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This is Thailand From the turquoise waters of its southern islands to verdant expanse of its northern highlands, the Land of Smiles abounds with beautifully preserved heritage, color, and charm—setting the scene for an unforgettable holiday destination. Welcome to Asia’s most captivating kingdom.
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Arun, or the “Temple of Dawn,” which bears Khmer and Chinese accents Farther north in the fertile central plains are the ancient capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, both of which offer a wealth of evocative ruins to explore. The northern province of Chiang Mai has treasures of its own, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, whose grounds are home to the International Buddhism Center (fivethousandyears.org). First established in 1383, the temple is perched on a panoramic hilltop outside Chiang Mai city, and offers such highlights as a serpent-flanked staircase of 300 steps, a copper chedi (stupa), and a five-tier gold umbrella, all of which are considered to be very auspicious.
SUN, SEA & SAND
HONORED HERITAGE Sightseeing is always a rewarding experience in Thailand, thanks to a network of masterfully preserved temples, palaces, and traditional homes. Prime examples of the kingdom’s illustrious architectural heritage stand proud even in bustling, modern Bangkok. When King Rama I moved his capital here in 1782, he began a new era in Thai architecture named the Ratanakosin style — with the construction of his Grand Palace complex and its Temple of the Emerald Buddha. A blend of Ayutthaya styles, Chinese-style murals, and subtle Western influences, the complex is considered the crowning glory of Thai architecture. Two more temples of note in Bangkok are Wat Po, home of the world’s largest reclining Buddha, which dates back to the 16th century, and Wat
GETTy images (top); courtesy of cape panwa. opening page: getty images
A monk at Bangkok’s Wat Arun (top); the beach at Cape Panwa, Phuket (right).
Perhaps one of the best-known images of Thailand is that of glistening clear waters lapping pristine stretches of sand. Fortunately, this is easy to find. The islands and beaches of the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi lure more travelers than any other part of the kingdom, and for good reason. Lapped by the deep waters of the Andaman Sea, this sun-drenched corner of southwest Thailand offers up its delights almost immodestly, from sumptuous resorts and powdery beaches to pitch-perfect seafood
and the haunting karst scenery of Phang Nga Bay. Phuket, with its busy international airport and gleaming stretches of sand, is the main draw, and comes with five championship-standard golf courses and a host of other attractions. Across the bay, you can hike virgin rain forests on Koh Lanta Yai or rock climb above Krabi’s
Railay Beach, though the real point of being here is to get on or under the water as fast as possible. Long before rubber plantations and tin mines brought a measure of wealth to these shores, fishing was the main source of income. And not surprising: the waters here come plentifully stocked with sailfish, swordfish, trevally, and tuna, making them a paradise for modern-day sports fishing. Snorkelers and divers will also be impressed — dramatic coral walls, underwater grottos, and well-charted wrecks await below this corner of the Andaman Sea, and you’ll find plenty of dive outfitters eager to show you the way. Paddling through the scenic limestone outcrops of Phang Nga Bay — most famously, Koh Ping Kan, which posed as the lair of James Bond nemesis Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun — makes for an unforgettable day trip, though admittedly its popularity means you’ll be sharing the experience with scores of others. Koh Racha Yai, a small island off Phuket’s southeastern tip, is another popular destination for nature
walks and mountain biking; guests of the picturesquely situated The Racha resort (theracha.com) will also be able to avail themselves of sea canoes, spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions. To the east is Koh Samui, surrounded by the warm blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Best explored by kayak, the island counts among its attractions Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, home to a rich variety of reef life. Despite its status as a prime beach destination, Samui still possesses a certain far-flung quality and is an intimate getaway that presents some fantastic adventure opportunities. Arguably, some of the finest beaches in the country can be found here, though mountains dominate the bulk of the island. The lower slopes comprise mainly coconut plantations, while the higher altitudes are draped in lush forest, studded with impressive granite boulders. Much of the interior remains untouched— and this is where the fun starts. It is best to navigate the dirt roads by four-wheel drive; more memorable still is exploring the highlands on elephant-back. For a different pace, the royal seaside retreat of Hua Hin, a two-hour drive from Bangkok, offers a quiet getaway where visitors can lazily stroll among traditional fishing villages and visit King Rama VI’s peaceful summer palace. The laid-back town emerged as Thailand’s first beach resort and as a testament to its regal lineage many beautiful royal residences dot the coastline. A must-see is the Marukhathaiyawan Palace, meaning “the palace of love and hope,” which is situated just outside of Hua Hin on the way to Cha-Am. Those wishing to make the most of the town’s expansive beach can delight in many water sport options, yet a quieter, more relaxing alternative is Hat Khao Tao beach, south of the main strand.
The infinity pool at The Racha resort on Koh Racha Yai (left); a spa treatment at Centara Villa Phuket (top).
Courtesy of the racha (left); courtesy of centara villa phuket
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warmest welcome
adventure awaits
Doi Angkhang, northern Thailand.
Thailand has only recently emerged as an adventure-travel destination, and this is likely the reason that its myriad natural attractions are such a well-kept secret. With a growing concern for the environment, travelers are opting for more “green” ways to explore a chosen destination. There has never been a better time to discover the wealth of ecotourism options that are on offer. Everything from soft-adventure trips such as yachting and trekking to hardier pursuits such as diving, camping, and sea-canoeing can be had. The tropical south, where craggy limestone karsts thrust up from the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, makes for excellent canoeing excursions and diving
with sea turtles around the Surin Islands or Similan Islands. In the north, the landscape changes as it gives way to pastoral views of rolling green hillsides, mist-enshrined temples, and picturesque rice terraces. Trekking around Thailand’s northern province of Mae Hong Son promises a unique treat: a rare look into the lives of the region’s hill tribes such as the Karen, Hmong, and Akha. If you go in October or November, you will be rewarded with the sight of a carpet of vibrant sunflowers blanketing the undulating hills and valleys. Wildlife lovers should head up to Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak. With three massive waterfalls, this lush habitat contains some of the world’s most exotic tropical species such as the Asiatic black bear, the Assamese macaque, the Indian civet, and more than 400 types of birds.
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With its SANUK (fun) lifestyle and fascinating Buddhist culture full of grace, warmth, and openness, it is no wonder that Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles” — visitors are always welcomed and treated with generous hospitality. In Buddhism, emphasis is placed on merit making, which gives rise to the importance of serving others and fostering good faith. But in the day-to-day world, the heart of Thai culture is food. Its cuisine has garnered worldwide acclaim for its variety, flavor, and emphasis on fresh ingredients. From humble country fare to grand royal feasts, visitors will delight in the abundance of choice and will definitely not go hungry. Apart from nibbling on tasty treats and to understand what can only be described as “Thainess,” why not immerse yourself in the culture by taking in some expertly run classes in everything from massage to cooking to Muay Thai? You can even take part in traditional events for which ceremonial dress can be worn.