Bangkok

Bangkok is Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub.

The city was founded in 1782, by the king of the Chakri dynasty. Bangkok, which is the country’s capital is spread over an area of more than 1,500 square kilometers, and is the home to approximately ten million people or more than 10% of Thailand’s population.

Bangkok is one of the leading metropolitan cities of the world. There are huge numbers of temples in Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Bangkok is also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ due to the floating market. The sky scrappers and the ultra-modern shopping malls also make Bangkok quite popular with the tourists from various parts of the world.

With a boom in the English Language industry of Thailand, Bangkok is awash with language schools both big and small. A native English speaker is able to bag a suitable job within a week or two. Currently, only top-notch institutions hire from abroad and the best place to land a job is in the city itself. Almost every issue of the Bangkok post carries at least two or three advertisements for language teaching positions and even those schools stipulating qualifications/experience necessary are realistic enough to compromise if the applicant seems reliable and smart. In the unlikely event of finding no leads in The Bangkok post, one can check the yellow pages for addresses of language schools and visit some on spec. The British Council (in Siam square) will also supply a list of recognized language schools in the area.

Chiang Mai

Although Chiang Mai has lots of interesting places and things to do, such as the moat, beautiful temples, traditional markets and historical monuments, one can utilize their weekends visiting the surrounding areas.

Day trips

A trip to the temple on top of Doi Suithep, an imposing mountain to the west of the city is worth a visit. It is a 15km journey to the summit which can be covered either by local taxi or hired two wheelers. While there you can visit Phuping Palace gardens and Hmong villages, or go walking in the lovely forests of Doi Pui peak.

There are two gorgeous waterfalls, Huay Kaew falls and Monthathal falls. Close by is the Chiang Mai zoo home too a number of Asian and tropical animals.

Closer to Chiang Mai is the Mae Sa valley about 30 minutes' drive, where one can enjoy the magnificent Mae Sa waterfall, orchid farm, monkey and snake farms and botanical gardens. A ride on the back of an elephant is a thrilling experience not to be missed.

Weekends

Northern Thailand is known for its mountains and unspoilt rainforest and Chiang Mai lies at its heart. Therefore it is the starting point for hill treks into the interior. These can be arranged from the many touring companies found in Chiang Mai to explore the heart of rural Southeast Asia. They usually take up to five days, but with less time to spare, a day or overnight trip to the fabulous Doi Inthanon national park - home of Thailand's highest mountain is recommended. The treks include elephant-back rides, rafting rivers on bamboo skiffs, visits to waterfalls and nights stay in villages of the indigenous tribal people who lead a simple lifestyle and follow a unique tradition and culture.

More than a weekend trip

To the north of Chiang Mai heading towards Chiang Dao are a remarkable complex of caves beneath it. Continuing north, one will reach Doi Angkhang - one of the last wildernesses in Thailand bordering Myanmar. However, a popular option is to continue on to Tha Ton and catch an overnight raft trip to Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai sounds like a twin city of Chaing Mai but is equally historic and offers a more realistic glimpse into a Northern Thailand city. From Chiang Rai it's not far to the mighty Mekhong River and you can follow the banks of this important waterway for more than 100kms, passing through the former Lanna capital and port town of Chiang Saen.

Pai is a town situated beside a river, among the hills to the north of Chiang Mai. The three-hour drive over mountaintops to get there is spectacular and the town has become a base from which to start trekking. Live music, quaint restaurants and cheap, simple, guesthouses add to its appeal. From here to Mae Hong Son, a border town with a lake at the center and a unique Burmese temple of Wat Jong Kham is the main attraction. What is exclusive to this region are the long-necked Paduang people, who have clung to an old tradition of extending their woman's necks using brass rings, mainly as a means of attracting tourists.

Doi Inthanon National Park, is a one hour drive from Chiang Mai towards the south and is the country's highest mountain. It is possible to drive all the way to the summit, which is often shrouded in mist. On the way up there are three superb waterfalls. On the way there are chalets to rent and a campsite, and numerous points to enjoy on foot the lovely flora and gushing streams. Several hilltribes also live in the park, and visitors are encouraged to visit their villages, observe their traditional ways and buy their handicrafts.

Nan is one of Northern Thailand's most serene and peaceful provinces, providing a good escape from everything. It is roughly 320kms east of Chiang Mai. This quiet province encompasses an area of 11,500 square kilometers and is comprised of many districts, all of which give an idea of what rural Thailand was once like. Nan is home to numerous Thai Lue and other hill tribes, who are one of the most hospitable people.

If you are looking for history and architecture then 100kms south of Chiang Mai, Lampang is the right place for you. It is noted for several Burmese-style temples (including Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Si Chum), the magnificent Wat Lampang Luang, and a Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. The centuries-old Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao used to be the place where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined (the same statue now resides in the temple of the same name in Bangkok). Interesting structures include the large chedi containing the hair of the Buddha, a Burmese-style Mondop, an ancient vihan housing a reclining Buddha.

