Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia to remain independent during the colonial period, and until 1939 it was officially known as "Siam" (now Muang Thai, "Land of the Free," or "Pratet Thai, "Free Kingdom").
Introduction to Thailand:
Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia to remain independent during the colonial period, and until 1939 it was officially known as "Siam" (now Muang Thai, "Land of the Free," or "Pratet Thai, "Free Kingdom").
Thailand has been strongly influenced by both China and India but is fundamentally a sub-Indian civilization, based on Buddhism and using a version of Devanagari (Sanskrit) alphabet, adapted from Cambodian. Siam was more closely in contact with China than with India, has long been the home of a large Chinese community, and in 1575 even requested a new royal seal from China. It is noteworthy that both Laos and Cambodia were vassals of the original Bangkok kingdom but were lost to the French colonial empire in Vietnam.
The flag of Siam was originally a white elephant on a red background. However, in 1916 King Vajravudh was touring a flooded region and saw the flag flying upside down as a distress signal. Since he didn't like the idea of the national flag being used in that way, he designed a new flag that was symmetrical and would not look different if turned form top to bottom. The new flag was adopted 28 September 1917. There are 3 colours, red represents the nation, white represents the Buddhism/Religion and Blue represents the King who is the center of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Siam was an ally of Japan in World War II, with the Japanese building a infamous railway overland into Burma, using mistreated Allied prisoner-of-war labor. No one, however, believed that "alliance" was at all voluntary on the part of the Thais, and the Kingdom, freed from japanese occupation, was unmolested by the Allies after the War.
Travel in Thailand:
Recreational and educational travel in Thailand
Pick the destination(s) and tell us about your interest to see and learn about Thailand. Then we will prepare the programs for you.
Trip Example
In-Country Orientation- (Days 1-8) After a brief layover in Bangkok, we will travel on to the province of Chiang Mai. In this once-moated city nestled in the green highlands of northern Thailand, learn your first Thai words, converse with Buddhist monks and sample sticky rice and the succulent tropical fruits. Climb the 300 steps to Wat Doi Suthep, a famous Buddhist temple perched at the top of a mountain, and wander the Night Bazaar, brimming with colorful flowers and textiles. Friendly guides lead you on a 1-3 days trek(options) through Chiang MaiÕs surrounding mountains. Travel by foot and elephant through dense teak forests and float down jungle-banked rivers on bamboo rafts. There are lots of interesting activities you can choose to do such as Thai cooking class, Thai massage course, city tours, Thai boxing show, Kantok dinner(traditional Northern Thai style), weekend market etc.
Travel Adventures - (Days 9-14) Overnight train journey through the rolling Thai countryside. Upon reaching Bangkok, the nationÕs capital, you settle in and spend a day exploring the sacred grounds of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, home to the spectacular reclining Buddha. Continue south to the Gulf of Thailand for final days of hiking, snorkeling and swimming along the white sand beaches, small fishing villages and tropical forests of the island in the east and the south of Thailand, before flying back to US.
Travel Period: 1-3 weeks in November(Loy Krathong Festival), January(New Year) and April (Songkran Festival)
Program Fee: $390 (14 days)
Travel expenses to and from Thailand are not included in the program fee. Round-trip ticket can be arranged upon request. The airfare from Los Angeles to Bangkok will be approximately $900-$1,500.
Destinations(options):
North of Thailand: Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai and Tak
Northeast and East: Kon Kaen, Loei and Trat
Central: Bangkok and Ayutthaya
Southern: Suratthani, Krabi and Phuket
Highlights:
Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park This majestic forest park covers a mountain that is situated a few miles from Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city. despite its proximity to an urban center. Doi Suthep is a wonderful place to encounter wildlife. The Park also houses a royal palace, two Hmong hill tribe villages, and a 600-year-old Buddhist monaster, Wat Prathat.
