October 22, 2006

Travelling Thailand: 5 Top Destinations

Author: Robert Thatcher

Article: With several sights to see and surprises to offer, Thailand
could be one of the best locations you should not miss to visit.
Culture, beaches, people, and heritage sites are some of the
things you can expect when you travel to Thailand.

Bangkok - Traveling Thailand wound not be complete without
visiting Bangkok. As the nation's capital with an estimated
population of over 10 million (including the neighboring
provinces), this city is by far the largest in the country. The
city is divided into 50 districts or khet but for tourists and
those who are new in the place, 6 divisions would be more
useful. These are Ratchadaphisek in the northeast section of the
city, Sukhamvit in the southeast, Silom in the south, Thonburi
in the west, Rattanakosin in the central north, and Phahanyothin
in the north. The whole Bangkok district would give you a
diverse taste of culture, history, religion, modernity, and
fast-phase life. You can actually witness how all these blend
together to comprise the whole Bangkok package. Buddhist
temples, historical museums, towering buildings, contemporary
restaurants and hotels, shopping centers, canals and rivers, and
food make Bangkok a one of a kind city in Southeast Asia.

Phuket - Down south, Phuket features magnificent beaches,
tropical sunsets, white sands, blue seas, and breathtaking
sceneries. No wonder it is the most popular vacation destination
in Asia beating every beaches of the neighboring countries. It
has several beaches like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach,
Kamala Beach, and Surin Beach. The island showcases several
water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing,
and scuba diving. By day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and
shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate
the whole island.

Chiang Mai - The second largest city in Thailand with an
estimated population of more than 200,000. This city located in
the northern part of the country offers greener and quieter
city. Chiang Mai's tourism is becoming more and more popular and
permanently settling at this city is very common. When you
travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to
see museums such as Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With religion and
history enriching the city, you can see several Buddhist temples
such as Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh, Wat
Oo-Mong, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat
Chedi Luang. The oldest temple dates back in the 11th century.
Chiang Mai features attractions such as Chiang Mai Flower
Festival in February, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts
Festival in January, The 2nd Orchid Fair also in January, and
the Loi Krathong Festival usually falls in November.

Pattaya - Located 150 km. north of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of
the most popular tourist destinations, which offers great
beaches, beer and go-go bars, and a wide array of sport
activities. Visit Pattaya when you travel Thailand is a must.
Although it is the most overdeveloped part of the country in
terms of tourism, prices in Pattaya still remains with reach. In
fact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are
very affordable.

Krabi - In a small province of Krabi lies a small town with the
same name. Paying a visit Krabi town when you travel Thailand is
worth the time. Located south of Bangkok near Phuket and Phi Phi
island, the town features great beaches along with high end
hotels and not so expensive hotel that cater tourists of
different classes.

About the author:
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino,
California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines
and provides thailand travel resources on
www.your-thailand-tra
vel.info
.