1. Andaman Sea
“When I’m there, it’s just me and the sea. It’s paradise on Earth. Many beach-lovers come to see the location of the film ‘The Beach,’ but the Andaman Sea has much more to offer. Many marine parks and secluded islets can be found around the island of Phuket, Thailand’s main southern province, and—unlike the movie—you don’t need a secret map to get there. Mu Ko Similan Marine National Park is listed among the world’s top ten most beautiful coral sites. Visitors who don’t scuba dive can snorkel in Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park, one of 12 marine parks in the provinces of Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Trang.”
2. Rattanakosin (The Old City)
“In the heart of Bangkok, the Old City is home to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keo), both constructed in 1783. The palace was once the royal residence and is still used for state functions and formal affairs. One of the most beautiful chapels in Thailand houses the Emerald Buddha, a jade sculpture that is among the most respected Buddha images. Three times a year the king presides over the changing of the Buddha’s costume. The cloistered Ramakien Gallery surrounds the temple complex. It is decorated with 178 lavishly painted and meticulously restored murals that depict Thailand’s ancient epic tales. Originally painted in the late 18th century, the murals are divided by marble pillars inscribed with verses that relate the story. After touring the grounds, visitors can head to the temple pavilion of Wat Pho to reward themselves with 45 minutes of Thai massage. The legendary method is anything but gentle; a practitioner cracks your joints and pounds your legs and arms to lengthen the muscles. But once it’s over, you’re quite relaxed, albeit a bit sore.”
3. Thon Buri Canals
“Thon Buri, on Bangkok’s west bank, was once the capital of Thailand. Stilted houses, orchards, and floating shops line the network of canals. The largest and busiest canal is Bangkok Noi, where visitors can board a boat at Tha Chang pier near the Grand Palace. The view of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) is fantastic! If you can handle the noisy motor, take in the city for two or three hours from a faster long-tail boat.”
4. The Ancient City
“If visitors have little time, this historical cultural theme park is an ideal way to get to know Thailand. Craftsmen carve wood figures while sitting among replicas of historic sites as well as restored buildings and sculptures. This is a great place to buy Thai handicrafts such as wood utensils, hand-forged traditional weapons, and carpets. The Sanphet Prasat Palace that once stood in the ancient city of Ayutthaya has been reconstructed. It is the only testament to the past glory that was destroyed when Burmese warriors ransacked and set fire to the palace more than two centuries ago.”
5. Chiang Mai
“Since the end of the 13th century, Thailand’s second largest city has been the political and cultural center of the northern kingdom of Lanna. Three hundred temples rise like a forest in the oldest part of the city. Among them, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Phra Tart Doi Suthep sit halfway up the mountainside in Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park. Both house ancient Buddhist relics and are revered as pilgrimage sites. They also offer great views of Chiang Mai below. Visitors also go to Chiang Mai to sign up for hiking tours, shop for handicrafts such as silk tapestries and teak woodcarvings, and dine on distinctive cuisine such as khao soi, noodles and preserved vegetables in chicken or beef curry.”
