Top Cities

• BANGKOK
  

  Established in 1782 by King Rama I as the capital of Siam and literally means the City of Angels, since then, Bangkok has developed into a huge metropolis that is packed with skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, high tech shopping malls and a modern Int'l airport as well as an endless variety of good restaurants. It is a mixture of old and new, of the East and West and this is apparent wherever you go which offers a wealth of great temples, museums and other historic sights.
  
  Things to do in Bangkok:
  •    Sightseeing If you stay in Bangkok for only a few days then you won't be able to see all the many attractions. For visits of 3 to 4 days we would recommend Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Benchamabophit, the NationalMuseum, Erawan Shrine, Jim Thompson's house, Vimanmek Teak Mansion and a river or canal trip. For a 2 day stay, leave out the National Museum and the shrine. If you have longer then include a trip to Chatuchak weekend market (where you can buy almost everything) and visit a Thai boxing match at one of the 2 boxing stadiums. If you're in for shopping then include any of the full A/C shopping malls like Siam Centre, Tokyo, Robinsons, MBK or Isetan or try your luck at the countless street vendors. Evenings are a good time to sample the diverse Bangkok cuisine, especially at one of the riverside restaurants or during a riverboat cruise where you can feel the atmosphere of the old city.
  •    The Rivers and canals have long been a traditional mean of transport in Bangkok. When the city was founded in 1782, the Chao Phraya River formed part of the strategic defense system, and canals were dug in the low-lying marshy ground as moats and as a means of communication. In fact, the first roads were not built until the 1860s. Building Bangkok around the river and canals is what led European visitors to describe the city as the Venice of the East. Today, even though Bangkok is a modern metropolis, the architecture and way of life along the river and canals, especially those on the Thon Buri side of theChao Phraya, remain remarkably true to the city’s origins.
  •    Thai boxing Thai boxing is said to be one of the most demanding disciplines in the world. Unlike western boxing, the pugilist can use his elbows, fee and knees to strike blows on the opponent. Bouts last 5 rounds of 3 minutes and can be quite violent. The rules are complicated and the scoring system is difficult to follow, however, a visit to one of the boxing stadiums is recommended as you can experience the atmosphere that is difficult to describe. Thai boxing can be seen at 2 boxing stadiums in Bangkok: Lumphini (on Rama IV Road near Sathorn Tai Road) and Ratchadamnoen (on Ratchadamnoen Roadnet to the TAT office). Action starts usually at 5:00 or 6:00pm.
  •    Thai massage Massage parlors have been firmly established as a way of life in Bangkok for generations. This is partly due to the healing qualities of traditional massage and partly due to the fact that Thai culture is male dominated. It is not unusual for Thai men to visit massage parlors on a regular basis. Although there are massage parlors that act as fronts for brothels, it is possible to get a legitimate massage at most of the venues.
  •    Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets but to many areas throughout the city, affording ample choice and easy access. The best places to go for are Mahesak Road between Silom and Suriwong, the Oriental Plaza and the River City shopping complex near the Chao Phraya River just south of Hua Lampong railway station and Chinatown.Bangkok's largest centers for ready-made clothing can be found on Khao San Road near the Grand Palace and the daytime markets of Pratunam near the Amari Watergate hotel and Bo Bae near Prince Palace Hotel. Department stores and luxury shopping can be found near the World Trade Center and around the Siam Skytrain station.
  •    Dining Thailand is famous for its eating places with a variety of cuisine available. Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, French, Italian and of course Thai restaurants can be found in abundance all over the city. For the adventurous, there are thousands of cheap Thai eating houses which offer excellent local cuisine at very reasonable prices. Eating out Thai style is very much a social occasion and something not to be rushed. The China town houses some of the best and most expensive Chinese restaurants in the city as well as the best and cheapest food stalls, especially at night. The restaurants mostly specialize in southern Chinese cooking, with noodles, seafood and, at lunchtime. Dim sum dumplings dominating the menus. Large restaurants line the bustling Yaowarat Road, but venturing into Soi's will lead you to less impressive yet equally enjoyable establishments. On Sukhumvit Road there is no shortage of eating places. On Silom Road several food streets are linked inBangkok’s busiest area. Many restaurants are found along the main thoroughfare, but there is an even greater number tucked away in its side alleys. The nearby Convent Road offers everything from Italian, Swiss, and Californian to an Irish tavern.
  •    Nightlife Bangkok is well known for its nightlife in all the various versions, from dining to dance shows, from music performances to discos, from karaoke to go-go bars. Indeed one can find something in this field to suit any taste. All the major hotels have trendy nightclubs, many feature live music. There is a large number of karaoke bars in Sukhumvit and Silom Roads where you can sing your favorite songs. Also there traditional Thai dancing performances with Thai music on the background and dinners in Kantoke style. The restaurants, clubs, bars, discos and other entertainment venues are all reasonably priced, especially when compared to other major cities. The choice of venues and things to do here are countless.
   
