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Central Thailand |
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Central Region is a land of
civilization originating from the pre-historic era and had been
developing continuously till Ayuthaya and Ratanakosin periods.
Besides being the country’s most fertile land on rice growing. The
central region is also famous for its tourist attraction places
which are lied prominently on natural resources and the historic
ancient remains. |
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Bangkok |
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For all visitors who
come to Thailand, their first taste of the Kingdom is likely to be
that of Bangkok. The city offers a chance to be enchanted by the
whole atmosphere surrounding the city. Bangkok has a mixture of old
temples and shrines, buildings of fine architectural design,
juxtaposed with the modern high rises. This city can certainly be
said to be a modern day city, but behind all the hustle and bustle
there will always be something from Thailand's colorful history to
captivate you. Spending a few days in Bangkok can be a pleasant
mixture of the old and the new: from the splendors of the Grand
Palace and the temples and shrines of Rattanakosin Island to the
modern hotels, shopping malls, international restaurants and
discotheques that line the city's thoroughfares. |
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Kanchanaburi |
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Kanchanaburi province
lies 130 km to the west of, on the western frontier, it neighbors
Myanmar. Although mostly associated with the infamous "Death
Railway", the province is full of many natural and World War II
history attractions. It was the Japanese base when they attacked
Myanmar and India. As well as the historical attractions,
Kanchanaburi is rich with mountains, rivers and waterfalls.
Kanchanaburi provides the main ingredients for those on a quest for
adventure during their travels. The rivers are a haven for those
seeking the challenges and thrills of the rapids. The train is a
pleasant way to go across the wooden railway (constructed by Allied
prisoners) and the rugged mountain terrain provides the province
with several of the nation's highest waterfalls. |
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Ayutthaya |
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The once thriving
metropolis of Ayuthaya is located approximately 85 km north of
Bangkok. The ancient city of Ayuthaya, Thai capital for 417 years,
is one of the Thailand’s major tourist attraction. Many ancient
ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350
by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced Southwards by northern
neighbors. During the period of Ayuthaya being the capital, 33 kings
of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was sacked by the
Burmese in 1767. This city is located at the confluence of three
rivers, the Chao Phraya, The Pa Sak and the smaller Lopburi. A wide
canal joins them and makes a complete circle around the town.
During its heyday, Thai culture and international commerce
flourished in the kingdom and Ayuthaya was courted by Dutch,
Portuguese, French, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants. By the
end of 17th century Ayuthaya’s population had reached one
million-virtually all foreign visitors claimed it to be the most
illustrious city they had ever seen. |
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Eastern Thailand |
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Thailand’s
Eastern Sea cost is an attractive seaside destination. Nature has
endowed the area with beaches and islands, and man has created some
facilities and convenience to make it truly beautiful and enjoyable
destination area. |
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Pattaya |
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Pattaya is located about
140 km south east of Bangkok. It is regarded by some as being the
premier beach resort in Thailand. Pattaya beach hugs the shoreline
in a four km long arc. The southern beach is well renowned for its
vibrant night-life. The streets are alive with the hustle and bustle
of the entertainment halls, bars and restaurants. The northern beach
is more sedate, by Pattaya’s standards. The islands around Pattaya
have beautiful clear, sandy beaches and are just one hour from
Pattaya by boat.
Recommendations: Pattaya is good for a low to medium budget
group. It can accommodate all group sizes and is an ideal place to
reach some beautiful islands, only a short distance from Bangkok. |
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Northern Thailand |
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Northern Thailand is endowed with a wide range of traditional
architecture and culture. It is also the home of most of the hill
tribal people. The scenic beauty of the North has been fairly well
preserved, and Chiang Mai is probably Thailand's most livable city.
The Northern Thai people are known for their relaxed, easy going
manner, which is illustrated in their speech. The Northern dialect
has a rhythm that is slower than that of Thailand's other three main
dialects. Northern Thai people are very proud of their local
customs, considering Northern ways to be part of Thailand's
"original" tradition and culture.
