Whilst in Thailand I visited: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothal, Phayuha Khirl, Ayuttaya and Kanchanaburi.
Thailand is the famous capital city which gets more visitors than any other city in Southern Asia. The reason is that every visitor finds something exciting to do! Bangkok is a city that never sleeps.
Getting around Bangkok is very easy, we travelled in pink taxis – (Yellow or Red), but we were told the best way to get around is on the Tuk-Tuk. For the adventurous you can hire motorcycle’s. There are no set rates so you can bargain with the locals throughout Thailand.
Bangkok is the best city in the region for shopping, and most visitors spend their holiday hunting for bargains in the malls and night markets. After a day spent shopping and sightseeing, you will have worked up an appetite for the divine Thai and Chinese dishes. If you like hot and spicy food then you will love the Thai Cuisine. There are many in-door and outdoor restaurants. Take care where you eat out, to ensure that they have running water. If Thai food is not for you, you can also enjoy a hamburger and chips or KFC from within the Malls. My tip is to only drink bottled water and to always ensure that you have a bottle with you.
The accommodation that I stayed in was very clean and tidy and all the hotels offered air-conditioning – even the train. The only accommodation that did not offer air conditioning was the Jungle Raft.
During the day in Bangkok you can go sightseeing to the many historic and beautiful Buddhist temples. I visited the Grand Palace and Temples of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Po. We then took a night train to the northern city of Chiang Mai. One of my highlight was climbing the 'Dragon Steps' to the hilltop monastery of Doi Suthep.
Aboard our Rice Barge: The breathtaking complex of ancient temples and palaces at Si Satchanalai and Sukhothai was along our route. At Sukhothai, we marvelled at the free-standing Buddha’s and imposing ruins of Wat Mahathat. From Phayuha Khiri we boarded our rice barge and spend the following day cruising along the Chao Phraya past a medley of isolated villages and jungle landscapes.
River Kwai & 'Death Railway': After exploring the 600-year-old ruins of Ayutthaya, we drove to Kanchanaburi and the 'Bridge over the River Kwai'. We then board the train to Nam Tok (along the infamous 'Railway of Death'), before taking a long tail boat up the Kwai Noi River and into the jungle. Here, we stayed in raft houses and had time to walk to a nearby Mon village, where we went ridding on elephants, and enjoyed some bamboo rafting.
My Special Highlights in and around Thailand include:
* Bangkok: The morning tour (by foot) which included the Grand Palace and Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Po).
* Chiang Mai: the half-day walking tour of Old Town and Doi Suthep Temple. After the tour we enjoyed Thai massages and in the evening we enjoyed a Thai cooking course.
* Sukhothai: We enjoyed a guided tour of this ancient Siamese Capital City on a bicycle!
* Rice Barge: We cruised down the Chao Phraya River. I will never forget this – it was such an eye opener.
* Ayutthaya: We explored the historic remains of this ancient city.
* Kanchanaburi: I visited the Hell Fire Pass and Bridge over the River Kwai – I also travelled on the ‘Death Railway’ to Nam Tok.
* Bamboo Rafting: This was a gentle rafting experience along the River Kwai.
As the sun sets in Bangkok so the exciting nightlife begins! Thailand holidays are suited for everyone from youth to seniors and singles or couples to families with children alike. The months: June - September is the rainy season (Monsoon Season). The dry seasons applies to the rest of the year which is very hot and humid.
Travelling to Thailand is very affordable!
Visitors are getting greater value for their money than ever before!
What an experience I would go back tomorrow if I could! The people are so kind and friendly.
I would recommend Thailand to everyone!