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Thailand by Region – Four Ways to Enjoy the Kingdom
Thailand manages to fuse the deep culture of Southeast Asia with first-world comforts to create a compelling offering. Away from Bangkok — the thrilling capital — the country supplies the whole spectrum of travel experiences. The country’s north offers emerald forests and mist-shrouded mountains, and its south has some of the world's best beaches and diving. Historic highlights, meanwhile, distinguish Central Thailand and Isan, the country's less-frequented northeast.
THAILAND BY REGION: FOUR WAYS TO ENJOY THE KINGDOM
Thailand manages to fuse the deep culture of Southeast Asia with first-world comforts to create a compelling offering. Away from Bangkok — the thrilling capital — the country supplies the whole spectrum of travel experiences. The country’s north offers emerald forests and mist-shrouded mountains, and its south has some of the world's best beaches and diving. Historic highlights, meanwhile, distinguish Central Thailand and Isan, the country's less-frequented northeast.
Winter and the festive period is a wonderful time to visit Thailand with (relatively) cooler weather prevailing across the whole country.
THE CENTRAL INGREDIENT
Bangkok at dusk
In Thailand, all roads lead to Bangkok. The capital is the nation's political center, spiritual and cultural hub, and a magnet for migrants from all over the country. Food is a highlight for many, and options range from street food and shophouse gems to a continent-leading number of Michelin-starred venues. Other Bangkok specialties include its pulsing nightlife and shopping possibilities. Leafy neighborhoods such as Banglamphu and Ari shelter arty cafes and hip music venues while a boat on the Chao Phraya River is a fine vantage point from which to observe the city’s royal highlights. Bangkok's best hotels tend to congregate along the river including the Capella, The Siam, and the Four Seasons. Central Thailand is the country's cultural heartland. Fed by the Chao Phraya, the fertile plain north of Bangkok births much of the nation's rice crop. Towns such as Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, meanwhile, were formerly capitals of once-mighty Thai kingdoms. Steeped in colorful history, the majestic ruins at both towns reward exploration by bike and by foot.
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
Loy Krathong, Chiang Mai
Nestled in the foothills of northern Thailand, the city is replete with hundreds of sacred temples, many of which date back to its days as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lanna. These holy relics, as well as the city’s quaint moated old quarter and its location amidst prime visual splendor, make Chiang Mai a special place to be and it is a perfect base from which to strike out into the surrounding countryside. The city is a great place to witness Loy Krathong (or lantern festival), one of Asia’s most evocative celebrations, which takes place late in the year. During the festival, couples float small lotus-shaped boats, called krathongs in rivers and lakes, making wishes for love and good fortune in their relationship. For many visitors, the immense beauty of the north is its main draw. It has more natural forest cover than any other region in Thailand and is threaded with rivers and dotted by waterfalls. Trekking is a highlight of the region, as are encounters with minority groups like the Karen and Akha. Accommodation options in the north include Four Seasons Tented Camp and the Anantara Golden Triangle, both featuring popular ethical elephant experiences.
THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH
Tiny Koh Nang Yuan, off the coast of Koh Tao
Few things encapsulate Thailand’s abundance of natural riches better than the country’s lavish collection of islands. From unspoiled hideaways where guests can check out of modern life for a few days to unabashed playgrounds complete with top-end dining the Thai islands can be many things to many people. In the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a great all-round destination while sister island Koh Tao is famous for its diving. But better winter conditions favor the western side of Thailand where Phuket is the main draw, closely followed by Krabi, which possesses some of the best options for rock climbing in Southeast Asia. Elsewhere in the south, Khao Lak luxuriates in its 'national park meets the Andaman Sea' location.
ISAN SPICE
Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, a relic of the Khmer empire
Northeastern Thailand, otherwise known as Isan, is, to tourists at least, the country’s great unknown. The giant area is the least visited part of Thailand and banner attractions are fewer here than in other regions. Nevertheless, its fascinating cultural makeup—it has more in common with Laos than other parts of Thailand—fiery cuisine, superb national parks, and entrancing Mekong River scenery make it worth investigating. It is especially appealing during the winter months when cooler temperatures replace the searing heat. Isan is notable for its array of Khmer relics such as Phanom Rung. Regarded by many as the most spectacular Angkor monument in Thailand, the temple complex – erected as a Hindu monument to the god Shiva between the 10th and 13th centuries – is equal to its more famous equivalents in Cambodia. Bensley-designed Intercontinental Khao Yai Resort opened recently in Thailand's oldest national park—the eponymous Khao Yai—which straddles the border between Central Thailand and Isan.
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