Thailand destinations: Indochina Exklusive by Myanmar Travel Ltd. - travel and tours to Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, China and Thailand

Thailand
Destinations

Bangkok:
One of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities: Bustling, historic, traditional, ultra-modern, dynamic - whatever you call it, it just offers the travelers anything they wish to see: Glittering Buddhist temples, palaces, colourful markets, Chinatown, canal and river scenes, floating markets, an almost legendary nightlife, numerous airconditioned shopping centres, and, and, and...

The King's Palace
When King Rama I ascended the throne in 1782, he decided to move the capital city from the area on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, where the former Thonburi Palace was located, to the eastern side of the river. The construction work lasted for three years. The Grand Palace was built then, with a temple or Royal Chapel located within the compound of the palace.

The Royal Palace contains a number of halls and residences. Later monarchs altered some and renovated others while still others were enlarged or torn down to make way for newer buildings.

The 500 year old Emerald Buddha
is one of the MUST SEE Buddha images in Thailand, although one of the smallest, but surely the most important!

Ayutthaya:
At the former capital of Thailand, the ruins indicate that it once must have been a splendid city. There are two museums and many Wats (temples) to be visited. Bang Pa In, the old Royal Summer Residence, has a curious collection of buildings in various architectural styles. This can be reached by boat from Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya can be a 1 or 2 day trip from Bangkok.

Sukhothai:
The first capital of Thailand during the classical period of Thai art and architecture, Sukothai still holds some of the magic of the past. You can wander through ancient temples, past hundreds of Buddha images and amongst the trees and gardens. Sunset here is particularly atmospheric.

Kanchanaburi:
This province is set on the Kwai River 130 km west of Bangkok. It is popular with locals at the weekends and has the feel of a holiday town. Most of the activity is by the river. There are houseboats for hire, as well as excellent restaurants and bars.

For those interested in history, the 'Bridge over the River Kwai' still stands here. It is possible to travel along the railway part of the way where parts of the track cling precariously to the cliff wall. There is also the JEATH War Museum that illustrates the hardships for the Allied Prisoners of War that built the Burmese Railway in 1942. On a lighter note, the limestone cascades of Erawan Falls are crystal clear, cool and refreshing. Sai Yoke Waterfall is also very lovely but a bit further afield.

Khao Yai National Park:
Khao Yai is approximately 2,000 square kilometres of beautiful forest with walking trails. Despite its beauty and proximity to Bangkok it is off the main trail for tourists. Gibbons, elephants and deer may be seen or heard. We can arrange guided walks through the park.

Southern Thailand:

Koh Samui
is an island of natural beauty and charm, a place where you can have a wonderful holiday. Blue-sky days and a nice ocean breeze are the norm. Today tourists from the whole world go to this paradise. It's located in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by over sixty other islands.

Phuket
is a large island in the Indian Ocean, 867 km from Bangkok. It is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, and powdery, palm-fringed beaches; sparkling island-dotted seas; sincerely hospitable people; and superb accommodation and seafood -all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable vacations.

Krabi
is a southern province on Thailand's Andaman Seaboard with perhaps the country's oldest history of continued settlement. After dating stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains found in the province's many cliffs and caves, it is thought that Krabi has been home to Homo Sapiens since the period 25,000 - 35,000 B.C. The Phi-Phi Islands are nearby.

Northern Thailand:

Chiang Mai
is located 650 km north of Bangkok and Thailand's second largest city - the heart of this historic and beautiful region. This region is home to many minority villages with intrigueing traditional ways of life. Chiang Mai was once a walled city and remnants of its walls still remain. There are several wats (Buddhist temples) within the old town. Wat Chiang Mai is the oldest of them - built in 1296 and containing precious Buddha images.

Chiang Rai
is the capital of Thailand's northernmost province and a good base to visit the "Golden Triangle". You can cross the border into Myanmar (Burma) from here to briefly visit the market area.

Mae Hong Son,
the 'Valley of Three Mists', is home to numerous hilltribe villages and great adventure opportunities. From Chiang Mai by road - one of the most scenic drives in Northern Thailand - it is a full day's drive (7 hours - 280 km) on winding and scenic mountain roads, through the Pai and Soppong (Pang Ma Pha) districts.

Mae Sot
is a busy border town, located just 5 km from the border. Dozens of ethnic groups live in this area and on any day you can easily run into 4 or 5 different kinds of exotic hats and faces - Karens, Hmongs, Yaos, Lahus, Buddhist and Muslim Burmese...