  Where to go in Bangkok:
  •    Erawan Shrine Built in 1956 next to what is now the Grand Hyatt Erawan, the Shrine stands defiantly at the center of a busy corner plot, right next to fume-belching buses. In a sumptuous pavilion at the center of this yard, a gilded statue of the four-faced Hindu god of creation, Brahma, named Phra Phrom in Thai, is enshrined. Its construction is believed to have put a stop to all the accidental deaths of workers involved in the hotel site, and due to such mystic powers, it is today one of the most revered spots in the kingdom.
  •    Jim Thompson’s House American architect Jim Thompson settled in Bangkok after World War II where he worked for American Intelligence and became fascinated by Thai culture and artifacts. He dedicated himself to reviving Thailand's ebbing silk industry, bringing in new dyes to create the bright pinks, yellows, and turquoises we see sold today. It was Jim Thompson silks that were used by costumier Irene Sharaff for the Oscar-winning movie The King & I starring Yul Brynner. Mr. Thompson mysteriously disappeared in 1967 while vacationing in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia. Despite extensive investigations, his disappearance has never been resolved.
  •    Thompson's legacy is substantial, both as an entrepreneur and a collector. His Thai house contains a splendid collection of Khmer sculpture, Chinese porcelain, and Burmese carvings and scroll paintings. In some rooms, the floor is made of Italian marble, but the wall panels are pegged teak. The house slopes toward the center to help stabilize the structure; the original houses were built on stilts without foundations which must have been magnificent 50 years ago.
  •    Royal Barge Museum If you've hired a long-tail boat on the Chao Phraya, stop by this unique museum housing the sumptuous royal barges. These elaborately decorated sailing vessels are used by the royal family on state occasions or for religious ceremonies. The king's personal barge, the Suphannahong, has a swan-like neck and central chamber; the boat itself is decorated with scarlet and gold carvings of fearsome mythological beasts.
  •    The Grand Palace The number-one destination in Bangkok is also one of the most imposing and visually fascinating. Though it's seen by thousands of tourists who arrive at the gates in busloads, its immensity still dwarfs the throngs. After passing muster with the fashion police at the main gate and queuing at the turnstiles for your ticket, you'll be directed to the temple entrance on the left of the kiosk. There, you'll come to the Wat Phra Kaew, one of the highlights of a visit here.
  •    It's easy to see that the buildings here were greatly influenced by Western architecture, including Italian, French, and British motifs. As you enter the main gate, built in the 1780s, you'll see the Pavilion for Holy Water, where priests swore loyalty to the royal family and purified themselves with water from Thailand's four main rivers. Nearby is the Chakri Mahaprasad, The Grand Palace Hall; built by British architects as a royal residence for Rama IV to commemorate the centennial of the Chakri dynasty; it features an unusually florid mix of Italian and Thai influences. The Thai temple-style roof rests physically on top of an otherwise European building.
  •    The National Museum Just a short walk north of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the country's central treasury of art and archaeology.
  •    The current museum was built as part of the Grand Palace complex when the capital of Siam was moved from Thonburi toBangkok in 1782. To see the entire collection, take a free map at the ticket office and give yourself a few hours. Start with the Thai History and the Prehistoric Galleries in the first building. Another essential stop is the Buddhaisawan Chapel, built in 1795 to house one of Thailand's most revered Buddha images, brought here from its original home in Chiang Mai. The chapel is an exquisite example of Buddhist temple architecture. The Old Transportation Room contains ivory carvings, elephant chairs, and royal palanquins. There are also rooms full of all kinds of memorabilia: royal emblems and insignia, stone and wood carvings, costumes, textiles, musical instruments, and Buddhist religious artifacts.
  •    Vimanmek Mansion Museum Built in 1901, this mansion once stood on the small island of Koh Si Chang and was restored in 1982 for Bangkok's bicentennial. It's now a private museum with a collection of the royal family's memorabilia. An hour-long tour here does take you through over 80 exquisite apartments and rooms. Also in Dusit Park is the original Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, housing a display of Thai handicrafts and buildings displaying photographs, clocks, fabrics, royal carriages, and other regalia.
  •    Wat Arun Formerly known as Wat Jaeng, the 79m-high Khmer-inspired tower was renamed the ‘Temple of Dawn’ by King Thaksin. The original tower was only 15m high but was expanded during the rule of Rama III (1824-1851) to its current height. The exterior is decorated with flower and decorative motifs made of ceramic shards donated to the monastery by local people, at the request of the King. At the base of the complex are Chinese stone statues, once used as ballast in trading ships, which were gifts from Chinese merchants.
  •    Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic) Built to house a relic of the Buddha, Wat Mahathat is one of Bangkok's oldest shrines and the headquarters for Thailand's largest monastic order. It's also the Center for Vipassana Meditation at the city's Buddhist University, which offers some programs in English.
  •    Wat Phra Kaew Sitting to the east of the enormous compound of palaces, lawns, and old tamarind trees at the GrandPalace is the royal chapel Wat Phra Kaew, or "Temple of the Holy Jewelled Image." The temple, more often called ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’, is one of the most revered by Thai people. The temple's name refers to the petite jadeite statue that sits atop a huge gold altar in the temple's main hall, orbot. The Buddha, like many others in Thailand, is clothed in seasonal robes, changed three times a year to correspond to the summer, winter, and rainy months. The changing of the robes is an important ritual, performed by the king, who also sprinkles water over the monks and well-wishers to bring good fortune during the upcoming season.
  •    Wat Po is among the most photogenic of all the wats in Bangkok; it's also one of the most active. Also known as the Templeof the Reclining Buddha, Wat Po was built by Rama I in the 16th century and is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple inBangkok. The compound, divided into two sections by Chetuphon Road, is a 15-minute walk south of the Grand Palace. The northern area contains the most important monuments, and the southern portion is where monks reside. Wat Po is also home to one of the earliest Thai massage schools. Today you can learn about traditional Thai massage and medicine at the Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Center, an open-air hall to the rear of the wat. True Thai massage, such as that taught here, involves chiropractic manipulation and acupressure, as well as stretching, stroking, and kneading.
  •    Wat Saket is easily recognized by its golden chedi atop a fortress-like hill near busy Ratchadamnoen Road and Banglampoo. King Rama I restored the wat, and 30,000 bodies were brought here during a plague in the reign of Rama II. The hill, which is almost 80m high, is an artificial construction begun during the reign of Rama III. Rama IV brought in 1,000 teak logs to shore it up because it was sinking into the swampy ground. Rama V built the golden chedi to house a relic of Buddha, given to him by the British. The concrete walls were added during World War II to keep the structure from collapsing.
  •    The Golden Mount is interesting for its vistas of Rattanakosin Island and the rooftops of Bangkok and is beautifully lit at night. Every late October to mid-November (for 9 days around the full moon) Wat Sakhet hosts Bangkok's most important temple fair, when the Golden Mount is wrapped with red cloth and a carnival erupts around it, with food and trinket stalls or theatrical performances.
   
