Background.
It's one of the sought after destinations: beautiful beaches, exotic food and a country made famous in the 1950s by the film "The King and I". I'm of course talking of the Kingdom of Thailand. I was fortunate to have lived for a couple of years in Thailand when I was a child and all my memories of it are a happy time with friendly people and smells and food that were glorious. But enough of my personal memories, you really want to know what this fabulous country has to offer!
Thailand has become one of the most sought after destinations in the world. Every year the number of visitors to this country has increased and millions of tourists from around the world to sample the delights of this beautiful country, where east meets west. So, why do people visit Thailand? Perhaps one of the main reasons is its diversity and contrasting characters; the mountainous region to the north with its valleys filled with swirling fogs and mists starkly contrasting with the plains of central and north-eastern Thailand. While eastern Thailand's plains and hills offer fertile land ripe for jungle and agriculture. Southern Thailand have some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world.
The Kingdom of Thailand has never been colonised and because of that, its long history and very rich culture have remained intact. Traditional rituals and practices enhance the country's exotic appeal as well as making it more fascinating and mesmerising. Thailand is predominantly Buddhist but has sizable Muslim and Christian communities which have also contributed to the country's culture and customs.
Although steeped in culture, tradition and history, Thailand is one of the most modern in the region, with its tuk-tuks to modern rapid transport systems, you can be sure that you will be able to see many of the attractions with relative ease.
The people of Thailand are generally blessed with a character, great temperament and the oh so famous "Thai Smile". Having said that, always always respect the traditions and culture of the country.
Getting to and from Thailand:
All the major airlines and carriers, including the national carrier for North Korea! To get the best prices and routes visit:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz
Bangkok.
According to the Guinness Book Of Records, the official name of Thailand's capital is the longest in the world. Bangkok as it is known is the largest city in the country and for many a visitor is a destination in its own right. A heady blend of traditions and modernity, highways and skyscrapers blend in with palaces, temples and markets. It is a city of contrasts and really does have something for everyone, from the finest cuisine from Thai to all corners of the culinary world.
From shopping in the numerous huge malls to the floating markets to the world renowned nightlife the visitor is never short of entertainment or thrills.
A visit to Bangkok should include seeing, The Grand Palace, The Temple of The Emerald Buddha and Wat Po, where you will see an enormous reclining Buddha. As a point of interest, this is also the home of the first Thai Massage school. There are over 400 "working" Buddhist temples in Bangkok alone.
Apart from the temples and shopping malls, other attractions include The National Museum. Vlmanmek Mansions and the Suan Pakkad Palace all of which house fine art or are national treasures in their own right.
Bangkok is a place where East truly does meet West and nowhere better to see this than Khao San Road. It is a place of irrepressible vibrancy. The sleek clubs and traditional market stalls vie for tourists' attention and custom. Cocktail bars with every conceivable concoction that can be imagined can wash down the street food catering for all tastes. An easy going vibe permeates throughout the area, and is ideal place to encounter travellers from very nearly every place on earth.
Another attraction of the city is Daminoen Saduak Floating Market, where despite everything else has a routine life all of its own, where local residents buying and selling their everyday wares. The Market became an icon of Bangkok as is among the most interesting attractions of the city.
Bangkok still continues to influence culture, fashion politics and entertainment, a far cry from its roots as a collection of small fishing villages just over 200 years ago.
Where to stay in Bangkok: There are over 1100 hotels of 1 star to 4 star to choose from in Bangkok alone. For reviews, photos prices and booking, just click on:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz
Phuket.
Phuket an island the same size as Singapore (550 sq km) is another iconic destination for those who visit Thailand. Located on the west coast of the southern Thai peninsular has like much of Thailand, so much to offer visitors. An island of contrasts, beautiful white sandy beaches adorn the western side while on the eastern coasts are lined with mangroves. The two different areas seem to be divided by a bisecting range of hills which act as the island's backbone. Phuket landscape just by itself is quite stunning.
