Thailand - Ultimate tourist destination for fun lovers
Thailand the wonderful tourist destination
Thailand is known as one of the most beautiful countries in the world especially in Asia surrounded by Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia and Laos. Thailand is full of temples known as Wat, floating markets, forests, rocks and beautiful beaches. Thailand is also famous for its rich culture and history among the tourists, coming from allover the world. Thailand has some wonderful destinations popular among honeymooners as well. Hundreds of Floating markets are among the most wonderful tourist’s attraction points in Bangkok and worth visiting. Even the various ways of transportation tourists choose to reach there are unique in themselves. Here are some of them for your consideration-
Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market
I would suggest visitors to go see a floating market while in Bangkok for a wonderful lifetime experience. The best choice to enjoy Thailand's floating 
market is Bang Khu Wiang where Buddha monks reach by boat early in the morning for alms rounds. The farmers bring different varieties of farm - fresh products and other eatables that sell like hotcakes.
There are different ways to reach there like you can hire a boat from Bangkok’ pier and reach to Noi-Khlong where Bang Khu Wiang Floating Markets is situated or you have another cheaper option that is to ride a boat from Wat Chalo Pier. That takes about an hour to reach you to Bang Kruai and from there you can catch another boat running every 15 minutes right from morning to late evenings. It takes hardly 10-minute ride by boat to reach to the market. You can go by road or a local way of traveling called tuk-tuk are also available to reach to the market, however boat riding solves two purposes, one joy of boating which is a unique experience for us and a wonderful sightseeing as well. Floating markets in Bangkok is an experience to remember for whole of the life for tourists from countries like India.
People go to market by cars to spare time that it takes to reach there if traveling by boats which is time consuming although a joy of different kind. The cars go through Samut Sakhon area a flat semi-wilderness shaped by coconut palm groves, fruit gardens and salt producing areas. If you have a guided tour you shall have the benefits of knowing different secrets hidden in the area those you would never come across if you were traveling on your own especially about floating market and local areas.
As an Indian you would not be surprised to know about the fact that the markets in Bangkok take place on the railway tracks in Mae Khlong as and when trains come people move there stuff on sale to sides and set up their shops back as the train passes by. It is a common scene in Indian rural areas especially in Bengal, Bihar and eastern UP areas. But scenes like these make a tour wonderful for people who have never come across any thing like these before.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
There is another market that became famous due to the James Bond movie the Man with the Golden Gun shooting chase scene almost 30 years before in 'Damnoen Saduak Floating Market', where every tourist who has slightest of interest in James Bond or his movies wants to see the location and the market itself for its wonderful location. Tourists prefer to visit this market riding by boats floating in canals passing through temples, houses and children who smile and wave on the way are added attraction. It is another must visit for a wonderful and unique experience for travelers to Bangkok.
Bridge over River Kwai
Tourist find another attraction in bridge over River Kwai where a railway track was constructed to Japan mostly by prisons of war and forced laborers from different Asian countries. This train track was mostly used for food supply from Japan to erstwhile Burma now Myanmar but that is an old story related to Japanese who wanted to make an impact on their way to becoming a superpower of the world and most powerful country in Asia. As the historians believe that almost one lac people died making this track due to hunger, overwork and atrocities by masters of the time. But that was part of the game, a story forgotten by most of us.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya the full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or pronounced Ayudhya the city is also known as Venice of East but I am trying to describe the famous temple located in the area which is one of the biggest tourist attraction especially for people interested in Buddhism. The temple is located a little over 80 km fro north of Bangkok where tourists can go in the morning for a one-day trip. The Ayutthaya has the remains of many temples and many temples are still intact. Tourists can go visit Wat Phra Sanphet, Wat Chai Mongkol, Wat Mongkhon and Wat Panangcheranga, incidentally Wat stands for Buddhist monastery temple in Thai. The city of Ayutthaya is famous for these monasteries and historical places a mixture of Chinese, Siamese as Thailand was known previously architectural beauty including the ancient place of King Ram the forth. A visit to Ayutthaya the former capital of Siam now known as Thailand lets a visitor know all about its ancient history and if one happens to visit by Chao Praya River from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, he can see another Wat Arun on his way.
I wanted to write in detail about Pattaya, Chiyan Mai and Phuket in this article but that would make it too lengthy for readers so I shall be keeping another chapter for these destinations in near future but would like to add a few lines about Pattaya before closing it. Bangkok and Pattaya are full of hotels to suit your budget therefore there is no problem in this department for tourists visiting anywhere in Thailand. However I shall definitely add a few lines about every place worth visiting.
Pattaya
Pattaya is famous for its culture and divided into different parts known as North, central, South and beach areas all very popular and with illuminated streets at nighttime as the place better known for its nightlife. The Walking Walking Street which is the most famous entertainment area having beer bars, go-go bars, discos, sports bars, cabaret shows, massage parlors, and a wide range of unique local restaurants and seafood eating joints scattered allover the places and the main streets in the side leading towards Pratamnak Road. It starts from the south end of Beach Road to Bali Hai Pier. They do not allow traffic on this street in the evening to keep it free for tourists up to two in the morning.