  How to travel to and in Bangkok:
  •    By Plane: Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Int’l Airport, opened in September 2006, is now the major hub for all international travelers arriving to Thailand. The airport also handles domestic flights. Just 30km east of the city, Suvarnabhumi offers a wide range of services, including luggage storage, currency exchange, banks, a branch of the British pharmacy Boots, ATMs, a post office, medical centers, Internet service, and telephones.
  Getting to & from the Airports: From both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, it takes about 40 to 60 minutes to drive to the city. Taking a taxi into town is your easiest and fastest option for both airports.
  •    By Train While a few southern-bound locomotives still use Thonburi's Bangkok Noi Station, most intercity trains to and from the capital stop at Hua Lampong Station, east of Yaowarat (Chinatown). Inside the station, clear signs point the way to the public toilets, pay phones, food court, and baggage check area.
  •    By Bus Bangkok has three major bus stations, each serving a different part of the country. All air-conditioned public buses to the West and the Southern Peninsula arrive and depart from the Southern Bus Terminal on Nakhon Chaisi and Phra Pinklao Road (near Bangkok Noi Station in Thonburi; west of the river over the Phra Pinklao Bridge from the Democracy Monument). Service to the East Coast (including Pattaya) arrives and departs from the Eastern Bus Terminal, also known as Ekkamai, onSukhumvit Road opposite Soi 63. Buses to the north arrive and leave from the Northern Bus Terminal, aka Mo Chit,Kampaengphet 2 Road, near the Chatuchak Weekend Market, and a short taxi or bus ride from Mo Chit BTS or MRT stations. Affordable, long-distance VIP buses leave from various locations in town and can be booked by any of the agents along Sukhumvit or Khao San roads.
  
  Best time to travel:
  Bangkok is lively throughout the year. The best time to visit Bangkok is really depending on personal preference. Most people preferred to visit Bangkok between November to March, this is considered to be high season (Christmas and New Year time). The climate at this time is definitely not as hot as the rest of the year with temperature averaging about 25 to 30 Degree Celsius. High season also means flights and hotels are more expensive, prior booking of these services is the preferred option for a visit during this time because hotels are likely to be booked out.
  