Situated just 26kms south of Chiang Mai is Lamphung. It is well known for its beautiful women, bountiful orchards and the stunning Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a classic example of northern religious architecture. Similar to Chiang Mai, Lamphung is also surrounded by an ancient moat.

Phuket

Splashed by the sparkling, green waters of the Andaman Sea just 70 minutes flying time south of Bangkok, Thailand's most coveted beach destination is the Pandora’s Box of wishes for a fervent traveler: beautiful beaches, some of the finest resort hotels, water-sports, exquisite seafood, international and Thai cuisine, mountains, forests, temples, coral reefs, turquoise seas and tropical sunshine all in awesome abundance. Whether you are in search of a quiet corner to enjoy a romantic seclusion or craving for a sizzling and colourful night life, Phuket stores it all.

The leading destinations of this group of isles have to be naturally the beaches. Phuket is dotted with innumerable beach retreats that are varied in size, character and interest. Phuket is a large island with a wide choice of beaches to suit every taste and requirement. Most of the beaches are located on the west coast of the island. The quieter beaches tend to be found towards the island's northwestern coastline, while the greatest concentration of hotels, shops and restaurants is located around Patong and stretches south towards Karon and Kata.

Bang Tao is a large open bay with one of Phuket's longest beaches. The 8km long sandy stretch never feels crowded, especially at its northern end. Cape Panwa is located to the south of Phuket City where profusely green hills extend magnificent views of the Andaman Sea. The large Chalong bay with a pier is the jump off point for diving and fishing trips, hosting some great seafood restaurants along the seafront.

Kalim to the north of Patong is quiet and relaxed. However, its rocky bed and the coral reefs that are close to the shore doesn’t make it an ideal swimming option. Kamala is just a couple of minutes drive from the vibrant Patong beach – quiet and relaxing. Karon is one of Phuket's longest beaches. The large hotels and resorts here are sparsely located to give the area an ambience of effervescence. Kata is segmented into Kata Yai and Kata Noi, replete with stunning scenery and a spirited atmosphere. A few minutes from Kamala lays Laem Singh – a small crescent bay touching the base of the forest-fringed cliffs. Nai Harn is the loveliest yet unadulterated beach in Phuket of Phuket. The Samnak Song Nai Harn monastery dominates much of the beachfront land. Nai Thon beach lies about 15km south of the airport. The beach is still quite undeveloped and quiet to enjoy the sun or take a solitary swim. Nai Yang is a long curved bay fringed with tall casuarinas trees, ideal for the picnic freaks. Pansea is located to the north of Surin beach. It is sorted out for its immense aesthetic appeal. Phuket's busiest resort area, Patong has the greatest concentration of bars, restaurant and shops on the island. Patong offers a quaint view of the sparkling white sand. Other than swimming, lazing and enjoying exciting water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing and parasailing, the beach is studded with shopping arcades and plenty of seafood eateries. The Rawai Beach too is also popular for its array of seafood eateries.

Phuket Fantasea is a nighttime cultural theme park spread across 130 acres of land that caters to large-scale night time amusement. The visitors are treated to recreations that include Culture-Illusion Stage Shows, Fantasy of the Kingdom, a spectacular buffet restaurant Golden Kinnaree Restaurant, shopping village the enchanted Festive Village, Cultural Parade & Street Shows, Traditional Games and Carnivals, Handicraft Demonstrations & Live Performances (performed in Palace of the Elephants).

The few names that are worth mentioning among a whole list of entertainment and pleasure sites in Phuket that are worth mentioning are the Ao Chalong bay, the 18-hole mini-golf course at Dino Park, the curving Kaoron beach embellished with tiny sand dunes, the Hat Nai Han beach bordering the two landscape lagoons and lined with rubber trees and other tropical plantations, the Khao Rang hill that offers an aerial view of the Phuket city and so on.

Laem Phromthep or Phromthep Cape is considered to be one of the most important landmarks of Phuket. The cape renders a breathtaking panoramic view of the Andaman Sea from the southern-most tip of the island. The Phuket Aquarium and the Butterfly Farm display an awesome and exotic range of marine species and tropical insects and creatures for the visitors to behold.

Elephant trekking can be a memorable experience not to be missed during a stay in Phuket, especially for children. Sea canoe trips are available for single day or overnight camping. The trips would take you into neighboring Phang Na Bay and Krabi, meandering its your way through mangrove swamps, cliff-lined lagoons and sea caves that gives a unique taste of adventure.

Khao Phra Thaew National Park is Phuket's last remaining virgin rainforest and is home to protected species of wild animals. A jungle trek through the park that covers a considerable stretch of the island’s interior can be an exhilarating expedition for the tourists. The National Park features several forests trails for hiking.