The beautiful west coast bays and beaches are Phuket's main claim to fame and have a host of activities and attractions, while much of the North west Cape makes up the Sirinat National Park. The eastern side coast boasts an aquarium and pearl farm, as well as Laem Phan Wah beach.
If beaches are not for you, then get off the beaten track and see natural wonders and traditional life of Phang Nga Province where you can experience a turtle farm, or perhaps glide down an unspoilt river on a bamboo raft, but then again you could take a thrilling ride in the mountains on an elephant.
For the more adventurous, the islands that surround Phuket offer an exciting excursion or two. Regular ferries run from Phuket to Phi Phi and onwards to Krabi Town and Railey's Beach. The sheer beauty of the area will not disappoint and is surprisingly cheap.
As for entertainment, Phuket has activities ranging from golf, watersports and horse riding to elephant trekking to jungle walks. Night owls are also catered for on Bangla Road in Patong where every type of club and bar is there to try from nine o'clock at night until dawn!
Where to stay in Phuket: There are over 1200 hotels from 1 star to 4 star to choose from in Phuket province. For reviews, photos prices and booking just click on:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz
Getting to and from Phuket
For the best price on flights visit:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz
The unseen Thailand.
One of the popular places in Thailand which attracts many visitors but maybe does not produce such exciting stories from Bangkok or Phuket, is Kanchanaburi. A large province just a little north east of Bangkok and bordering Burma (Myanmar). In Kanchanaburi there are several large lakes, beautiful waterfalls such as Erawan, National Parks etc.You will find that the people in Kanchanaburi seem to care a little more for their environment and nature than in the cities.There are several active elephant conservation areas as well as an elephant lodge in the province. The main town of the province has the same name. With its almost untouched jungle, lakes and waterfalls, Kanchanaburi is ideal for those who want to get away from it all, and see rare species of fauna such as the endangered Hog Nosed Bat as well as utterly stunning flora.
One of the more sombre attractions is the "Bridge of Death", the bridge over the river Kwai which was part of the Burma railway. Thousands of Prisoners of War were put to work to build a railway by their Japanese captors during World War II. These prisoners were quite literally worked to death to build the railway demanded by the Japanese high command. If disease, malnutrition or backbreaking slave labour did not kill these POWs, the summary executions and death marches by the Japanese military would. The bridge is still standing and still in use, which pays tribute to the men who suffered and died on the Burma railway. Not far away from the bridge is the Kanchanaburi Military Cemetery, where line upon line of brass plaques show the final resting place of thousands of men. It is worth visiting to reflect upon the sheer horrors of war.
Where to stay in Kanchanaburi: There are 60 hotels to choose from in Kanchanaburi City, for full reviews, prices, photos and bookings, just click on:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz
Currency:
The currency Thailand is the Baht. Cards and travellers cheques, as well as Euro notes and US Dollar notes are accepted in most places and exchanged for the local currency.
Visa requirements:
There are many countries whose citizens do not need visas to enter Thailand. Too many to list in this blog. However, to find out your particular visa requirements please visit:
www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/188
Thailand is quite an extra ordinary land and well worth visiting.
Bon Voyage!
 |
| Flag of The Kingdom of Thailand |
Thailand has become one of the most sought after destinations in the world. Every year the number of visitors to this country has increased and millions of tourists from around the world to sample the delights of this beautiful country, where east meets west. So, why do people visit Thailand? Perhaps one of the main reasons is its diversity and contrasting characters; the mountainous region to the north with its valleys filled with swirling fogs and mists starkly contrasting with the plains of central and north-eastern Thailand. While eastern Thailand's plains and hills offer fertile land ripe for jungle and agriculture. Southern Thailand have some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world.
The Kingdom of Thailand has never been colonised and because of that, its long history and very rich culture have remained intact. Traditional rituals and practices enhance the country's exotic appeal as well as making it more fascinating and mesmerising. Thailand is predominantly Buddhist but has sizable Muslim and Christian communities which have also contributed to the country's culture and customs.
