|
Thailand Temple photo taken by Jessica Morrison, Travelwizard.com
When you vacation in the Kingdom of Thailand, it covers an area of 514,000 square kilometres, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Lao P.D.R. to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south.
For the active traveller a Thailand vacation presents endless opportunities for new and exciting adventure. Hiking, jungle treks, scuba diving, birdwatching, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, are just some of the ways to explore the country's immense natural and cultural wealth.
On the map, Thailand has the shape of an axe with a long, narrow handle. From the topmost part to the butt end is a length of some 1,650 kilometres, roughly the distance between New York and Miami. Thanks to its extraordinary length, the country has the most diverse climate in Southeast Asia. In the mountainous North, wintertime temperatures can drop below freezing point while in the Peninsula South it stays balmy all year round. Geographically Thailand is divided into four regions, and the landscape varies from one to the other. The Central Plains, which includes the national capital of Bangkok, is flat and fertile.
The North of Thailand is marked by forested mountains while the high plateau of the Northeast is relatively dry. The Southern Peninsula, flanked by the Gulf of Thailand to the East and the Andaman Sea to the West, has beaches and wetlands either side of its lush central mountain range. The country has 2,700 kilometres of coastline, making it one of the top destinations for beach and sun lovers.
Thailand's location at the heart of Southeast Asia means the array of plant and wildlife it supports is very diverse. The mountains of the North form the southerly tip of the Himalayan range , making them a natural habitat for high-altitude species not seen in other parts of the country. The Southern Peninsula, on the other hand, is home to flora and fauna similar to those in Malaysia and Indonesia.
If a large part of Thailands charm is the work of nature, the cultural diversity that exists here is responsible for the rest. Village life varies from one place to another, and the ethnic tribes and native people of each region have their own distinct traditions and ways of life. Trips to their homes will enable you to explore both the beautiful landscape and the people's amazing customs and lifestyles.
To do all and see all that the country has to offer, you will need months or even years, but if you are planning an adventure holiday, you will probably have to choose from the wide range of choice. For beach and sun: Pattaya and other beach resorts on the Eastern Seaboard; Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi in the South; and the islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman.
For a Thailand trekking vacation, mountain hiking and hilltribe culture: The mountains of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and the forest land on the Western border with Myanmar, in Tak and Kanchanaburi.
For diving and marine life: Islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea especially Koh Tao, Koh Pangan, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Similan.
For animal spotting and bird watching: Khao Yai to the North of Bangkok, Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai and other wildlife sanctuaries around the country.
Topography : Thailand is divided into four distinct areas : the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South, distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.
Climate : Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. Average temperatures are about 29oC, ranging in Bangkok from 35oC in April to 17oC in December. There are three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May), and the rainy season (June to October), though downpours rarely last more than a couple of hours.
Population : Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Activities and Tours
Royal Palace
Spanning 61 acres In Bangkok, the Royal Palace (Wat Phra Kaeo) built in 1782, displays stunning architecture styles, and is the home of the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand. Travelwizard.com can guide you through the impressive reception halls and pavilions where one can see the kilometer long murals depicting the history of this glorious country.
Thonburi Klongs and Wat Arun
Bangkok is known as the Venice of Asia, and Travelwizard.com can organize tours through the brilliant canals of the Chao Praya River. Visit Wat Arum, the temple of the rising dawn, best known for its porcelain encrusted 79 meter central pagoda which sparkles in the sun, and the Royal Barge Museum.
The Floating Market
Let Travelwizard.com take you 121 kilometers outside of Bangkok to the early morning floating market of Damnern Saduak. Enjoy a long tailed speed boat ride along the canal and see the morning congregation of produce laden boasts as farmers and merchants trade their goods. Enjoy some local delicacies and then continue on to see the Pra Pathom Chedi, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.
