Travel the Mekong countries - Thailand

THAILAND

From the glorious ruins of ancient cities to the excitement of dynamic modern Bangkok, from the lush forested hills of the North to the white sandy beaches and tropical islands of the South, from sporting options to shopping, dining and fun-filled entertainment, the Kingdom offers a kaleidoscope of things to do and see.

With a rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes of great natural beauty, Thailand is truly a multi-faceted destination.

From the glorious ruins of ancient cities to the excitement of dynamic modern Bangkok, from the lush forested hills of the North to the white sandy beaches and tropical islands of the South, from sporting options to shopping, dining and fun filled entertainment, the Kingdom offers a kaleidoscope of things to do and see.

Whatever the holiday preference, be it exploring jungle trails, marvelling at the treasures of the past, enjoying soft adventure tours or simply lazing in the sun soaking up an enviable tan, Thailand has it all.

For exploring the region, Thailand is conveniently located between Myanmar to the west and Lao PDR and Cambodia to the east, while a long border with the Mekong permits some of the easiest access to the river anywhere along its entire course.

The Thai capital for more than two centuries, Bangkok has in the last 20 years undergone more change than at any other period during its history. The ultimate impact of it all is that the city is now better than it has ever been - greener, more comfortable, and faster and easier to get around. Likewise, the options for shopping, dining and entertainment have vastly expanded in the last couple of decades.

Amazingly, at the same time as developing as a thoroughly modern metropolis, Bangkok has succeeded in preserving monuments to its traditional Oriental splendour.

It is still a city of temples and palaces, of golden spires and orange-tiered roofs, of saffron-robed monks and serene Buddha images. Classic sights, most famously the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, remain as magnifi cent as ever.

Set in the heart of the Central Plains that extend north from Bangkok, Ayutthaya provides an intriguing glimpse into a glorious past. Founded in the 14th century, it was the nation’s capital for more than 400 years until its destruction in 1767.

During the height of its power, it ranked as the largest, most magnificent city in the Orient, as witnessed today in the extensive ruins of numerous temples and palaces that are now preserved as a World Heritage Site.

Situated just a 2-hour drive from Bangkok, Pattaya is famous as an international playground in the sun. Facing a wide bay and a long sweep of beach, it is a seaside resort with city status, and goes all out to offer a huge variety of sporting and entertainment opportunities both on the water and on land.

By day, Pattaya is alive with water sports action, while come night-time the place is equally active as vacationers fl ock to the resort’s neon-lit bars, discos, nightclubs and restaurants.

Located some 700 km. north of Bangkok and pleasantly situated on the banks of the Ping River, Chiang Mai is Thailandûs second city, a centre for tourism and commerce, as well as an aviation gateway to Yunnan and Lao PDR. Founded in the late 13th century, Chiang Mai is a treasure trove of venerable temples, fascinating for their distinctive northern Thai architectural style and rich decorative detail. The city is equally famous for its wealth of traditional handicrafts, in silk, wood, silver, ceramics and more, which makes Chiang Mai a veritable shopper’s paradise.

Beyond beckon high forested hills and idyllic river valleys, where the traditional villages of colourful hilltribe people are unique features in the landscape.

A historic town, established in the 13th century, Chiang Rai is the perfect base for exploring Thailand’s Far North. The quiet charm of the town is matched by stunning surroundings. Two high forested peaks, Doi Mae Salong and Doi Tung, are located just a few kilometres north of the town and both afford easy access into quite spectacular hill country dotted with hilltribe villages. Beyond is the ancient town of Chiang Saen, on the banks of the Mekong River, and the famous “Golden Triangle”, where the confl uence of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers form the border between Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR.

Sukhothai was the cradle of the Thai nation. Here, in a landscape of low wooded hills on the northern border of the Central Plains, the fi rst capital city was founded in the 13th century. Today, the superb ruins of Sukhothai are preserved in an immaculately kept historical park that is a World Heritage Site. Spread over an area of some 70 sq. km. are the ruins of more than 20 major monuments that offer wonderful insights into what was the first flowering of the art, architecture and religious faith that still defi nes the Kingdom.

Situated on the Khorat Plateau, Northeastern Thailand is the most traditional part of the country, where rural villages dot the landscape and colourful festivals punctuate the agricultural year. Virtually the whole of the areaûs northern and eastern limits are bounded by the Mekong.

Nong Khai, site of the Friendship Bridge that links Thailand and Lao PDR, is a charming, relaxed town with a handful of interesting temples and fi ne river views. A little to the south lies Udon Thani, a major regional hub and also the nearest city to the prehistoric site of Ban Chiang, a World Heritage Site.

A road bordering the Mekong runs from Nong Khai to the riverside provincial capital of Nakhon Phanom, which commands superb views across the Mekong to the mountains of Lao PDR. Nearby is Phra That Phanom, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the Northeast. A journey further south along the riverbank leads to Mukdahan, a pleasant little town with excellent river views. It is also the site of a proposed bridge over the Mekong to link with Savannakhet in Lao PDR.

One of the largest of the northeastern provinces, Ubon Ratchathani presents a fascinating blend of cultural and historical sights, while outside town, the eastern edge of the province borders the Mekong, affording scenic drives to several local beauty spots both along the mainstream and the Mun tributary.

Thailand is world famous for its idyllic tropical beaches and islands, three of the top spots being Phuket, Ko Samui and Krabi.

Thailand’s largest island, Phuket blends extraordinary natural beauty with superb tourism facilities to ensure a perfect time in the sun. Against a backdrop of green hills, the island’s west coast is blessed with a whole string of magnifi cent beaches and coves bathed by the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea. Natureûs bounty is matched by luxurious hotels and resorts, while for leisure, pleasure and sheer indulgence there are water sports, yachting, scuba diving, golf, spa treatments, exquisite dining and more.

Ko Nang Yuan, Surat Thani

Patong Beach, Phuket

Ko Samui, Thailand's third largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand facing Surat Thani province. Like Phuket, it combines natural beauty with an exceptionally good standard of hotels, spas and other tourism facilities that afford the luxury, the dining and the entertainment to complete the perfect tropical holiday. Moreover, a wide variety of beach locations, ranging from fun-fi lled action centres to quiet hideaways, satisfy all preferences for the ideal beach vacation.

Krabi offers beaches displaying the characteristic qualities of the Andaman coast - soft, fi ne white sand, warm clear water and lush tropical greenery spilling on to the shore - while soaring cliffs present a dramatic backdrop to the most beautiful locations. There are also offshore islands, most famously the twin Phi Phi isles, location for the movie The Beach, and the newly popular Ko Lanta.