Thailand –beauty that can’t be described with words

Thailand

The fact that the local food is very tasty, and the local residents are considered to be some of the sweetest and polite people in the world along with the unbelieveble beauty of Thailand and its islands are only a few of the reasons why this one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations. Thailand’s reputation for hedonism attracts thousands of backpackers and its natural beauty also attracts an increasing amount of holiday-makers. Thailand is a mystical country which leaves a life long impression on anyone who visits. It offers a rich history, smiling locals, some interesting quirks and of course an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the best places you have to see:

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is a restless and chaotic metropolis and an essential part of a trip to Thailand. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, the culture-shock inducing capital has some incredible places of interest that you would be foolish to miss. The impossibly bejewelled Grand Palace should really be visited and if you have time, take a trip to Wat Arun (one of the oldest and best known landmarks in Bangkok) and Wat Po which is home to a huge reclining Buddha. This is one of the largest urban attractions. Inside the temple is actually lying about 40 meters long golden statue.  The more adventurous head for the notorious backpacker’s road Khao San, the bazaars and alleyways of Chinatown and the infamous Patpong Night Market, located in the city’s red light district.

Bangkok

2. Ko Samui

Ko Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand. From ancient Buddha images to modern, colorful temples, there is a vast selection of interesting places to visit and sights to see. Not to mention the amazing beaches.

Ko Samui Beach

3. The Floating Market

The Floating Market, Thailand

The Floating Market- made famous by the James Bond classic “The Man with the Golden Gun” – can be found on the Damneon Saduak Canal. Although now a major tourist attraction, the market is highly photogenic and visitors can get an idea of what trading was like in Thailand before the modernisation of the city. It’s also tonnes of fun. Among the river waters, close to the shore, shallow wooden boats carry the goods of the local merchants. If you want to buy something here you will have to hail down a narrow long boat piled high with produce (which is quite an experience in itself). The region also has plenty of vineyards, orchards and thriving local businesses which are great to view by canal boat on route to the market.

4. Chiang Mai

Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand

 The spiritual city of Chiang Mai is a much calmer city than Bangkok but still an essential visit on the travellers trail if you want to see the best of Thailand. Dotted with temples, craft shops, great restaurants and plenty of Thai massage and cooking schools, the city has a somehow relaxed and comparatively tranquil atmosphere. Many travellers often mention Chiang Mai as their favourite Thai city and once visited it’s easy to see why the city is so popular. It’s location high in the north mountainous region of Thailand also makes it a perfect base for the popular mountain treks. Organised treks can be arranged very easily here with almost every other shop offering them. The trails from Chiang Mai are although interesting are often a well-worn path and many backpackers now head for the nearby small town Pai. Pai is a gorgeously located traveller’s mecca popular with artists and musicians. It also offers less touristy and more ‘rustic’ treks and visits to hill-tribes.

5. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, Thailand

San Kamphaeng is a district located 36km from the northern city Chiang Mai. The area is home to the popular hot springs which are set in a 40 acre beautifully landscaped parkland. They are well known for their restorative properties and people come from miles to visit. The springs come from a deep source, are over 100 degrees centigrade and high in sulfur. Here you can camp, dine, bath in the mineral rich waters or if you fancy – boil some eggs.

6. The East Coast Islands

Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are islands on the east side of Thailand popular with both vacationers and backpackers. The islands are known for their palm tree lined white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid back attitudes. On Koh Phangan you’ll find plenty of bohemian style bars and cafes and of course the world-famous full moon parties. Nearby, the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are much less touristy due to their more isolated locations and are perfect for those looking for peace. These islands also offer world-class snorkelling and diving.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

7. Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son is the capital of Thailand’s northwestern-most province. Its close proximity to the Burmese boarder gives the city a very different feel to the rest of Thailand. Very quiet and isolated this mountainous city is often shrouded in an atmospheric mist. Visitors come here for the unusual and beautiful natural scenery, the mountain trekking and to see the local hill tribe communities – one of which is the famous Karen long neck tribe. The Thanon Thongchai range between Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand is popular for trekking and here you can also see the Pha Sua waterfall. Handicrafts and artwork from the hill-tribe people can be purchased at the local night market-great for unique souvenirs.

8. Ayutthaya

Budha head, Ayutthaya, Thailand

 Only an hours journey from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Siam (modern Thailand). The town is a historical monument under the open skies. Everywhere one can see Buddhist temples and statues of Buddha. The ancient city is now ruined but the remains of the extraordinary and once towering temples are classed as an UNESCO world heritage site and should not be missed. 

9. Railay

Phang Nga, Thailand

Railay and the surrounding coast of the Krabi province (located in the South of Thailand) is a tropical paradise characterised by towering rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise water and powder white sand. From this area it’s also easy to take a trip to nearby Phang Nga to see the iconic ‘James Bond Rock’. Railay is a beautiful secluded beach – accessible only by boat – which attracts a mixture of in-the-know backpackers, well-heeled tourists and enthusiastic rock climbers. Surrounded by dense vegetation and mountains, the area is also perfect for trekking. The beach is unique because it’s completely cut off from the daily grind and visitors kick back and often stay a lot longer than originally planned.

10. Ko Phi Phi Island

Ko Phi Phi Island, Thailand

This  rocky island  rises vertically from the azure waters of the ocean. The vertical slopes are covered with dense tropical vegetation. The sand on the beaches is with colour of ivory, in the transparent and calm waters live different kinds of corals and colorful small fishes. Around the splandid beaches lazily grove coconut palms. The tiny but idyllic west coast island of Koh Phi Phi is seen by many as the ultimate island paradise. Even though it has now fully recovered from the devastating 2009 tsunami, the island has suffered from rapid tourist growth especially since the release of the “The Beach” (starring Leo Dicaprio). Having said that it still manages to retain a relaxed vibe which seems to keep the backpackers and vacationers happy. Island highlights include climbing a steep viewpoint to watch the sunset and hiring a long tail boat to snorkel the beautiful surrounding waters.

 11. Hin Daeng

Diving enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Hin Daeng in Andaman Sea. Literally meaning the Red Rock, this area is often thought to be one of the top diving spots in Thailand – if not the world. Hin Daeng features large underwater pinnacles, incredible carpets of anemone and colourful coral. It’s also teeming with wildlife including large shoals of fish, round batfish, manta ray, barracuda and the odd whale shark or two.

12. Phuket Island

 

Luxury hotel at Phuket Island, Thailand

Phuket is a tourist destination number one in Thailand and it is the country's business card to the world. The beaches are amazingly beautiful, the ocean water in the ocean is transparent like in a swimming pool. In the heart of Phuket Island there is a fantastic tropical forest that is protected by the law. This is the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Here for the visitors of the island are regularly organized safaris with elephants in the jungle. While there's plenty to see on Phuket, several smaller surrounding islands, each offering unique sights of their own, are easily accessible within an hour or two by boat. Leaving Phuket over the bridge, heading north, is Phang Nga province where you will find Khao Lak and Khao Sok national park and the stunning marine national park that forms the magnificent Phang Nga Bay. Spectacular limestone scenery rising from the sea, mangroves, sea caves with crystalline interiors and hundreds of tiny islands make up Phang Nga Bay, one of southern Thailand's most fascinating and scenic areas.

13. Sai Yok Noi waterfall

 Located in Kanchanaburi province, the waterfalls is surrounded by rock formations around it and attracts a huge number of tourists. The noise of the flowing water in combination with the dense tropical vegetation make the place to look like a scene of a fairy tale. For the area around the waterfall is allegedly the most beautiful in Thailand.