The
palace complex, like the rest of Ratanakosin Island, is laid very similar to
the palaces of Ayutthaya, the glorious former capital of Siam which was raided
by the Burmese. The Outer Court, near the entrance, used to house government
departments in which the King was directly involved, such as civil
administration, the army and the treasury. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is
located in one corner of this outer court.
The Central Court is where the
residence of the King and halls used for conducting state business were
located. Only two of the throne halls are open to the public, but you'll be able
to marvel at the exquisite detail on the facades of these impressive structures.
FLOATING MARKET
Even though
transactions are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days,
the floating market;boats are still piled high with tropical fruit and
vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from
floating kitchens located right on the boat.
To enjoy the
atmosphere without haggling over prices, try relaxing on a guided boat tour of
Damnoen Saduak market. Floating markets are Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang
Market, Tha Kha, and Damnoen Saduak.
KHAO YAI
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khao Yai is Thailand’s third
largest and one of the most visited national parks. It spreads across four
provinces, namely Saraburi (west), Nakhon Nayok (east), Nakhon Ratchasima
(north) and Prachinburi (east). The highest peak, at Khao Rom, is 1,351 metres
above sea level.
Blessed with a lush, mountainous landscape, with fertile
valleys, pounding waterfalls and rich biodiversity, Khao Yai is a year-round
getaway destination just three hours’ drive from Bangkok. The west side boasts
a range of wild-west theme parks and vineyards of Thailand’s award-winning
labels, such as Pirom Khao Yai Reserve and Sawasdee Chenin Blanc. The south and
east are peppered with a wealth of natural wonders, from Prachinburi’s jungle-clad
waterfalls to Wang Nam Kheo’s ozone-rich valleys.
Chiang Mai
The spiritual
city of Chiang Mai is a much calmer city than Bangkok but still an essential
visit on the travellers trail if you want to see the best of Thailand. Dotted
with temples, craft shops, great restaurants and plenty of Thai massage and cooking
schools, the city has a somehow relaxed and comparatively tranquil atmosphere.
Many travellers often mention Chiang Mai as their favourite Thai city and once
visited it’s easy to see why the city is so popular. It’s location high in the
north mountainous region of Thailand also makes it a perfect base for the
popular mountain treks. Organised treks can be arranged very easily here with
almost every other shop offering them. The trails from Chiang Mai are although
interesting are often a well-worn path and many backpackers now head for the
nearby small town Pai. Pai is a gorgeously located traveller’s mecca popular
with artists and musicians. It also offers less touristy and more ‘rustic’
treks and visits to hill-tribes.
HIN DAENG
Divers should head for Hin Daeng located in the Andaman Sea.
Literally meaning the Red Rock, this area is often said to be one of the top
diving spots in Thailand – if not the world. Swim among underwater pinnacles,
swaying carpets of anemone and colourful coral. It’s also teeming with wildlife
including large shoals of fish, round batfish, manta ray, barracuda and the odd
whale shark or two.
HIN DAENG
Divers should head for Hin Daeng located in the Andaman Sea.
Literally meaning the Red Rock, this area is often said to be one of the top
diving spots in Thailand – if not the world. Swim among underwater pinnacles,
swaying carpets of anemone and colourful coral. It’s also teeming with wildlife
including large shoals of fish, round batfish, manta ray, barracuda and the odd
whale shark or two.
KOH PHI PHIhttp://infinitephotos.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/20120706-220558.jpg
http://www.globalgrasshopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Chiag-Mai.jpg
" NO ONE REALIZES HOW BEAUTIFUL IT IS TO TRAVEL UNTIL HE COMES HOME AND RESTS HIS HEAD ON HIS OLD, FAMILIAR PILLOW"
LIN YUTANG
