Thailand Tourist Attraction

Bangkok’s chief attraction includes the stunning Wat Phra Kaeo (also known as the Emerald Buddha Chapel) and Grand Palace complex, the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Vimanmek Palace, the world’s biggest golden teak building and the Pasteur Institute Snake’s Farm where some of the most deadly snakes are “milked” to make invaluable serum. The Suan Pakkand Palace houses a lacquer pavilion which is festooned with medieval gold leaf murals a must see for travelers to the area. Thailand has made an amazing recovery since the 2004 tsunami. However those wishing to travel to the ravaged areas should check with the tour operators or the embassy for the latest information.

Over the last decade, Bangkok saw a remarkable transformation, from being primarily a backpacker precinct to its transformation as one of Asia’s most popular tourist spots. From its bustling capital, Bangkok, to the epic ashen sands of some of the most stunning beaches in the world, Thailand caters to a diverse array of tastes. Bangkok is to Thailand what London is to England: the center of economic and political affairs, the metropolis, and the hub of business. The rapid pace of development and increasing prosperity has dragged along with it the inevitable evils, difficult to navigate traffic congestion and pollution levels. The opening of a slick overland metropolitan railway allows commuters to glide above the chaos below, coupled with the reasonably priced air conditioned taxis and river boats the situation has eased a bit. The Chao Phraya River slices through the city. On its banks are some of the best hotels in the city. You’ll also find the Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Kaeo, a stunning temple complex which houses the Emerald Buddha. The statue is not covered in emerald as many think; it’s actually cut out of translucent jade.

Upriver from the Grand Palace are the Royal Barges. These richly decked barges are still used for special processions on the river. Within the city limits there is an affluence of around 300 Buddhist temples and shrines. The famed amongst them are Wat Arun (Temple of Arun), Wat Bechamabophit (Marble Temple) and the Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). Wat Pho is one of the largest temples in Thailand and probably the world. The complex comprises of about 30 individual temples, the most prominent amongst them is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha with it’s massive figurine measuring 47.5 m ( 156 ft) and 15m ( 49 ft). The gardens surrounding the temple complex are a nice escape from the frenzied pace of the city. The Floating Market makes for an interesting visit, though it has become more of a tourist attraction rather than a genuine market. Other interesting spots include Lak Muang (the city stone), the National Museum and the Erawan Shrine where the locals make their daily offerings. Also, the Suan Pakkard Palace houses a collection of precious antiques.

The house of Jim Thomson, the American silk dealer who vanished without a trace also makes for an interesting visit. The house has since then been renovated into a craft museum where you can get some fine quality silks at reasonable prices. Bangkok is famed for its thriving nightlife which makes for a major tourist attraction. The omnipresent ‘girlie bars’ in Patpong area are notorious, though stricter laws have clamped them down, rendering them more tourist friendly. Beyond these seedy dens are the chic nightclubs and designer bars. Upriver from Bangkok is the former capital of Ayutthaya and the summer palace at Bang Pa-In. Within its confines lie the classic Thai pavilion, a strange Buddhist temple that resembles a Gothic church, a Chinese styled pagoda and a neoclassical palace. East of Bangkok lies The Ancient City, it’s basically a large expanse of private park replete with models of Thailand’s most historic monuments and temple ruins from the Khmer Empire. Just outside the city is Rose Garden Country Resort where there are daily performances of Thai music, ceremonies, games and dance. Far north is Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city and a famed excursion spot due to its ancient and beautiful temples, teak forests, caves and waterfalls. Some of the cities more popular attractions include the Doi Suthep temple and trekking with elephants.

Doi Suthep, perched atop a hill, is one of the more famous temples in all of Thailand; it offers some stunning views of the city on a clear day. The trip can be made either via a funicular or a 400 stepped grand staircase. The banisters themselves are almost enough to make travel to this area worth your time. A large green and red serpent like figure winds its way down to end in the shape of a dragon’s head. Trekking with elephants in the nearby countryside is a major tourist draw. However, consider that some of these so called “authentic” trips are anything but that. There are numerous villages in the outskirts of the city where they manufacture local handicrafts. There is also an elephant training school in the Mae Sa Valley coupled with a stunning orchard. An interesting road to take is the one to Mae-Hong—Son near the border Myanmar. It’s a great base from which to go trekking and motorcycle touring. On the way to Mae-Hong-Son loop, do stop at the quaint town of Pai, a warm and relaxed place.

The province of Kanchanaburi is a spectacular oasis of sweeping waterways and greenery-clad hills. On the other hand, the town has some slick hotels and tourist facilities. It’s the original site of the famed Bridge over the River Kwai, a spot where thousands of allied prisoners of war and Thai forced laborers were massacred by the Japanese. The train trip, whether on the dedicated tourist service or the normal service runs along the ‘Death Railway’ and across the post-war bridge. Phuket was one of the regions hit by the tsunami; however the clean up process has been excellent. Phuket is fast on its way on outstripping Pattaya as the number one resort in Thailand.