Destinations:
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Chumphon
- Hat Yai
- Krabi
- Lampung
- Loei
- Mae Hong Son
- Nakhon Sawan
- Pattaya
- Trang
- Udon Thani
- Chang
- Lanta
- Phi Phi
- Phuket
- Samet
- Tao
Attractions in Thailand: Thailand includes a wide gamut of attractions and worth visiting places. The attractions can be divided in categories like:
- Cultural events
- Festivals and events in Thailand.
- Museums and art Galleries
- Parks
- Shops
- Temples.
Accommodations:
Thailand also provides proper accommodation to all those visiting the above mentioned places. The hotels can be categorically divided according to the places like Bangkok hotels, Pattaya hotels, Phuket Hotels, The Chiang Mai Hotels and many more. All the hotels provide excellent room accommodations and fantastic room services. There is no dearth of hotels in all the places coming at affordable prices with all modern state of the art facilities.
Restaurants and café:
Thailand also provides excellent restaurants. All Thailand restaurants can be found in various places like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Tao, Chiang Mai, Samet and others. Some notable restaurants are Delicious Pasta, La Gritta Italian Restaurant, Enchant Café, Giorgio, Benihana, Bruno and many more! The restaurants can be sorted according to the price range.
Transport to reach Thailand: Tourists can take flight from their nearest airports and can travel to any part of Thailand either by buses or flights which would take them to Bangkok, Pattaya Phuket and other places. The bus services in Thailand are excellent and comfortable buses are available as well. Train travel and road travels are also available and most comfortable. Domestic flights are also fast and prompt!
Thus come to Thailand as it beckons all to visit the place of heritage and culture with the excellent beaches for company!History of Thailand
Thailand was originally known as Siam and it has been populated from the times immemorial. The origins date back to about 4,500 years and they seem to have originated in north western Szechuan and later moved downwards from China to Thailand. Here they split into two major portions. One group settled in the north in the kingdom of "Lan Na" and the other moved south and became the kingdom of "Sukhotai"
There are innumerable disputes over the origin of the Thais. Some say that they were originally Austronesians instead of Mongoloids but whatever the case might be by the end of the 13th Century the Thais were well settled in the South East of Asia.
The Khmer influence
The western and the central area of Thailand was occupied by the Mon civilization from the 9th to the 11th century. This gradually spread to the central area and it influenced art, religion and language. It was during the period of Khmer that Sanskrit entered the Mon-Thai vocabulary. There were stone temples built at Phantom Rung and Phimai according to the Khmer but it did not spread to the entire region.
The Lanna period
The kingdom of Lan Ha flourished over a span of 200 years. In the middle of the 15th Century its arts and literature reached the pinnacle and this was during the King Tilokoraj period. After he died Lan Na weakened due to internal conflicts caused by the successors of the Sukhothai.
Sukhothai
This was the first Thai Kingdom and it was founded by Khun Pha Muang and Khun Bang Klang Thao (Si Inthrathit) in 1238. This period is considered to be the Golden Age in Thai culture as it was during this time that the territories spread and the modern Thai alphabet was developed.
Ayutthaya Period
This was the capital of the Thai kingdom that was founded in 1350 by U-Thong King. It is an island formed by the three rivers the Pasak, the Chao Phraya and the Loburi. It was an ideal place for settlement due to its economical and geographical advantages. A Portuguese Embassy was established in the area followed by the Spaniards.
The Modern times
After the Ayutthaya period came the Ratanakosin period and it was under the rule of Rama IX that the name of the country was changed to Thailand which means "free". Throughout the centuries the land has witnessed a lot of bloodshed especially during the World War II to emerge into its present condition.
Culture of Thailand
The culture of Thailand has been greatly influenced by Buddhism. But there have been other dominating influences of Hinduism as well along with the effects of the repeated invasions of Myanmar, Laos and also the Chinese immigrants.
Arts and Crafts in Thailand
Traditional visual arts in Thailand bear a great influence of Buddhism but contemporary Thai art is a combination of the modern techniques along with the traditional styles. Crafts include textiles and decorative items that bear the distinct Thai style.
Architecture of Thailand
Classical Thai architecture is found in the temples and royal palace buildings and the best examples of Thai architecture are the Grand Palace, the Wat Benchamabophit, Wat suthat to name a few.
Thai Cuisine
Thai cuisine is extremely popular due to the blending of the four fundamental tastes of salty, sour, spicy and sweet. Most of the dishes combine all of these and there are innumerable spices and herbs used to achieve this.
