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Ancient City, Bangkok

The ancient city is 33.5 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, in the neighbouring province of Samut Prakhan. The theme park boasts impressive scale replicas of Thai ancient monuments, combining a Thai folk art and culture center.

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace in Ayutthaya

Bang Pa-In is a historic summer palace in which Ayutthaya Kings have spent their vacations. Constructed during the reign of King Prasat Thong in Ayutthaya, the palace features:

• Phra Thinang Aisawan Thippa-at

• Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman

• Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian

• Phra Thinang Wehat Chamrun

• Phra Thinang Withun Thatsana

Butterfly and Orchid Gardens Chiang Mai

The butterfly and orchid garden in Chiang Mai features countless varieties of exotic Thai orchids set in a plantation-like surrounding, where the butterflies roam freely throughout perimeter. The garden is ideal for pastime recreation and discovery of the balance between plants and living creatures.

Butterfly Garden and Sea Aquarium Phuket

The Butterfly Garden And Aquarium in Phuket is a fascinating place to visit. The tropical aquarium features natural sea corals and a colorful variety of sea life. While the butterflies garden features tropical landscaping with several species of Thai orchids.

Chao Phraya River (River of Kings)

Nakhon Sawan is the north province where the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan rivers unite to form the Choa Phraya River which flows southwards to dissect Bangkok before entering the Gulf of Thailand.

The Chao Phraya River largely irrigates the Central Plain, one of the world’s major rice and fruit-growing areas, and sustains an intricate network of canals that irrigate bountiful orchards and market gardens; host vibrant floating markets; and support a unique, waterborne way of life.

Chao Phraya River and klongs (canals) have always been vital forms of communication and 19th century Bangkok was laced with canals, giving the capital the designation “Venice of the East”.

Doi Suthep Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Borommahathat Doi Suthep was built in 1383 by King Gue-Na on a plateau commanding an impressive view of the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern capital. The temple contains a pogada that houses a part of the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Bhuddists from around the world come here to pay worship to the holy temple.

The Floating Market in Damneon Saduak

Bangkok has once been dubbed by the international community as the “Venice of the East,” for its diverse network of canals, locally known as “Klongs.” Since the reigns of King Rama the 1st , the residents of Bangkok did a great deal of commuting by small boats on the Klongs, similar to the way of life so characteristic of Venice for centuries long. Commerce throughout Bangkok was often conducted on boats, and merchants would take their fresh produces by boat each day to the so-called floating markets, where they would meet and conduct trade. At the floating market, you will find all kinds of “floating shops,” such as floating fruit shops, floating flower shops, floating culinary and food shops, and much more.

Golden Triangle

Located 9 km to the north of Chiang Saen is the world-famous place where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. On the right is Laos PDR, and the triangle landon the left is the Golden Triangle in Myanmar. You can stand at the very point where the Rauk River from Burma flows into the Mekong.

The most beautiful and amazing view of the Golden Triangle can be seen from a small hill where visitors can go up to that point by car. Just enjoy the natural beauty and be proud that you have been to a widely-known locality. Accommodations are available for tourists who want to stay over night. Boats can be rented for trips along the Khong River.

Grand Palace, Bangkok

The Grand Palace is the former residential palace of Kings Rama I to Rama IV of Chakri Dynasty between 1782 and late 1800 A.D. The current reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulayadej or Rama IX, represents the ninth member of the Chakri dynasty. Witness the architectural opulence and splendour of this historic Thai landmark, which covers an area of 2.5 square kilometers (one square mile) on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River Wat.

Phra Kaeo, Bangkok (Emerald Buddha Temple)

On the Grand Palace grounds, stands Wat Phra Kaeo, the royal chapel and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The temple was made famous by the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand’s most revered and cherished Buddha images, which is housed in the temple’s main chapel (Viharn Phra Kaeo). The image is a sitting posture of the Buddha, 75 centimeters (30 inches) in height and is carved entirely out of emerald. Buddhist pilgrams and tourists from all over the world come to visit and to pay homage to the Emerald Buddha.

Thai Handicrafts from Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s major centre for quality handicrafts. The visitors need merely visit the nearest city emporium or night market to purchase handicrafts. A major advantage of shopping in CHiang Mai is that the visitor may watch artisans working within the city and in several outlying villages.

