Central
Area:
Bangkok
Bangkok's major tourism attractions include the fabulous Wat
Phra Kaeo (Emerald Buddha Chapel) and Grand Palace complex;
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn); Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining
Buddha); Wat Saket (Golden Mount); Wat Benchamabophit (Marble
Temple); Vimanmek Palace, favourite residence of King Chulalongkorn
(1868-1910) and the world's largest golden teak building;
the fabulous royal barges; the Pasteur Institute's Snake Farm
where poisonous snakes are fed daily and venom is "milked"
from cobras and kraits to make invaluable serum; Jim Thompson's
House Museum which contains a superb collection of Asian objets
d'art; Suan Pakkad Palace's lacquer pavilion which is decorated
with medieval gold leaf murals; the world's largest Crocodile
Farm; a 200-acre open air museum called the Ancient City;
entertainment and recreational complexes such as Siam Water
Park, Safari World, King Rama IX Park and Dusit Zoo; unrivalled
shopping opportunities for some of the world's most admired
handicrafts; exceptionally fine dining in gourmet restaurants
featuring the world's favorite cuisine; and a liberated, almost
legendary nightlife.
Beyond Bangkok
Nakhon Pathom, 30 minutes further west (60 kilometers from
Bangkok), hosts the world's tallest Buddhist monument, the
380 foot high Phra Pathom Chedi, which marks the spot where
Buddhism was introduced, some 2,300 years ago, to the Thailand-to-be.
The
Rose Garden,
a riverside tropical park/country club one hour west of Bangkok,
boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, fine accommodation
and a Thai Village where daily shows feature traditional activities
such as folk dancing, the Thai wedding ceremony, a Buddhist
ordination and elephants at work.
Damnoensaduak,
40 minutes south of Nakhon Pathom, is Thailand's most vibrant
floating market where farmers congregate on canals each morning
in produce-laden boats.
Kanchanaburi,
some 130 kilometers west of Bangkok, is famous for the "Bridge
Over The River Kwai", an Allied war cemetery, and surrounding
countryside characterized by waterfalls, broad fertile valleys
and caves once inhabited by Neolithic man. The Saiyok Noi,
Saiyok Yai, Erawan and Huai Khamin Waterfalls and 12th-century
Khmer Prasat Muang Sing are especially worth visiting.
Ayutthaya,
some 70 kilometers upstream from Bangkok, was the Siamesecapital
from 1350 to 1767. Magnificent ruins of temples, palaces and
crumbling fortresses provide eloquent testimony of the former
capitalus splendour. Wat Panan Choeng, Wat Si San Phet, Wat
Mahathat, Wat Rachaburana, Phu Khao Thong and the Chao Sam
Phraya National Museum should not be missed.
Bang
Pa-In palace,
just south of Ayutthaya, was the summer residence of early
Chakri kings. The local Wat Niwet Thamaprawat is one of Thailand's
most unusual Buddhist temples, the chapel resembling an English
Gothic church.
Phra Buddha Bat, Shrine of the Buddha's Footprint, is just
north of Saraburi, some 110 kilometers north of Bangkok. The
Buddha's Footprint was discovered accidentally some 350 years
ago when a deer hunter found that a pool of water in the shape
of an enlarged human foot had curative power.
Lop Buri, an ancient city dating from the 9th century, and
some 150 kilometers north of Bangkok, contains Hindu and Khmer
ruins and the imposing Ramratchaniwet Palace built by Ayutthaya's
King Narai during the 1600s as a summer retreat. Major ruins
include the Khmer Phra Prang Sam Yot, the Hindu San Phra Kan,
and Wat Phra Si Mahathat.
Phetchaburi, 120 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, is well
known for exotic sweets, the Buddha-filled Khao Luang Caves,
the hilltop Phra Nakhon Khri palace, the lovely Wat Suwanaram
with its Ayutthaya meeting hall, murals and scriptural repository,
and the mountainous, scenically arresting Kaeng Krachan, Thailand's
largest national park.
Cha Am, 173 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, has a popular
beachside resort hotel and public beach.