Music and Dance in Thailand
Music consists of both the folk music and also the classical traditions along with pop or string music.
The Ram Thai or Rabam is the main art form while the dance forms can be divided into the high art or classical dance and low art or folk dance divisions.
Religion in Thailand
Thailand is predominantly a Theravada Buddhist country but there are the minorities like the Phra Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana Mahathera and the Muslims as well.
Thai Customs and Traditions
The most distinctive Thai custom is the Wai that bears resemblance to the Indian namaste demonstration of affection amongst friends are common in public. It is considered rude to put the feet above someone's head or step on a Thai coin as it has the King's head engraved upon it.
Thailand Hill Tribes (Akha, Karens, Lahu, Lisu, Meo, Yao)
The tribes of the Akha, Karen, Hmong, Yao, Lisu had migrated to Thailand about a 100 years back from the southern part of China and they have their own religion, art, culture and dress.
Fashion in Thailand
Thailand is a land where the latest styles and traditional crafts have been well blended and there is some thing or the other for every buyer irrespective of the budget.
The behavior of the Thais is well controlled by etiquette based on the Buddhism. The society is non- confrontational in nature and so disputes need to be averted at all costs. Thais prefer proper behavior and dress. Revealing clothes and behaving rudely in public needs to be avoided at all costs.
Popular Thailand Destinations
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing millions of vacationers, honeymooners and adventure seekers from all over the world every year. The country is known for its scenic natural landscapes, beautiful beach destinations, and of course for its unique culture and traditions. In fact, Thailand should be viewed through the cultural prism in a modern setup. Some of popular tourist destinations in Thailand are:
Ayutthaya, Thailand: Founded in 1350 by U-Thong, this ancient capital of Thailand is the reminiscence of its glorious past.
Bangkok, Thailand: With its bustling nightlife and ever rising skylines, the present capital, is the perfect blend of its cultural effluence and economic growth of Thailand.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: With a strong religious and historical background, Chiang Mai holds the position of a simple modern city.
Chiang Rai, Thailand: Touch the Golden Triangle at Chiang Rai.
Cha-Am, Thailand: Long white sandy beaches beckon all to Cha-Am.
Hua Hin, Thailand: Hua Hin is a combination of a modern-day holiday destination and an old traditional Thai resort.
Kanchanaburi, Thailand: This town is famous for the "bridge on the river Kwai" and the darker times during the World War II .
Ko Samui, Thailand: Ko Samui is the third largest island in Thailand.
Krabi, Thailand: Blessed with scenic beauty, Krabi encompasses more than 200 islands.
Ko Samet, Thailand: Four hours from Bangkok, this beach is paradise indeed.
Ko Phi Phi, Thailand: Ko Phi Phi is famous for Snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving.
Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand: Famous for its full moon parties, Ko Pha Ngan is often termed as backpacker's paradise.
Ko Tao, Thailand: 120 Kilometers from Surat Thani coast, this island is said to have the best diving locations.
Koh Si Chang, Thailand: With hilly terrain and small beaches, this is among the most renowned island in Chonburi Province.
Ko Lanta Island, Thailand: New in the tourist scenario, Ko Lanta Situated between Phi Phi and Krabi islands.
Khon Kaen, Thailand: Still secluded from the regular tourist thoroughfare, this place maintains its simplicity.
Lop Buri, Thailand: Hundreds of Crab eating Macaques and famous shrines, Lop Buri is worth a visit.
Mae Hong Son, Thailand: This is a charming town in the Northern border of Thailand.
Mae Sai Valley, Thailand: An enchanting valley, with beautiful scenery and loads of trekking space defines Mae Sai Valley.
Mukdahan, Thailand: Located on the banks of Mekong River it is really "The Pearl on the Bank of the Mekong".
Nakhon Pathom, Thailand: This is the first city to witness Buddhist influences.
Nong Khai, Thailand: Lying along the River Mekong, Nong Khai is a center for trade with Laos.
Pattaya, Thailand: Colorful orient comes alive at Pattaya and each day is a carnival here.
Phang Nga Bay, Thailand: Discover the splendor of this bay in a boat and explore virgin islands.
Phuket, Thailand: Falling under the famous tourist spots category, Phuket is an experience in itself.
Prachuab Khiri Khan, Thailand: Once a royal retreat, it has now transformed into a tourist destination.
Rayong, Thailand: Its subdued quality attracts all wanting to escape the busy city.
Sukhothai, Thailand: 450 kilometers from Bangkok, this city was the first Thai kingdom ruled by nine kings.
