Thailand |
The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of South East Asia and has become one of the most popular tropical tourist destinations in the world . Thailand has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons - the hot season from March till May , the rainy season from June till October and the dry season from November till February (the best time to visit )
Bangkok is the usual gateway for most travellers and you should plan on 3 to 5 days in the capital . This allows sufficient time to visit the major sights , floating markets , famous temples and the Grand Palace An interesting side trip from Bangkok is to visit Kanchanaburi . the Allied Prisoners Cemetery and the Bridge on the River Kwai . This can be taken as a full day tour or overnight staying at the Jungle Rafts or a cruise on the MS River Kwai . Outside Bangkok there are the ancient ruins of the first two capital cities, Sukhothai and Ayutthya. To visit Ayutthya we recommend a tour of the ancient capital by coach and cruise back down the Chao Phraya River . To visit Sukhothai we recommend an individual tour starting in Bangkok, visiting Ayutthya, Phitsanalok, Sukhotai, Srisatchanalai and Lamphoon en-route to the northern capital of Chiang Mai. Click here for : Day trips from Bangkok Bangkok to Chiang Mai overland River Kwai excursion Exotic Siam Cruise
Northern Thailand provides plenty of scope for both cultural sightseeing and refreshing escapes into the Thai countryside - Reached by train or a one-hour domestic flight from Bangkok. A region of teak forests, jungle covered peaks, river gorges, and secluded valleys. At the heart of this region lies Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city, an ideal base from which to explore the region with numerous excursion options such as elephant rides . visiting exotic hilltribes or trekking in the forest areas
Click here for : The North - Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle I-San Mae Hong Son Trekking Tours
The Southern beaches of Thailand offer the most exotic settings . If time is limited , the resorts of Pattaya , Hua Hin & Cha Am and within three hours drive from Bangkok
Click here for : Southern Beaches - Hua Hin & Cha Am , Phuket Koh Samui Pattaya Ko Chang , Krabi , Ko Lanta
The Kingdom of Thailand has an excellent road network offering te Independent Traveller an ideal opportunity for self drive exploration in both the North and the South . Illustrated are some example itineraries which can be amended or extended at any point . In addition to being part of an overall Thailand itinerary , these self drive itineraries can be taken as a stopover enroute to Australis and New Zealand or part of a multi centre Far East Itinerary
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