Thailand
Thailand, unlike its neighbors, has been carefully leaded by its kings to avoid colonization by western powers, and did not sustain significant wars in modern times. As a result, it is one of the most developed of the Southeast Asia countries. There is a lot to see, as the country is vast and diverse, dotted with many characteristic golden temples and archeological sites, and the traditional way of life has not disappeared, even in the large cities.
My journey in Thailand was in January 2012 and was swept over the northern part (the regions of Chiang Ray and Chiang May) and Bangkok (including surroundings and Ayuthaya).
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a gigantic Asian metropolis, which has nevertheless kept under its modern appearance and noise a lot of the taste of traditional Thailand. The most pleasant way to move around Bangkok and beat its infamous traffic is to use the boats which ply the Chao Phraya River. This was an occasion to discover the city water life along its teak-houses lined canals which are heavens of peace in an often chaotic city.
Ayuthaya, 86km north of Bankgok, was the former royal capital from 1350 to 1767, at the apex of the kingdom of Siam, and one of the most magnificent cities in the world at that time.
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northern capital. It is the country’s second largest city – a pleasant and vibrant city, which has more than 300 temples in which some Burmese architectural influence can be seen. The hills around Chiang Mai are home to a number of hill tribe villages. Chiang Rai is the Thailand’s most rural and mountainous area. It is the gateway to the Golden Triangle.
Thailand
Thailand, unlike its neighbors, has been carefully leaded by its kings to avoid colonization by western powers, and did not sustain significant wars in modern times. As a result, it is one of the most developed of the Southeast Asia countries. There is a lot to see, as the country is vast and diverse, dotted with many characteristic golden temples and archeological sites, and the traditional way of life has not disappeared, even in the large cities.
My journey in Thailand was in January 2012 and was swept over the northern part (the regions of Chiang Ray and Chiang May) and Bangkok (including surroundings and Ayuthaya).
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a gigantic Asian metropolis, which has nevertheless kept under its modern appearance and noise a lot of the taste of traditional Thailand. The most pleasant way to move around Bangkok and beat its infamous traffic is to use the boats which ply the Chao Phraya River. This was an occasion to discover the city water life along its teak-houses lined canals which are heavens of peace in an often chaotic city.
Ayuthaya, 86km north of Bankgok, was the former royal capital from 1350 to 1767, at the apex of the kingdom of Siam, and one of the most magnificent cities in the world at that time.
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northern capital. It is the country’s second largest city – a pleasant and vibrant city, which has more than 300 temples in which some Burmese architectural influence can be seen. The hills around Chiang Mai are home to a number of hill tribe villages. Chiang Rai is the Thailand’s most rural and mountainous area. It is the gateway to the Golden Triangle.