Doi Inthanon
This incredible park is centered around Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak, accessible either by automobile or by a challenging trek. The various altitude zones along the way hose many different species of flora and fauna. Doi Inthanon contains several hill tribe villages, most of them Hmong and Karen.
Wat Ram-Poeng
Experience the challenges and rewards of silent meditation taught by Buddhist monks. Focus on Theravada Buddhism.
Mae Hong Son
Rafting along the Mae pai is an exciting and delightful recreation. Mae pai itself is the longest river of Mae Hong Son. There are several sectors eminently suitable for rafting past rapids and natural scenery including beautiful waterfalls and paddle fields.
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
A panoramic view of Mae Hong Son can be darkness and mystery. There are two Burmese-style Chedis. The larger one was built in 1860 while the smaller one was erected in 1874.
Sukhothai
Founded in 1257, Sukhothai was the first capital of Thailand. the old city and its magnificent ruins are located about 12 kilometres from modern Sukhothai. Part of ancient Sukhothai's woder is its very brevity. It lasted only about 100 years, but during that time it produced a collection of temples and monuments rivaling that of any city in history. Wat Mahathat, an enormous complex of temples, statues, and gardens, is only one of the ruins in old Sukhothai.
Trat
The Ko Change Islands National Park covers the Chang island and other smaller isles within Trat territorial waters. All these sites are lovely and pleasant and some are coral habitats.
Ko Chang, the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also the second lrgest of the country after Phuket. Covering an area of 429 square kilometres, it features fine beaches, coral ranges and plentiful marine life. They also create several beautiful waterfalls. Fruit and orchards dot the island.
Bangkok
Grand Palace
The city landmark should be the first place of any visitor's itinerary. It is a huge compound on NaPhra Lan Road consisting of several buildings with highly decorated architectural designs. It is the same compound enshrines the Emerald Buddha image, most revered by the Thai people.
Wat Pho
This world famous temple is located on Thai Wang Road next to Grand Palace. It is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. The gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha with inlaid mother-of pearl soles is highly revered among.
Jim Thompson House
The remarkable Thai-style house of Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at the end of the Second World War and revived the Thai silk industry. On permanent display are Mr.Thompson's collection of Asian artifacts and many other fabulous antiques.
Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown is an old business centre covering a large area around Yaowarat and Charoen Krung Roads. There are many small streets and alleys full of shops and vendors selling all types of shops and vendors selling all types of goods. It has been the main centre for trading by Chinese since they were moved from their old site some 200 years ago.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Historical Study Center
This is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when it was the capital of Thailand. The centre also exhibits reconstructions of Ayutthaya from the past with modern illustrating techniques, and supports an information.
Wat Phra Mahathat
This temple is on the corner of Chi Kun Road and Naresuan Road. A tall pagoda was built by King Ramkesuan in 1384. A buried treasure chest containing valuables including a relic of Lord Buddha, several golden Buddha images and many other objects in gold, ruby and crystal was found during the excavation in 1956. You can rent a bicycle to ride around the ancient compound.
Suratthani
Ko Tao
This is a small island to the North of Ko Phangan, which can be reached either from Suratthani or Chumphon. There are several beautiful beaches and diving areas around the island. Simple bungalows are available. Like Ko Tarutao, Ko Tao was once a place where political prisoners were detained. Nearby Ko Nang Yuan is a coral island with a high viewpoint and long white sandy beaches.
Phuket
Leam Sing
One kilometer from Hat Surin, this scenic rocky cape is next to a small white sandy beach. Take a detour along the hillside shopping center. Splendid colonial-style residences built by late 19th-century tin and rubber barons and shophouses from the same period provide a distinctive character.
Hat Patong
Phuket's most developed beach is 15 kms. west of the town. Cabin and bungalow complexes, hotels, bars, nightclubs, discotheques, shops, and restaurants front the crescent bay. Windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, sunbathing, and swimming dominate the major activities.
Links:
http://www.tourismthailand.org
http://www.thailandguidebook.com