Page 148 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

— Thailand —

Buddhamanthon, a Buddhist park, lies on the western edge Getting around
of Bangkok. Bangkok is possibly the world’s most congested city, and
its traffic jams and pollution are notorious. It is, however,
Featuring a 16.25-metre statue of Buddha, the park very easy to find transport of all kinds, including riverboats,
commemorates the 2500th anniversary of the religion. Further public buses, limousines and tour buses run by hotels, as well
west is the world’s tallest Buddhist monument at Nakhon as taxis, colourful tuk-tuks and samlors (bicycle rickshaws)
Pathom. Not far from there is the infamous Bridge over the that are found throughout the country. Songthaews, vans
River Kwai as is the newly popular “Tiger Temple” or Wat with two rows of seats in the back, are more common than
Pha Luang Ta Bua. South from Chiang Mai are the numerous city buses outside Bangkok and run popular routes for set
ruined temples of Thailand’s first capital, Sukothai, founded in fares. The Bangkok Metro (BMCL-Subway) operates every
the early 13th century. Further north from Chiang Mai is teak day from 6am until midnight every five minutes during peak
country where elephants used to work in the forests. Elephants hour and seven minutes in off-peak times. It is clean and
can still be seen displaying their forestry skills at several extremely efficient. The BTS Skytrain covers much of the
training camps.
central city and its many commercial, residential and tourist
Chiang Rai is a good centre for exploring the far north where areas. It gives the added bonus of seeing the city from a
visitors will find stunning jungle covered mountains, hilltribe bird’s eye perspective.
villages, and Doi Tung, a mountain where Her Royal Highness Food and entertainment
the Princess Mother has a hilltop palace.
Renown for its quality and diversity, Thai cuisine is as much
Where to stay a feast for the eyes as the stomach. And while eating for most
While Bangkok offers some of the most superb hotels Thai people is an informal, social activity, even the simplest of
in the world, Thailand and its capital have a wealth of dishes are served with a carved carrot flower or spring onion
accommodation options, from luxury and reasonable resort tassel, and sometimes fruit and vegetable sculptures. Meals
accommodation to simple comforts on islands or beaches. are rich and spicy, and seafood, including crab, fish, lobster
There are also bungalows, guesthouses and more basic native- and shrimp, feature heavily. Bangkok has restaurants of all
style hotels in regions such as Chiang Mai. nationalities and styles, from street stalls to elegant restaurants

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