With popular tourist destinations like Ayutthaya, Phuket, and Ko Samui, South Thailand has certainly put itself on the map. To foreign visitor, and even to some locals, the region has plenty of things to offer – tropical islands with sun kissed beaches, coral reefs, fishing villages, hills and enormous rock formations, religious caves, national parts, wildlife sanctuaries, historic settlements and picturesque Buddhist and Islamic temples.
By far, the most popular tourist destination is the island of Phuket. With its Phi Phi Island, Similian Island, Phang Nga Bay, Kong Pha-Ngan, Kata Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Surin Beach, and the royal favorite twin beaches of Thong Nai Pan, it is a true beach-bum paradise. There are several thousand islands in the world, but Phuket boasts a selection of beaches that is envied by the world over.
But Phuket extends far beyond luscious beaches and stunning tropical sunsets. It also offers a wide variety of entertaining activities. Some of the must-see, must-experience activities in the island are the Phuket Fantasea Show that combines trapeze artists, pyrotechnics and performing elephants in a somewhat wacky show, Simon Cabaret that showcases perhaps the largest group of cabaret performers in the region, the Old Phuket Town that lets tourist feel the old luxury of Sino-Portuguese communities, and the night-life of Patong. For a more serene feel, you can always go to Phuket's temples, waterfalls, and national parks and forests.
For a break from the sand, you can always go to Ayutthaya, a province in South Thailand that boasts numerous magnificent ancient ruins. It boasts the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park which features a long stretch of historical ruins in the city. For a sampler, the city showcases three gorgeous palaces that indicate how prosperous, and magnificent Ayutthaya was during the 17th century onward – the Grand Palace, and the Front and Rear Palaces called the Chantharakasem and Wang Lang Palaces. On top of these, you can also visit Thai Royal palaces such as the Nakhon Luang Building and the Bang Pa-In palace.
For Buddhist tourists, you can hop around the island's various Buddhist temples, some of them working, others are ruins of old ancient temples. For a small fee, you can visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Phra Ram. The working temples of Phra Chedi Suriyothai and Wat Thammikarat in U Tong Road and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, famous for the large bronze cast of Buddha, are open to the public for free.
For the more adventurous beach-combing visitors, Koh Samui offers an idyllic getaway. Although the recent structural developments in the island have somewhat put it in the league of Phuket's beaches, many areas in Koh Samui still remain as untouched as they were some decades ago. For remote destinations, you can choose between the Taling Ngam Island, Bang Kao and Hua Thanon for some peace, quiet and privacy.
South Thailand offers everything from superb beaches to ancient ruins to the well-heeled visitors and backpackers alike.
Thailand has put its mark on the globe squarely with its capital city, Bangkok. However, there is more to Thailand than the bustling City of Angels. Within a few hours' drive from Bangkok are some of Thailand's most iconic tourist destinations. If you are a traveler in Central Thailand you will find that it basically comprises of a combination of ancient ruins, bustling cities and nature.
Let's begin with Bangkok…
Bangkok – The City of Angels. These days, the city is highly urbanized, making it seem more like a labyrinth than a city during rush hour. Despite the recent developments it has received, Bangkok still manages to cling to its distinct oriental feel. If it is any consolation to new tourists in town, Bangkok's developments have made it easier for travelers to get around the city. Still, the city remains a chaotic but wonderful place to visit.
There are plenty of things to do here. From sampling the ancient culture and traditions of the country to shopping souvenirs from the locals, there is something for everybody in Bangkok.
Ayutthaya was Thailand's capital city from 1350 to 1767 and was the country's center of international commerce during that period. Nowadays, the city showcases remnants of its old glory. Visit the Ayutthaya town center to see what we mean.
Cha Am
Cha Am is popular for its beach resorts. It is THE perfect getaway for Thais and tourists alike. If you want some peace and quiet with decent accommodations and authentic Thai feel, this is the place to be. If, however, you are after some nightlife action, the laidback atmosphere of the place is not the place for that.
Chanthaburi
Chanthaburi is all about fruits, scenic waterfalls and verdant forests – the ideal place for backpackers. It is situated a couple of hours away from Bangkok and is enveloped by a variety of national parks, reserves and of course, the Chanthaburi River.
Saraburi
Thai Buddhists flock to Saraburi year-round to visit one of the country's most sacred places for Buddhists – the Buddha's footprints in the Phra Buddha Bat Woramahavihan Temple. This footprint, which is actually a natural rock depression, is believed to be the footprints of Buddha himself.
Lopburi
One of Khmer Empire's most important cities was the Lopburi during the 10th century. When the Ayutthaya Kingdom flourished sometime during the 1400s, the town was transformed into the Kingdom's second capitol. Nowadays, the town showcases the ruins of both empires.
Suphanburi
Situated 400 kilometers above sea level, Suphanburi offers tourists evergreen forests, waterfalls, a selection of fauna and flora and a golf course with its famous Khao Yai National Park. Apart from these, the park also offers 50 kilometers of hiking trails, rivers for kayaking and rafting, four-day trek to a dinosaur footprint and morning and nighttime wildlife watching.
Nakorn Pathom
Nakorn Pathom offers a view of the largest and oldest religious landmark in the country, the Phra Pathom Chedi, the largest pagoda in Thailand. For the history buffs, this is THE place to be. Nakorn Pathom is also were Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Ratchaworaviharn, the National Museum, a few royal temples and monasteries, a Buddhist park, and a few other temples are located.
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