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About Thailand, Myanmar & Indochina
Thailand is a wondrous kingdom, featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food and massage, Thailand features a modern capital city, and friendly people who epitomize Thailand’s “Land of Smiles” reputation.
Religion
Approximately 95% of the Thai citizen is Theravada Buddhists. The remaining 5 % are Christians, Hindus, Moslems and Sikhs.
Economy
Thailand’s economy remains export-dependent, with exports accounting for 60% of a GDP that stood at roughly THB 7.7 trillion (approximately USD 270 billion) as of 2008. This positions the economy of Thailand as the 2nd largest in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia, a distinction it has held for many years.
Climate
Generally hot and usually humid throughout the year. April is the hottest month. The rainy season is May to November, usually consists of short sharp tropical rainy showers, followed by sunshine. Koh Samui enjoys a different climate where monsoon season is from December to February. |
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| BANGKOK |
| Bangkok is one of the world's most exciting cities - at once a booming metropolis and a rich cultural goldmine. Here the best of the old and the new co-exist gracefully side by side. Magnificent modern buildings share center stage with beautifully ornate ancient temples, creating a unique sense of urban harmony. Founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the current Chakri Dynasty, Bangkok has served as Thailand's political and cultural capital for more than 200 years. Known to Thais as Krung Thep, or "City of Angels,". Bangkok encompasses all the best that Thailand and its gracious people have to offer. |
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| PATTAYA |
| Pattaya is 147 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, and faces the Thai Gulf. Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort. By day, it's famous for its beautiful beaches, its enjoyable theme and amusement parks, its offbeat museums, and its gorgeous botanical gardens. By night, it's known for its sumptuous dining and its lively bars and nightclubs. With its wide selection of 'round-the-clock entertainment choices, Pattaya has plenty of excitement for the entire family - and it's all just a 2-1/2 hour drive from Bangkok. Pattaya can be brash, bold, beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything an authentic international beach resort can. |
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| CHA AM - HUA HIN |
| The sleepy coastal towns of Cha-Am and Hua Hin offer peaceful and tranquil beaches - a nice contrast to some of the livier tourist centers further south. Restaurants here are noted for their delicious seafood. These friendly villages feature quiet winding streets with unique character. Just three hours' drive away from Bangkok, Cha-Am and Hua Hin are two of Thailand's more delightful and easily accessible beach towns for holiday. |
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| CHIANG MAI |
| Chiang Mai city is 700 kilometres north of Bangkok. Set against a stunning backdrop of majestic mountains, Chiang Mai is a place with ancient roots spanning back to the time when it was a small Lanna Thai Village. Often being called as the "Rose of the North," Chiang Mai has become Thailand's second largest city - rich in many heritages, with a lovely cultural personality all its own. Visitors to Chiang Mai will be delighted in the wealth of its historical sites, as well as its abundance of handicrafts in silk, silver and wood, which being made for precious and timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai also serves as the main jumping point for excursions to the host of wonderful attractions in Thailand's North. |
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| SUKHOTHAI |
| Sukhothai literally means "Dawn of Happiness" - for it was the first capital of the Thais, and remained so for 120 years. Though it began life as a Khmer settlement in the 9th and 10th centuries, Sukhothai came under Thai sway beginning in the early 11th century. In 1240, the Thai King Indradit defeated the Khmer chief in an elephant-backed duel. The ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A wealth of ancient temples and other historical sites dot the area. |
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| NAKHON RATCHASIMA |
| Nakhon Ratchasima is a unique blend of Khmer, Laotian and Thai cultures. Better known as Korat, the Nakhon Ratchasima is Thailand's largest province. The city itself was founded in the 17th century, a blending of the older settlements of Sema and Khorakapura. |
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| UBON RATCHATHANI |
| Ubon Ratchathani - or "Lotus City" - combines prehistoric culture and Buddhist traditions with distinctive ambience in a spectacularly picturesque setting. As a big & commercial city, Ubon Ratchathani is also Thailand's eastern gateway to the Emerald Triangle countries of Laos and Cambodia, and where the sun shines first in Thailand. Kha and Suai tribes first moved to the area before the Rattanakosin Period. King Rama I deserved much of the credit for grouping these tribal peoples into the more secure community that is today known as Ubon Ratchathani. |
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| PHUKET |
| Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline 867 kilometres south of Bangkok.. Known as the "Pearl of the Andaman," Phuket is a large island in the Indian Ocean, connected to Thailand's mainland by bridges. The only Thai island holding provincial status, Phuket has a long and rich cultural history. Much of its early glory came from tin production. In recent years, Phuket has gained renown as a major beach resort destination. Its Sino-Portuguese architecture, its beautiful beaches, and its forested hillsides perform Phuket the lovely character that keeps visitors flocking to it from around the globe. |
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| TRANG |
| Deriving its name from the Malaysian word for "dawn," Trang was once an important trade port. Its Chinese heritage is reflected in monuments on the city's northern approach and is truly an emerging fascinating tourist destination. Cruising coastal water or relax in the tranquil ambiance would create an enjoyable trip to various islands. Rubber was first planted in Thailand at Trang in 1899 and has since become one of the country's most important commodities. Trang features many lovely beaches as well as islands and is home to a famous vegetarian festival. |
