Thailand's World

Thailand is a modern democratic Nation in Central South East Asia. '' Thai '' is the Tai word for '' free ''. The '' Thai '' identity was formed in the late 13 th C at Sukhothai and is not to be confused with '' Tai '' the name of the ethnic groups of people who migrated from Yunnan in the 12th & 13th Centuries. The character of the Thai Nation today and of its people can only be appreciated by exploring its 2000 years of recorded history and the cultures of the various peoples who live here. Thailand's natural landscape includes tropical wet evergreen forests in Southern Thailand to temperate deciduous forests in North Thailand and we explore these in the Thailand National Parks. Thailand art architecture and decorative objects need to be considered with regard to the influences of religion, mythological beliefs and regional artistic styles. Thailand is so large and diverse we detail all about Thailand in separate regions, North or Northern Thailand, South or Southern Thailand, Central Thailand and North East Thailand [ I 'san ].

North Thailand Travel & Places Of Interest

The Thailand Government defines North Thailand as consisting of both [ 1 ] the 84,000 square kilometres comprising 8 provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae and Mae Hong Son, which area originally comprised the Lan Na principalities detailed in the North Thailand History link [ the Upper North ], and [ 2 ] the 86,000 square kilometres of the Lower North, comprising the provinces of Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, which area originally comprised the Kingdoms of Sukhothai and later the northern parts of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Thon Buri and Bangkok Kingdoms.

The Differences Between The Upper North Thailand And The Lower North Thailand

One discernable difference between the Upper and Lower North Thailand is topography. Upper North Thailand is characterised by long valleys generally running north south. The climate has three seasons, hot [ April to May ] cool and rain [ July to September ]. Approximately 72% of the area is mountainous, 21% upland and 8% lowland. The lowland is cultivated by the Tai people to produce wet rice.

Lower North Thailand has 45% of its total land mass less than 150 metres above sea level and is thus similar to Thailand's Central region. However the two mountain extensions of the Upper North, [ 1 ] Thanon Thang Chai Range to the west and, [ 2 ] Petchabun Range to the east attract an extension of swidden hill tribe communities as in the Upper North, all part of the exodus from China of these ethnic minorities over the past hundreds of years. The geographic differences in topography need to be appreciated as the ethnic, sociological and cultural differences are essentially between lowlanders and highlanders [ Hill tribes ]. These classifications and detailed explanations are discussed in North Thailand People .

About Central Thailand

Central Thailand is situated on the central plains of the Chao Phraya River and the Meklong River valley. The first substantial civilisation here was that of the Mon people and during the 6th - 9th C its Buddhist Kingdom was referred to in chinese records and on silver coins as '' Dvaravati ''. Influences from India when merged with Mon characteristics formed the basis of religion, art, architecture and public administration.

About South Thailand

South Thailand comprises the Southern Peninsula with the Andaman Sea to the West and the Gulf of Siam to the East. It is a mountainous region and the Phuket Mountain Range is the most important on the West from Chumphon to Krabi and to the East is the Nakhon Si Thammarat Mountain Range from Surat Thani to Satun. Between these ranges are the plains and limestone hills and to the South the Sannkalakhiri Mountains which divide Malaysia and Thailand.

Thailand has in excess of 138 wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks. The major locations are listed in the opposite links and we detail 20 National Parks and eco tourism locations. Thailand is home to over 15,000 species of vascular plants and 16,000 species of animals

Thailand travel and tourism to Thailand places of interest is not a matter of a few choices as is the case with many Asia destinations. Thailand is large and diverse with a large selection of travel and holiday options. In 2005 over 14 million tourists visited Thailand and their range of interests varied.

James Andrew is of the writers at Thailand's World. To know more about Thailand, you can check out http://www.thailandsworld.com for more info.

By James L Andrew

Travel Overview of Northern Thailand - Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son

Northern Thailand is a mountainous part of the country which borders Myanmar and Laos, characterized by its rugged terrain and mix of peoples such as mainland Thais, Burmese, Shan and hilltribe groups (Karen,Hmong,Lahu,Lisu and Akha). These characteristics give Northern Thailand a culture and feel about it that is very different to the rest of Thailand.

The second biggest city in Thailand and the capital of the North, Chiang Mai attracts thousands of tourists every year. A city of old and new, where east meets west, it guarantees something for everybody. Some say Chiang Mai has everything Bangkok has to offer except on a much smaller and quieter scale. Most people allow a few days in Chiang Mai but one could easily spend a week soaking up the sights and sounds and falling for the allure of this city.