Samutprakarn, Thailand: Samutprakaran is famous for its Crocodile Farm and The Ancient City.
Suphanburi, Thailand: Amidst rice and sugar plantation lies this commercial town.
Similan Islands, Thailand: A conglomeration of nine granite islands this is a divine place for vacationing.
Songkhla, Thailand: Southern most part of Thailand, Songkhla is untouched by commercial tourism.
Surat Thani, Thailand: Surat Thani is an interesting spot, with an interesting history.
Sightseeing in Thailand
Thailand is full of color and vibrancy and the sites spell out just this. The places in and around Thailand are as fascinating as it can be and they have all the ingredients to make your tour a fascinating experience. Here are some of the places that you can visit-
Ancient City (Muang Boran), Thailand
This city is almost like a doorway to the multi faceted cultural heritage of Thailand.
Buddhist Temples of Bangkok
This temple is the highest in Bangkok constructed on a man made hill.
Grand Palace, Bangkok
This has been the home of the king and also the seat of administrative practices of the land.
Bang Pa-In Palace, Ayutthaya
It has a history that dates back to the 17th Century and it is located just 40 miles north of Bangkok.
Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
This temple is one of the most popular and the most revered among all the temples in Thailand.
Chao Phraya River, Thailand
This lies in the central part of Thailand and it is considered to be the life line of the people.
Suwan Ku Ha Cave, Thailand
It is famous for the innumerable beautiful Buddhist statues.
Suan Mokhaphalaram Temple, Thailand
This famous temple is set in a forest and it was built by Ajarn Bhikkhu Buddhadhasa.
Ko Lan, Thailand
It is just 7.7 km from Pattaya and it is one of the biggest in the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand.
Golden Triangle, Thailand
This is the merging point of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar and it is the northern most point of Thailand.
Elephant Camps in Thailand
Here one will enjoy soccer being played by elephants and how these creatures can take in about 200 commands.
Ao Nang Beach, Thailand
This lies at the center of Krabi and it has grown from a small fishing village to a popular tourist destination.
Hot Springs, Chiang Mai
These are located in the Fang district and there are about 50 hot springs here.
Khao Luang Cave, Hua Hin
It is the most important cave in Petchaburi as it has a dressing Buddha image.
Ratchadamnern Boxing Stadium
Here you will see the power house of raw energy of the Thai boxers and the fetas should be seen to be believed.
Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo
This was founded in 1950 by Utai Youngprapakorn the famous crocodile King. It is among the world's largest crocodile farms.
This rank among the best of the elephant camps in the Mae Sa valley and you can enjoy the sight of these gigantic creatures at play.
Thailand Festivals & Events
Thailand calendar celebrates many events and festivals round the year and these events have become popular all over Thailand and the entire world. However every month sees the celebration of many festivals and special occasions which are inextricably intermingled in the lives of the people. The festivals celebrated are categorized according to the months in which they occur. They are as follows:
January: This month sees the celebration of the following festivals or events-
New Year' Day in Thailand: The New Year's Day celebrated on 1st January is very special as it is observed in all over the country with the Buddhist rituals followed by entertainment and celebrations all throughout the day.
Umbrella and Handicraft's Fair: Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng organizes the Umbrella and Handicraft's fair in Bo Sang which falls under the Chiang Mai district.
Chinese New Year in Thailand: The Chinese New Year is celebrated in Thailand with much aplomb and gaiety. All rejoice during the occasion. Most of the times though the New Year is celebrated in February and the date keeps changing.
February: This month sees the celebration of the following events:
Chiang Mai Flower Festival: This festival sees the display of flowers, parades and beauty contests. The festival is usually a 3day affair.
Bangkok International film Festival: This festival sees the screenings of many new and old movies. The event also sees many award ceremonies and gala parties held after the festival. The festival is held in Bangkok.
March: This month sees the celebration of the following events-
Makha Bucha Day- This is a very auspicious day as it was this day which saw the coming together of 1,250 monks who had gathered to hear Lord Buddha give a sermon. This is a very important day and many rituals are held throughout the day.
Pattaya Music Festival: This festival is held on the beach of Pattaya and usually goes on for three days. The festival sees the recitals of many renowned singers and opera singers with the accompaniment of various kinds of music like Jazz, Pop and other types.
April: This month sees the celebration of the following festivals:
Songkran Festival: This is the traditional Thai New Year celebrated throughout the country and the main ritual of the event is water throwing among the people. The festival is celebrated with much gaiety and joy.