Umbrellas made of sa paper, hilltribe crafts with bold colors, fabrics of countless types, delicate ceramics, replicated and genuine antiques, dazzling jewelry and gems, silverware of all sorts, lacquerware with intricate designs, rattan and wickerwork, and woodcarvings ranging from pictures to furniture are only a part of the long list of crafts and arts that help to make Chiang Mai special. Each individual piece of workmanship requires paints taking attention to detail and design in the process of its creation. Owning one of Chiang Mai’s tradition crafts is a sure way to take back tangible memories of your visit to Chiang Mai. Whatever it is you are looking for-be it a keychain or Thai silk – Chiang Mai offers the shopping facilities for you to find a buy that you will be pleased with.

Major Chiang Mai handicrafts include:

Cottons & Silks – first-class Chiang Mai cottons and silks are of incomparable quality. Cottons and silkshave innumerable fashion and furnishing applications. The largest possible selection is available in San Kamphaneg.

Furniture/Woodcarving – Chiang Mai is a major centre of furniture making. Major woods and materials include teak, rosewood and rattan. Items may be unadorned or, especially with teak and rosewood, artfully carved in traditional or modern designs. Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art featured in numerous temples. In recent years, wood carving has increasingly embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables, beds, indeed anything bearing a wooden surface large enough to be carved. Carved elephants, figurines and tableware number among other popular purchases.

Pottery – Chiang Mai is the major centre of Thailand’s pottery industry. prized items include high-fired celadon which is produced in many forms, including dinner sets, lamp bases and decorative items.

Lacquerware – striking black and gold designs give Lacquerware its visual appeal and sheen. This decorative art enhances items made of wood, bamboo, metal, paper and baked clay, in the form of receptacles, ornaments and various souvenirs.

Umbrellas-Parasols – These are inextricably associated with Bo Sang where villagers have been engaged in their manufacture for at least 200 years. All materials, silks cottons, sa paper and bamboo are produced or found locally. Visitors to Bo Sang will see literally hundreds of designs and sizes ranging from the miniature to the gigantic.

Silverware – The finest Thai silverware is exquisite, and is made in Chiang Mai, where certain families have practiced their art for several generations. Traditional skills and a guaranteed content of at least 92.5% pure silver invest bowls, receptacles and decorative items with authentic value. Silver shops are concentrated on Wua Lai Road, where silverware artisans and their families live.

Hilltribe Products – These include silver arnaments, such as bracelets, nacklace, pendants and pipes of intricate design, and embroidered items including tunics, jackets, bags, purses, caps and dress lengths.

Gold Plated Orchids & Butterflies – Orchids and butterflies are preserved and plated with 24-carat gold to create unusual gift items such as necklece pendants, hairpins and earrings.

Hilltribes Of Northern Thailand

The Hill Tribes people in northern Thailand or Chao Khao, as called in Thai, are nomadic people who have migrated from regions as close as Southern China to as far as the mountains of Tibet. A large extent of their way of life is still based on primitive existence, relying on agriculture as the basis of their livelihood, resorting to slash and burn techniques from time to time. However, such occupation are gradually being replaced by cash crop growing and handicrafts making instead. In general, the Hill Tribes people are enigmatic and charming to visit and learn more about.

Akha Tribe –  The Akha hill tribe is located in the Mae Chan region of Chiang Rai, just south of Burmese border. The 30,000-40,000 member population of this tribe has roots traced from the Yunan region in Southern China. They have their own religious beliefs and practises, based somewhat on animism and superstition.

Lisu Tribe – The Lisu people are more of travelers than their hill tribe peers, dwelling in more than half a dozen provinces in north Thailand. It is hard to track the number of their population as their settlements are dispersed throughout the moutains of the north, while many have assimilated into the urban centers.

Karen Tribe –  The Karens, known in Thai as the Kariengs, occupy settlements along the north-western border of Thailand. They are probably the best-known among the all the Hill Tribes, due to their previous entanglements and dispute with the Burmese border patrols. Their population numbers between 250,000-300,000 members. They are regarded to be less pre-occupied with rites and religion than their tribal peers.

Lahu Tribe – The Lahu hill tribe is located in the Fang region of Chiang Rai, slightly east of Mae Chan close to the border of Burma. The 60,000 members of this village wear unique attire ranging from embroidered tunics and turbans to silver belts and buckles. Similar to the other Hill Tribes, they are spiritually inclined and possess their own set of rites and rituals.

