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When most people think of , what comes to mind
is usually basic information that's not
particularly interesting or beneficial. But
there's a lot more to than just the basics.
Inspiring temples from ancient kingdoms, tiny
tranquil villages along the Mekong river and
impossibly green limestone islands nestled along
the Andaman Sea, makes this a vast cultural
kaleidoscope.
It’s hardly surprising that Thailand, meaning
‘land of the free’, has long been a honeymoon
paradise, allowing sweethearts to cast off the
shackles of everyday life and immerse themselves
deep into its liberating and relaxed way of life.
There is an abundant choice of exotic activities
on offer. Whether you want to languish on a
glittering beach or ride a wild animal on an
exotic elephant safari – peace and adventure go
hand in hand here. Remote spas and hideaways
dotted around the verdant island will seduce you
with their tranquil intimacy, while the vibrant
streets of Bangkok beckon you to experience a
whole new world at your feet.
And if the idea of unspoilt beaches and fresh
tropical cocktails at sunset still doesn’t sway
your man, casually mention that Leo Bay was where
James Bond’s The Man With The Golden Gun was
filmed. No doubt he can live out his 007 fantasies
on Khao Phing Kan, the same sandy stretch that saw
Roger Moore and Christopher Lee battle it out! Get
in the sea and do your best Ursula Andress while
he’s at it.
Blessed with a balmy climate that settles for 35
degrees centigrade at its hottest, it is widely
recommended that if your wedding is in April or
October, to postpone it by a few weeks – since
these are the two worst months to visit,
particularly the capital. April is the peak of a
roasting summer, while October brings miserable
floods – making the south a more pleasing option.
Thailand’s beautiful bounty is vast enough to
combine a beach and city holiday, so even if you
do fly into Bangkok, you can just as easily travel
down to the South to soak in the sun.
BANGKOK
Bangkok, or City of Angels differs from its
American counterpart in that while the latter
boasts guns, sex and plastic surgery, the former
is still steeped in rich Thai cultural charm,
offering delectable food, breath-taking temples
and shopping heaven. Resisting the usual coldness
that most cities possess, it is a far cry from the
advanced urban development of neighbouring
countries like Singapore, with Bangkok natives
exuding friendliness. A city of contrasts, Bangkok
breathes mystery on the east side of the Chao
Phraya River, with polished temple spires nestling
against glittering glass and steel buildings
rising up from the seething mass. Delicate wreaths
of jasmine flowers the buses and taxis.
Orange-robed monks potter along the street beneath
a giant Sony screen blasting western pop videos.
Home to the most stunning temples in the world, it
is worth visiting a few to get away from the
disquiet of Bangkok’s streets for a moment of
quiet reflection.
Khao San Rd in Banglamphu is the traditional haven
for the budget traveller, but the Sukhumvit Rd
area has a better selection of mid-range hotels.
Banglamphu and neighbouring Thewet are the best
spots for budget eating, and if you want to go for
a city stroll and experience day-to-day Bangkok,
head for Chinatown and Pahurat, the busy Chinese
and Indian market districts.
Chinatown
A Chinese-Thai residential area since 1782, it’s
hard to believe that this district used to house
245 opium dens and a huge number of pawn shops,
gambling houses and brothels. Today Chinatown is
one of the most charismatic districts in Bangkok,
with intricate alleyways, bright markets and
mouth-watering food stalls.
Pahurat
A bargain shopper’s paradise lined with a stunning
array of Indian silks and Thai shoulder bags. Head
down little alleys and you'll find a thriving
culture that might ordinarily pass you by.
THINGS TO DO:
Grand Palace: A testament to architectural
wizardry, housing the famous Emerald Buddha, the
most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Go early in
the morning to avoid the major crowds and do not
wear sandals or skirts.
Snake Farm
Even if snakes make you queasy, this is definitely
worth a visit – the sheer volume of information is
astounding. Officially called the Queen Saovabha
Memorial Institute, the snake farm is one of the
largest producers of anti-venom serum in Asia.
