Williams - Discover Thailand

This Is Thailand

Thailand is blessed: it has the looks, the temperament and the personality to entice the world to its shores. It is exotic and mysterious yet approachable and inviting.

The tranquil southern coast massages away modern worries. The waters are clear, the diving is spectacular and the pace is reminiscent of an afternoon nap. Like the country as a whole, Thailands famous islands and beaches specialise in having fun, from late-night beach parties to casual beachside dining. Clustered along the Andaman Coast are dramatic limestone mountains looking like prehistoric monuments.

Beyond the beach scene, Thailands culture trail educates and enlightens visitors with intense displays of religious devotion and tangible fragments of historic eras. The hyperactive city of Bangkok, the centre of the Thai universe and the seat of religion and monarchy, boasts flamboyant and revered temples. Further north, the ancient capitals of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai are peppered with gravity-ravaged monuments and Buddha figures meditating serenely.

Northern Thailand crowns the country with lush mountains, historic cities and border intrigue. The gateway to the region, Chiang Mai has a well-preserved old city and university atmosphere. In higher altitudes, minority hill tribes preserve a cultural identity that defies modern borders. The interplay of border cultures and the daily alms route of orange-robed monks compel visitors to trundle through Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son Provinces and absorb the landscape along switchback mountain roads.

In every corner of the kingdom, Thais concoct a flavourful feast from simple ingredients. Travelling from region to region becomes an edible buffet, sampling fresh coconut curries in southern Thailand, steamy bowls of noodles in Bangkok and hearty stews in Chiang Mai.

Buddhist monks, Wat Pho (), Bangkok
RICHARD IANSON/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Thailands Top Experiences

Bangkok

Food, shopping, fun, temples, palaces What isnt available in Bangkok ( ), one of the worlds biggest markets, happening bars, sublime eats and endless opportunities for urban exploration. Supplement your fun with more scholarly pursuits, such as a cooking or Thai massage course, and were certain youll see Bangkok as much more than just a transit point.

Wat Arun ( ), Chao Phraya River
PAOLO CORDELLI/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai () looks respectfully up to mighty Doi Suthep. The old city, framed by a moat, is crammed with soaring temple peaks and quiet, twisting sois (lanes) best explored by bicycle. Stop for a temple monk chat, an intimate insight into those orange-robed figures youre always dodging on the streets. Browse the traditional handicrafts and, when the sun sinks over Doi Suthep, feast on some of the norths best Burmese cuisine.

Wat Chiang Man ( )
JOHN ELK III/LONELY PLANET IMAGES