Meo Tribe –  The people of the Meo hill tribe, also called the Hmongs, are spread around the mountains in the northern most provinces of Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. The term “Meo” has become a sort of collective name Thai people use for describing the hill tribe people in general. Like other hill tribe people, they have their own set of beliefs in spirituality and nature.

Yao Tribe –  The Yao people are settled along the north-eastern region of Thailand, mainly in the provinces of Phayao, Nan and Chiang Rai. The Yaos distinguish themselves from the rest of tribes people with opulent attire and jewelry, often gold gilded.

Hot Springs Chiang Mai

Fang Hot Springs located at Ban Pin, also 163 kilometres north of Chiang Mai provincial, 50 hot springs occupy a 10-acre forest setting. Three boil continuously with a strong smell of sulphur. Water temperatures at the springs range from 90 to 100 degrees Celsius.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs This is located 36 kilometres from town amid natural surroundings of trees and verdant hills. The water has a high sulphur content and possesses curative and restorative properties. Accommodation, a swimming pool, dining facilities and segregated mineral water bathing rooms are available. Nearby is Roong Arun Hot Spring Resort which offers bungalows, mineral baths and sumptuous park setting.

Khao Luang Cave, Bangkok

The cave is located on Khao Luang Hill which is only 92 metres high and five kilometers from Khao Wang. khao Luang Cave is regarded as the most important cave of Petchaburi because is houses a dressing Buddha image cast by the royal command of King Chulalongkon as the dedication to King Nang Klao and King Mongkut.

On the right hand of Khao Luang Access Road at the foot hill there is a large monastery called “Wat Tham Kleap” or Wat Bunthawi having a very large multipurpose hall The Sala Kanparien and wooden door panels of the Ubosot are beautifully carved.

Khao Wang, Hua Hin

This 92-metre hillock on the northern approach to Phetchaburi provincial capital (some 36 kilometres north of Cha-am), supports the Phra Nakhon Khiri palace constructed in 1860 by King Rama IV (King Mongkut). Phetchaburi residents refer to it as Khao Wang, literally Palace Hill.

The style is mainly European with some Thai and Chinese influences. Sitting on three peaks the temple of Wat Phra Khew is to the east; the main stupa of Phra That Chom Phet in the middle and the residential Grand Palace to the west.

Both Kings Rama IV & V used the palace at their leisure and to entertain their visitors. After the death of King Rama V it was used less and less and sadly slipped into a state of decay. In 1935 it was registered as a national monument by the Fine Arts Department and was restored to be a National Museum and National Park. Open daily 9am-4pm it can be conveniently reached by funicular railway round-trip 40 Baht. Once at the top entrance to the Museum is 30 Baht for foreigners and 10 Baht for Thais. It is an excellent half-day excursion and takes a couple of hours to walk the path linking the three peaks. The views are spectacular.

Klongs (Canals of Bangkok)

When you visit Bangkok, you can enjoy a most pleasurable trip by long-tailed boat or rice barge along the klongs (canals) of the Chao Phaya river. Enjoy a unique experience and see how the way of life of the people in Bangkok evolved along klong as a means of transportation as a source of water for daily living.

Often people who live near klongs do their shopping at floating markets. A lot of fruits and vegetables are sold from the long, narrow boats. From the grocery boat you can buy all the ingredients you need for cooking.

You can hire the boats at various points along the river such as Tha Phra Chan next to Thammasat University, Tha Tien near Wat Pho or Oriental Pier near The Oriental Hotel.

Promthep Cape in Phuket

‘Prom’ is the Thai word for the Hindu God ‘Brahma’ signifying purity and ‘Thep’ is Thai for God. Promthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket Island. It has traditionally been the prominent feature for mariners approaching the island.

You can watch the famous sunset which is the best time to visit Promthep Cape. No trip to Phuket would be complete without taking a few photos of the breathtaking panoramic vista overlooking the southern tip of the island. The view is practically irresistible for photography since the bay reflects images of coral reefs as the waves in changing hues break upon rock boulders.

