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Amazing
Thailand - Brief Article
The beauty of nature and the treasures of an ancient culture
THROUGHOUT 700 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE, THE THAI kingdom has displayed
an amazing continuity, underpinned by the people's adherence to
Buddhism and the monarchy. Thailand contains a wealth architecture,
culture, cuisine, and traditions that are at once diverse and yet
distinctly Thai.Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand
has something for everyone. Geographically, Thailand is divided
into four regions, and the landscape varies in each. The Central
Plains, which include Bangkok, are flat and fertile. Forested mountains
mark the north, while the high plateau of the northeast is relatively
dry. The southern peninsula, flanked by the Gulf of Thailand to
the east and the Andaman Sea to the west, has beaches and wetlands
on either side of its lush central mountain range. |
| Daily direct flights from the United States fly
into Bangkok, known as the City of Angels. The nation's capital
since 1782, Bangkok is both a gateway and a principal destination
for most travelers. When you fly into this huge city of approximately
10 million people, you'll be struck by the towering high-rise buildings.
But once on the ground, the hidden treasures of this wondrous city
are revealed. Among the small alleyways that run off the major thoroughfares
and the maze of canals that criss-cross the city, Bangkok presents
you with a way of life like you've never experienced. Don't miss
the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok's
most impressive monument. And wake up at dawn one morning to get
a glimpse of saffron-robed monks as they make their early morning
alms rounds through the city.
Located on the lower edge of the northern region, some 427 kilometers
from Bangkok, is the site of Sukhothai. Founded in the early fifteenth
century, Sukhothai was Thailand's first capital. Numerous ruined
temples of what was once a large and glorious city are today conserved
in Sukhothai Historical Park, an UNESCO designated World Heritage
Site. Not far from Sukhothai are the remains of its satellite
towns, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet. Both have monuments
dating from the Sukhothai era, which help complete your understanding
of this vital age in Thai history. A good base for exploring Sukhothai
is the town of Phitsanulok, 55 kilometers to the east. It is served
by regular flights from both Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Farther north is a region of teak forests and jungle-covered
peaks. Chiang Mai is a top destination with its lush forested-mountain
landscape, fascinating high-altitude flora and fauna, and various
ethnic hill tribes. Chiang Mai is a perfect base from which to
explore the hill country of the north. Venture into the remote
villages of the hill people by elephant to witness this dramatically
beautiful region. Chiang Mai is also known for its handicrafts.
Silverware, woodcarving, celadon pottery, lacquerware and paper
umbrellas make this city a shopping experience not to be missed. |
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