Thailand Travel

Thailand, also known as Siam, has a breath of attractions for travelers ranging from exotic markets, shopping and nightlife in its capital city, Bangkok located in Central Thailand, trekking amongst hill tribe people in the North, exploring the numerous archeological sites of ancient civilization and dinosaurs in the Northeast, seeking a short carefree leisure break without venturing too far away from the capital in the East Coast and beautiful beaches and diving sites in the South. The many beautiful golden Buddhist temples (wats) dotting the landscape make visiting Thailand a must.

Unlike its neighboring countries which has fallen to European powers, Thailand has miraculously managed to remain independent and united and become one of the most accessibly exotic locations in the world. Tourists can try out its world-renowned Thai cuisine or learn the Thai art, architecture and language. The finest architecture is found within the royal palace, Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn which was once home to the Emerald Buddha, on the banks of the Chao Pharaya River in Bangkok and also at Doi Suthep National Park, possibly Thailand's most beautiful temple.

Bangkok is a very popular tourist city with amazing tourists attractions such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Anantasamakhom Throne Hall, Wat Mahadhatu, Vimanmek Mansion, the Royal Elephant National Museum, Wat Pho, San Lak Mueang (City Pillar Shrine), Sanam Luang (Phramen Ground), Photo: Wat Phra Kaeo         Bangkok National Museum, the National Gallery, Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), Wat Benchamabophit (the Marble Temple), Wat Suthat, the Giant Swing, Wat Rajbopit, Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount), Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Indharawihan, Wat Si Sudaram (Wat Chi Pa Khao), Wat Cha Lo, Wat Pho Bang O, Wat Bang Oi Chang, Wat Suwannaram, Wat Kaeo Fa, Wat Prasat, Wat Amphawan, Phra Sumeru Fortress (Phra Sumen), Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, National Museum of Royal Barges, the Erawan Shrine, Prasat Museum, Jim Thompson's Thai House, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (the Snake Farm), Dusit Zoo, Kamthieng House Museum, Bangkok Dolls Museum, Museum of Imagery Technology, Siriraj Museums, Science Museum, Lumphini Park, Suan Luang Rama IX Park, Siam Park (Suan Siam), Dream World and Safari World.

The remains of ancient cities are located at Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Ban Chiang and Phimai. The province of Sukhothai boasts the honor of being the site of the most ancient Thai capital city, the centre of a kingdom in which flourished from the mid 13th to the late 14th century. Thailand has many accessible national parks offering a variety of adventures including trekking, elephant riding, bird watching animal sighting and also beautiful waterfalls.

Thai song, dance and music are intricate and graceful. There are over 36 museums which displays Thailand's treasures       Wat Yai Chaiyamongkhon in Ayutthaya

and antiquities. Traditional clothes and costumes are worn for ceremonial purposes although some hill tribe people still wear colorful traditional clothes all the time.

Football (soccer), golf and badminton are popular among the Thais with Thai kickboxing and takro (similar to the Western game hacki sack) as the local favorites. Thailand also has many challenging golf courses, some designed by PGA legends such as Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus, and golf resorts and with Tiger Woods as their idol, golfing never generated so much attention before. Thailand is fast becoming the 'health holiday' capital of the world where some of the finest health spas are found here.

When in Thailand, eating Thai cuisine is a definite must. Thai food is unique, blending a multitude of spices and ingredients that make each dish a special joy. It is common to be served dishes that include hot, sour, sweet and salty flavors at one meal. So, come to Thailand and treat your palate and your senses. It will Wat Si Chum            be a journey of discovery you will never forget in a country known for its food, the friendly saffron-robed monks, the busy Bangkok traffic, the magical sculptures in the temples and the generous Thai people and popular tourists destinations include Chiang Mai, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Samui, Krabi, Phuket and Pattaya.