  
   
• CHIANG MAI
  

  It would be difficult to find a city that reflects more of the country's diverse cultural heritage and modern aspirations than Chiang Mai. Founded in 1296, it was the capital of Lanna Thai and flourished as a major religious, cultural and trade centre until 1556. Chiang Mai now offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment and there are countless possibilities to enjoy your stay, including trekking amid wonderful mountain scenery, visiting hill tribes, elephant training centers, temples and cultural shows and fantastic opportunities for handicraft shopping and delicious food.
  
  Things to do in Chiang Mai:
  •    Temples & cultural performances The old city of Chiang Mai is made up by some magnificent temples. The lovelytemple Wat Phra Sing dates from 1345 and is one of the focal points of Songkran festivities each year in April. The temple compound includes the Lai Kham chapel with its exquisite woodcarvings and northern style murals. Wat Suan Dok is a favorite spot for photographers, particularly for striking sunsets. Several of the white chedies contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family. Thailand's oldest temple Wat Chiang Man (1296) was the residence of King Mengrai who founded Chiang Mai. Wat Phrathat Doi on the top of Doi Suthep mountain just out of town is Chiang Mai's most important and visible landmark and dates from 1383.
  •    Elephant training centers Each morning, trained elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly valued forestry skills from 09:30 until 11:00h at the Mae Sa Elephant Training Center, some 30 km out of town. A jungle tour on elephant back, lasting more than 2 hours through adjacent forests, is offered after the show. Elephants can also be seen at the Pong YaengElephant Center and the Elephant Nature Park at Mae Taman.
  •    Trekking Various hill tribes live throughout northern Thailand's mountains. Each tribe has their own distinctive customs, rituals, games, dances, language and hygiene habits. Popular jungle treks last 2 to 5 days and take visitors through forested mountains and valleys. They include visits to remoter high altitude hill tribe settlements for overnight stays. Treks commonly feature a combination of travel by foot, sometimes boat, elephant back, horse back or jeep and raft. Respect hill tribe beliefs, dress modestly, ask permission before photographing someone and avoid trading western medicines and articles.
  •    Mountains, caves & waterfalls Chiang Mai's most photographed Mae Klang Waterfall lies some 58 km west of the city at the foot of Doi Inthanon mountain and provides a picturesque setting for picnics and relaxation. A 10 minute drive and a walk of some 2 hours take you to the Borichinda Cave. Doi Inthanon National Park covers Thailand's highest mountain (2565m). The lovely Wachirathan, Siriphum and Mae Pan Waterfalls share the mountain with Meo and Karen hill tribe settlements. The Mae Ya Waterfall, 12 km from Chom Thong market, is one of the highest waterfalls in Thailand.
  •    Orchid & Butterfly farm Major nurseries in Chiang Mai's Mae Sai valley include the Mountain Orchid, Mae Rim Orchid and Sai Nam Phung Orchid complexes. Each provides opportunities for visitors to admire these exotic year-round looks. Certain orchid farms also have special butterfly enclosures wherein exotic species can be seen in their natural environment.
  •    Shopping Chiang Mai is a major centre for quality handicrafts. At the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar in the city centre you can buy a wide variety of antiques, silver jewelry, hill tribe opium pipes and embroidery, Thai silk, cotton, silverware, furniture, lacquerware, woodcarvings and umbrellas.
  •    Festivals Chiang Mai celebrates many annual festivals. Three are particularly lovely and noteworthy. They are the Chiang Mai Flower Festival on the first weekend of February, Songkran from 13 to 15 April and Loy Kratong on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, generally in November. The 3 day Flower festival occurs when Chiang Mai's flowers are in full bloom and at their colorful best. Festivities include colorful floral floats, parades, music, dancing and beauty pageant. Songkran celebrates the Thai New Year with religious merit-making, pilgrimages, beauty parades, dancing and uninhibited, good-natured water throwing. Loy Kratong is the time when people float away under the fool moon, onto rivers, canals and lakes, banana-leaf boats bearing a lighted candle with incense, flower and small coin to honor the water spirits and was away the previous year's misfortunes.
   
