Thailand keeps you guessing. It is a place that’s divided, sitting directly on the brink between modernity and a time long since past. Yet it is exactly that division that makes it the spectacular place that it is. The congested, noisy streets of Bangkok and the flat plains and quiet mountain forests; ancient temples and soaring skyscrapers—Thailand is serenity and cacophony rolled into one.
In Thailand you'll find adventure of all kinds. In Thailand, you’re only limited by how much adrenaline you brought with you; extreme sports on land and the water, rugged hikes to tiny villages and border-towns. There are many ways to explore the countryside, whether by bus, train, car, motorbike, and boat. Stunning island beaches feature both rustic bungalows and luxurious five-star resorts and hotels.
Of course, a huge attraction in Thailand is Bangkok. Bangkok, you should know, is not an amusement park built for tourists. That doesn’t mean that there are no attractions here; on the contrary, Bangkok is an amazing place for visitors. However, this city is not wholly reliant on tourism, as in the case with some places; visitors get to experience a real city with all its drawbacks and advantages. It’s the business, entertainment, and banking center of Thailand. And, like Thailand as a whole, Bangkok has many modern and ancient allures.
First off, know that just like any big city, not all of Bangkok is what you’d call paradise. Home to a staggering 12 million people, Bangkok can get hot and humid, with pollution is so bad, traffic cops often wear masks to protect themselves. Still, many problems are improving: the canals are slowly being cleaned and the number of trees has dramatically risen, which helps combat the pollution. There’s also the Skytrain, which opened in 1999, and the subway, which opened five years later. Coupled with the river express boats, moving around most parts of Bangkok has become relatively easy, even with the intense traffic. Yet once you get past its flaws, you’ll feel an energy and vibrancy in Bangkok’s culture and people that’s as spicy as the Thai food. Throughout Bangkok, you'll find simple canal and riverside communities, a sprawling Chinatown, an ultra-modern cityscape, and giant outdoor markets. Beyond urban Thailand are miles and miles of rice paddies and tiny villages dotted here and there. You’ll also see giant, forested mountains, long stretches of white sand beaches, acres of palm trees; every scene could easily fill the pages of National Geographic Explorer.
While in Bangkok, visit the Grand Palace, Thailand's most hallowed site and one of its most visited places. King Rama I built this walled city in 1782; subsequent monarchs added their own touches as the years progressed. The grounds are open to visitors, but none of the buildings are. Yet, on rare occasions, rooms in the Chakri Maha Prasat palace, which is considered the official residence of the king, are sometimes open to visitors.
Phuket, Thailand, is a very popular beach resort for tourists from all over the world. In fact, it is the leading island vacation destination in all of Southeast Asia. It was hit hard by the Tsunami, but has rebuilt itself to return to the seaside haven it once was. Phuket is actually not part of the mainland; it’s an island full of coves, bays, and sandy stretches of beach. If you’re looking for fun in the sun, the freshest of seafood, an infinite array of watersports, and a warm welcome from the Thai people to boot, come to Phuket. As a matter of fact, you’ll find that warm welcome all over the country. Contact Remember Travel for more information.
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