The Bridge over the River Kwai
Located two hours out of Bangkok in the breathtakingly beautiful province of Kanchanaburi this famous bridge became a stark symbol of the brutality inflicted by the Japanese military during the second World War. In 1942 Japan constructed the Thailand-Burma railroad using 60,000 Allied prisoners of war and countless other forced laborers. 16,000 Allied soldiers died here, as did an estimated 100,000 other Asian workers. The railroad lasted only two years, before the Thai government sold the track as scrap metal. Travelwizard.com offers historical tours of the Bridge over the River Kwai, the Allied Cemetery and the JEATH war museum.
Ayuthaya and Bang Pa-in
80 Kilometers north of Bangkok is Ayuthaya which for 417 years served as the capital of Thailand. Ayuthaya has some of Thailand?s most revered and important historical landmarks. Here you will see the colossal bronze statue of Buddha at Wat Mongkol Bophit, Wat Srisanpetch and Wat Pananchemg. 20 minutes outside Ayuthaya is the spectacular Bang Pa-In the royal palace of the Chakri dynasty of Kings. The palace consists of buildings in Gothic, Renaissance, Chinese and traditional Thai architectures. It was originally built by King Prasad Thong as a temple, but later monarchs added palaces and buildings for their robust harems! Travelwizard.com will take you to Ayuthaya by private car and then take you home on a long-tail boat as you sail down the beautiful Chao-Praya river. An amazing day's journey!
Chiang Mai Zoo
Located near Chiang Mai University and at the foot of the road up to Doi Suthep, the 36 acre zoo features a vast collection of exotic animals including a pair of pandas, as well as a particularly excellent collection of Asian birds, elephants and monkeys.
Elephant Safari in Thailand photo by Jessica Morrison, Travelwizard.com
Elephants-At-Work Tour
Did you ever want to run away, join the circus and become an elephant trainer. If so, the town of Lampang, an hours drive east of Chiang Mai is the place for you! Travelwizard.com offers a unique stay in the jungle and live with the elephants and their trainers at the Royal Elephant Hospital and Conservation Center. Stay two days, five days or even ten days and learn how to ride, take care of and appreciate the culture of the elephant! You'll even see the highly intelligent and agile elephants paint pictures! A spectacular tour!
Hill Tribes Tour
Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, Northern Thailand is the home of six unique hilltribes, the Hmong, Lisu, Akha, Karen, Miehn and the Lahu. These tribes are centuries old cultures and traditions are still preserved and respected, and Travelwizard.com can help the adventure traveler trek into the jungles to stay with and observe these brilliant, hard working people in their native villages!
Snake Farm at the Thai Red Cross Society
Learn the medical importance of Thailand's venomous snakes. Watch brave snake handlers work with cobras, kraits, vipers and many of the other 53 poisonous species of snakes found in Thailand! Hold a 2-meter long Python, walk through the snake museum, or observe our snakes up closely in their natural habitats.
Overwhelmed by all the choices? Don't worry, let us orchestrate your dream vacation. Our Virtuoso--- Thailand Travel and Cruise Consultants have been there, and are experts in every intimate detail regarding your vacation request---just click on our "Vacation Planner" at the top or bottom of this page and we will be happy to assist you at not extra charge.
Thailand Luxury Tour Vacations
A country as unique to its Asian neighbors as it is to the rest of the globe, the Kingdom of Thailand is a land of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. From the rugged mountains and colorful tribal villages of the north, and the gilded temples and palaces of Bangkok, to the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the south: Thailand seduces travelers with its charm, traditions, distinctive culture, and the generous warmth of its people.
Our recommended Thailand tours take a comprehensive look at the culture and customs of Thailand, with focus on local traditions, ancient architecture, Buddhist temples, arts and crafts, and legendary Thai cuisine.
Time is Life's Most Precious Commodity---Spend it Wisely.
We provide tailor-made, upscale, Thailand vacations with a personal touch ---- and will save you a lot of time, money and stress in the process
.
We are open every day to assist you with your vacation travel plans. Ask our Thailand Vacation Specialists about our exclusive special offers. Our rates are often substantially lower than the published fares you see on the web. Call 1-800-330-8820 or 1 415 446 5252 to book now. Or try our Thailand vacation planner and we will promptly call you back. |