  Where to go in Chiang Mai:
  •    Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center houses a permanent exhibit that walks visitors through a tour of pre-history to the present. Another section houses short-term local exhibits of all types. This is a popular choice for those looking for some historical insights.
  •    Chiang Mai National Museum: While its collection of historical treasures is not nearly as extensive as that of Bangkok'sNational Museum, this quick stop does provide something of a historical overview and is the highlights of the region and the city. The Lanna kingdom, Tai people, and hill-tribes are highlighted in simple displays with English explanations.
  •    Tribal Museum: Formerly part of Chiang Mai University's Tribal Research Institute, this small exhibit showcases the cultures and daily lives of the hill-tribe people of North Thailand. It is recommended as a good introductory course for those who plan to visit many northern villages.
  •    Wat Chedi Luang: Because this temple is near the Thapae Gate, most visitors begin their sightseeing here, where there are two wats of interest. This complex, which briefly housed the Emerald Buddha, dates from 1411 when the original chedi was built by King Saen Muang Ma.
  •    Wat Chiang Man: Thought to be Chiang Mai's oldest wat, this was built during the 14th century by King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai, on the spot where he first camped. Like many of the wats in Chiang Mai, this complex reflects many architectural styles. Some of the structures are pure Lanna. Others show influences from as far away as Sri Lanka; notice the typical row of elephant supports. Wat Chiang Man is most famous for its two Buddhas: Phra Sae Tang Khamani and the marble  Phra Sila Buddha.
  •    Wat Jed Yod: Also called Wat Maha Photharam, Wat Jed Yod is one of the central city's most elegant sites. The chedi was built during the reign of King Tilokkarat in the late 15th century (his remains are in one of the smaller chedis), and in 1477 the World Sangkayana convened here to revise the doctrines of the Buddha.
  •    Wat Phra Singh: This compound was built during the zenith of Chiang Mai's power and is one of the more venerated shrines in the city. It is still the site of many important religious ceremonies, particularly during the Songkran Festival. More than 700 monks study here and you will probably find them especially friendly with tourists.
  •    Wat Suan Dok: was built amid the pleasure gardens of the 14th century Lanna Thai monarch, King Ku Na. Unlike most of Chiang Mai's other wats, Wat Suan Dok houses quite a few monks who seem to have isolated themselves from the distractions of the outside world.
   
  How to travel to and in Chiang Mai:
  •    By Plane: When planning your trip, keep in mind that Chiang Mai has international links with major cities throughout the region. Lao Airlines connects Chiang Mai to Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos four times each week. Air Mandalay has limited flights to Yangon and Mandalay, in Myanmar. Silk Air, the regional arm of Singapore Airlines, connects Singapore with direct service three times a week. Budget option Tiger Airways connects Chiang Mai to Singapore four times a week. Thai Airways has direct services from Kunming in Yunnan, Southern China.
  Domestically, Thai Airways flies from Bangkok to Chiang Mai nine times daily. There's a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket daily but the return sector is not direct. Bangkok Airways has an office at the airport in Chiang Mai and flies at least twice daily from Bangkok.
  Chiang Mai International Airport is about 30 minutes from Old Town and has several banks for changing money, a post and overseas call office, and an information booth.
  •    By Train: Of the seven daily trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the 8:30am Sprinter is the quickest. The other trains take between 13 and 15 hours, but for overnight trips, second-class sleeper berths are a good choice. Private sleeper cabins are also available, but the cost is the same as flying.
  •    By Bus: Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are many and varied. The trip takes about 10 hours. There is also a frequent service between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok, and Chiang Rai. Most buses arrive at the Arcade Bus Station on Kaeo Nawarat Road, 3km northeast of the Thapae Gate; a few arrive at the Chang Puak station, north of the Chang Puak Gate on Chotana Road.
  
  Best time to travel:
  The climate of Chiang Mai is controlled by tropical monsoons and falls into three main seasons. The weather, like in most of Thailand, is typically hot and humid with the temperatures in Chiang Mai are often close to or above to 30°C. From June to late October, you can expect frequent rain and thunder showers.
  Cool Season
  This season starts in November and lasts until February. Chiang Mai’s climate remains warm for most of the year and the cooler weather normally only occurs in the northern mountains, therefore tourists often prefer this season.
  Hot Season
  The hot season starts from mid-March until late June. Higher relative temperature and infrequent rain are the general characteristic of this season.
  Rainy Season
  The rainy season in Chiany Mai lasts from July to October. Heavy downpour dominates and flash floods can occur. The temperatures range from 25°C to 34°C.
• CHIANG RAI
  

  Chiang Rai lies some 565m above the sea level and is the Northernmost Province of Thailand. The Mekong River makes its borders with Laos to the east and Myanmar to the west. In earlier times, Chiang Rai was predominantly known for the infamous opium region the "Golden Triangle". Chiang Rai is less cosmopolitic than its big sister Chiang Mai but also offers many possibilities for mountain treks, nature tours, visits to hill tribe villages, elephant rides, wild water rafting, mountain biking and other adventurous activities.
  