For those looking to explore more of Northern Thailand past the environs of Chiang Mai, there are two popular options. One is to head directly north to Chiang Rai or west to Mae Hong Son. Chiang Rai can be comfortably explored in 3 days covering destinations such as Fang, Thaton and Mae Salong. Most people set aside 3 days or less to discover Chiang Rai, although some make Chiang Rai a day trip- this is not recommended as most of the day is spent traveling as it is a good 4 hours drive from Chiang Mai.

With 3 days/2 nights a recommended route which covers both tourist and non tourist areas is; Chiang Mai - Chiang Dao - Doi Angkhang - Fang -Thaton - Mae Salong -Mae Sai- Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai. This route covers some beautiful natural scenery such as paddy fields, farmland growing a variety of crops, mountain backdrops and hilltribes. This route gets off the main tourist trail, the direct road from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai that many commercial tour operators take to visit tourist hot spots such as the Golden Triangle and Mae Sai border.

For those with 4 days or more on their hands Mae Hong Son province which lies west of Chiang Mai is highly recommended. Mae Hong Son has a more remote feel to it as more time is needed to navigate through this mountainous province it remains less chartered by tourists. Home to a mix of peoples such as the Burmese, Shan, hilltribes and Thais, another distinctive feature of Mae Hong Son is the Shan and Burmese influence not found anywhere else in Thailand. This can be seen through the architecture, where ornate Shan style temples are scattered throughout this province. This area is also famous for its mists, named the land of 3 mists due to the dewy mist in the winter, rainy mist in the wet season and mist from forest fires in the summer.

Mae Hong Son Province is best discovered by doing the Mae Hon Son Loop a famous 600km circuit which starts from Chiang Mai taking you through the towns of Pai, Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang before ending back up at Chiang Mai. The circuit can be done in a clockwise direction stopping off at Mae Sariang first or anti-clockwise via Pai.

For the ultimate Northern Thailand experience with 10 days or more on your hands you could cover both Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. Starting off with the Mae Hong Son Loop then crossing over from Pai to Chiang Dao and up North to the Chiang Rai region.

Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a responsible tourism outfit in North West Thailand http://www.thailandhilltribeholidays.com/

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Authentic Travel in Northern Thailand - 10 Tips How

Now that so many spots in Northern Thailand have become commercialised by tourism how does one get to see the real side to this country? Well there are still opportunities that exist for this kind of experience, a little bit of time and research can help you get off the tourist trail. Here are some tips:

1. As a rule of thumb, the further away you venture from developed areas the more likely you are to find natural and authentic areas that remain true to Thai culture and way of life

2. It does not take a lot to reach these places, just an hour outside of Chiang Mai you can be in the rural hinterlands. There are regular public buses to Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai, if public transportation is not for you then I would suggest hiring a car and guide

3. Surprisingly hiring a driver with a car is not much more expensive than driving yourself. In addition to this a guide can be hired for approximately 800baht a day

4. Although hiring a guide costs a little bit more, their contribution to an authentic experience can be invaluable

5. Without a guide your travel will probably be only observatory, missing out on a lot of valuable information and cultural insight. A guide not only acts as translator but a valuable and educational source of information. A good guide will be able to offer opinions and information outside of what you can read in a travel book

6. Thailand is renowned for its friendliness sand hospitality. A friendly encounter with a local can turn into an invite to his home and there you have it an authentic experience right before you

7. Venture down the little lanes that run off the main roads called 'sois' look carefully and you will find intimate aspects of local life

8. Homestays are also a great way to experience how locals live. Outfits now offer homestays with a Thai family or in a hill tribe village. This accommodation option is often cheaper than staying in standard hotels but offers a much richer experience

9. Take a visit to the local markets which are a great introduction to regional cuisine and produce. The Thais love their markets, at least a handful can be found in every town

10. A common cause of why people do not venture further afield is that they do not allow enough time, so factor in travel time to get off-the-beaten-path. Quantity of time will bring you a quality experience

Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a responsible tourism outfit in North West Thailand http://www.thailandhilltribeholidays.com/

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Why You Should Visit Northern Thailand

Most people associate Thailand with Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and the islands. However there is much more to the country than the beaches of the south, a whole other world in fact.

700km north of Bangkok lies the capital of the North - Chiang Mai, the launching pad for any travelers journeys around the North. So why should one make the journey up there?

Well for those seeking a more cultured, authentic and historic experience the North is the place to go. The North shows a different side to Thailand - less touristic and commercialised than the south means that it is often cheaper too. Another advantage is the cooler climate, during winter daytime temperatures are a more moderate 25-30 degrees, in the highlands temperatures can even dip to as low as 10 degrees something unexpected for the tropical temperatures most people associate with Thailand.

The hub of Chiang Mai is much more laid back than it's Bangkok counterpart, yet has the same endless possibilities for activities and sightseeing. It is a great destination for soft adventure activities such as; ziplining through the forest, cycling, white water rafting and elephant riding. Trekking is probably the most popular activity here due to the pristine nature and variety of hilltribe villages scattered throughout the area. Then there are countless other cultural, historic and natural wonders ranging from temples, caves, museums to waterfalls.

