Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007 - (Page 18)

BANGKOK ATTRACTIONS Visitors to Bangkok would be remiss if they didn’t make an excursion to Bangkok’s k Rattanakosin area (also called Rattanakosin Island, although it’s been incorporated into the ’ city) on the western side of the w city. The highlight is the Buddhist temple, Wat Phra W Kaeo is a treasure trove of Thai arts, and where the Emerald Buddha, the national Buddha image, is enshrined. The Grand Palace is surrounded by other places and temples, including Wat Arun, (Temple of Dawn), with its 269-foot-high pagoda; and Wat Pho (Temple of the R Reclining Buddha), the largest temple in all of Thailand. Several museums are also part of the Rattanakosin area, including the Royal Elephant R National Museum, the National Gallery, and Queen y E r Sirkit Arts Exhibition Center. r The compound is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For a change of pace, visit Jim Thompson’s Thai House, a prime example of traditional Thai domestic architecture. The house is now a museum displaying Thompson’s collection of Thai and Asian antiques. Jim Thompson is something of a legend. He came to Thailand with the U.S. forces at the end of World War II W W and succeeded in reviving the Thai silk industry before his mysterious disappearance in Malaysia. OUTSIDE BANGKOK: BEACHES AND MORE The Central Plain is rich in both historical sites and leisure destinations. Popular sights outside Bangkok include Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand and now home to the Ayutthaya Historical Park, one of the most popular of the world’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Kanchanaburi, where visitors can see the storied Bridge on the River Kwai; and Nakhon Pathom, with its remarkable floating markets. Pattaya is an international seaside playground 87 miles to the southeast of Bangkok. For more than three decades, Pattaya has been regarded as the penultimate beach resort in Southeast Asia. A major part of Pattaya’s appeal is the way it balances all of the (including night markets) offering real bargains; and sophisticated stores and malls displaying high end items from world-famous designers and manufacturers. Dedicated shoppers should find time to explore Siam Paragon, where they’ll browse stores selling Jimmy Choo, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Gucci V and other top designers. activities of a beach resort with the sophisticated diversions of a modern city. The y 1.8 mile expanse of Pattaya Beach is where the action is, offering a range of hotels, restaurants shops and nightclubs. There are also family attractions, such as the Elephant Village, Pattaya Amusement Park, Bottle Art Museum and Ripley’s Believe ’ It or Not Museum. Hua Hin in the province of Prachuapkirikhan is a seaside resort receiving a lot of attention in recent years. Located just an easy three-hour drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin is Thailand’s oldest beach resort, and has been a destination for royalty and members of highsociety since the early 1900s. Nowadays it’s become a haven for trendsetters, and is often referred to as being Thailand’s version of the Hamptons. Cha-am, just 15 miles from Hua Hin, is another seaside resort town. Both Hua Hin and Cha-am offer white sand, crystal-clear water and a tranquil atmosphere. In addition to watersports, visitors can ride horses, play tennis, and tee off on a number of golf courses. 18 | Thailand Travel Planner

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007

Contents Make the Most of Amazing Thailand, Land of Heritage and History Planning a Trip to Thailand: Essential Information Transportation: Convenient Options, from Tuk Tuks to Skytrains Thailand's Vibrant Culture: Experience the Art of Thai Living Sampling Thailand’s Top 20 Delights Hotel Choices: From Luxury to Budget-Friendly Map of Thailand Overview of Thailand’s Regions Central Thailand: The Delights of Bangkok and Beyond Northeastern Thailand: A Distinct Culture All Its Own Northern Thailand: Experience the Iconic Heritage Southern Thailand: Balmy and Beautiful Days International Festivities in Thailand: Let Yourself Be Enchanted Water Sports: The Fun, Sun, Surf and Serenity of Thai Beaches Ecotourism: Encounter the Sheer Beauty of Thai Nature The Beauty of Wellness and Wellbeing in Thailand Shopping: Excite Yourself with a Myriad of Thai Trends

Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007

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