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.
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.
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.
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.
