Where Should You Go on Your First Holiday to Thailand?
If you're in the process of planning your first holiday to Thailand, you're likely wrestling with the decision over which cities to visit. This task needn't be a difficult one, as it is really just a matter of asking yourself what you like to do. Are you someone who enjoys a holiday filled with activities that make your heart race, or is your goal to find a nice place to unwind? Do you enjoy losing yourself in another culture, or simply losing yourself in seclusion and natural beauty? No matter which of these things you're looking for, Thailand offers the very best of each to its visitors.
An occasional resident, but long-time traveler to Thailand, I recommend that first-time visitors to the Land of Smiles visit at least one of three cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. While this recommendation probably comes as no surprise (these are the three primary tourist destinations in Thailand), I believe that it is worth reiterating what makes each place so very special.
In a perfect world, you'll have the time and means to visit all three of these wonderful destinations during your first holiday to Thailand. Because that may not be possible, however, this article may be able to point you toward the one or two cities that will best accomodate what you're looking for on your holiday. As the ad campaign states, Thailand is truly "amazing", and offers as much to the traveler as any country in the world. It is the goal of this article to make sure that you discover these treasures for yourself.
Bangkok
Thailand's capital and largest city, Bangkok is home to an estimated 11 million people and, by some estimates, nearly 25% of the country's total population. Because most foreign visitors arrive by air, and Thailand's largest international airport is just outside the city limits, it is highly likely that you'll wind up spending at least part of your holiday in the "City of Angels". This is your good fortune, since the Bangkok is one of the world's greatest tourist attractions.
The city is a fascinating study in contrasts, with 700-year-old Buddhist temples standing in close proximity to modern high rises. Bangkok's commercial districts are lined with enormous, ultra-modern shopping malls filled with high-end stores, yet its street corners are still congested with peddlers selling everything from fresh fruit and spicy Thai dishes, to souvenir tee shirts and fake jewelry. It is truly the one place in the country where you can see almost every side of Thailand.
Visitors of all tastes will easily find something that interests them in Bangkok. Whether it be shopping at the massive complex around Siam Square, taking a boat tour of the historic Old City along the Chao Praya, visiting the city's multitude of historic sites (including the Royal Palace), or partying the night away in one of Bangkok's many famous entertainment zones, you're sure to leave the capital impressed.
Chiang Mai
The second-largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai is also one of its most important from a cultural standpoint. Located high in the mountains of near Thailand's borders with Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the 13th Century's Lanna Kingdom, and still boasts numerous structures (including the old city walls and surrounding moat) from that era. Over 300 temples are located within the city as well, as are several of the nation's most-prominent universities, and one of Thailand's most-vibrant art communities.
Apart from its cultural attractions, Chiang Mai is also significant for its proximity to an abundance of wildlife and action sports venues. The surrounding jungles and highlands offer some of Asia's best backpacking and hiking trails, several gorgeous nature preserves, elephant farms that allow visitors to feed, pet and even ride Thailand's most-famous animals for the day, and enough rock climbing, rafting, and biking options to keep any adrenaline junkie happy for days on end.
Phuket
Located in Thailand's extreme south, Phuket is a tropical island of peerless, idyllic beauty. Its white sand beaches, sky-blue water, and lush vegetation epitomize what most travelers envision as paradise. There is a price for this perfection, however, as Phuket ranks among the most-expensive destinations in Thailand. Nonetheless, it's other-worldly beauty is enough to compensate for its slightly higher prices.
Your days in Phuket can include lounging on the beach, golfing on world-class courses, scuba diving, snorkeling, or exploring the island's interior by all-terrain vehicle. By night, the island matches any other resort in the world with a variety of entertainment options guaranteed to keep you awake until the sun comes up.
If you'd prefer to have this paradise all to yourself, then it's worth pointing out that Phuket is also the point of embarkation for trips over to the world-renowned Phi Phi Islands. Coast lines made famous by several Hollywood movies await you, in addition to all of the water sports and photography opportunities you can imagine.