  Things to do in Chiang Rai:
  •    Organize a trekking tour to the hill-tribes
  •    Visit Mae Sai and the Golden Triangle
  •    Visit Buffalo Horn Hill and Khun Kon Waterfall (Nam Tok Khun Kon)
  •    Visit Shamanic Forest Tribes and learn about the Bee Goddess
  •    Visit Huai Hin Fon hot springs and nearby waterfall. The hot springs are located along the Mae Chan to Fang highway (Highway number 1089). It’s just a few kilometers from Mae Chan and is situated directly next to the road, on the south side. One of the geysers is so prominent, it’s hard to miss while driving pass.
  •    Another nice place to visit is the hot springs of Pong Phra Bat. Again you could do some walking in the nearby national park of the same name. Take highway 1 north out of Chiang Rai, to the first village (Bandu) / turn off, past the airport. Take the access road along the highway and turn to your left, drive up this road for a km or so until you have a sharp right hand turn. Instead drive through the gate straight ahead of you with the pond on your left. For the Pong Phra Bat waterfall just continues on the paved road for another 5 km's until you come to the end parking. From there it's a 20 minute walk. No entrance fee required!
  •    Then there are the clean hot springs of Pha Soet nearby the river, a great place to while away a late afternoon. Pha Soet Hot springs is located on the only road going directly west out of town, once on this road, there are many signboards, announcing it's impending existence and after 20 km's you pass a bridge with the hot springs site on your left.
  •    Play and practice golf at The Old Airport. Here you have a very good Driving Ranch and also a 9-hole golfcourse. You can find one of the best teachers in golf here, Barry Finch. And when you are hungry there is a hamburger restaurant.
  •    Golf in Chiang Rai: There are two highclass golfcourses outside Chiang Rai. Santiburi is one of Thailands 5 best courses and you can find Santiburi 10 km east of town.
   
  Where to go in Chiang Rai:
  •    Wat Phra Kaew, on Trirat Road on the northwest side of town, is the best known of the northern wats because it once housed the Emerald Buddha now at Bangkok's royal Wat Phra Kaew. Near its Lanna-style chapel is the chedi, which according to legend was struck by lightning in 1436 to reveal the precious green jasper Buddha. There is now a green jade replica of the image on display.
  •    Wat Phra Singh is 2 blocks east of Wat Phra Kaew. The restored wat is thought to date from the 15th century. Inside is a replica of the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly revered Theravada Buddhist image; the original was removed to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra Singh.
  •    The Burmese-style Wat Doi Tong (Phra That Chomtong) sits atop a hill above the northwest side of town, up a steep staircase off Kaisornrasit Road, and offers an overview of the town and a panorama of the Mae Kok valley. It is said that King Mengrai himself chose the site for his new Lanna capital from this very hill. The circle of columns at the top of the hill surrounds the city's new lak muang, built to commemorate the 725th anniversary of the city and King Bhumibol's 60th birthday.
  •    The Population and Community Development Association is a NGO responsible for some of the most effective tribal development projects in the region. The popular Cabbages & Condoms restaurants, with branches here and in Bangkok and now a resort in Pattaya, carry their important message of safe sex and family planning. On the top floor of this office is a small Hill-tribe Museum that's heavy on shopping and light on museum exhibits, but the admission goes to a good cause. It's open daily 9am to 7pm, and admission is US$1.45.
  •    Mae Kok River is one of the most scenic attractions in Chiang Rai. You can hire a long-tail boat to ferry you up and down the river. You'll have the option to stop at the Buddha cave (a temple within a cavern), an elephant camp (for trekking), a hot spring, and a riverside Lahu village.
   
  How to travel and in Chiang Rai:
  •    By Plane: Thai Airways has two daily flights from Don Mueang, Bangkok, and one daily from Suvarnabhumi InternationalAirport in Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Thailand's many budget carriers, Air Asia, Nok Air, and One-Two-GO all make regular connections. Chiang Rai International Airport is about 10km north of town.
  •    By Bus: Three air-conditioned VIP 24-seat buses leave daily from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Buses leave hourly between 6am and 5:30pm from Chiang Mai's Arcade Bus Terminal. Chiang Rai's Khon Song Bus Terminal couldn't be more conveniently located - on Phrasopsook Road off Phaholyothin Road near the Night Market just in the center of town. Tuk-tuks and samlors are easy to catch here for trips around town.
  •    By Car: The fast, not particularly scenic, route from Bangkok is Highway 1 North, direct to Chiang Rai. A slow, attractive approach on blacktop mountain roads is Route 107 north from Chiang Mai to Fang, and then Route 109 east to Highway 1.
  
  Getting Around
  By Samlor or Tuk-Tuk: You'll probably find walking to be the best way to get around town. However, there are samlors parked outside the Night Market and on the banks of the Mae Kok River; they charge 20B to 30B (57¢-86¢/30p-45p) for in-town trips. During the day, there are tuk-tuks, which charge 30B to 60B (86¢-US$1.70/45p-90p) for in-town trips.
  By Bus: Chiang Rai's frequent local buses are the easiest and cheapest way to get to nearby cities. All leave from the bus station on Prasopsuk Road near the Wiang Inn Hotel.
  By Motorcycle and/car: Motorcycling and/or hiring a car is another good way to get out of town.  Just ask any tour company or hotel for arrangement.
  