Hua Hin, 198 kilometers from Bangkok, is Thailand's oldest
beach resort and has been the Thai royal family's summer residence
since the 1920s. A genteel Edwardian ambience characterizes
a resort with a fine beach, excellent accommodation and opportunities
for swimming, sailing, riding, windsurfing, water-skiing,
parasailing, snorkeling, fishing, playing tennis and golf.
Prachuap Khiri Khan, some 280 kilometers from Bangkok, is
a fishing town with a scenic bay and the beachside Khao Chong
Krachok (Mirror Mountain) which supports a small pagoda and
a resident monkey tribe.
North Area:
Sukhothai, 427 kilometers north of Bangkok, is notable for
massive sentinel stone Buddha images that preside over ruins
within the old city walls. The largest temple, Wat Mahathat,
and Wat Si Chum, with its massive seated Buddha measuring
some 11 meters from knee to knee, merit special attention.
Phitsanulok, some 60 kilometers south of Sukhothai,
is famous as the site of the riverside Wat Phra Si Rattana
Maha That which enshrines the venerated Phra Buddha Chinarat,
cast in 1357, and commonly regarded as Thailand's most beautiful
Buddha image.
Si Satchanalai, 55 kilometers north of Sukhothai, was the
ancient seat of Sukhothai's viceroys, and is noted for several
magnificent ruins, including Wat Chang Lom and Wat Chedi Chet
Thaeo.
Lampang, 600 kilometers north of Bangkok, is the sole provincial
Thai capital where horse-drawn carriages remain in daily use.
Lampang is noted for several Burmese-style temples, including
Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Si Chum, the magnificent Wat
Lampang Luang, and a Thai Elephant Conservation Center.
Lampoon, 670 kilometers from Bangkok, is famed for beautiful
women, bountiful orchards and the stunning Wat Phra That Hariphunchai,
a classic example of northern religious architecture.
Chiang Mai, the principal northern city, some 700 kilometers
north of Bangkok, was founded in 1296 and is located in a
fertile valley some 1,000 feet above sea level.Chiang Mai
is famous for beautiful women, historic temples dating from
the 1300s, crisp mountain scenery, distinctive festivals and
handicrafts, and several formerly itinerant hill tribes of
Tibeto-Burman origin.Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi
Luang, Wat Suan Dok,Wat Ku Tao and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
merit visits.The Bor Sang-San Kampaeng area is particularly
rich in cottage industries which produce handicrafts such
as parasols, silks, cottons, jewelry, woodcarvings, silverware,
ceramics and lacquerware.
Mae Hong Son, a 35-minute flight northwest of Chiang Mai,
is the tiniest and most isolated northern provincial capital,
nestling in a valley surrounded by mountains containing several
hill tribes and Burmese style temple.
Chiang Rai, northeast of Chiang Mai, and 785 kilometers from
Bangkok, lies in the very heart of the Golden Triangle and
is particularly famed for majestic mountains and many highaltitude
hilltribe villages. Popular attractions include Chiang Saen,
an ancient capital facing Laos across the Mekong River, and
the mountaintop Wat Phra That Doi Tung which commands a spectacular
view of surrounding mountains, and several Akha hilltribe
villages.
Nan, some 790 kilometers from Bangkok, is the site of famous
and annual boat races, and several historic temples, including
Wat Chang Kham, Wat Chae Haeng, Wat Phra That Khao Noi and
Wat Phumin with its undulating Naga balustrades and famous
murals.
Northeast Area:
Nakhon Ratchasima, 259 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, is
the gateway to I-San. 56 kilometers to the northeast of provincial
capital lies Phimai, site of an 11th-century prasat hin temple,
one of the loveliest examples of classical Khmer architecture
found outside Kampuchea. The complex occupies land within
boundary walls measuring 250 x 280 meters and was sufficiently
important to have been connected by road with Angkor. Other
major I-San attractions include.
