 |
 |
Thailand
|
 |
Thailand,
literally translated means ‘Land of the
Free’ having ancient history with a proud
cultural heritage, where the rush of modern
development blends with traditional values.
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. Due
to the rich cultural back ground and state
of art hospitality of its people, Thailand
has become one of the most popular
destinations in South-East Asia for
travelers. It is an enchanted Buddhist Kingdom where
the past and present mingle in perfect
harmony. Thailand is also popular
in South-East Asia for shopping offering
fancy shopping malls to open air markets of
local products handicrafts
found in every corner of the city.
Historically, Thailand has been one of the
South-East migratory, cultural and relation
crossroad into South-East Asia. It was known
for centuries to outside as ‘Siam’ and is
the approximate size of France. Thailand
shares border with Maynmar (Burma) to the
west and north, Laos to the north and
northeast, Cambodia to the east, and
Malaysia to the south. |
|
Season. Hot season March to May. Rain season
June to October. Cold season November to February.
The climate is tropical, with average temperature in
Bangkok from 17 ° c in December to 36 ° c in April.
Population: The population of Thailand is
estimated at 65 million with about 85 per cent of
the people living in rural area, 10 percent in
Bangkok, and the remaining 5 percent in other cities
and towns. Religion: Buddhist is the
established religion comprising about 95 percent of
the Thai population, 4.05 percent are Muslim and 0.5
percent Christian. Thailand enjoys freedom of
worship, with other religions also practiced.
Language: Thai is the national and official
language. English is widely understood in the
cities. For traveling upcountry, a Thai phrase book
(arrival at your hotel) will be useful.
|
Places of interest in Thailand |
|
Bangkok. Bangkok was established as Thailand's
capital in 1782 by the monarch of the present Chakri
dynasty. Over the next two centuries, it developed
in many ways reflecting the modern dynamism. This
sprawling capital straddles the Chao Phraya River (
the river of the kings) and was at one time riddled
with klongs (canals). However, its ancient glories
were well maintained, especially in the old areas
around the Grand Palace. Today, Bangkok has become
the principal gateway and prime tourist attraction
for both domestic and international travelers.
Bangkok occupies a total area of 1,568 square
kilometers on a flat alluvial plain divided by the
Chao Phraya River. Composed of about 50 districts
(Khets), it is home to one-tenth of the country's
population. Thon Buri, a former capital, is now a
district under the administration of the Bangkok
Metropolis. According to a local magazine, no one
can claim to have seen Bangkok in its entirety. The
popular tourist attractions included glittering
Buddhist temples, palaces, canal and river scenes
(Venice of the East) and numerous shopping centers.
Bangkok is one of the Asia's most cosmopolitan
cities.
In and around Bangkok (Grand Palace, Sukhumvit,
Floating Market, Ayutthaya...) |
|
Pattaya. Located 147 kilometers southeast of
Bangkok or only about two-hour drive, Pattaya is
Thailand's premier beach resort and annually
attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking
tourist from all over the world. Visitors can
windsurf, water ski, swim, said, or take trips to
offshore coral islands as will as enjoy the
entertainment like Cabarets which offer fascinating
night shows with broad popular appeal. Pattaya
offers some of Thailand's choicest seafood in
several specialty restaurants. Steak houses and
fast-food outlets provide attractive alternatives
and gourmets and gourmands alike find satisfaction
in restaurants featuring French, Italian, Swiss,
German, Hungarian, Scandinavian, English, Indian,
Muslim, Japanese, Chinese and Thai Cuisines. From
families to individual visitors, Pattaya offers
something for everyone and all the ingredients for a
truly memorable holiday.
In and around
Pattaya (Ko Phai, Ko Lan, Pattaya Park, Ripleys's
Museum...) |
|
Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai is Thailand's principal
northern province. It is some 700 kilometers north
of Bangkok and covers an area of some 20,000 square
kilometers. Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna
Thai, the first independent Thai Kingdom within the
fabled Golden Triangle. It was found in 1 296 and
flourished as a major religious, cultural and
trading centre until 1 556 when a Burmese invasion
reduced it to a vassal state. The Burmese were
expelled in 1785, whereupon Lanna Thai once again
became part of northern Thailand. Mountains
surrounding the Chiang Mai city form lower
extremities of Himalayan foothills and host several
hill tribes. Scenic waterfalls, rivers, caves,
elephant camps, cultivated orchards and plantations
adorn mountain that invite detailed exploration.
In and around Chiang Mai (Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon
National Park, trekking around Chiang Mai...) |
|
Chiang Rai. Thailand's most northern province,
is 785 kilometers from Bangkok and borders Myanmar
and Laos to the north. The provincial capital is
some 785 kilometers north of Bangkok, and occupies a
fertile valley approximately 580 meters above sea
level. The largely mountainous province is 11 ,678
square kilometers in area. The major provincial
river is the Mae Kok which is some 130 kilometers in
length. Chiang Rai was founded in 1 262 AD. by King
Mengrai. Chiang Rai was the ancient capital of the
Lanna kingdom, until it was captured by the Burmese
during the 1600s. Chiang Rai did not become Thai
territory again until 1786. Chiang Rai was granted
provincial status in 1910.
In and around Chiang Rai (Doi Tung, Mae Sai Border,
Golden Triangle...) |
|
Phuket. Phuket is Thailand's largest island with
an area of 543 square kilometers and nestles against
the Andaman Sea coast 862 kilometers south of
Bangkok. Phuket traditionally derives its wealth
from tin and rubber. The island is blessed with
magnificent caves and bays, powdery palm-fringed
white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas,
genuinely hospitable people, comfortable
accommodation, superb seafood, tropically vegetative
mountains, lovely waterfalls and parks, and
delightful turn -of-the century
Sino-Portuguese-influenced architecture, which
creates an enchanting ambiance perfectly suited to
total relaxation.
In and around Phuket (Patong Beach, Phuket Town,
Orchid Garden, Phi Phi Island, Phang-Nga, Krabi,
Surat Thani...) |
|