Outside of Chiang Mai one could spend weeks exploring the rural provinces of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai visiting remote areas and villages near the Thailand Burma border. This area is rich in traditional culture, hilltribes and breathtaking scenery.

The north of Thailand is characterised by it's sweeping mountain landscapes, forests, waterfalls and temples. The pace is much slower and outside of the towns there is an air of serenity and calmness. Another important facet are it's people - Northern Thais are renown for their gentle nature and kindness perhaps a result of their surroundings in fertile and abundant countryside.

Even beach lovers end up falling for the lure of the north and many make repeat visits. The north offers something for all ages and tastes, it is somewhere where you can surround yourself in the lush nature, kick back and relax or be as active as you want.

Created by Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a responsible tour operator that specialises in North of Thailand Tours

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Planning a Trip to Thailand - How to Divide Your Time Between the North, South, and Bangkok

As a manager of a tour operator in Thailand, many travellers ask me how they should divide their time between the north of Thailand, south and Bangkok

For beach lovers who want more of a lazy kind of resort holiday, who love the sea and water sports the south of Thailand and the islands are the place to go, and you may want to spend your entire vacation/holiday there. Or you may want to spend it in the North -a place for those seeking a more cultural and authentic Thailand, and who like the mountains and rugged countryside. The North is significantly less commercialized and touristic than Bangkok and the South and so is also suitable for those who like to get off-the-beaten-path. It;s also a great place for soft adventure activities such as trekking, elephant riding, whitewater rafting, cycling etc.

If you have less than 10 days concentrate on one region - the north, south or central Thailand which allows you to fully experience one area instead of losing time traveling between different places

With at least 10 days or more you could explore the north and south, (although in this short time it may still feel a bit of a whirlwind travel so consider 2 weeks or more if you can) dividing your time equally between the two or dedicating more time to whichever you have a preference for (beaches or mountains), then allocate a day or so in Bangkok either upon arrival or departure. This is where it pays to work backwards - research the destination first then figure out how much time you will need for that, then split your time accordingly.

Those with only a few days in Thailand its best to stick to Bangkok, taking day trips to Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi

The problem with travel information on the internet and travel guides is that whilst they are very good at telling you about places and attractions they don't tell you how long it takes to cover areas and distances, or in what order to do them in.

Sometimes there is so much information it can be overwhelming and difficult to put into an exact itinerary, if you find this the case feel free to contact me at Thailand Hilltribe Holidays.

Created by Melissa Ah-Sing the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a tour operator that specializes in North of Thailand Tours.

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Planning a Trip to Northern Thailand ?

The north of Thailand - the most mountainous part of the country which has borders with Myanmar and Laos, is known for its impressionable mountains, lofty landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, rugged terrain and colourful hilltribe villages, and rural communities that still remain traditional. The first thing you will notice is that this part of the country is less touristic than the islands of the south and Bangkok. The pace of life is much slower here - Northern Thais are very laid back and renown for their gentle nature and kindness perhaps because of their surroundings in lush and fertile countryside. This is a part of the country that still remains largely traditional and authentic.

The capital of the North - Chiang Mai, is the most popular and best base for travel around the North of Thailand. Thousands of tourists visit every year - A city of old and new, where east meets west, it guarantees something for everybody. Some say Chiang Mai has everything Bangkok has to offer except on a much smaller and quieter scale. Most people allow a few days in Chiang Mai but one could easily spend a week and not have covered all of Chiang Mai's Attractions

If you want to explore the rural beauty of Northern Thailand and get to the heart of it's culture and way of life, then consider a visit to Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son. A recommended 3 days is needed to fully appreciate Chiang Rai province, which is probably most famous for the Golden Triangle but there is so much more than this such as Thaton and the Chinese village of Mae Salong. Please see Chiang Rai Destinations for more info. A further 5 days is needed for Mae Hong Son province best discovered by doing the Mae Hon Son Loop a famous 600km circuit which starts from Chiang Mai and takes you through the province via Pai, Mae Hong Son capital and Mae Sariang before ending back up at Chiang Mai.

For the ultimate Northern Thailand experience with 10 days or more on your hands you could cover both Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. Starting off with the Mae Hong Son Loop then crossing over to Chiang Rai via Pai then Chiang Dao. If you don't have time for these excursions then you can still experience the countryside of the North at destinations such as Doi Inthanon and Samoeng which are only 1-2 hours drive from the city and can be done a day trip from Chiang Mai.

Even beach lovers end up falling for the lure of the north and many make repeat visits. The north offers something for all ages and tastes, it is somewhere where you can surround yourself in the lush nature, kick back and relax or be as active as you want.