  Best time to travel:
  This report describes the typical weather at the Chiang Rai International Airport (Chiang Rai, Thailand) weather station over the course of an average year. It is based on the historical records from 2005 to 2012. Earlier records are either unavailable or unreliable.
  Chiang Rai has a tropical savanna climate with dry winters. The area within 40 km of this station is covered by grasslands (47%), forests (38%), and croplands (13%).
  
   
• PHUKET
  

  Formerly known as an important center for Arab, Indian, Malay, Chinese and Portuguese traders who came to exchange goods for tin and rubber with the rest of the world, Phuket has been attracting sand and sea lovers as one of the world's premier beach and top diving destinations with all imaginable facilities and has numerous beaches, many aquatic activities such as canoeing, diving, snorkeling and jet skiing, organized tours and accommodation ranging from budget to 5-star luxury resorts.
  
  Things to do in Phuket:
  •    Scuba diving, snorkeling, SNUBA, yachting, jet-skiing and parasailing are the most popular activities on the island. Most dive sites are off nearby islands, but distances are fairly short and there are dozens of dive shops and boats to cater to your needs, mostly based near Chalong Pier. In addition there are good snorkeling locations located off several of the most popular beaches. Seek local information regarding riptides, currents, and safe snorkeling areas.
  •    Sailing and Yachting Phuket has become the sailing and yachting center of Thailand and adjacent countries. It's home of Six Senses Phuket Raceweek, King's Cup Regatta, Phang Nga Bay Regatta, the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), 4 marinas, two yacht clubs - Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) and Phuket Yacht Club (PYC) and some well sheltered anchorages which are teeming with yachts.
  •    Diving Phuket Island has some decent dive sites and the largest diving center in Thailand. The reefs around the area are in a healthy condition with both solid and colorfully soft corals. There is also an abundance of marine life. Most of the dive locations are suitable for all levels of divers but there are also some that are quite deep.
  •    Snorkeling This can be enjoyed in sheltered bays all around Phuket. It is particularly enjoyable at easily accessible reefs at Patong, Karon and Kata beaches. Fins, mask and snorkel can be rented on a daily basis from shops all over the island.
  •    Swimming This can be enjoyed throughout the year, and is mostly safe. However, during the rainy season’ storms this can be very dangerous. Look for posted signs and flags indicating conditions for safe swimming; if the red flag is flying, do not go swimming in the ocean!
  •    Windsurfing Boards may be rented by the hour, half day, full day, or week at most major beaches. Tuition is available free.
  •    If you are in Phuket around October/November, don't miss the Vegetarian Festival. The name is misleading - it is not about Animal Rights or being health conscious, but a Thai-Chinese tradition on Phuket (and now celebrated widely throughout southern Thailand) that corresponds with the Buddhist Lent. For 9 days, not only do devotees refrain from meat consumption, but many also submit to violent public acts of self-mutilation through piercing their bodies with long skewers or swords, and often walking over hot coals. The festival began as an act of penance to the spirits to help early inhabitants ward off malaria, but these days, the rituals are more for young men to prove themselves and for gaining merit and good luck. Early morning processions follow through the streets of Phuket Town and major temples around the island, with onlookers clad in white for the occasion. During this time you can also feast on terrific vegetarian buffets at just about any restaurant in Thailand.
   
