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Thailand |
Capital: Bangkok
Official Language: Thai
Currency: Baht
Thailand situated in Southeast Asia is a tropical country with irresistible tourist attractions ranging from breathtaking natural beauty to marvelous historical sites.
Thailand is bounded by Laos and Cambodia to the east, Malaysia to the south and Myanmar and Andaman Sea to the west. The country stretches from dense mountain jungles in the north to the flat central plains in the south. Monsoon forests cover the majority of the country with a sparse canopy of deciduous trees. Thailand is rich in bird life. Countless species of resident and migratory birds add more charm to the greeneries of nature. This small exotic island paradise is renowned for exclusive Thai cuisines. The saffron clad monks roaming through Bangkok's busy streets, the comical sculptures of mythical giants guarding the entrances of the soaring temples and the Thais radiating a familial warmth beckon tourists from all over the world.
Major Cities
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. Krung Thep, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Udon Thani are the major towns and cities of Thailand. The sprawling city of Bangkok lies on the east bank of Chao Phraya River near the gulf of Thailand. Founded in 1782 by the first monarch of Chakri dynasty Bangkok is the country's spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. The Thais call their capital Krung Thep or City of Angels. Bangkok abounds in plenty of tourist attractions. The city is dotted with exotic Buddhist temples, magnificent palaces and numerous shopping centers. Wat Pho houses the golden sculpture of reclining Buddha. Nakhon Pathom, located in the west of Bangkok is one of the country's oldest cities. Phra Pathom Chedi, in Nakhon Pathom is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world.
Tourist Attractions
The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya is a premier tourist attraction of Thailand. The former Thai capital was once the busiest cities of south East Asia. Visitors to Ayutthaya can have a glimpse of the awe inspiring ancient structures and ruins. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park in the center of the Ayutthaya city has been listed as a world heritage site. Phetchaburi, also called Muang Phetch by the Thais is situated in the south of Bangkok. Today's Phechaburi is a charming land with serene seaside resorts and stunning natural reserves. Cha-am is a popular beach resort in the province. Phetchaburi is also known as Muang Sam Wang or the city of the three Palaces. The three palaces built by King Rama IV, V and VI of the Rattanakosin period is worth seeing here. Chiang Rai in the northern part of Thailand is ideally termed as a traveler's paradise. Attractions range from captivating mountain scenery, antique settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and exciting jungle trekking amidst the various forest alleys. Songkhla, one of Thailand's important ports tempts tourists with its enchanting waterfalls, beautiful lakes and an amazing range of seaside resorts. The Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok is a place of prime tourist attraction. The palace is a walled complex housing several palaces inside. The complex sports Wat Phra Kaeo temple, containing the sacred statue of the emerald Buddha. Vimanmek Palace offers an awe-inspiring vista with its golden teak structure and tall heights. Earlier it used to be a royal summer retreat with beautiful gardens and lawns. The enchanting island of Phuket lies in the south of Bangkok. Phuket is a treasure trove of contrasting natural riches and Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Transport & Accommodation
Thailand possesses six international airports namely Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko Samui, Sukhotai and Hat Yai. Most international flights arrive and depart from Bangkok's international airport. Thai Airways International is a major domestic carrier.
Air Asia is one of the low cost airlines, which offers economy flights within important places of Thailand. The state railway operates the inter-city trains of Thailand. It can be an amazingly cheap way to get around the country, but its too time consuming. The Thai bus service is widespread, convenient and phenomenally fast. Bus service is available in two classes namely air-conditioned first class and second-class. Taxis can be hired but they should be booked in advance. Being a riverside people Thais, have colorful boats of traditional design. Long tail boats are used as island hoppers, canal coasters and river ferries. Additional transports in Bangkok include express boat service, sky train and the metro. Numerous hotels, lodges and resorts situated in major metropolitan areas provide luxurious accommodation. The Shangri-La Bangkok, JW Marriot, The Landmark, Intercontinental and Sheraton are some top class hotels of Thailand.
Precaution
There are frequent monsoon floods in some parts of Thailand like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Sometimes the floodwater rises to an alarming position causing transport delays. Travelers should be aware about the weather condition of the place they are traveling in. There are also instances of internal disturbances in the major cities. Thailand's border with Myanmar has become a haven of bandits, smugglers and rebels. Hence tourists are requested to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations during their travel to Thailand. Moreover Thailand's west coast has been severely affected by constant attacks of Tsunami. A large amount of damage has been caused to public services, infrastructure and tourist resorts. Apart from the obvious architectural devastation, there is a risk that the aftermath of the tsunami will be carrier of some harmful diseases. Although there has been no outbreak as yet, vaccines against diphtheria, typhoid, hepatitis A, tetanus and polio are recommended before traveling to Tsunami affected places.
For further details and information on Thailand and its tourist destinations flip through the pages ofallwonderscountries
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