When planning a holiday/vacation to the North, many people will research about travel destinations in Northern Thailand from travel guides and have unrealistic expectations of the number of places they can cover within a short space of time, as travel guides don't tell you how long it takes to get from place to place or much time you will need there.

There can be so much information it is overwhelming and difficult to put into an exact itinerary, if you need help planning your trip in the North I would be happy to help (no obligations), just send me an email at: mja1906@hotmail.com

Created by Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays an outfit that specializes in cultural tours of Northern Thailand

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Northern Thailand Travel Tips

How long do I need in the north?

Many people ask me how long they need in the North - my personal answer would be 'it could never be long enough!' My first visit to Thailand 4 years ago was to the North, and I have been living here for the past 2 years. For those restricted to a travel schedule though, at least 2 days is needed to cover the basic sightseeing of Chiang Mai (the capital of the North) although you could spend a week and not have covered all that the city and it's surrounds has to offer. If you want to explore the countryside beyond Chiang Mai a recommended 3 days is needed to fully appreciate Chiang Rai province, and a further 5 days for Mae Hong Son.

What is the best time of year to go?

Winter in Thailand is from November - February, which is also the tourism high season here. Travellers prefer to come during these months as the temperature is slightly cooler, it is also the best weather for trekking. Whilst many people avoid rainy season (May-Sep), there are advantages -this is when the fields and nature are at their most lush green. Most of the time the rain will come in short spurts, it does not rain heavily all day. Summer time (March-April) is the worst time to come, when temperatures soar to mid-late 30's. This is also when farmers burn the fields, so air quality is very bad and visibility of the mountain views masked by smoke. Note that prices for many things such as tours,accommodation,flights are much higher during high season, so it can be cheaper to travel in the low season.

Is it recommended for kids?

Northern Thailand is a fantastic destination for kids, in fact it offers something for all ages. Soft adventure and outdoor activities, nature and animals are sure to keep the kids entertained whilst opportunities for cultural exploration together as a family can an enriching experience for all.

Transport

Most major to mid size towns in the North are well connected by local bus routes, so its possible to get around by bus, however to explore outlying areas and small villages then you will need your own transport. In some of the more developed and touristic towns there will be motorbikes for hire, if you want to hire a car it is best to do so from Chiang Mai.

Destinations in mountainous or more remote areas, will not have any form of transport so it's advisable to have your own transport here too. Local buses come in 2 classes - air conditioned or fan. Air con buses are slightly more expensive but worth paying the extra baht for as they have more leg room and seating is more spacious. Overnight buses in Thailand are very comfortable, seats recline to about 150 degrees with enough leg room for the average height person. The only things to watch out for are the air-conditioning which they tend to put on high and karaoke songs which they like to keep you entertained with at high volume.

Travel Style

There are various ways you can travel around Northern Thailand - independent travel, group package tours, or something in between such as a private tour. Which one you opt for will depend on how you like to travel and your budget. Independent travel (the cheapest form) is obviously for those who don't like to be restricted and prefer to explore by themselves, commonly done by backpackers on a low budget. The downfalls can be that whilst you may cover many areas with an open schedule, your travel experience will be purely observatory, you won't know about the meaning and culture behind places without the knowledge of a local guide. Package tours are for those who feel less comfortable exploring a place on their own and like to have everything pre-planned, the disadvantage being that every aspect (hotels, transport, itinerary) is fixed including the amount of time you can spend at a sight, not good for those that don't like to be rushed. A private tour combines the best of both independent and package travel in that you can tailor the itinerary to what you want to see and do, without the restrictions of a fixed schedule, basically you are the boss.

Your trip to Northern Thailand could combine a mix of styles, for example for tourist areas such as Chiang Mai city which are easy to get around by with public transport where a lot of the attractions have explanations in English then a guide and private transport is not required. For sightseeing in outlying Chiang Mai (adventure activities, national parks, waterfalls and temples) you may want to consider hiring a taxi or song tiaw for a day. Then for excursions to the countryside beyond Chiang Mai, which are not so easily done on public transport you could hire a car, driver and guide for a tour.

Hotels

Northern Thailand offers an amazing array of hotels and guesthouses from budget backpacker to 5 star boutique hotels. If arriving during low season it is not necessary to book beforehand, although you may get better rates if you book online. Many hotels in Chiang Mai can be found on online hotel booking agents. In rural parts most hotels/guesthouses (unless they are high end well established ones) are not available on any of the online hotel booking agents, you might be lucky if they even had their own website, so a phone reservation is the best way. During high season and any national holidays booking beforehand is advised as places get full pretty quickly.

Created by Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays an outfit that runs responsible tours of Northern Thailand.

By Melissa Ah-Sing