Khon Kaen, a university town some 450 kilometers from Bangkok
in I-San's geographic center and famous for its Mat Mi silk;
Loei province's Phu Kra Dung National Park, a crisply beautiful
forested plateau between 1,000 and 1,350 meters where night-time
temperatures sometimes drop to near freezing point, and the
Kaeng Khut Khu rapids at Chiang Khan; the scenic Si Chiang
Mai to Nongkhai road which largely parallels the Mekong River;
Udon Thani's Ban Chiang village and museum which house priceless
Bronze Age jewelry and pottery excavated from local burial
mounds;
Nakhon Phanom's Phra That Phanom, the most reserved Northeast
shrine, the spire of which dates from the 9th century;
Ubon Ratchathani, 629 kilometers from Bangkok, which introduces
the annual Buddhist Rains Retreat with a lovely Candle Festival,
and the pre-historical rock paintings at Pha Taem in Khong
Chiam district near the Mekong River;
Yasothon, where, each summer, massive homemade rockets are
ceremoniously fired into the air to "ensure" bountiful rains;
Surin, where an annual Elephant Round-Up each November attracts
visitors from all over the world; and
Buri Ram's Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, a lovely hilltop Khmer
sanctuary once connected by road with Angkor.
South Area:
Chumphon has several lovely beaches, birds' nest islands and
excellent scuba diving waters, particularly around Ko Tao.
Ranong, to the southwest, 568 kilometers from Bangkok, has
a Hot Spa Health Resort drawing water from Thailand's sole
potable Geo-Thermal Mineral Water Spring.
Surat Thani, is best known for the beautiful Ko Samui, Thailand's
third largest island, 268 nautical miles south of Bangkok,
and jewel of a sparkling archipelago that contains the lovely
Angthong (Golden Bowl) Marine National Park.
Nakhon Si Thammarat, 780 kilometers south of Bangkok, is an
ancient city, home of the historically important Wat Phra
Maha That, and is the major center of southern Thai handicrafts
such as black and gold neiloware, yan lipao basketry and intricate
shadow-play figures.
Songkhla, 950 kilometers from Bangkok, a medieval pirate stronghold,
is a historic, albeit sleepy town with a thriving fishing
community and the lovely Samila beach. The Great Songkhla
Lake hosts the 520-square-kilometre Khu Khut Waterfowl Park,
home to some 140 species.
Pattani, some 100 kilometers further south, has Thailand's
most beautiful mosque and innumerable fishing communities
with hand-painted, lavishly decorated boats.
Narathiwat, further south, bordering Malaysia, is noted for
its Ba Cho Waterfall, a massive seated golden Buddha at Wat
Khao Kong, and the border town of Sungai Golok with its liberated
nightlife.
Hat Yai, 933 kilometers from Bangkok, is southern Thailand's
principal commercial, communications and entertainment center
and regularly attracts visitors from nearby Malaysia.
Phatthalung, some 95 kilometers north of Hay Yai, has the
Talay Noi Nok Nam bird sanctuary at the northwestern end of
the Songkhla Great Lake.
Trang's Khao Chong Nature Reserve, some 65 kilometers further
west, contains one of southern Thailand, sloveliest waterfalls.
Krabi's major attractions are the beautiful Phi Phi islands,
the 75-million-year-old Susan Hoi shell graveyard, one of
the only three in the world, and the sweeping Noppharat Beach.
Phuket, 862 kilometers from Bangkok, is Thailand's largest
island (the approximate size of Singapore). Phuket is a resort
of international stature, is blessed with a wide variety of
magnificent beaches, hidden coves and secluded bays, and has
probably the best seafood in Thailand.
East Coast Area:
Bangsaen, 100 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, is the capital's
nearest resort. A cool palm-lined promenade separates Bangsaen's
long crescent beach from seafront bungalows, a water amusement
park and a modern hotel.
Khao Khiao Open Zoo, 15 kilometers inland from Bang Phra,
occupies a 1200-acre hillside setting. Favourite Asian, African
and European mammals occupy spacious enclosures. Thailand's
most spectacular aviary, nestling against a forested hillside,
contains several rare Asian species.
Si Racha, 15 minutes further down the coast from Bang Phra,
is a fishing community famed for a delicious, tangy sauce
and excellent seafood.
Pattaya,
147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, is Thailand's "Riviera"
and internationally famous beach resort. All manner of watersports,
motor-racing, offshore coral islands, luxury accommodation
and a vibrant nightlife comprise Pattaya's main attractions.
