Places to Visit in Thailand: Beyond the Pleasures of Bangkok

Beyond Bangkok are jungles, beaches, ancient temples and a warm, gracious culture. From beautiful Buddhism culture to Islamic culture, Bangkok houses all the religion with proper warmth and serenity. Take the time to discover the Thailand that lies beyond the bright lights and other …er…pleasures of Bangkok!

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city in the cooler north combines small town charm with the right dose of modernity. Emerald mountains and some 300 Buddhist temples add to a sense of timelessness. Rarely does anyone say ‘no’ here – just one example of the city’s famed courteousness. If you are planning a Thailand trip, Chiang Mai is one of the places to see in Bangkok.

A trip to the jungles surrounding the city comes with the attraction of visiting indigenous tribal communities – trek your way through or opt for an elephant safari.

The Buddha’s presence is never very far away. The 14^th-century Wat Phra Doi Borommathat Sutep is Chiang Mai’s most sacred temple, located on the Doi Suthep Mountain, 1200 m above sea level, and said to contain the Buddha’s remains.

At the foothills is Namtok Mae Sa, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by enormous old trees. Thai families congregate here to relax, splash around and enjoy a quick rice-and-chicken meal.

Go bamboo rafting on the River Ping or visit one of several nearby elephant camps. Lampang province’s Thai Elephant Conservation Centre allows small groups of visitors to stay for 1-3 days. Take lessons in elephant riding and caring for baby pachyderms.

Stroll around the Sunday Night Market on Tae Pae Road; buy souvenirs and experiment with Thai street food. Hang Dong, to Chiang Mai’s south, has craft villages specialising in pottery and wood-carving. This place provides a number of things to do and see, therefore do not miss a chance to visit the place on your Bangkok trip.

Central Thailand

History, adventure or fun?  Take your pick from this highly populated region.

About 100 kilometres south-west of Bangkok is Damnoen Sadhuak, Thailand’s largest floating market. Sadly, mass tourism has all but ruined the ambience; most of the boats on the canal now sell cheap trinkets rather than fresh produce. Get an early start and you can still experience the beauty of the canals and the ‘real’ floating market.

Kanchanaburi, a train ride away from Bangkok, is redolent with memories of World War II. Remember the Hollywood oldie, Bridge Over The River Kwai? You can walk across what remains of this famous bridge here, built by the advancing Japanese army with the sweat and pain of prisoners of war.

Kanchanaburi is one of Thailand’s loveliest mountain regions. Go river bathing, bamboo rafting, kayaking and hiking. Take kids on a safari through the Kanchanaburi Safari Park and shoot great pictures of tigers, giraffes, bears and zebras.

Ayutthaya (named after Ayodhya in India) was the capital of the 400-year-old kingdom of Siam until the Burmese army destroyed it in 1767. The ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At night, some of its still beautiful temples are illuminated. Elephant tours are an interesting way to explore this once glorious city. Enjoy a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River, visit the Museum of Thai vessels or simply relax under the shade of ancient trees in Ayutthaya’s parks.

Hua Hin 

The narrow southern part of Thailand – it looks, appropriately, like an elephant’s trunk – is an oceanside paradise, lush with coconut trees and rubber plantations. The proximity to Malaysia is apparent – more locals speak Malay instead of Thai and practice Islam rather than Buddhism. Near the islands strung out along the coast – Phuket, Ko Surin, Talibong, Ko Phi Phi – live sea gypsies who make their living from fishing and crafting seashells. This place tops the chart of places to visit is Thailand as it has a number of adventure sports to chose from.

The Thai royal family’s palace here is aptly named Klai Kangwon – “Far from All Worries”. Hua Hin is Thailand’s oldest resort town, three hours by road from Bangkok. There’s birdwatching in Kaeng Krachan National Park, snorkelling at Koh Talu island and horseback riding along the beach – the perfect family getaway. Can elephants dance? In Hua Hin, they play polo too – come September, you can watch a tournament! Do not miss out this place when planning a Bangkok trip. 

Koh Samui

Thailand’s third largest island is an idyll of powdery white beaches, jungles and waterfalls. No building here is higher than its palm trees! There’s sailing and surfing for water lovers, ancient Chinese temples to explore for others. Go jungle trekking or glide above the tree canopy if heights don’t scare you. Discover the legend of Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandpa and Grandma Rocks). Animal lover? Explore Ang Thong National Park by speedboat – these tiny islands with coral reefs, secluded lagoons and caves are inhabited only by monkeys, bats, turtles and snakes. Koh Samui also offers a Snake Farm, Crocodile Farm, Tiger Zoo and Butterfly Garden.

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