Wat Benjamabopit, Bangkok (Marble Temple)

The Marble Temple or “Wat Benjamabopit,” as it is known in Thai, was constructed in 1899 A.D., during the reign of King Rama the 5th as the source of religous heritage for the future generations of Thais. The main shrine was originally intended to house a highly sacred and revered Budddha image known as Phra Buddha Shinaraja, which at the time was located in the province of Phitsanulok (approximately 300 km north of Bangkok). But when construction of the Marble Temple was complete, a replicate of the Phra Buddha Shinaraja was created and enshrined in the temple instead, due to that the people of Phitsanulok and northern Thailand were unwilling to part with their Buddha image, the main source of their religious inspiration.

The Marble Temple, built entirely out of white marble as its name suggests, manifests the devotion that Thai people have for Buddhism. The architectural and engineering detail put in to the construction of the Wat Benjamabopit is rare by modern standards. Once the visitor enters the temple grounds, he or she will experience a sensation of tranquility and peace.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

The North is weel-known for its local handicrafts, from wood carving to silverware, lacquerware, hilltribe clothing and ethnic jewellery, and hand-painted umbrellas.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar carries a good selection of all the above northern items, and of course, prices are negotiable.

Patong Beach in Phuket

Patong Beach, located on the West Coast of Phuket, is the most famous of Phuket’s beaches and it has the largest concentration of tourists. While just 15 years ago there was nothing, just a small fishing village and extensive coconut plantations, today it is the most built-up of the beached.

The bungalow complexes, restaurants, shops andnightspots appealing to all tastes are lined up to the seafront. Patong is not for those who want isolation – that’s found in abundance elsewhere around Phuket – but it’s ideal for those who want watersports on their tropical beach, backed-up by an active and exotic nightlife nearby and unlimited good eating set back off a stunningly beautiful beach. With plenty of action and friends to be found, Patong is a popular spot for those seeking fun in the sun.

Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buriram

Located between Amphoe Nang Rong and Amphoe Prakhon Chai in Buriram at the right-turn on Km. 83-84 of Highway No. 24 and twelve kilometers further on. The well-known Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is on the top of the Phanom Rung Mountain. It is a walled-in enclosure, with both the door framed and walls carved in beautiful design of Lopburi Period style with Khmer influence. It is thought that it was originally built as an idol temple according to Brahminic belief.

Within the Prasat or castle, is the vibrant stone hall built in the 12th century A.D. The beauty of the main prang of Phanom rung lied not only in its plan, but in the vibrant stone cravings which cover large parts of the temple. Many lintels and pediments depict episodes from Indian texts such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas.

One of the lintels, the well-known “Narai Bantomsin”, which depicts a reclining Vishnu, was recently returned from a museum in the United States. This 12th century temple complex has recently been restored and preserved in an attractive historic park. Enhancing the imposing architecture is the hill-top location which commands panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Rawai Beach, Phuket

Rawai is very famous for its shells and a site of a Chao Lay or sea Gipsy villages. A lot of small open air seafood restaurants, bungalows and shell handicraft shops are located along the beach promenade. The waters are good, but not suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms.west of Chalong Circle, and also has a shell museum (located opposite the beach) that is worth a visit.

Rose Garden, Bangkok

Situated about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Bangkok, the Rose Garden comprises 70 acres “of lush tropical gardens and manicured lawns.” You will enjoy the peace, tranquility and natural beauty most tourists only dream about.

Here they will relish over 60 acres of landscaped tropical garden, scenic lake and the gentle Nakorn Chaisri River. And, to witness a unique and unforgettable experience of the world-renowned Thai Village Cultural Show. Daily, over 150 performers including elephants vividly portray a fascinating cross section of Thailand’s culture, heritage and way of life settings as authentic as the remote rural villages.

The 196-room luxury hotel, including seven antique Thai teak houses on a beautiful lake, offers a fitness center, ozone-treated swimming pool, six meeting rooms, and eight larger rooms for hosting conventions and seminars.

Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn, Bangkok

Wat Arun or Temple of dawn is an important landmark located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The main shrine, decorated with glazed ornaments and ceramics, rises some 280 feet towards the heavens. Built during the beginning of the Rattanakosin era, the magnificent temple reflects the glory of the Thai culture.

Wat Chalong, Phuket

Phuket’s most beautiful and important Buddhist temple and is the biggest and most ornate of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist monasteries.

Wat Chalong is associated with the revered monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, both much revered by local people because of their role in quelling the miner rebellion in 1876.

