Thailand |
Thailand Tours & Thailand Tour Packages |
This section covers many valuable resources on Thailand such as the travel guides or tips to travelers. Some of the topics contain links to the other related sites of similar subjects. In certain topic, we include lists of useful contacting address for your information.
INTRODUCTIONS
Thailand, being known as the land of smiles, the land of elephants and the land of Buddhism, is unique for its fascinating cultures, tradition, and philosophical attitude towards the world and life, making the country shrouded with mystery waiting for the wide-opened eyes and opened mind to explore its charming distinctiveness.
A number of magnificent temples in Bangkok, the stunning mountains in the north like Chiang Mai, the world famous beach resort with its vibrant nightlife in Pattaya, and the idyllic beaches and clear water in Phuket are just a few of Thailand's highlighted attraction. Thailand still implausibly has a large array of unseen pockets to discover. Meanwhile, Thailand is still graced with its charming tradition which remained strong among Thai people although affected by flows of modernization and westernization which make it one of the highly developed countries in the region. Buddhism has always played a significant role in the embodiment of Thai tradition, value, and attitude towards of people in society. This characteristic may be the real charm of Thailand which is represented as the simple lifestyle, peaceful mind, and optimism.
Now it comes to you to explore this land on your own route and with your own mind. It is up to you how you view Thailand. But one thing you can witness by yourselves: Thailand will be your travel paradise and will give you an exceptional experience for your lifetime.
THAILAND COUNTRY FACT FILE
Conventional Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Local Name: Thailand (formerly Siam)
Capital: Bangkok
Independence:1238 Year of Establishment (never being colonized)
Constitution: Constitutional Monarchy
Land Area: 513,115 Sq. Kilometers
Climate: Average: 29 degree Celsius but varies 9-38 degree Celsius
Seasons: Hot (March to May), Rainy (June to October) and cool (November to February)
Population: 61,878,746 (year 2000)
Language: Thai; English is widely understood in cities
Sex Ratio: 0.97 male/female
Birth Rate: 1.66%
Death Rate: 0.75%
Labor Force: 32.6 million
Literacy: 93.8% (Age 15 and over)
Religion: Buddhism 92.55%, Muslim 5.29%, Christianity 1.34%, Others 0.79% (2000)
Currency: Thai Baht
Exchange Rate: 44.5 Baht / US$ (approx. 2001)
GDP: US$ 413 Billion (est. 2000)
Time: GMT+7
Airport Tax: 500 Baht for International, 40 Baht for Domestic
Electricity: 220 Volts 50 cycles
Clothing: Thin Cotton is best. A jacket or sweater may be necessary in cool season, especially in the mountainous area in North and Northeast
Chiang Mai- Deep in the northern mountain ranges and jungles, a world away from Bangkok's famous grand temples and Phuket's celebrated beaches, sits the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city. Once describes as one of the loveliest cities imaginable, Chiang Mai still retains a certain flavor of the past with its moated old city, ancient wats and leafy back streets.
Wat Chiang Man
Chiang Mai's oldest temple is Wat Chiang Man which dates back to 1296 and its two Buddha images, one made of the stone and the other made from crystal.
Wat Phra Singh
Almost as old, Wat Phra Singh in the centre of town contains a 1,500-year-old Buddha image and another wat.
Chiang Mai National Museum
The Chiang Mai National Museum, just to the north of the city center, houses an extensive collection of Buddha images and northern Thai handicrafts. Another museum that is worth a visit especially for those preparing to go trekking is the Tribal Museum, which houses a good display of hill tribe textiles, jewellery, musical instruments, weapons and other artifacts. Chiang Mai makes an excellent base for explorations of north Thailand. Treks into the mountains are a popular way to get close to the beautiful scenery and to encounter the different peoples that inhabit the mountains. Bicycle tours are also a wonderful way to view the region, while four wheel-drive excursions can take you further and faster into the surrounding countryside. It is also possible to take a hot air balloon flight over the city.
Doi Inthanon
Slightly further a field, Doi Inthanon, set in a large national park offering some pleasant walks among the mountain scenery of forests and waterfalls and a popular site for birdwatchers. The sleepy town of Pai has become a tourist hotspot and Mae Hong Song is reachable by a short flight. Another popular excursion from Chiang Mai is a visit to one of the nearby elephant camps such as Chiang Dao Camp or Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, where attractions include elephant rides, elephant bathing and an exhibition on the importance of the elephant in Thai history and culture.