Although steeped in culture, tradition and history, Thailand is one of the most modern in the region, with its tuk-tuks to modern rapid transport systems, you can be sure that you will be able to see many of the attractions with relative ease.
The people of Thailand are generally blessed with a character, great temperament and the oh so famous "Thai Smile". Having said that, always always respect the traditions and culture of the country.
Getting to and from Thailand:
All the major airlines and carriers, including the national carrier for North Korea! To get the best prices and routes visit:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz
Bangkok.
According to the Guinness Book Of Records, the official name of Thailand's capital is the longest in the world. Bangkok as it is known is the largest city in the country and for many a visitor is a destination in its own right. A heady blend of traditions and modernity, highways and skyscrapers blend in with palaces, temples and markets. It is a city of contrasts and really does have something for everyone, from the finest cuisine from Thai to all corners of the culinary world.
From shopping in the numerous huge malls to the floating markets to the world renowned nightlife the visitor is never short of entertainment or thrills.
A visit to Bangkok should include seeing, The Grand Palace, The Temple of The Emerald Buddha and Wat Po, where you will see an enormous reclining Buddha. As a point of interest, this is also the home of the first Thai Massage school. There are over 400 "working" Buddhist temples in Bangkok alone.
Apart from the temples and shopping malls, other attractions include The National Museum. Vlmanmek Mansions and the Suan Pakkad Palace all of which house fine art or are national treasures in their own right.
 |
| A floating market in Bangkok. |
Another attraction of the city is Daminoen Saduak Floating Market, where despite everything else has a routine life all of its own, where local residents buying and selling their everyday wares. The Market became an icon of Bangkok as is among the most interesting attractions of the city.
Bangkok still continues to influence culture, fashion politics and entertainment, a far cry from its roots as a collection of small fishing villages just over 200 years ago.
Where to stay in Bangkok: There are over 1100 hotels of 1 star to 4 star to choose from in Bangkok alone. For reviews, photos prices and booking, just click on:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz
Phuket.
Phuket an island the same size as Singapore (550 sq km) is another iconic destination for those who visit Thailand. Located on the west coast of the southern Thai peninsular has like much of Thailand, so much to offer visitors. An island of contrasts, beautiful white sandy beaches adorn the western side while on the eastern coasts are lined with mangroves. The two different areas seem to be divided by a bisecting range of hills which act as the island's backbone. Phuket landscape just by itself is quite stunning.
 |
| A typical Phuket beach |
If beaches are not for you, then get off the beaten track and see natural wonders and traditional life of Phang Nga Province where you can experience a turtle farm, or perhaps glide down an unspoilt river on a bamboo raft, but then again you could take a thrilling ride in the mountains on an elephant.
For the more adventurous, the islands that surround Phuket offer an exciting excursion or two. Regular ferries run from Phuket to Phi Phi and onwards to Krabi Town and Railey's Beach. The sheer beauty of the area will not disappoint and is surprisingly cheap.
As for entertainment, Phuket has activities ranging from golf, watersports and horse riding to elephant trekking to jungle walks. Night owls are also catered for on Bangla Road in Patong where every type of club and bar is there to try from nine o'clock at night until dawn!
Where to stay in Phuket: There are over 1200 hotels from 1 star to 4 star to choose from in Phuket province. For reviews, photos prices and booking just click on:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz
Getting to and from Phuket
For the best price on flights visit:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz
The unseen Thailand.
 |
| Bridge over the River Kwai |
 |
| Kanchanaburi Cemetery |
Where to stay in Kanchanaburi: There are 60 hotels to choose from in Kanchanaburi City, for full reviews, prices, photos and bookings, just click on:
www.globaltraveldeals.biz
Currency:
The currency Thailand is the Baht. Cards and travellers cheques, as well as Euro notes and US Dollar notes are accepted in most places and exchanged for the local currency.
Visa requirements:
There are many countries whose citizens do not need visas to enter Thailand. Too many to list in this blog. However, to find out your particular visa requirements please visit:
www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/188
Thailand is quite an extra ordinary land and well worth visiting.
Bon Voyage!
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