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| KOH SAMED |
| Petite and pretty, Koh Samed’s gorgeous glittering pristine beaches and strangely shaped rocks are justifiably as a popular one. |
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| KOH CHANG |
| Chill out on the stretch long, white sandy beaches dotted with coconut tree and fruit orchards on Koh Chang. With convenient accessible from mainland, Koh Chang is still an untouched gastronomic paradise for all visitors. |
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| KOH YAO NOI & KOH YAO YAI |
| Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are well-preserved islands that will enchant even the most selective and demanding visitors: With 45 sq.km. and approximately 4000 inhabitants, these are ones of the largest islands in the region. Here, tourism has not been developed much on a large scale: Traditional Thai life style remained unchanged and peace and privacy abound. Access nowadays is easy either from Phuket or Krabi. |
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| KOH SAMUI |
| The 247-square-kilometre Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Located 258 nautical miles south of Bangkok, and some 84 kilometres east of the provincial capital, Koh Samui measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. A 51-kilometre ring and largely coastal road encircles the island, which has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills. |
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| KANCHANABURI |
| Kanchanaburi covers some 19,473 square and oftentimes mountainous kilometres, and borders Myanmar (Burma) to the west of Bangkok. The compact provincial capital, some 130 kilometres, and a comfortable two-hour drive from Bangkok, is both the site of the world-famous Bridge Over The River Kwae, immortalized in books and movies, and gateway to a region of rugged natural beauty. Countryside beyond the provincial capital is characterized by mountains and fertile river valleys (the Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi) which have inspired the development of hydro-electric power, and where labyrinthine dam reservoirs provide further scenic elements to the province’s natural beauty. |
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| KRABI |
| This coastal province covers an area of 4,709 square kilometers and is located 814 kilometres south of Bangkok. Krabi’s major attractions are located largely along its extensive coastline, which contains several well-known beaches and bays, and numerous offshore tropical islands. |
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| PHI PHI ISLANDS |
| The popular Phi Phi Islands consists of 2 separate islands famed for their spectacular landscapes, beautiful beaches and spectacular island reefs teeming with variety of coral fishes. It is an ideal place to enjoy scuba diving. Its paradise-like appearance can best be seen in the movie, The Beach, where most of the filming occurred. A good alternative for those who seek for peace and quiet. |
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| KOH LANTA |
Koh Lanta consists of two adjacent islands: Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi.
Koh Lanta Yai is full of tourist facilities while Koh Lanta Noi is the location of the district office. Most of the beaches on Koh Lanta Yai lie in the west and offer a wide range of accommodation. These beaches include Kho Kwang, Khlong Dao, Phra Ae, Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Ba Kan Tiang, all can be reached by road.
Koh Lanta Yai is a predominantly Muslim fishing island where many resorts have recently sprouted up. The island is covered with forested hills sweeping down to numerous sandy bays on the western side. |
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| KOH TAO (TURTLE ISLAND) |
| Some of the best dive sites in Thailand are found around Koh Tao. The island is blessed with outstandingly clear and deep water relatively close to shore and provides perfect conditions for a wide range of coral reef. |
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| UDON THANI |
| 564 kilometres from Bangkok, located on an elevated plateau, the province is blessed with numerous forested hills and tributaries, but the Phu Pan mountain ranges and the Songkhram River are the province’s 2 main natural resources. The province’s main attraction is its archeological sites that date back over 5,000 years, particularly the one at Ban Chiang. |
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Myanmar
The enchantment of Myanmar has been legendry, not only for its cultural and natural heritages but also for its rich eco-diversities. All together with attractions in Myanmar likeFeel the fresh air, green mountain ranges, picturesque landscapes, large lakes, long rivers and un-spoilt beaches.
Indochina:
Cambodia:
Cambodia has so much to offer in terms of a rich cultural, natural and historical heritage. Not only are there the world renowned Angkor Wat complex, but for those who enjoy relaxing on tropical beaches. The country offers beautiful unspoiled beaches. Offshore lies coral islands and exotic fish while inland waterfalls, and tropical forests all await discovery.
Vietnam:
Vietnam is a new land of tourism with age-old traditions and culture, newly built resorts and hotels. The country provides great variety of interesting places with historical significant to visit. Not only this, Vietnam has beautiful beaches, tropical landscapes, towering buildings, colorful royal palaces, kings' tombs and folk culture.
Laos:
This land-locked mountainous country is gaining a reputation as an ecotourist destination. Its many rivers criss-crossing the country and unspoilt national parks are ideal for activities such as trekking, kayaking and caving. The capital, Vientiane, and the other major towns have been spared major modern developments with traditional and colonial architecture still dominant. |
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| Visitors coming on holiday to Thailand will have no difficulty in traveling within the country. This information provides one with all sorts of relevant information that will make one's vacation a pleasant experience.
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