Fondly known as 'the land of smiles', Thailand is commonly associated with gorgeous golden sand, palm-lined beaches, warm aquamarine waters, glorious temples and verdant jungle-clad mountains. With sixteen million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand is the primary travel hub of Southeast Asia, offering a diverse range attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether exploring the teeming metropolis of Bangkok, relaxing on the tropical beaches of the southern islands, scuba diving in the underwater wonderland off the coast of Koh Tao, jungle trekking in the North, or discovering the ancient cities of Chiang Mai, Thailand is filled with attractions to satisfy any interest.
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.
Phitsanulok (or simply 'P’Lok') is a fairly large, historic city set along the Nan River, in lower northern Thailand. This ancient centre of Thai culture and politics is a busy, dynamic hub and one of the larger of Thailand's provincial capitals. Phitsanulok’s primary tourist attraction is the spectacular Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, a famous temple built in 1357 housing the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, one of the most revered Buddha figures in Thailand. Other popular attractions include the Chandra Palace, a Buddha image foundry and a nearby folk museum. The city is also known for its excellent markets, its lovely Nan River houseboats, and it’s interesting houseboat museum.
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 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 hilltribe ethnicities in the area.
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.
