The task of deciding where to visit on your first holiday to Thailand is an enjoyable one, so long as you stay focused on what it is that you'd like to get out of your holiday. Would your ideal Thailand holiday be spent lounging on the beach, or whitewater rafting in the wilderness? Do you enjoy visiting ancient ruins and temples, or playing a round of golf? Whichever of these options appeal to you, you'll be in luck in Thailand, for the Land of Smiles (as it is often called) offers all of this and much, much more.
An occasional resident, but long-time traveler to Thailand, I recommend that first-time visitors to the Land of Smiles visit at least one of three cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. While this recommendation probably comes as no surprise (these are the three primary tourist destinations in Thailand), I believe that it is worth reiterating what makes each place so very special.
In a perfect world, you'll have the time and means to visit all three of these wonderful destinations during your first holiday to Thailand. Because that may not be possible, however, this article may be able to point you toward the one or two cities that will best accommodate what you're looking for on your holiday. As the ad campaign states, Thailand is truly "amazing", and offers as much to the traveler as any country in the world. It is the goal of this article to make sure that you discover these treasures for yourself.
Bangkok
Thailand's capital and largest city, Bangkok is home to an estimated 11 million people and, by some estimates, nearly 25% of the country's total population. Because most foreign visitors arrive by air, and Thailand's largest international airport is just outside the city limits, it is highly likely that you'll wind up spending at least part of your holiday in the "City of Angels". This is your good fortune, since the Bangkok is one of the world's greatest tourist attractions.
The city is a fascinating study in contrasts, with 700-year-old Buddhist temples standing in close proximity to modern high rises. Bangkok's commercial districts are lined with enormous, ultra-modern shopping malls filled with high-end stores, yet its street corners are still congested with peddlers selling everything from fresh fruit and spicy Thai dishes, to souvenir tee shirts and fake jewelry. It is truly the one place in the country where you can see almost every side of Thailand.
From shopping in Siam Square, to visiting the Royal Palace and the city's other famous historical sites, to taking quiet boat rides down the Chao Praya, to diving in headfirst into the city's wild entertainment districts, Bangkok has something to offer visitors of every stripe.
Chiang Mai
Known as the "Rose of the North", Chiang Mai is Thailand's second-largest city and one of its most significant cultural centers. Nestled among the peaks of the country's tallest mountains, Chiang Mai is the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom - one of Southeast Asia's most-important realms during the 13th Century - and still proudly displays its original city walls and moat. There are also, quite literally, hundreds of temples and other historical sites within the city, in addition to some of Thailand's most-prestigious universities, and one of its most-celebrated art scenes.
While Chiang Mai undoubtedly offers cultural entertainment on par with anywhere in Asia, its true beauty comes in its wealth of natural attractions. Just outside the city, one can find some of the world's most-famous backpacking and hiking trails, wildlife preserves that allow you to get as close to the animals as you like, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and almost any other type of adrenaline-driven diversion you can think of.
Phuket
Home to what may very well be Thailand's most-famous stretch of natural beauty, the island of Phuket is located far in the south of Thailand just several hours away from the border with Malaysia. Catering heavily to foreign tourists, Phuket holidays tend to be a bit more expensive than other places in the Land of Smiles, but you won't hear many complaints from those fortunate enough to have visited the tropical island paradise.
A typical day on holiday in Phuket will likely include time spent soaking up the rays on the island's world-famous beaches, or playing a round or two of golf on one of its fantastic courses. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sport excursions are offered throughout the island, as are land-bound activities that take you into the lush forests of its interior.
For those looking to really get away from the world for a day or two, Phuket is also the departure point for boat cruises out to the famed Phi Phi Islands. A favorite for water sports enthusiasts and photographers alike, the islands (called Koh Phi Phi in Thai) annually rank among the world's most-beautiful travel spots.
