Even if you are unfamiliar to the significance and history of Ayutthaya, pilgrims to Thailand’s second capital are utterly awestruck by the incredible beauty and magnificence of this city built by some 33 Ayutthaya kings over four centuries.
Even today, exploring the majestic and formidable ruins of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, it is easy to appreciate the vision of the monarchs who built it. Monumental remnants of temple chedi, soaring amber-sash Buddha statues, and scattered red brick temples, are spread across a tranquil, pretty garden landscape. Read More
The ancient town of Si Satchanalai was a satellite city to Sukhothai, situated on a lonely wooded plain about 50 km. north of the modern town of Sukhothai on the east bank of the Yom River. Strategically protected by mountains, swamps and river rapids, the remote, peaceful locale, with an incredible 134 temples and monuments, has been independently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet surprisingly sees far fewer visitors than neighbouring Sukhothai. The tranquillity of historic ruins heightened by an absence of human traffic evokes a feeling of discovering a lost city. Read More
No trip to Thailand would be complete without a visit to the birthplace of the Thai nation and the country’s first capital, the ancient North Central Plains kingdom of Sukhothai. Meaning ‘dawn of happiness’, this pastoral located stretch of ruins spreads across 70 sq. km. and boasts 100 historical sites, including royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds, and canals. Established in 1238, Sukhothai had previously been a far-flung outpost of the Khmer empire in Angkor. Rebellious Thai chiefs overthrew the Khmer army and installed the newly appointed King Si Indraditya as the now independent municipality’s first ruler. The Sukhothai Dynasty saw nine kings at the helm, with a rule that lasted over two centuries before eventually coming under the control of the younger Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya. Read More
Away from It All - Amazing fresh new beaches await discovery, where a number of unspoilt beaches afford the opportunity for a quiet escape…
Chumphon
As the gateway to the South, Chumphon is blessed with a long coastline facing the Gulf of Thailand, where a number of unspoilt beaches afford the opportunity for a quiet escape. The best is Hat Thung Wua Laen, which offers resort accommodation and a dive centre. This is also a hopping-off point for Ko Tao. Read More
Thailand is blessed with a unique geography and an abundance of protected natural areas that make it a perfect spot for green tourism. From mountain forest regions and lush valleys where you can enjoy plants and wildlife, to beautiful beaches and islands where you can relax and swim with fish in the crystal-clear waters, you can experience many rare species unique to the Kingdom. There are 102 national parks in Thailand (81 land and 21 marine), 57 wildlife sanctuaries, and 55 non-hunting areas.
Most of the national parks are accessible by road, charge an admission fee, and some offer simple accommodation. With its wealth of natural attractions, national parks and highly developed infrastructure, Thailand is the perfect destination for tourists looking for a green holiday, or just an opportunity to really get away from it all and spend some quality time in the great outdoors. Read More
Bangkok’s floating markets are a colourful reminder of the days when farmers brought their produce to sell in Bangkok by boat. They made an early start when the sun was not hot and the fruit and vegetables were at their freshest, and this remains the rule today. Read More
Phuket
One of the world’s premier tropical beach resorts, Phuket blends natural beauty with tourism facilities that ensure the perfect holiday in the sun just one hour’s flight from Bangkok. Against a backdrop of green hills, the west coast of Thailand’s largest island has magnificent beaches and coves bathed by the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea. Holiday accommodation ranges from luxurious hotels and resorts to simple bungalows, while for leisure and pleasure there are water sports, yachting, scuba diving, world-class golf, spa treatments and some excellent restaurants. Read More
1. Khaosan Road
Come Down to the Crossroads
The crossroads for any young traveler coming to or leaving Southeast Asia are at Khaosan Road. This lively strip is a multi-nationality experience, with dozens of street vendors, artisans, fancy bars and restaurants galore. Ever since Alex Garland’s novel The Beach, and the movie version starring Leonardo DiCaprio, appeared, the road’s reputation has been on the up and up. Nowadays, there may be a Boots pharmacy, a Burger King, a McDonald’s and more upscale accommodation, but Khaosan still attracts many young travelers – and even their one-time hippie parents.
Near to Khaosan, Phra A-thit Road is Bangkok’s Little Bohemia, with arty restaurants, chic bars and a riverfront park that hosts festivals of theatre, dance and music from time to time. The beautifully preserved old wooden buildings around here are a portal into Bangkok’s past. And the nearby pier for river-taxis makes arriving and departing a breeze. Read More