Bang Sare fishing village, from where game fishermen seek
marlin, sharks, king mackerel, tura and other Gulf denizens,
and Sattahip, lie within 30 minutes to the south.
Rayong, is best known for its Ban Phe fishing village and
the narrow, 6-kilometre long Samet island. Ko Samet has some
15 bays and lovely beaches, Coral reefs and limpid waters
ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba-diving and fishing are
found on the island's east coast.
Chanthaburi, is famous for historic sites, Thailand's largest
Christian church, locally mined star sapphires, bountiful
orchards and the Khao Khitchakut and Namtok Phlui national
parks which contain attractive waterfalls.
Trat, the province bordering Kampuchea, is best known for
the 52-island Ko Chang Marine National Park, which is dominated
by Thailand's second largest island.
Mountain, Beach, waterfall attractions are as follows:
Kho Yai Khao
Yai National Park lies some 200 kilometers north-east of Bangkok,
covers more than 540,000 acres, has an average elevation of
800 meters and a highest peak of 1,351 meters. The park supports
elephants, tigers, bears, giant hornbills and other protected
wildlife, countless species of wild flowers, trees and spectacular
waterfalls.
Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province covers Thailand's
highest mountain (2,565 meters). Forest above 1,800 meters
is covered with lichens and wild orchids while at lower levels
several lovely waterfalls share the mountainside with Meo
and Karen hilltribe villages.
Ko Samet
Ko Samet in Rayong province is the focal point of a Marine
National Park. The narrow, 6 kilometers long island numbers
among Thailand's most beautiful islands and is fringed by
splendid beaches, dazzling coral reefs and limpid waters ideal
for snorkeling and scuba-diving.
Erawan
Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province is extremely
popular. The mountainside forest setting contains the seven-tiered
Erawan Waterfall, widely regarded as one of Thailand's loveliest
cascades.
Sam Roi Yot
Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province
(one hour south of Hua Hin, occupies some 60 square kilometers
of coastal land.)provided major settings for the award-winning
movie The Killing Fields. A multi- peaked, thinly forested
limestone mass rises majestically from coastal marshes that
host numerous waterfowl species. Caves, islands, fine beaches
and frequently seen wildlife comprise major attractions.
Khu Khut
Khu Khut Waterfowl Park in Songkhla province occupies 520
square kilometers of the Great Songkhla Lake and hosts some
140 resident and migratory species.
Ao Phang Nga
Ao Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga province featured
prominently in the James Bond movie The Man With The Golden
Gun. Verdant limestone islands, honeycombed with caves and
aquatic grottoes, soar perpendicularly from almost perpetually
calm waters. Major attractions include prehistoric rock paintings
and a stilted Muslim fishing village.
Tarutao
Tarutao Marine National Park in Satun province, 31 kilometers
off the southern Thai coast near the Thai-Malaysian Indian
Ocean maritime border, is a 51-island cluster covering some
1,400 square kilometers, and offers some of Southeast Asia's
best scuba-diving waters.
Ko Samui
Ko Samui and Ang Thong Marine National Park, covering an area
of over 250 square kilometers, is located in Surat Thani province
and composed of various islands noted for silvery sand and
colourful coral reefs. Access to the islands can be made either
from Ban Don, Surat Thani or Don Sak in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
LOCATION AND ADDRESS OF INTERESTING PLACES:
Ancient
City
(Muang Boran) This outdoor museum is filled with replicas
of Thailand's most magnificent monuments and temples. Samut
Prakarn, Bangkok ,Tel (02) 224-1057
Crocodile
Farm and Zoo
This is the world's oldest and largest crocodile farm. Bangkok,
Tel (02) 387-0020
Emerald Buddha
(Wat Phra Keo) This is the most respected Buddha image in
Thailand, carved from green jade. Maharaj Rd.,Bangkok, Tel
(02) 222-8181
Rose
Garden Country Resort
Thai cultural village with dance performances, elephants at
work and Buddhist ordination ceremonies. Petkasem Rd., Tel
(02) 253-0295
Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo
Filled with elephants and numerous other forms of animal life.
