Steamy, frenetic, and exhilarating, Thailand’s capital city, located in the Chao Phraya River Delta, is a legendary travel destination. This metropolis is equally famous for its rich cultural offerings, effervescent nightlife, superb shopping, and diverse dining options. Bucket list items include a visit to the mind-boggling Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, a morning boat trip down the canals to immerse oneself in the floating markets, and a walk around the opulent Grand Palace. The tourist hub of Khaosan Road, the MBK Centre, Siam Square, or on weekends, the vast Chatuchak market, offer further excellent shopping opportunities, while restaurants span every style, from incredible street food to five-star haute cuisine. The SkyWalk at King Power Mahanakhon is a great spot for couples and photographers, while the Siam Society and Kamthieng House provide an in-depth introduction into Thai culture and folklore.
Dubbed 'The Rose of the North', Thailand’s northern capital is far smaller and more serene than Bangkok. Despite this, the city has seen extensive development in the last decade that has transformed it from a low-key, old-world city into a modern hub, complete with top-notch restaurants and five-star hotels. A walk around the inner-city moat will take you past the array of glittering temples, aromatic food markets and eclectic shops of Chiang Mai’s downtown, while just five minutes away is the popular Night Bazaar – a shopping Mecca for tourists. Other highlight attractions include a visit to the trendy Nimmanhemin district, with its upmarket bars and shopping outlets, and a trip up Suthep Mountain, to see the hilltop temple and take in panoramic views of the city below.
This charming, sleepy city is the more laid-back alternative to bustling Chiang Mai and the capital of
Chiang Rai province. Besides its beguilingly slow pace, friendly locals and the beautiful setting amidst rolling rainforest-covered hills, Chiang Rai also encompasses a treasure chest of cultural and historical gems. Don’t miss a visit to Wat Rong Khun,' The White Temple' – a contemporary architectural highlight with an exquisitely ornate, snow-coloured façade – or to the historic Wat Phra Sin, with its traditional Lanna-style interior. There are also several interesting museums to explore, including the quirky Oub Kham Museum, with its collection of fascinating and often bizarre historical relics from the wider Lanna region; and the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre, which provides excellent insight into the various hill-tribe ethnicities in the area.
Khao Sok National Park is an incredible lowland jungle reserve in Southern Thailand. Extending over 646 square kms, this spectacular stretch of wilderness is home to the exquisite Cheow Lan Lake, some remarkable limestone formations, a host of jaw dropping waterfalls and an enthralling rainforest believed to be over 160 million years old. Visitors to the park can indulge in a wide range of exhilarating outdoor activities including tubing down the river, caving, kayaking, and ziplining through the forest canopy while spotting some of the park’s rare wildlife (which includes bears, boars, marbled cats, wild elephants and even tigers). If you are only able to visit one national park in Thailand, head to Khao Sok.
