| The allure of a visit to Thailand is an intense one | | | | whale sharks. Other beach destinations include |
| due to its varied enticing elements. | | | | Phuket, Hat Khao Lak, Ko Mak, Ko Kut, Ko |
| Thailand is unique with its mix of friendly smiling | | | | Pha-Ngan and Hat Phra Nang. |
| people, ancient culture and religious artifacts, lush | | | | Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand and is |
| landscapes, great beaches and modern metropolis. | | | | about 85 km north of Bangkok. It is a world |
| It is difficult to cull the list of fascinating | | | | heritage site known for its historic Buddhist |
| destinations to see in Thailand to a mere handful | | | | temples, museums and parks. Important sites to |
| but here is an attempt to offer some | | | | see here include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ancient |
| requirements during your visit. | | | | Palace Chao Sam Phraya Museum and Phra Ram |
| Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the | | | | Park. Ban Chiang located in the northeaster part |
| world's great cities. Bangkok is a modern city with | | | | of Thailand and is another world heritage site and |
| world famous nightlife, world class restaurants and | | | | is considered to contain some of the world's |
| fabulous shopping. It also is the home to some of | | | | oldest Bronze Age artifacts. |
| the most important Buddhist temples and relics in | | | | One of the best times to visit Thailand is during |
| the world. These include Wat Phra Kaeo (Emerald | | | | its cool season which runs from November to the |
| Buddha Chapel), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), | | | | end of February. The weather is warm, with |
| Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat | | | | temperatures averaging about 30 degrees Celsius |
| Saket (Golden Mount), and Wat Benchannabophit | | | | 85 Fahrenheit but with low humidity and clear |
| (Marble Temple). | | | | skies. This is Thailand's peak tourist period. |
| Chiang Mai is north of Bangkok and is in a green | | | | Some important national holidays are Magha Puja |
| valley surrounded by mountains. It is well known | | | | which is celebrated at the full moon in February. |
| for its Arts & Culture Center, many museums, | | | | Monks and others bear flowers, incense and |
| beautiful Buddhist temples and two elephant | | | | candles and circle the countries temples after |
| sanctuaries. This is also a well known area to | | | | sunset. The Songkran Festival is April 12 - 14. This |
| study Thailand's delicious cuisine through numerous | | | | is the Thai traditional New Year's festival and a |
| cooking schools. | | | | great place to experience it is in Chiang Mai. |
| Ko Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in the | | | | Visaka Puja is the most holy day for Buddhists as |
| southern part of the country. It is a world famous | | | | it celebrates the birth of Buddha. It is celebrated in |
| scuba and snorkel destination where you can | | | | May at the full moon. |
| swim with turtles, stingray, barracuda and even | | | | |