Deciding where to go on your first holiday to Thailand is really just a matter of deciding what types of activities you enjoy on your holidays. Simply put, are you an adventure seeker, or do you prefer to sunbathe on the beach? Are you the type of person that enjoys visiting historical sites and museums, or would you rather golf? Fortunately, if you're headed to the Land of Smiles, as Thailand is sometimes called by those who know and love it, you'll have multiple, world-class options available to you - regardless of what you like to do.
Speaking from my personal experiences as a frequent visitor to Thailand, and past resident, I generally point first-time travelers toward one of three destinations in the country: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. There are certainly no surprises in this group, as each is well known to most visitors, yet their individual appeals are not as well known.
It would be ideal to visit all three of the aforementioned cities during your holiday to Thailand. Because that isn't always possible, however, it's helpful to have some idea of what their differences are when you're trying to narrow your selection. It is the objective of this article to help facilitate that process by making you aware of the unique character and flavor of each of these world-famous tourist meccas.
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.
Speaking from my personal experiences as a frequent visitor to Thailand, and past resident, I generally point first-time travelers toward one of three destinations in the country: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. There are certainly no surprises in this group, as each is well known to most visitors, yet their individual appeals are not as well known.
It would be ideal to visit all three of the aforementioned cities during your holiday to Thailand. Because that isn't always possible, however, it's helpful to have some idea of what their differences are when you're trying to narrow your selection. It is the objective of this article to help facilitate that process by making you aware of the unique character and flavor of each of these world-famous tourist meccas.
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.
While Chiang Mai undoubtedly offers cultural entertainment on par with anywhere in Asia, its true beauty comes in its wealth of natural attractions. Just outside the city, one can find some of the world's most-famous backpacking and hiking trails, wildlife preserves that allow you to get as close to the animals as you like, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and almost any other type of adrenaline-driven diversion you can think of.
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.
If the idea appeals to you of spending your afternoon relaxing on the beach of your dreams, scuba diving or snorkeling around untouched coral reefs, or just lounging around in paradise, Phuket is the place for you. The island also comes alive at night, however, as its numerous small towns each boast a variety of lively entertainment spots.
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 severa
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.
While Chiang Mai undoubtedly offers cultural entertainment on par with anywhere in Asia, its true beauty comes in its wealth of natural attractions. Just outside the city, one can find some of the world's most-famous backpacking and hiking trails, wildlife preserves that allow you to get as close to the animals as you like, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and almost any other type of adrenaline-driven diversion you can think of.
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.
If the idea appeals to you of spending your afternoon relaxing on the beach of your dreams, scuba diving or snorkeling around untouched coral reefs, or just lounging around in paradise, Phuket is the place for you. The island also comes alive at night, however, as its numerous small towns each boast a variety of lively entertainment spots.
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 severa
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.
While Chiang Mai undoubtedly offers cultural entertainment on par with anywhere in Asia, its true beauty comes in its wealth of natural attractions. Just outside the city, one can find some of the world's most-famous backpacking and hiking trails, wildlife preserves that allow you to get as close to the animals as you like, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and almost any other type of adrenaline-driven diversion you can think of.
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.
If the idea appeals to you of spending your afternoon relaxing on the beach of your dreams, scuba diving or snorkeling around untouched coral reefs, or just lounging around in paradise, Phuket is the place for you. The island also comes alive at night, however, as its numerous small towns each boast a variety of lively entertainment spots.
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
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are the three leading tourist destinations in Thailand for good reason. Each of them offers something unique, that can only be experienced in Thailand. While I sincerely hope that you're able to visit all three locations during your holiday to Thailand, it is also my wish that this article was helpful as you narrowed your choices down to the cities you are able to visit. Wherever your holidays to Thailand take you, they're sure to be unforgettable.
About the Author:
While Chiang Mai undoubtedly offers cultural entertainment on par with anywhere in Asia, its true beauty comes in its wealth of natural attractions. Just outside the city, one can find some of the world's most-famous backpacking and hiking trails, wildlife preserves that allow you to get as close to the animals as you like, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and almost any other type of adrenaline-driven diversion you can think of.
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.
If the idea appeals to you of spending your afternoon relaxing on the beach of your dreams, scuba diving or snorkeling around untouched coral reefs, or just lounging around in paradise, Phuket is the place for you. The island also comes alive at night, however, as its numerous small towns each boast a variety of lively entertainment spots.
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
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are the three leading tourist destinations in Thailand for good reason. Each of them offers something unique, that can only be experienced in Thailand. While I sincerely hope that you're able to visit all three locations during your holiday to Thailand, it is also my wish that this article was helpful as you narrowed your choices down to the cities you are able to visit. Wherever your holidays to Thailand take you, they're sure to be unforgettable.
About the Author:
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