Phuket is congregation of innumerable island of varied dimensions that are ideal for short trips away form the main centre of hustle and bustle. The Lon Island is a 20 minutes boat ride from the Chalong Bay with a long stretch of beach fringing the north-east coast. The Coral Island or Hey Island off the south coast of Phuket is famed for its coral reefs and is a part of the marine preserve as well. It is accessible through boats that leave from Rawai and Chalong and is set at a distance of only 9kms from Phuket. The tiny Mai Ton Island conjures up a perfect natural environment with sparkling white beaches and crystal waters, ideal for swimming, diving and fishing. The Rang Yai Island that flanks the east coat of Phuket caters to the tourists longing for outdoor sports like snorkeling on the coral reefs, sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's pearl farm. Koh Bon is located north of Similian Islands and offers world-class diving. The dive site is on the southwestern point and consists of a 33 meter wall facing the small cove, and a step-down ridge that carries on to depths of over 45 meters. Koh Bon is one of the better places to see manta rays, especially towards the end of the season when there is more plankton in the water. Boat trips and cruises are a great way to explore the many islands surrounding Phuket, many of which boast spectacular beaches and notable dive spots gifting the visitors with a complete experience of pleasure fun.

Hat Yai is one of the most active and diverse destinations of the Thai-Malay peninsular region. Shopping and nightlife are the main draws to this city Ao Nang and Railay are located in Krabi province southwest of Phuket. The area is known for its outstanding natural beauty and lovely beaches.

Whether it is for a stopover on transit to the various jewels of Krabi province, or for a few days of stay to experience a genuine Thai scene, there is plenty to see and do in and around Krabi Town. The southernmost district of Krabi province is the Lanta Islands – a batch of 52 isles.

The Trang province is a complete natural delight of undeveloped islands, national parks, tropical rain forests, limestone-mountains, caves and waterfalls that identify it to be an ideal picturesque haunt off Phuket.

The National Parks of Phuket are spectacular resorts of nature, wildlife, flora and fauna that promises to captivate the visitors. Mu Ko Surin National park is situated in the Andaman Sea approximately 60 km from the Coast of Phang-Nga province in the southern peninsula region. The rain forest here displays 91 types of birds, 22 species of mammals, 6 kinds of reptiles; the primary attraction of Mu Ko Surin being its unspoiled tropical paradise far from the mainland, with healthy forested islands surrounded by clean water supporting a profusion of coral reef species.

The famous Sirinat National Park covers an area of 90 square kilometers and is located on the road to the airport, 37 kms from Phuket town. It has long secluded stretch of beautiful beaches, Hat Nai Thon, Hat Nai Yang, Hat Mai Khao and Hat Sai Kaeo, where gigantic sea turtles go ashore to lay their eggs from November to February.

The Ao Phang Nga National Park in the districts of Phang-Nga Town and Takua Thung covers a total area of 250,000 rai (1 rai = 1,600 sq. meters). Phang-Nga Bay's bizarre landscape includes more than 120 single strange looking islands and attracts a lot of visitors and viewers. There are many places where boats can be rented to travel to Phang-Nga Bay, where you can also see the famous James Bond Island.

The Phi Phi National park, also called Hat Thai Muang National Park in Thai is a sprawling 45,000 rai space. Khao Lamphi is a phrase indicating the end of the mining district, and indeed this area was formerly, from ancient time to modern, one of the greatest repositories of the world. Mining has ceased, and little trace remains to the untrained eyes except in the name.

Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park is situated very near Krabi. The Park contains extensive mainland beaches, over 80 lesser islands, and two islands of outstanding physical yet contrasting beauty which epitomizes everyone's ideal of the perfect tropical island.

The Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Thalang district about 20 kilometres from Phuket town. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in July of 1969, it has 13,925 rai (5,570 acres) of rich and fertile land and is the habitat to several types of wild animals. Major attractions include:-
Namtok Ton Sai is 22 kilometres from town on the Thepkasattri Road past the Thalang district intersection. Though small in size, it nevertheless provides a cool, shady area for relaxation and the flow during the rainy season is quite strong.Another waterfall in the sanctuary is Namtok Bang Pae which is located at Tambon Pa Khlok past the Two Heroines Monument. There is an arboretum and a nursery to rehabilitate captured gibbons before returning them to the wild.For nature enthusiasts, the sanctuary has mapped out some walking trails. Further information may be obtained from the Nature Study Centre.

Wat Phra Thong is where only the upper half of a large Buddha statue emerges from the ground. Legend has it that during the invasion of Thalang town in 2328 B.E. (circa 1785), the Burmese tried in vain to excavate the statue to take it back. Each time they dug into the ground, swarms of hornets would swoop on them and they had to give up. Later, the visible part of the statue was covered with gold by the villagers and has remained as such until today. It is located about 20 kilometers from Phuket town past the Thalang district office.

About 20 kilometres from the town is Wat Phranang Sang , located on the Thepkasattri Road at Thalang district. An old and historical landmark of Phuket, the temple was once a fort resisting Burmese invasion around 1785. Inside the old Ubosot are enshrined the three oldest and largest Buddha statues made of tin. Called the Three Kings, they are positioned in the midsections of another three large statues.