Thai land is very famous for its beaches and activities related to swimming, scuba diving jet ski, paragliding and banana boats etc are very popular among the tourists visiting here in Pattaya.
A popular beach Bangsaen
Bang Saen about 100km away from Bangkok is always full of local and visiting tourists from different countries. The beach, which is about 3 km long and very popular tourist, center although more locals are seen on this beach these days due to some domestic activities, however the beach is as per international standards.
Krabi
Krabi is a tourist town situated in Southern Thailand is also famous for its vast spread jungles hillocks beaches with facilities for scuba diving, ferry rides, rock climbing etc. Maya bay in Phi Phi the star attraction is perhaps right out of fairyland for tourists visiting this wonderful wonderland of an Island.
Adventure is so special here
Krabi one of the most visited place in Thailand, is major tourist center for visitors who go to Phuket for ultimate joy of tour although a bit too expensive and looks like a European destination in place of a traditional Asian or Far eastern destinations. Krabi town which is used as base town to go for sight seeing is basically located on the bank of river surrounded by thick mangrove trees. People visiting this area of Thailand go to different places with temples, national parks and springs in the area making it as base camp.
Tree top adventure- Have you ever heard of tree top bicycling! No, then ask your partner to be ready for feeling like Tarzan and Jane cycling right on top provided she is not an afraid type. There is no such facility anywhere else in Asia. You have long zip lines, rope bridges, Tarzan swing, flying skateboard and so much more
Phra Nang
Phra Nang is one of the best 10 beaches in the world according to a survey conducted recently by is just minutes away from Ao Nang by a boat. The beach considers a swimmers paradise with white sugar like sand and to spend time hours watching the beauty and tourist activities. The place has wonderful eating facilities for food loving people and even if you are interested in climbing the rocks, you have plenty of opportunities to do so on the cliffs present on backside of the beach. As matter of fact, the beach is a thick strip of lovely white sand which has steeply climbing hillocks on both sides. People enjoy climbing on these hills, while not swimming and they are tired of climbing they come to have some rest, eat a few delicious items available on the beach and go for a swim.
And to top it all there is no hazards common for beaches like these as you shall find the beach free from all kind of pollution, loud noise, too many hawkers crowing the place. All you find is a peaceful atmosphere and a few masseuses walking silently waiting for your call. A lovely place for honeymooning couples to spend some quality time in perfect peaceful environment.
Hong
Hong island is part of Mu Ko Hong group of lime stone islands where you can reach within an hour by boat. The Hong island has a beautiful beach, coral reef and beautiful fishes. The place is famous for scuba diving and snorkeling. Tourists visiting beaches are cautioned to beware of strong current but the island as a whole is wonderful with lot of places to see. A word of caution for vegetarians- if you are not comfortable with seafood you should take it along with you from Ao Nang.
Railay Beach
Railay beach is a small island in between Krabi and Ao Nang surrounded by water from three sides and fourth with straight hills of limestone where you can reach by only a boat. The place is popular among the rock climbers from allover the world who flock the area throughout the year. Tourists who love peaceful lovely beaches visit the area for a wonderful experience of its beach resorts.
Tiger Cave Temple
Actually the name Tiger cave temple which originates from the fact that tigers simply roamed around here freely in old times, is about three kilometers away from Krabi famous for paw marks on rocks. Place also famous as Wat Tham Sua has many big caves, bigger trees especially banyan trees, hills nearby and all around Kirivong valley. The Golden Buddha and Tiger cave temples are visible from the town of Krabi itself which are located at nearby hilltop very steeply located and one can reach there climbing almost 1270 steps, the walk is too tough to climb even for most strong persons but when they see the foot marks of Buddha, they forget all their tiredness.
Tup Island
Just imagine the scene when the low tide takes all water away from all three mini islands Tup, chicken and Koh Mor where you can walk as if you were walking on surface, that’s how you feel on these islands located very close to Krabi where visitors go for the sake of fun. This is perhaps one of the most visited destinations around Krabi where they go to for a day tour.
Emerald Pool
Emerald Pool is a small Pool of hot streams in Khao Pra-Bang Khram wild life national park. There is a pool with blue water and another pool with water shining like glass. You can have a bath in warm water of Emerlad Pool that feels good and soothing. One should be careful while taking bath in pool as the base and walls of the pool are too slippery as indicated also through a signboard fixed on a tree. This is in your interest to reach their in early hours as the place becomes too crowded later in the day. There are some other activities once you are free from your bath like you can go bird watching and see many birds like Black hornbill, multicolored kingfisher Gurney's pitta etc.
Thai massage
You are probably aware about our own Indian massages if you have ever visited to Kerala famous for Ayurvadic massages using different oils popular allover the world but Thai massage is no lesser popular. Although they do not use oil like our masseuse do in our country but the unique style of Thai massage is world famous and certainly a must experience at least one time for every one whoever visits Thailand. There are big massage parlors allover Thailand with experts offering their services also wayside Masseuses offer their services on the beaches for lower fees with as much expertise and that is a common scene on Thai beaches where people take full advantage of these professionals as well watch beaches. My suggestion- If you ever visit Thailand for fun tour or even for a business-tour, consider Thai Massage a must exercise for the sake of an experience that you would never forget.