  Where to go in Phuket:
  •    If Phuket is your only destination in Thailand, you'll certainly want to get to some of the Muslim fishing villages, small rural temples, and Phuket Town. Outdoor activities top the list of things to do, and there's something for everyone.
  •    Thalang National Museum, in the east just off Highway 402 at the Heroines' Monument, exhibits Phuket's indigenous cultures, the history of Thai settlements on Phuket, and crafts from the southern Thai regions as well as a 9th century statue of the Hindu deity Vishnu which is evidence of early Indian merchants visiting the burgeoning kingdom.
  •    There are a few Buddhist temples on the island that are quite notable: The most unique is Wat Phra Thong, located along Highway 402 in Thalang just south of the airport. The most famous temple among Thai visitors here is Wat Chalong. Chalong was the first resort on Phuket, back when the Thais first started coming to the island for vacations. Nowadays, the discovery of better beaches on the west side of the island has driven most tourists away from this area, but the temple still remains the center of Buddhist worship. The temple is on the Chaofa West Road, about 8km (5 miles) south of Phuket Town.
  •    Sea Gypsies, or Chao Ley, are considered the indigenous people of Phuket. This minority group used to shift around the region living off subsistence fishing, but commercial fishing interests and shoreline encroachment increasingly threaten their livelihoods. Related to the Malaysian Orang Laut people and the southern Thai Sakai tribes, Phuket and Phang Nga's Sea Gypsies form a few small settlements on Phuket Island: one on Koh Siray (aka Koh Sire), east of Phuket Town, and another atRawai Beach just south of Chalong Bay. The villages are simple, seashore shacks, with vendors selling souvenir shells. It's quite educational to visit these people and their sadly disappearing culture.
  •    Had Nai Yang National Park offers a peaceful retreat from the rest of the island's tourism madness. There are two fantastic reasons to make the journey out to the park. The first is for Phuket's largest coral reef in shallow water, only 1,400m from the shore. The second is for the rare chance of spotting the endangered leatherback turtles that once came to nest every year between November and February.
  •    The newly renovated Phuket Aquarium at the Phuket Marine Biological Center seeks to educate the public about local marine life and nature preservation. Most of the signs throughout are in Thai but it is still worth a trip. It's open daily 8:30am to 4pm, and admission is US$1.40 pp.
  •    Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World, Soi Phaniang, Samkong, Phuket Town breeds hundreds of gorgeous butterflies in a large, enclosed garden. There are plenty of chances for photos. It's open daily from 9am to 5pm; adult admission is US$9 and children 9 and under pay US$4.30.
  •    Phuket Shell Museum You'd never think seashells were fascinating until you visit the museum which is just south ofChalong Bay. Billed as "the largest shell museum in the world," it's actually not the quantity that amazes, but the quality. As always, the gift shop sells a range of tempting high-quality shell products; however, these days, any eco-savvy traveler will be well aware that the retail shell industry is depriving a sea creature of a home, and that countries like Australia actively prohibit their import. The museum is open daily from 8am to 7pm.
   
  How to travel to and in Phuket:
  •    By Plane: Thai Airways flies daily from both Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Bangkok Airways connects Phuket with Koh Samui at least two times daily.
  Budget airlines flying here include Air Asia, Nok Air, and One-Two-GO Airlines; they all fly daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Connecting with Singapore is Silk Air. Budget carriers Tiger Airways and Qantas subsidiary Jetstar also have regular connections from Phuket to Singapore; Jetstar flies directly to Australia, too.
  Destination Air is a new air service based at Phuket Airport, running small, amphibious light aircraft between island resorts such as Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi.
  Getting from the Airport to Town: The modern Phuket International Airport is located in the north of the island, about a 45-minute drive from Patong Beach in off-peak hours, or an hour in rush hour. There are banks, money-changing facilities, car rental agents, and a post office at the airport.
  •    By Bus: Three super-cooled air-conditioned VIP buses leave daily from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal and cost from US$21. These buses feature fewer seats, more room, a usually deafening all-night action movie, hostesses, and snacks. Numerous regular air-conditioned buses go each day and cost as little as US$7.85. Standard buses make frequent connections to Surat Thani and nearby towns on the mainland.
  •    By Minivan: Minivans to and from Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, and other southern cities leave on regular schedules throughout the day. In each city, minivan operators work with the hotels and arrange free pickup, so it is best to book through your hotel front desk or a travel agent.
  
  Best time to travel:
  Phuket is at its best in dry season: you'll get long sandy beaches, warm water, and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. It also boasts some of the best seafood in Thailand. The prices are more than a tad overblown, but for well-heeled fun-seekers who want to be at the heart of the action, Phuket is a fabulous choice.
  
   
• SUKHOTHAI
  

  Founded in the 13th century as Thailand’s first capital, Sukhothai flourished from the mid-13th to the late 14th century and enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng. The religious art and architecture of the era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles. The superb palaces, temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Important sites inside the old city walls include: Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Traphang Thong, Wat Sa Si and Wat Traphang Ngoen.
  
  Things to do in Sukhothai:
  •     Rent a bike and explore the ruins of Old Sukhothai.
  •    Visit the park at sunrise and admire the Buddha figures in the orange glow of the morning sun.
  •    Pay a visit to the ruins at Si Satchanalai Historic Park, 55 km from new Sukhothai.
  •    Walk around the fresh market (In new Sukhothai) in the early morning and try the tastes of many kinds of local food Sukhothai people like to have e. g. sticky rice with deep fried pork, sweet deep fried beef or spicy pork salad wraped with the banana leaf.
  •     Rent a motorbike in new Sukhothai and appreciate the local life style
  •     Have "Sukhothai" Noodle!! - It's a must
  
  Best time to travel:
  The best time of the year to see Sukhothai is from November to February when the weather is cooler. Other than that you can go any time of the year.