Crocodile Farm
Whatever you’ve seen in Lake Placid or Crocodile
Dundee is child’s play compared to this enormous
place with over 60,000 fresh and seawater
crocodiles to see. For extra garnish you can buy
chicken to throw to the crocs, and they also have
a show every hour, in which an insane guy puts his
head inside the croc’s mouth.
Floating Market:
80 km from Bangkok, this market is famous for
selling fresh produce and fine trinkets. You will
also be able to travel around in a boat and have a
taster of Thai village life.
If you base what you do on inaccurate information,
you might be unpleasantly surprised by the
consequences. Make sure you get the whole story
from informed sources.
Temple of Dawn:
Situated on the other side of the Chao Phraya
river, the sight of the 79-metre-high porcelain
encrusted pagoda sparkling in the sun is truly
something to behold.
Wat Trai Mit:
Built in the Sukhothai period, this temple houses
an awe-inspiring solid gold Buddha which weighs
five and a half tonnes and is three metres in
height.
BEACHES
Crystal clear waves lapping the shores of white
beaches are standard wherever you look in
Thailand. Phuket, called the Pearl of the Ocean,
is particularly unmissable. If you want to do more
than just sunbathe, pay a visit to Ko Phi Phi, the
stunning island where Leonardo Di Caprio’s The
Beach was filmed. Pattaya is a gorgeous beach
resort tucked away on the south-east coast of
Thailand, a stone’s throw away from Bangkok, while
Koh Pha-Ngan is famous for revellers throwing
their arms in the air in the throes of its
legendary full moon parties.
Phuket
For a beach hotspot, Phuket is 70 per cent
mountainous, yet this precious jewel is Thailand’s
largest island in the Andaman Sea, boasting a rich
and wealthy history. Although the warm and humid
island is Thailand’s main tourist attraction, it
has the luxury of harbouring secluded and unspoilt
beaches for those wanting a romantic getaway.
Pamper yourself with fresh lobster everyday, be
massaged to sleep in any of Phuket’s legendary
spas and take a midnight swim by moonlight in its
indigo pools, with the assurance that you’re going
to love every minute of it. If you’re lucky
enough, you may even get to take part in the
celebration of Loi Krathong, a 700 year old
festival to honour the water gods. Doorways and
gates of temples and houses are decorated with
banana trees, palms, and lit lanterns, while
locals dress up in traditional Thai sarongs and
tunics. There are more tourists in Phuket than on
any other island, which hikes up the prices
slightly, but by British standards is still cheap.
Koh Samui
Palm-fringed beaches punctuated by bursts of
coconut plantations make Koh Samui overflow with
charm and, while on its way to becoming too
touristy, it still retains its old
untouched-paradise charm. Tiny thatched bungalows
pepper most of the beaches, but make sure you book
in advance as accommodation is hard to secure in
the high seasons between December and February,
and from July to August. There are flights from
Bangkok to the island's Don Sak Airport. Several
ferry and jetboat companies operate from Surat
Thani: express boats take two and a half hours and
jet boats take one and a half hours.
TRAVEL
Island-hopping isn’t just a past-time of hippies
and backpackers, nor does it mean you have to
endure horrible conditions simply because you
choose to explore Thailand outside your hotel
door. One of the perfect ways to bond with each
other in the first weeks of marriage is to
experience new things together and create a rich
tapestry of memories. Be adventurous – just
because you’ve booked a flight to Phuket doesn’t
mean you can’t jet to Bangkok for a few days.
Travelling within Thailand isn’t half as daunting
as you may think. http://www.phuket-cannacia.com
About The Author...
Wirat M. is the webmaster of the phuket hotel
andaman cannacia resort website
www.phuket-cannacia.com - providing information
Andaman Cannacia Resort Hotel Phuket Thailand
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