| Mae-Hong Son, Thailand |
Foreigners usually perceive Thailand as a partying mecca with numerous beach resorts offering nothing but loud music and endless dancing nights on sandy shores. Fortunately, Thailand has much more to offer and its eagerness to please will satisfy every tourist, regardless of how they imagine their perfect holiday. Thailand has it all - high mountain peaks on the north, the serenity of the central plain and countless islands and beaches in the southern part. To come to Thailand and not to explore its rich inland would be an unforgivable mistake. Often referred to as the Golden land due to its irresistible radiance, this exotic country abounds in numerous must-sees combined with warm local hospitality, which will instantly make you wonder whether you have been here before. Thai cuisine is yet another thing you just have to try in its original location in order to fully appreciate the explosion of its countless, perfectly combined tastes. Whether you are more into exploring the mountains of Mae-Hong Son or into lying under the palms of Thailand's numerous sandy beaches, the country will not disappoint you. Furthermore, the urban scene of the country is its capital Bangkok, yet another crucial tourist destination for all those who enjoy wandering through vibrant streets of the city that never falls asleep. Precious archaeological remains scattered throughout the country tell a story of a different time when it was dominated by ancient kingdoms, each of them different, but all unmistakably Thai.
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| Wat Phra Phai Luang, probably the center of Sukhotai during the Khmer reign before the 13th century |
Doi Inthanon is the name of the highest mountain in Thailand. Situated in the northern province of Chiang Mai, it is home to the highest peak in Thailand, whose altitude exceeds two and a half thousand meters. Due to its many natural beauties, the site was proclaimed a national park in the early fifties. Its formal territory was enlarged in 1972 and 1975, so it now has close to 500 square kilometers. Its most impressive natural wonders are three beautiful waterfalls that have a cascade-like descend from the top of the mountain. The area is populated by hill tribes, giving it a sense of aboriginal way of life that is in harmony with nature unspoiled by modern-day living. This national park is perfect for bird watchers and flora admirers because of the mountain's richness in orchids.
Often referred to as the golden age of Thai rich history, the Sukhotai era left behind numerous historical sites along with rich cultural heritage that has been kept alive until the present day. This particular kingdom set the foundations of Thailand as we know it today. Modern-day Thais perceive it as the peak of cultural, religious and social development in all of Thai history. The ruins have been added to the extensive list of World Heritage sites of Thailand, and the park consists of 21 historical sites with 70 more in its vicinity. Its temples are classic examples of the lotus chedis, but if you are more into ancient pottery, Sukhotai's impressive 700 years old collection awaits you in the Sangkhalok Museum. Bicycle tours are more than useful in order to fully appreciate the grandiosity of the Kingdom. Folk dance performances, impressive floating lights and fireworks can be experienced during November when the famous Loi Krathong festival takes place in the area.
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| The Wat Saket in Bangkok by night |
Thailand's capital is currently going through a thorough makeover from a chaotic marginal city to a must-see business and cultural capital of Southeastern Asia. The perfect combination of modern skyscrapers and traditional Asian culture affirms Bangkok as a vibrant must-see tourist destination and a vital part of Thailand altogether. The highlights of the city are numerous and a typical 7-day holiday would not be enough to fully appreciate the city. However, certain sites depict Thai culture almost perfectly and are, therefore, destinations that should not be missed.
Thailand's most prominent temple called Wat Phra Kaew is a big complex of over 100 buildings along with the former royal residence, the Grand Palace. It is over 200 years old and represents the most popular pilgrimage destination for both Theravada Buddhists and Thai patriots. The temple is home to the famous Emerald Buddha, an impressive green jade and gold statue nearly half a meter tall. Talaat Phra Khreung is the name of the famous Bangkok amulet market, situated in the vicinity of Wat Mahathat. The most common guests of the market are usually people with high risk jobs in search of their own little talisman that will keep them from harm. The market is surrounded by charming little family-run shops that offer traditional massage and medicinal herbs.
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| The 12-meter tall Buddha statue in the Wat Phra Yai temple is one of the main tourist attractions on the island |
Ko Samui is the third largest island in Thailand, situated off the eastern coast of the Kra Isthmus and buried deep in the Gulf of Thailand. The island used to be a marginal remote cluster of serene villages, where a 15-kilometer long journey took the entire day, because there were no roads and traveling on foot was the only possible way through the jungle-like inland. Today, Ko Samui has transformed into a tourist mecca, offering beautiful natural sites and endless sandy beaches that could be compared to heaven on earth. Almost thirty years after being placed on the global tourist map, Ko Samui is now referred to as a hippie paradise and can easily face competition of places like Goa or Bali.
Among numerous breath-taking Thai beaches, the Bo Phut beach is most commonly described as a legend. The beauty of this island lies in the fact that it can be a perfect holiday destination for both young eager to spend their vacation dancing and all those in search of serenity and calmness of a typical remote tropical island. Impressive waterfall called Na Muang and carefully maintained gardens in the mountainous inland are a perfect location for all those who want to get away from somewhat crowded beaches. Every sports enthusiast will find Ko Samui to be a must-see destination because of Muay Thai boxing matches that occur regularly in the Lamai and Chaweng stadiums.