During World War II when bombs were dropped in the Andaman region, Phuket was spared and the locals attribute Wat Chalong with having the power to deflect even these bombs. Luang Pho Chaem has been worshipped ever since for bringing prosperity to those who pray to him. You can see Thais and visitors from other Asian countries, apply thin sheets of gold to the image in respect to the powers of Luang Pho Chaem.

Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai

Located on Ratchaphakkinai Road, this is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, and is noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses.

The temple houses two sacred ancient Buddha images. The larger of the two, Phra Sila (or stone Buddha) is a stone bas-relief which was imported from either India or Sri Lanka around 2,500 years ago. The smaller, Phra Sae Tang Kamani (or crystal Buddha) heighten only around 10 cm and is thought to have originally come from Lopburi around 1,800 years ago. The stupa in this temple imitates the stupa at Si Satchanalai.

Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Bangkok

This famous temple, located next to the Grand Palace, is one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples. Wat Pho was conceived by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago as a source of public education, providing information on subjects such as literature, archaeology, astrology and medicine, and is therefore sometimes called :Thailand’s First University”. The chapel houses the gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha, which is 46 metres in length an 15 metres high with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles depicting the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha.

The temple is also the headquarter for the Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Bangkok. there are stone plaques and inscriptions describing treatment for various ailments and methods of massage and meditation. Thai-style massage is available in two open plan areas within the temple grounds.

Wat Phananchoeng in Ayutthaya

This monastery located south of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has no record as to its date of construction or the person causing its construction. It existed before ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principle image in the Wihan called “Phrachao Phananchoeng” was built in A.D. 1325, it is a golden Buddha of 19 metres high made of stucco in the attitude of Subduing Evil, considered beautiful, it is most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya.

Wat Phra Mahathat, Ayutthaya

This temple, north of the former Grand Palace, was the ritual center of the city. Its date is uncertain. What we see today is a 1663 restoration that was done by order of King Prasat Thong. This monastery was the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of the forest dwelling sect. The major construction was the high pagoda or prang which was destroyed by Burmese invaders. When the government undertook to restore all Ayutthaya ruins, the Fine Arts Department excavated the pagoda and found a buried treasure chest containing many valuables. Among objects discovered were a relic of Lord Buddha, placed inside a golden casket, several golden Buddha images in different sized and many other objects in gold, ruby and crystal. These are now housed in Bangkok’s National Museum.

Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai

The chapel of Wat Phra Singh houses the image of Phra Buddha Sihing, an image which is highly revered by the Chiang Mai and Thai people alike. The architectural style of the chapel exemplifies the splendours of Lanna-Thai art and culture at its finest. The mural paintings on the walls of temple depict the scenes of Suwannahong and Sang Thong classic literature.

Wat Sra Si, Sukhothai

Located west of the King Ramkhamhaeng monument and situated on two connected islands, this wat is particularly beautiful and can be noted for its simplicity. A large and beautiful walking Buddha in Sukhothai style dominates the site along with one chedi in Sir Lankan style.

Wat Sri Sawai, Sukhothai

Wat Si Sawai Some 300 metres to the southwest of Wat Mahathat. Inside the wall, the viharn in the west, built of laterite, is separate from the main prang which was constructed in Lopburi or Hindu – style but the others also constructed beside the prangs, are Buddhist viharns. The Crown Prince (King Rama VI), found a trace of Hindu sculpture Sayomphu, the greatest Hindu God in this sanctuary. In his opinion htis ruin was once a Hindu shrine, but was later converted into a Buddhist monastery.

Wat Sri Chum, Sukhothai

The most important object in this temple is the Buddha image inside the Mondop, the walls of the mondop are 3 metres thick. The scholars believe that this Buddha image is Phra Atchana which means the unmoveable or the strengthen Buddha. Phra Atchana at Wat Sri Chum was built before 1292 which was the year that Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng had the first stone inscription made. The width at the lap of this Buddha image is about 11.30 metres from knee to knee and its height is 15 metres to the very top.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Ayutthaya

This temple is also called “Wat Chao Phraya Thai”. It is located a few minutes outside of Ayutthaya. it was built by King U-Thong in 1357 for meditation. In 1792 when King Naresuan defeated Burmese by killing the Burmese Crown Prince in single-handed combat on elephant, he constructed the temple’s large pagoda to match the high pagoda at Chedi Phu Phao Thong which had purportedly been built by the Burmese. This massive pagoda, in ruinous state at the present, is visible from a great distance.