Friday, August 15, 2008

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Thailand


Thailand located in South East Asia is a hidden gem for those seeking a vacation destination. Bangkok for instance is popular amongst American's but there are other places and sights in Thailand to behold. Each region has something new and exciting to offer its visitors. We will be going through some of the different locations and aspects that make Thailand a great vacation get away.
Food Menu: The Asian cuisine is quite popular around the world so finding the types of foods you are already familiar with in Thailand won't be difficult. In fact, this gives visitors a chance to have complete authentic Asian dishes they way they were intended to be prepared. Get your chopsticks out and feast on various dishes often prepared with lots of herbs and spices.
If you would like to keep your preexisting taste buds while you are in Thailand, check with your hotel before you make reservations to see if they provide dishes from your native land. Many hotels cater to visitors coming from specific places and they do cook accordingly.
Cities: There are many cities in Thailand that can serve as vacation getaways. Below is a list of the cities in Thailand.
1. Ayutthaya
2. Bangkok
3. Chantaburi
4. Chiang Mai
5. Chiang Rai
6. Chonburi
7. Chumphon
8. Hat Yai
9. Hua Hin / Cha-am
10. Kamphaengphet
11. Kanchanaburi
12. Khao Lak (Phang Nga)
13. Khao Yai
14. Khon Kaen
15. Koh Chang / Trad
16. Koh Kood / Trad
17. Koh Lanta (Krabi)
18. Koh Mak / Trad
19. Koh Phangan (Suratthani)
20. Koh Phi Phi (Krabi)
21. Koh Samet / Rayong
22. Koh Tao (Suratthani)
23. Krabi
24. Lampang
25. Lamphun
26. Loei
27. Lopburi
28. Mae Hong Son
29. Nakhon Sawan
30. Nakhon Si Thammarat
31. Nakhonratchasima
32. Nakorn Pathom
33. Nan
34. Narathiwat
35. Nonthaburi
36. Pattaya
37. Petchaboon
38. Phitsanuloke
39. Phrae
40. Phuket
41. Prachinburi
42. Prachuab Khiri Khan
43. Ranong
44. Samui
45. Saraburi
46. Satun
47. Songkhla
48. Sukhothai
49. Suratthani
50. Surin
51. Tak
52. Trad
53. Trang
54. Ubonratchathani
55. Udonthani
56. Uthai Thani
57. Uttaradit
Buddhist Temples: There are several Buddhist temples one could stop out when in Thailand. In reality there are over 30,000 ranging in size and splendor. The Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit), in Bangkok was beautifully constructed using white marble by King Rama V. Another is the Wat Phra Buddhabat located in the Saraburi Province. This temple has a two-meter footprint enshrined in a mondop from the Buddha. This is a very popular location amongst tourist many of which come to Thailand just to visit and make pilgrimages to Wat Phra Buddhabat.
Language Barriers: The Chinese, Malay, Lao, and Mon-Khmer languages are all commonly spoken throughout Thailand. Bangkok Thai is the predominate language though so make sure you brush up before making your journey. Of course there are always places where English is spoken and is in wide use.
However you may have to go out of your way to find them. Making phone calls, going online and asking directions can be a headache when dealing with language issues. Check with your hotel for language friendly areas in Thailand were your particular language is openly spoken.
Weather Patterns: Be advised and pack accordingly. Thailand has a rainy season that begins in June and goes all the way into October that may include torrential rains. Mountain climbing in places such as Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand or the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon can be difficult if not dangerous to climb during the rainy season. Aside from the rain the rest of the year normally brings mild to hot weather from November to May.

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