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Bangkok
The capital, although highly westernized in appearance, still
has a strong undercurrent of traditional ways. Bangkok, the
epitome of modern Thailand covers an area of 5,986 sq kms,
and surpasses New York in size. It is the hub of all the highways,
railways and aviation networks. Bangkok receives the bulk
of the tourism trade and accommodates it in a fine selection
of facilities. Varieties of restaurants, hotels, shopping
malls, local markets, and discos are available to suit every
pocket and taste.
Water tours on the Chao Phraya River are popular, with visits
to the floating market and the Royal Barges. Up-river is the
old capital of Ayuthaya and the old summer palace at Bang
Pa-In. The Central Plains, north of Bangkok, form the prosperous
heart of the country, a rich environment that has seen the
rise and fall of great cities and kingdoms. Phitsanulok makes
a convenient base for excursions into the area. From Phitsanulok
one can visit the ancient city kingdoms of Sukothai and Kamphaeng
Phet.
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Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai in the far north, is Thailand's second largest
city. It is a centre for excursions to the region's ancient
and beautiful temples, the teak forests and their working
elephants, caves and waterfalls, and journeys to visit the
northern tribes with their unique culture. The area surrounding
the city has many small villages where local handicrafts are
produced. In the Mae Sa Valley is an elephant training school
and nearby is an orchid farm. Longer trips can be made to
the Doi Inthanon National Park and to Chiang Rai, from which
the Mekong River and the Golden Triangle can be reached.
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 Pattaya
In the Eastern Gulf is Pattaya, southeast Asia's most renowned
beach resort, and the much quieter resort of Bang Saen. Two
hours south of Bangkok are Cha'am and Hua Hin. The latter
was a royal watering place and is currently enjoying a renaissance.
Pattaya is second only to the capital as the country's premier
tourist destination, boasting an equal variety of first-rate
hotels and activities. Lesser known, but also offering good
accommodation and unspoilt beaches are Bang Saray, Laem Mae
Phim, Wang Kaew and Ban Phe. This rich fruit-growing area
is also the centre of the gem-mining industry.
Muslim mosques are as common as Buddhist shrines. Its wealth
has been based on the rubber and tin industries, but now tourism
is fast gaining ground.
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 Phuket
The Island of Phuket (attached by a causeway to the mainland)
in the southwest corner of the country is one of several resorts
on the Indian Ocean. In the last couple of years many new
hotels have opened in Phuket, which now challenges Pattaya
as the number one beach resort in south-east Asia. Phang Nga
Bay, which is readily reached from Phuket, boasts one of the
world's stunning seascapes; once featured in a James Bond
Film.
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