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Thailand | As the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized, Thailand explodes with the boundless energy and self-confidence of its people. Literally translated, Thailand means “Land of the Free”, although it is most often referred to as “Land of Smiles”. Roughly the size of Texas, Thailand offers a vast variety of holiday possibilities. You will find thick jungles, bustling cities and sparkling beach resorts.
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(Click on above Map to View bigger Map) |
Ayunthaya
| View Map | | Located 53 miles north of Bangkok, Ayunthaya was Thailand’s capital
ruins of a one time thriving commercial city. The ruins and temples are
quite spectacular and some are still intact like the bronze statues of
Wat Chai Mongkol and Wat Panangcherng. The summer palace of a former
King of Thailand with its mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic
architecture - a well preserved museum of a former historical period in
the land once known as Siam. |  | Bangkok
| View Map | | Bangkok is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities and was named the
capital of Thailand in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri
dynasty. Bangkok is a national treasure house of Thailand's spiritual,
cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic values.
Major tourism attractions include the glittering Buddhist temples,
palaces, timeless Venice of the East canal and river scenes, classical
dance extravaganzas, an almost legendary nightlife, and numerous
air-conditioned shopping centers selling Thai silks, cottons,
gemstones, bronze and pewter ware and local handicrafts. |  | Chiang Mai
| View Map | | Chiang Mai is Thailand's principal northern city. Chiang Mai is the
provincial capital of a largely mountainous province and was the
capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of One Million Rice fields), the first
independent Thai kingdom within the fabled Golden Triangle. Chiang Mai
city and its province is regarded by locals as the nations Shangri-la,
thanks to its beautiful women, distinctive festivals, historic temples,
scenic beauty and a crisp, invigorating and a cool climate. |  | Chiang Rai
| View Map | | Although having existed somewhat in the shadow of Chiang Mai, Chiang
Rai is rapidly moving ahead. This northern outpost is sprawled along
the south bank of the Kok River and is a great gateway to hill tribe
trekking and perfect for a spot of handicraft shopping. Chiang Rai was
founded in 1263 by King Mengrai of Ngon Yang. Tradition has it that the
city prevailed as capital of the north for 30 years, although
historians now believe Mengrai moved his court directly from Ngon Yang
to Chiang Mai in the 1290s. Thailand's two holiest images, the Emerald
Buddha and the Phra Singh Buddha once resided here, although now
replicas can be seen here. |  | Doi Suthep & Meo Doi Pui
| View Map | | The most sacred temple in Northern Thailand containing a holy relic of
Lord Buddha, with a fleet of over 300 steps flanked by enormous
mythological Nagas. From the top of the temple one has a beautiful
panoramic view of the city and the Meo tribal village, where one may
see the tribesmen dressed in their colored traditional costume. Doi
Suthep dates back to the 14th century and it is a very important part
of the Lanai culture. |  | Karon & Kata Beaches
| View Map | | Both beaches are impressively long, relatively peaceful and eminently
suitable for swimming, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing and sunbathing. |  | Koh Samui
| View Map | | Koh Samui sits snugly in the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by other
island gems like Ko-Pha-ngan and Ko-Tao, and is located approximately
50 miles east of Surat Thani, the provincial capital on the mainland.
With soft sand beaches shaded by towering palms, delicious fresh
seafood and a vibrant night life, Samui has a magical formula that
seems to cast its spell on everyone. There is plenty on Samui to keep
even the most jaded traveler happy for a week or two, but for anyone
spending even a few days here, an opportunity not to be missed is a
trip to the emerald islands of the Ang Thong Marine National Park,
which offers yet another version of a tropical paradise. |  | Patong Beach
| View Map | | Phuket's most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting,
shopping and recreational options along its crescent bay. Windsurfing,
snorkeling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing are popular daytime
activities. Patong is equally well known for its vibrant night life,
among which seafood restaurants are prominently featured. |  | Phi Phi Island
| View Map | | Just a short 45-minute journey from Phuket will transport you to the
tropical paradise and famous islands of Koh Phi Phi. Fine white sandy
beaches and breathtaking rock formations rising from the vivid
turquoise waters that surround the islands will instantly confirm you
have arrived in paradise. Exploring Phi Phi could not be more fun, with
scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking or climbing being the most popular
methods, when taking a break from the silky soft sands. |  | Phuket
| View Map | | Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, and powdery,
palm-fringed beaches; sparkling island-dotted seas; sincerely
hospitable people; superb accommodation and seafood; delightful turn-of
the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure
opportunities; a lush tropical landscape - all of which combine to
create a delightful ambiance. Phuket's glory is its magnificent
coastline. Beaches range from gentle crescents of white sand with calm
waters to rocky headlands pounded by raging surf. |  |
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