Attractions of Thailand

Bangkok is Thailand's huge and bustling capital, a chaotic and cosmopolitan city with many attractions. The most spectacular of these is the opulent and magnificent Grand Palace, reached on one of Bangkok's renowned waterways or klongs. Built in the late 18th century when Thailand was re-emerging from Burmese oppression, the complex is a vast collection of palaces, golden stupas, ornately decorative statues and wats, of which Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is the most impressive. Wat Po, home of the famous 46 metre long gold-plated Reclining Buddha, is another must-see. Elsewhere in the city, Jim Thompson's House is a museum containing superb examples of Thai art and furniture, collected by the former CIA officer and silk magnate. Shops and markets such as Chatuchak Market sell a huge range of Thai goods while at night Bangkok comes alive with a huge variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

The Kanchanaburi Province west of Bangkok is famous for being the site of the infamous 'Death Railway' and the 'Bridge on the River Kwai'. During the Second World War, the Japanese built a railway to link Thailand with Burma to carry supplies for their expanding empire - between June 1942 and October 1943 16,000 Allied prisoners of war and an estimated 75,000 Asian forced labourers died in its construction. The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the JEATH War Museum commemorate those who died. You can take the train along part of the original railway and at 'Hellfire Pass' visit a memorial museum which chronicles the building of the railway.

Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and became the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam after Sukhothai. It soon became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the East, capital of a kingdom which encompassed large parts of present day Burma, Laos and Cambodia. Ayutthaya developed its own distinctive artistic style, influenced by other cultures with which it traded, before it was destroyed by a Burmese invasion in the 18th century. Remnants of its golden period include the Royal Palace, Wat Mahathat, Wang Luang and numerous gigantic Buddha statues and prangs (reliquary towers).

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic City of Ayutthaya

Close to the Burmese border in central Thailand lie the wildlife sanctuaries of Thungyai and Huai Kha Kheng, covering more than 6,000 km² of various types of forest. The reserves are home to a wide variety of animal species including elephant and tiger and at least 34 endangered species. The region is also home to several spectacular waterfalls including Thi Lor Su Waterfall, one of the largest in southeast Asia with seven tiers of falls from high limestone cliffs, Kotha Waterfall and Thi Lor Lay Waterfall.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries, until it was superseded by Ayutthaya, deserted and only rediscovered as a 'lost city' in the 19th century. With 21 historical sites within the city walls and a further 70 outside, Sukhothai is an important and fascinating site. Monuments of note include Mahathat Wat, a monastery with a royal palace and cemetery and the graceful Sra Si Wat with its two stupas. The nearby town of Si Satchanm contains the impressive Wat Chang Lom, decorated with 39 standing elephants.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns

The northern town of Lampang is home to the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the most beautiful temples in northern Thailand, and the Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre. This is the largest elephant conservation centre in the country which takes care of sick and abandoned elephants and details their importance in Thai culture.

The northern city of Chiang Mai is one of the most attractive in Thailand, less frenetic than Bangkok and the altitude means it's much cooler and less humid than the capital. Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, the most impressive and revered being Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on the peak of Doi Suthep at 1,676 metres, which offers superb views of the city and surrounding countryside. The city is home to some of the best food in Thailand and is a great place to have a Thai cooking lesson. Chiang Mai is also famous for its Night Bazaar, where you can buy local Lanna handicrafts and the traditional goods of the hilltribe people. The Tribal Museum is well worth a visit, to gain an insight into the cultures and customs of the hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand.

Northern Thailand has many traditional hilltribes and minority groups who have maintained their own culture, customs and languages. Among these groups are the Palong, Karen, Lisu, Akha, Lahu, Shan, Yao and Hmong people. The tribal villages can be explored on foot, bicycle or even by taking an elephant ride.

Ban Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in South-East Asia. Located in eastern Thailand, the site depicts a culture dating back to the 5th millennium BC with evidence for farming, metal production, pottery manufacture and house construction.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ban Chiang Archaeological Site

The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex in south-eastern Thailand is home to 112 mammal species, 392 bird species and 200 reptile and amphibian species including many endangered species. Mammals found in the park include tiger, elephant, gibbon, leopard cat and banteng.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex

Khao Suk National Park is home to some of the oldest rainforest in the world, dating back 150 million years and set amidst mountains and karst limestone peaks. It is an area of incredible biodiversity, with resident species including the leopard, Malayan sun bear, elephant, langur and tiger, though spottings are rare due to the thick jungle and nocturnal nature of many of the animals. The park can be explored through jungle walks, elephant rides and canoe trips along the river.

The beachside resorts of Ao Nang and Krabi on Thailand's west coast is a lively and popular spot, with plenty of options to explore the beautiful landscapes and waters of this region. These include sea kayaking amidst the limestone peaks and caves, rock climbing on the famous Raileh Beach and scuba diving in the tropical waters in addition to relaxing on the palm-fringed sandy beach and the warm, crystal-clear waters. The area is renowned for its natural beauty which combines magnificent limestone cliffs rising from the waters, beautiful white beaches, verdant vegetation and numerous small islands. One of these is Phi Phi Island which gained fame as the location for the film 'The Beach'.

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and one of its most popular beach resort regions. As well as exploring historic Phuket Town, the beaches of Phuket and the neighbouring smaller islands are ideal for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling to explore the huge variety of colourful reef fish that are found in these waters.

The Samai Archipelago off Thailand's east coast is a tropical paradise comprising the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, in addition to the stunning Ang Thong National Marine Park, inspiration for the book 'The Beach'. The islands offer beach resorts ranging from quiet secluded spots to party resorts, the chance for excellent snorkelling amidst beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish and boat trips exploring secluded bays and waterfalls (especially on Koh Phangan).