The Northern Part of Thailand can provide a beautiful exotic
countryside and an adventure for its wealth of exotic flora and
fauna. Northern Thailand is a place that has everything for visitors
who want to get to know nature at its finest. |
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Chiang Mai |
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Chiang Mai is
approximately 700 km north –west of Bangkok. It was the capital of
Lanna Thai for a long time. This city was attacked frequently and
finally came under the control of Ayuthaya, then Burma. In 1774 King
Taksin of Thailnad recovered it from the Burmese. Since then Chiang
Mai has been a province of Thailand. Chiang Mai has over 300
temples and the amenities to facilitate all levels of adventure. For
incentive group, soft adventure is most recommendable. Activities
such as elephant riding, boating and rafting provide visitors with
the opportunity to experience forests, rivers, streams, plants and
kindhearted local people who live in the hills and valleys.
A unique part of Thai Culture is the various hill tribes that are
to be found in Northern Thailand. These ethnic groups have migrated
to Thailand from many locations in Asia, each one bringing their
unique and colorful culture with them. |
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Chiang Rai |
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Chiangrai is a 180 km.
From Chiang Mai, the most Northern province in Thailand, is one of
the country's most rural areas. Half of it’s Northern border,
separating the province and nation from Laos, is formed by the
Maekhong River. The remaining half is made up of Mountains,
separating Myanmar from Thailand, with the junction of Sai, Ruak and
Maekhong rivers at Thailand' s peak. The fertile Maekhong flood
plains situated to the east support most of the agriculture in the
province; the west land is too mountainous for most crops and it is
where hill tribes lives from migrated from the neighboring
countries. One crop that thrives on the steep mountain slopes is
opium, and until recently Chiangrai was the center of the poppy
cultivated in Thailand. Crop substitution and other development
projects sponsored by the late Princess Mother (the King's mother),
along with accelerated law enforcement, have pushed much of the
opium trade over the border into Myanmar and Laos. Chiangrai's
Golden Triangle fame is now mostly relegated to history books and
museums. |
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Southern Thailand |
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The
region is located on the peninsula between the Andaman Sea of the
Indian Ocean to the West and the South China Sea of the Pacific
Ocean to the East. Southern region has a richly varied topography,
including basin areas for cultivativation of paddy and vegetables,
wild jungles, mountains, beaches, seaside resorts, waterfalls, caves
parks, lakes and many islands of all sizes, offering spectacular
scenery throughout. |
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Hua Hin |
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Hua Hin is situated about 230 km south of Bangkok. It is
situated opposite Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand, it can also be
called Pattaya’s opposite when describing what type of resort it is.
The town doesn't have the general bawdiness that has been associated
with Pattaya and doesn't possess any so called 'entertainment
centers'. For those who want a more tranquil atmosphere, surrounded
in a more traditional setting, then Hua Hin is a more suitable place
to visit. |
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Phuket |
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Phuket is 862 km from Bangkok, often
referred to as the pearl of the south, it is the largest island, 810
sq km and a province in itself. It is Thailand’s wealthiest
province. Phuket has a culture all of its own, combining Chinese and
Portuguese influences (like neighboring western Malaysia) with that
of the Chao Naam, an indigenous ocean-going tribe, and the southern
Thais. About 35% of the island’s population are Thai Muslim and
mosques outnumber Buddhist wats. Phuket lies on the Andaman Sea
and is the only island to have provincial status. Phuket is world
renowned for its acres of white sandy beaches which sprawl along the
foot of a range of hills covered in jungle, rubber plantations,
coconut groves and picturesque villages.
Today visitors come to Phuket primarily for its wealth of
beaches, most of which are located on the western shores of the
island. The eastern side consists mainly of rocky shoals, with some
smaller islands close to the shore. Fun and adventure is not just
limited to the beaches. For those that might want to escape the
beach and explore the hinterland, they should head for islands
around Phuket such as Phi Phi. |
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Samui |
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Koh Samui ('koh' meaning island) is in
Surat Thani Province located 644 km from Bangkok. It is the third
largest of Thailand's islands, sitting in an archipelago of some 80
islands 25 km long and 21 km wide. The island has long stretches of
sandy beaches, ideal for those who want to relax and soak up the
sun. The busiest of which are located on the eastern coast at Hat
Chaweng and Hat Lamai. Recommendation: Koh Samui is most suitable
for small groups of up to 50 people as there aren’t any large hotels
that can provide outlets and function rooms for big groups. Also it
is suitable for a younger age group of up to mid 40’s, the island
has the very atmosphere for this age group. |
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