Summary
As was mentioned earlier in this article, it would be an ideal holiday to Thailand if you were able to visit all three of the destinations discussed above. If that is not possible, however, then my hope is that this article was helpful as you decided upon the location best for you and your travel companions. Just remember, even though you may not make it to all three places on this particular holiday, they'll be there waiting to be discovered in the future.
An occasional resident, but long-time traveler to Thailand, I recommend that first-time visitors to the Land of Smiles visit at least one of three cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. While this recommendation probably comes as no surprise (these are the three primary tourist destinations in Thailand), I believe that it is worth reiterating what makes each place so very special.
In a perfect world, you'll have the time and means to visit all three of these wonderful destinations during your first holiday to Thailand. Because that may not be possible, however, this article may be able to point you toward the one or two cities that will best accommodate what you're looking for on your holiday. As the ad campaign states, Thailand is truly "amazing", and offers as much to the traveler as any country in the world. It is the goal of this article to make sure that you discover these treasures for yourself.
Bangkok
Thailand's capital and largest city, Bangkok is home to an estimated 11 million people and, by some estimates, nearly 25% of the country's total population. Because most foreign visitors arrive by air, and Thailand's largest international airport is just outside the city limits, it is highly likely that you'll wind up spending at least part of your holiday in the "City of Angels". This is your good fortune, since the Bangkok is one of the world's greatest tourist attractions.
The city is a fascinating study in contrasts, with 700-year-old Buddhist temples standing in close proximity to modern high rises. Bangkok's commercial districts are lined with enormous, ultra-modern shopping malls filled with high-end stores, yet its street corners are still congested with peddlers selling everything from fresh fruit and spicy Thai dishes, to souvenir tee shirts and fake jewelry. It is truly the one place in the country where you can see almost every side of Thailand.
From shopping in Siam Square, to visiting the Royal Palace and the city's other famous historical sites, to taking quiet boat rides down the Chao Praya, to diving in headfirst into the city's wild entertainment districts, Bangkok has something to offer visitors of every stripe.
Chiang Mai
Known as the "Rose of the North", Chiang Mai is Thailand's second-largest city and one of its most significant cultural centers. Nestled among the peaks of the country's tallest mountains, Chiang Mai is the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom - one of Southeast Asia's most-important realms during the 13th Century - and still proudly displays its original city walls and moat. There are also, quite literally, hundreds of temples and other historical sites within the city, in addition to some of Thailand's most-prestigious universities, and one of its most-celebrated art scenes.
While Chiang Mai undoubtedly offers cultural entertainment on par with anywhere in Asia, its true beauty comes in its wealth of natural attractions. Just outside the city, one can find some of the world's most-famous backpacking and hiking trails, wildlife preserves that allow you to get as close to the animals as you like, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and almost any other type of adrenaline-driven diversion you can think of.
Phuket
Home to what may very well be Thailand's most-famous stretch of natural beauty, the island of Phuket is located far in the south of Thailand just several hours away from the border with Malaysia. Catering heavily to foreign tourists, Phuket holidays tend to be a bit more expensive than other places in the Land of Smiles, but you won't hear many complaints from those fortunate enough to have visited the tropical island paradise.
A typical day on holiday in Phuket will likely include time spent soaking up the rays on the island's world-famous beaches, or playing a round or two of golf on one of its fantastic courses. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sport excursions are offered throughout the island, as are land-bound activities that take you into the lush forests of its interior.
For those looking to really get away from the world for a day or two, Phuket is also the departure point for boat cruises out to the famed Phi Phi Islands. A favorite for water sports enthusiasts and photographers alike, the islands (called Koh Phi Phi in Thai) annually rank among the world's most-beautiful travel spots.
Summary
As was mentioned earlier in this article, it would be an ideal holiday to Thailand if you were able to visit all three of the destinations discussed above. If that is not possible, however, then my hope is that this article was helpful as you decided upon the location best for you and your travel companions. Just remember, even though you may not make it to all three places on this particular holiday, they'll be there waiting to be discovered in the future.
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