Community Development Department
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THAILAND'S TOURIST
CENTERS
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CENTRAL
BANGKOK, the capital
of Thailand, is a metropolis where
one can find both old and new, East
and West, traditional and fashionable,
blended together in a harmonious way.
There are several magnigicent Buddhist
temples inside the city and well-known
attractions on its out-skirts. The
old capital from 1350 to 1767, AYUTTHAYA
(76 km) is today visited chiefly as
a historical site, especially the
ancient ruins left by the Brunese
invasion of 1767. Bang Pa-in Palace,
and Bang Sai Folk Arts and Crafts
Centre are places recommended for
inclusion in a one-day tour. KANCHANABURI
(128 km), a good place for nature
lovers,where they can raft down the
stream watching enchanting scenery.
The Death Railway and the Bridge over
the River Kwai are
also located here. On a trip to SARABURI
(107 km), Buddhists should not fail
to pay homage to the Buddha's Footprint
there. LOPBURI (153 km) is
famous for shrines in the Khmer style,
and the remains of King Narai's palaces
of the 17th century. NAKHON PATHOM
(56 km) is the town that boasts the
tallest Buddhist pagoda both in Thailand
and in the world.
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THE
EAST
Just 2 hours' drive
from Bangkok is PATTAYA the fast
growing recreation centre on the
east coast. Its fine sand, blue
sky and limpid sea are among many
other good things that prove irresistable
to both foreign and local tourists. |
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There, selves
either quietly or by engaging
in aquatic sports such as swimming,
fishing, sailing, water skiing,
diving, wind-surfing, etc. Although
Pattaya is the cream of CHON
BURI, other places of interest
are plentiful in this provice--Khao
Sam Muk, where stands the Choa
Mae Sam Muk Shrine highly revered
by Thais; Bang Saen, the nearest
beach resort for the families;
Sichang Island, paradise island
whose name has became the title
of a song. |
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| CHANTHABURI (245 km), an east-coast
province famous for gemstones, fruits,
hot pepper and Chanthabun mats.
RAYONG (179 km),where the most attractive
tourist spot is the Samet Island,
which has become very popular among
foreign visitors. TRAT (315 km)
the most far-flung province on the
eastern coast, is well known for
its Ko Chang National Marine Park |
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NORTH
The fine weather, the
mountainous scenery, the exquisite
handicrafts and the rich northern
Thai culture are some of the charms
of the North. CHAING MAI (697 km.
from Bangkok), the second biggest
province of Thailand, provides visitors
with a host of places of interest,
such as, DoiSuthep, Doi Inthanon,
Bhubing Palace, etc. CHIANG RAI (785
km), located at the northern tip of
Thailand in the very heart of the
Golden Triangle, gains fame from its
scenic views, interesting hill-tribes
and exciting elephant-back riding
tours. LAMPHUN (670 km) is a town
of beautiful women, bountiful orchards
and ancient temples. LAMPANG (599
km) is the sole province in Thailand
where horse-drawn carriages are still
used as a means of transportation.
PHRAE (643 km) is known for the northern
costume called |
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"mohom" and PHAE MUANG
PHI, a small area of weird earth formation.
Lying on the uppermost northwestern
border with Burma, MAE HONG SON (
924 km) is well known as the "Town
of Three Mists" because it is mist-shrouded
throughout most of the three seasons.
SUKHOTHAI, the first capital of the
Thai Kingdom, is known for it historic
sites.
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NORTHEAST
Known as Isan in Thai, the
Northeast consists mostly of a plateau.
Some may think that this area dry
and lifeless, But in fact, it has
large numbers of tourist spots, some
of which are being developed. NAKNON
RATCHASIMA (259 km), or the gateway
to the Northeast, where are located
the Thao Suranari Monument, Khmer-style
stome shrine Prasat Hin Phimai and
a 250-year-old banyan tree. KHON KAEN
(449 km), one of the northeastern
commercial centres famous for the
local product -- matmi silk. UBON
RATCHATHANI (629 km), where the Lenten
Candle Festival is grandly celebrated.
SAKON NAKHON (647 km), offers tourists
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picturesque scenery
of the vast Nong Han Lake. SURIN (457
km), the land of elephants, is world
famous for its annual Elephant Round-up
usually taking place at the third
weekend of November. BURI RAM (410
km), is where the largest Khmer style
stone temple, Prasat Phanom Rung,
is located. LOEI (520 km), a challenging
place for visitors who want to find
out the lowest temperature of Thailand
in the cool season.
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SOUTH
The most prominent
tourist attraction in the South is
inevitably PHUKET (862 km), the biggest
island of Thailand located in the
Andaman Sea. It has rapidly become
one of the best known seaside resorts
of the world. Apart form the numerous
beaches around the island and all
kinds of accommodation facilities.
is famous for its seafood, coral and
marine life. It also serves as a base
for exploration trips to nearby islands.
The grand celebration of the Vegetarian
Festival in October is another attraction.
But if you find Phuket a little to
crowded in the peak tourist season,
then Samui Island of SURAT THANI (644
km) will be another choice. Its tranquility
and unpolluted environment will refresh
you. RANONG (568 km), Thailand's rainiest
province is well known for its hot
springs and Burmese gems. PHATTHALING
(840 km) is believedto be in the realm
of the ancient Sri Vijaya Kingdom,
which has long been forgotten leaving
only a few hallowed hills today. SONGKHLA
(950 km) is a famous seaside resort
in the Far South where a cruise on
Songkhla Lake is fascination. Another
famous place in this province is Hat
Yai,the big bustling city widely known
for the low-priced imported goods.
PHANGNGA (788 km), adjoining Phuket,
is full of magnificent seascape and
beautiful limestome caves. KRABI (814
km) and TRANG (828 km) also have many
fine beaches and beautiful scenery
waiting to be explored. Tarutao Island
of SATUN (973 km), being the remotest,
will provide you with the most marvelous
underwater life and most tranquil
atmosphere.
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