Summary
The three cities discussed in this article represent what I call the "Big Three" destinations for foreign visitors to Thailand. You really can't go wrong with any of them and, as mentioned earlier, ideally you'll be able to visit all three during your holiday. If not, you're sure to be pleased if you stick to the one or two that best fit your tastes at this time. The others will certainly still be there waiting for your return on future holidays to Thailand.
An occasional resident, but long-time traveler to Thailand, I recommend that first-time visitors to the Land of Smiles visit at least one of three cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. While this recommendation probably comes as no surprise (these are the three primary tourist destinations in Thailand), I believe that it is worth reiterating what makes each place so very special.
In a perfect world, you'll have the time and means to visit all three of these wonderful destinations during your first holiday to Thailand. Because that may not be possible, however, this article may be able to point you toward the one or two cities that will best accomodate what you're looking for on your holiday. As the ad campaign states, Thailand is truly "amazing", and offers as much to the traveler as any country in the world. It is the goal of this article to make sure that you discover these treasures for yourself.
Bangkok
Thailand's capital and largest city, Bangkok is home to an estimated 11 million people and, by some estimates, nearly 25% of the country's total population. Because most foreign visitors arrive by air, and Thailand's largest international airport is just outside the city limits, it is highly likely that you'll wind up spending at least part of your holiday in the "City of Angels". This is your good fortune, since the Bangkok is one of the world's greatest tourist attractions.
The city is a fascinating study in contrasts, with 700-year-old Buddhist temples standing in close proximity to modern high rises. Bangkok's commercial districts are lined with enormous, ultra-modern shopping malls filled with high-end stores, yet its street corners are still congested with peddlers selling everything from fresh fruit and spicy Thai dishes, to souvenir tee shirts and fake jewelry. It is truly the one place in the country where you can see almost every side of Thailand.
Visitors of all tastes will easily find something that interests them in Bangkok. Whether it be shopping at the massive complex around Siam Square, taking a boat tour of the historic Old City along the Chao Praya, visiting the city's multitude of historic sites (including the Royal Palace), or partying the night away in one of Bangkok's many famous entertainment zones, you're sure to leave the capital impressed.
Chiang Mai
The second-largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai is also one of its most important from a cultural standpoint. Located high in the mountains of near Thailand's borders with Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the 13th Century's Lanna Kingdom, and still boasts numerous structures (including the old city walls and surrounding moat) from that era. Over 300 temples are located within the city as well, as are several of the nation's most-prominent universities, and one of Thailand's most-vibrant art communities.
Apart from its cultural attractions, Chiang Mai is also significant for its proximity to an abundance of wildlife and action sports venues. The surrounding jungles and highlands offer some of Asia's best backpacking and hiking trails, several gorgeous nature preserves, elephant farms that allow visitors to feed, pet and even ride Thailand's most-famous animals for the day, and enough rock climbing, rafting, and biking options to keep any adrenaline junkie happy for days on end.
Phuket
Located in Thailand's extreme south, Phuket is a tropical island of peerless, idyllic beauty. Its white sand beaches, sky-blue water, and lush vegetation epitomize what most travelers envision as paradise. There is a price for this perfection, however, as Phuket ranks among the most-expensive destinations in Thailand. Nonetheless, it's other-worldly beauty is enough to compensate for its slightly higher prices.
Your days in Phuket can include lounging on the beach, golfing on world-class courses, scuba diving, snorkeling, or exploring the island's interior by all-terrain vehicle. By night, the island matches any other resort in the world with a variety of entertainment options guaranteed to keep you awake until the sun comes up.
If you'd prefer to have this paradise all to yourself, then it's worth pointing out that Phuket is also the point of embarkation for trips over to the world-renowned Phi Phi Islands. Coast lines made famous by several Hollywood movies await you, in addition to all of the water sports and photography opportunities you can imagine.
Summary
The three cities discussed in this article represent what I call the "Big Three" destinations for foreign visitors to Thailand. You really can't go wrong with any of them and, as mentioned earlier, ideally you'll be able to visit all three during your holiday. If not, you're sure to be pleased if you stick to the one or two that best fit your tastes at this time. The others will certainly still be there waiting for your return on future holidays to Thailand.
About the Author:
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