soaring waterfalls and a beautiful lake.
Phanom Rung :-Sitting
on an extinct volcano in northeastern Thailand, Phanom Rung is a Hindu
temple 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. Constructed of sandstone
and laterite, Phanom Rung was built to represent Mount Kailash, the
sacred home of Shiva.
Similan Islands :-Made
up of nine primary islands and two far-flung ones, the Similan Islands
archipelago is one of the most popular diving destinations in the
country. Situated off the coast of the Phang Nga Province in southern
Thailand, the waters surrounding the islands boast gorgeous coral reefs
and underwater rock formations that take on many unique shapes.
Experienced divers particularly enjoy hot spots like East of Eden and
Elephant Head Rock.
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