Chiyang Mai
Chiyang Mai is famous for its historic sites, footpath venders for wonderful food and camps for elephants which are one of the star attractions of the country. People here, love to eat and visitors can learn a few quick recipes of Thai specialties
How to reach Krabi
Although there is an international airport in Krabi but there is no direct flight from India. A visitor willing to take a tour of Krabi shall have to take a flight for Bangkok, the capital of Thailand available from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The flight takes about 4 hours from Delhi and Mumbai and only two and a half from Kolkata for Bangkok. A traveler can cover the distance of 750km from Bangkok to Krabi by air, road, train or ship as per time and budget. But one thing is for sure that the rout from Bangkok to Krabi is beautiful and breathtaking by road, train or sea.
Where to stay in Krabi
There are all kind of facilities in Krabi city, Raley, Ao Nang and other places right from star hotels to budget hotels. There are many tour operators offering packages to spend 3 days to 15 days trips according to your budget and time available. You can have a tour starting at Rs.40000 to50, 000 for three nights four days all-inclusive.
Phuket
Phuket is one of the most beautiful area in Thailand very famous for tourist activities situated at southern side of Thailand and not far of from Krabi where most newly wed couples go for honeymoon. Phuket is perhaps more beautiful but for adventure loving tourists therefore if you prefer to have some activities apart from sitting on the beaches and enjoying nature, Phuket is just the right pace for you. Phuket is an Island with lots of activities. As you must be aware that
Thailand was formerly known as, Siam so the Safari related to elephants tour, and training to Conservation Park is still has the same named service to take you to joy ride and other related activities. Elephants are main attraction of Thailand, which probably has the biggest elephants in the world including the white elephant. Tourists visiting Phuket enjoy elephant ride, company of baby elephants and a trip along the beach to the nearby hills and Chalong bay nearby.
The safari has some other features to offer like they take you to places where trained monkeys pick coconuts from the high trees for further processing, rubber plantation to show you rubber tapping, rice farms, villages to cook and enjoy local Thai food, you have a very good chance to learn a local Thai curry here. They provide you camping in jungle or a boat ride in Chalong Bay. These trips are in two parts, morning and afternoon with different activities. Afternoon tours provide you a chance to sunset boat ride with drinks and dinner while cruising.
Koh Hay
Another beautiful Island near Phuket a few minutes boat ride is Coral Island people in Thailand call it Koh Hay known for water sports like snorkeling, paragliding, Banana boat, Scuba for trained divers or diving under trained guides, Snuba (sea bed walking) reminds me of a trip to Laksha Deep with lots of colored fish and coral reefs. Khao Phra Thaew National park is just the right place if you love wild life and trekking. The place is full of rare and protected species of animals. Tourists visiting Khao Phra Thaew National park take full advantage of hiking and trekking facilities available here. Private companies provide all equipments with guided tour, which include meals and drinks to the tourists.
Khao Sok
You think you want more adventures! Go to Khao Sok. Khao, which means mountain therefore Khao Sok National park situated on hillside that covers an area of almost 4,500sq km although the main park is within the area of 600 odd sq km of area only. The hills formation of lime stone are not very high though, rises at the most to 3200ft but the forests, tropical in nature are a real treat to watch and spend some quality time for nature lovers.
Phi Phi
As they say if you happened to be in Thailand and did not go to Phi Phi then you did not see the real Thailand. The visitors to Thailand must go to Phi Phi the best place with protected Maritime parks with spectacular view on offer. Phi Phi is a group of two big Islands Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Ley and many smaller ones like Koh Mai Phai also know as Bamboo Island, Koh Bida Nai and many more tiny ones. all these are in close vicinity of southeast of Phuket where travelers can reach easily through fast speed boats to have a closer look of the area mostly white sugar sandy beaches, crystal clear water and colored fish. Almost all beaches provide the best tourist facilities available anywhere in the world. The tourists can visit Viking Cave and Bay of Maya the featured destinations for visitors to Phi Phi.
Most tourists who visit Phi Phi consider the beaches as most beautiful and perfect for water sports start their journey from Phuket in the morning to come to these beaches by speedboat services provided by tour operators for trip to Phi phi Leh Island, Long Beach and Phi Phi Don Island. Later changing to smaller boats for water sports and fun at beaches.
Finally
Thailand is what you shall find a wonderful tourist destination, the nature has given so much to this small country that the place is considered as one of the best destinations for spending those lovely moments with your partner which you ever wanted to and perhaps. And this makes the place as most favored one for most couples allover the world for their honeymoon trips. Yes, Thailand is hottest of them all when it comes to choosing a spot for honeymoon. Indians find the place just right for the purpose as its situation makes it easily assessable and economical for its from our country as well the similarities of culture.
Tourists prefer to go to Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, Chiyang Mai in north and Krabi in south for its beautiful beaches and Islands. Krabi is not as populated or crowded is given more preference by honeymooning couples for its sereneness and beautiful surroundings.
All photos from wikipedia
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