May: This month sees the celebrations of the following festivals:
Rocket Festival: This festival sees people specially farmers praying for cultivation of their paddy fields. The event is held to appease the lord Vassakan. The event sees people celebrating with much joy and carries out the rockets on the roads.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony: This event is usually held to observe the beginning of the rice planting season.
Visakha Bucha Day ( a UN World Heritage Day): This day is a very holy day and many rituals are held in temples and shrines.
June: This month sees the celebration of many events like:
Thailand Grand Sale: This event sees the participation of many shops and stores in Thailand and is organized by the Tourist Authority in Thailand.
Hua Hin Jazz Festival: The event sees the show being held on open air stages and many jazz singers from all over the world come to participate in the event.
Phi Ta Khoon Festival: This is an event based on the famous Buddhist tale and sees many young men thronging the streets wearing grotesque and funny masks of ghosts.
July: This event sees the celebration of the main event as follows:
Khao Phalsa: The event is usually held to mark the beginning of the Buddhist Rain Retreat observed by the Monks.
August: This month sees the celebration of two events:
H.M. the Queen's Birthday: The event is usually held to celebrate the Queen's birthday and is celebrated with a lot of aplomb.
October: This month sees the celebration of two events.
Vegeterian Festival: This is a 9day long festival where the participants go without consuming meat or alcohol.
Long Boat Races: Long boat races are held all over Thailand and the requirement is that it should have a main waterway running through it.
November: This month sees the following events:
Loy Krathong Festival: it is a festival that resembles Diwali and it is floating away of folded banana barks decorated with candles and flowers.
Elephant Round Up Show: This event sees the commemoration of the fact that elephants are very important in the lives of the Thais.
River Bridge Kwai Week: This event marks the death of all those who had built the bridge on the river Kwai.
December: This month sees the events as follows:
H.M. the King's Birthday- This day sees the celebration of the monarch's birthday with vibrant celebrations all over.
Phuket King's Regatta Cup: This day is celebrated annually and many races take place. The regatta sees many parties after the Races.Adventure and Recreation in Thailand
Possibilities for adventure and recreation in Thailand range from biking and scuba diving to luxurious Thai massages, spa treatments and more! Don't miss out on the following unforgettable experiences in the Land of Smiles!
Biking in Thailand
Go for guided bike tours or hire a bike in the hilly Northern Thailand destinations of Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son and other places to discover Thailand's natural beauty in a clean, green way!
Surfing in Thailand
Small waves and refreshingly quiet beaches make Thailand ideal for beginners in surfing. Especially great are the beaches of Phuket and Kalim.Also worth checking out are Phuket's annual surf contests.
Scuba Diving in Thailand
Ko Tao Island is a great place to begin your scuba diving lessons, with most dive shops offering PADI certification. Otherwise the west coast of Thailand offers wonderful dive sites like Hin Daeng, Din Mouang and a chance to view coral reefs, barracuda and more!
Snorkeling in Thailand
Get snorkeling equipment on hire at Thailand's numerous beaches and islands like Chon Buri, Phuket, Surat Thani and others and have a most amazing snorkeling adventure!
Cruising on Chao Phraya River
Watch beautifully illuminated buildings and sights on a night-time cruise along the scenic Chao Phraya River. Many restaurants and hotels along the river offer such cruises.
Island Hopping in Thailand
With hundreds of beautiful islands like Besin Island, Phuket Island and more in the Andaman Sea, offering luxurious resorts for your stay, island hopping could be your fave Thai adventure! Rent a yacht or book a package program -either way it's fun!
Jungle Trekking in Northern Thailand
Complete with mountain scenery and overnight stays with Northern Thailand's hill tribes like Karen or Hmong, trekking in Thailand's jungles is for the truly adventurous!
White-water Rafting in Thailand
Go river rafting in the tropical wild on bamboo rafts or modern hypalon rafts at Northern Thailand's amazing rafting destinations like the Pai River and others.
Caving in Thailand
Get caving lessons in Thailand and discover the beautiful caves in the mountainside like Kang Lave Cave in Chiang Mai, Crazy Horse Buttress and more!
Golfing in Thailand
From charming Pattaya to rugged Chiang Mai, Thailand offers you a range of golf courses in different locales to choose from, with courses designed by legends of the game!
Bird Watching in Thailand
10% of the world's bird species being located in Thailand, it makes sense to try out Thailand's fave leisuretime activity in Doi Inthanon National Park, Koh Phi Phi and many other places!
All Thailand is yours when it comes to adventure and recreation!
Hotels in Thailand