117 Moo 6 Petchakasem Highway, Samphran, Nakhon Pathom Bangkok
Office: Tel (02) 284-0273
Temple
of Dawn
(Wat Arun) This is the tallest tower in Thailand. Arun Amarin
Rd. Bangkok,Tel (02) 282-1143
Temple of the Reclining Buddha
(Wat Pho) This temple is the oldest center of learning in
Thailand with a 145ft (46m) long, 49ft (15m) high, gold-plated,
reclining Buddha. Chetuphon Rd.,Bangkok, Tel (02) 222-0933
Thailand Cultural Center
This is the center for domestic and international cultural
exchange. It is often the venue for art shows by the country's
leading artists. Ratchadaphisek Road, Bangkok,Tel (02) 245-7711
Vimanmek
Palace
This is the world's largest building made entirely of golden
teak. Rachvithi Rd. , Tel (02) 222-0859
Ocean World Amusement Park
Kids will enjoy the water-oriented activities in this amusement
park. Beach Rd.,Bang Saen
Nao National Park
This beautiful park has caves, waterfalls and assorted flora.
Phetchabun,Northern Thailand
Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village
Acres of lush greenery and breathtaking orchid gardens. 5/11
Moo 6 Thepkasattri Rd.,Phuket, Tel (076) 214-860
Phuket Butterfly Garden and Aquarium
A large display of different kinds of butterflies and fish.
71/6 M. 5 Soi Paneang,Phuket,Tel (076) 210-859
Siam Park City
This is a water world, theme park and fair rolled into one.
101 Sukhapibarn 2 Rd.,Bangkapi, Bangkok,Tel (02) 517-1032
Sukhothai Historical Park
Among the attractions here are the remains of the Royal Palace,
several Buddhist temples and a system of canals and ponds.
Sukkothai, North Thailand
Kamthieng House
Ethnological Museum.Preserves the traditional technologies
and folk arts of Northern Thailand. 131 Soi 21 (Asoke) Sukhumvit
Road,Bangkok, Tel (02) 258-3491
Museum of Forensic Medicine
This is one of the more unusual sights in Thailand. On display
are preserved bodies of infamous murderers and a bisected
head with a bullet lodged in the brain. Sirirat Hospital,2
Prannok Road,Thon Buri, Bangkok,Tel (02) 411-2003 or (02)
411-0241
National Museum
Artifacts here date back to the Neolithic times. Guided tours
are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 4 Na Phrathat Rd.,Bangkok,Tel
(02) 224-1396
Interesting Activities:
Elephant Training
The recently opened Thai Elephant Conservation Center, 28
kilometers outside Lampang on the main highway to Chiang Mai,
has replaced the former Elephant Training School at Ngao.
Logging training sessions for young elephants are held daily
at 9.00 AM in an attractive forest setting, and visitors are
welcome.
Jungle Treks
Most popularly originating from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai,
these 2-6 day treks take visitors through forested mountains
and high meadows in what are, actually, the lower extremities
of Himalayan foothills. Major attractions are remote hilltribe
villages. Mountains surrounding Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
host seven major, once-itinerant hill tribes of Tibeto- Burman
origin - - the Meo, Lisu, Lahu, Yao, Akha, Lawa and Karen.
Each have distinctive dialects, costumes and customs.
Orchid Farms
Several establishments in the suburbs of Bangkok, and in Chiang
Mai and Chonburi province welcome visitors who may wish to
admire, purchase or learn more about these fabled blooms.
Wildlife Sanctuaries/National Parks
Thailand has some so national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
covering more than 25,000 square kilometers. Evenly spread
throughout the kingdom, such places afford nature lovers opportunities
to enjoy Thai flora and fauna in unspoiled surroundings. The
most popular in terms of convenient
For additional information please contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tourist Assistance Center 4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue Bangkok
10100 Tel (02) 281-5051 or (02) 282-8129 Fax: (02) 280-1998
Tourist information is available at the Tourism Authority
of Thailand head office in Bangkok, local offices in 22 major
cities and the TAT information counter in Bangkok Airport
and at every airport where there is a TAT local office. They
provide maps, brochures and useful information on tours, shopping,
dining and accommodation. All TAT information offices are
open seven days a week from 8.30 AM. to 4.30 PM.
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