With sixteen million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand is Asia’s primary

travel destination and offers a host of places to visit. Yet despite this vast influx of visitors,

Thailand’s cultural integrity remains largely undamaged – a country that adroitly avoided

colonization has been able to absorb Western influences while maintaining its own rich heritage.

Though the high-rises and neon lights occupy the foreground of the tourist picture, the typical

Thai community is still the farming village, and you need not venture far to encounter a more

traditional scene of fishing communities, rubber plantations and Buddhist temples. Around forty

percent of Thais earn their living from the land, based around the staple rice, which forms the

foundation of the country’s unique and famously sophisticated cuisine.

Tourism has been just one factor in the country’s development which, since the deep-seated

uncertainties surrounding the Vietnam War faded, has been free, for the most part, to proceed at

death-defying pace – for a time in the 1980s and early 1990s, Thailand boasted the fastest-

expanding economy in the world. Politics in Thailand, however, has not been able to keep pace.

Since World War II, coups d’état have been as common a method of changing government as

general elections; the malnourished democratic system – when the armed forces allow it to

operate – is characterized by corruption and cronyism.

Through all the changes of the last sixty years, the much-revered constitutional monarch, King

Bhumibol, who sits at the pinnacle of an elaborate hierarchical system of deference covering the

whole of Thai society, has lent a measure of stability. Furthermore, some 85 percent of the

population are still practicing Theravada Buddhists, a unifying faith that colors all aspects of

daily life – from the tiered temple rooftops that dominate every skyline, to the omnipresent

saffron-robed monks and the packed calendar of festivals.

One of Asia‟s most popular tourist destinations, Thailand‟s reputation for hedonism attracts

thousands of backpackers and its natural beauty also attracts an increasing amount of holiday-

makers. Thailand is a mystical country which leaves a lifelong impression on anyone who visits. It

offers a rich history, smiling locals, some interesting quirks and of course an unforgettable

experience. To help you see the best of the country, here is our choice for top ten places to visit in

Thailand…

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is a restless and chaotic metropolis and an essential part of a trip to Thailand. Although not

everyone‟s cup of tea, the culture-shock inducing capital has some incredible places of interest that

you would be foolish to miss. Highlights include the impossibly bejewelled Grand Palace, Wat Arun

(one of the oldest and best known landmarks in Bangkok) and Wat Po which is home to a giant

reclining Buddha. Fun-seekers head for the notorious backpacker‟s haven the Khao San road, the

bazaars and alleyways of Chinatown and the infamous Patpong Night Market (located in the city‟s

red light district).

2. The Floating Market

The Floating Market (made famous by the James Bond classic “The Man with the Golden Gun”) is

located on the Damnoen Saduak Canal in the region of Bangkok. Although now a major tourist

attraction, the market is a photogenic place where visitors can get an idea of what trading was like in

Thailand before the modernisation of the city. It‟s also a lot of fun. Buying something here means

hailing down a narrow long boat piled high with produce – quite an experience in itself! The region is

also filled with lush vineyards, orchards and thriving local businesses which are great to view by

canal boat on your journey there.

3. Chiang Mai

The spiritual city of Chiang Mai is a much quieter than Bangkok but still an essential visit if you want

to see the best of Thailand. Dotted with temples, craft shops, restaurants and more than a handful of

excellent Thai massage and cooking schools, the city has a somehow relaxed and tranquil

atmosphere. Many travellers often mention Chiang Mai as their favourite Thai city and once visited

it‟s easy to see why. It‟s located high in the north mountainous region of Thailand which makes it a

great base for mountain trekking (organised treks can be arranged very easily here with almost

every other shop offering them). Although the treks from Chiang Mai are interesting, they are often a

well-worn path and many in-the-know backpackers now head for nearby Pai instead. Pai is a chilled-

out small town located near the Myanmar border which has become popular with travellers, artists

and musicians. Head there for less touristy treks and more „rustic‟ visits to hill-tribes.

4. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

San Kamphaeng is a district located 36km from the northern city Chiang Mai. The area is home to

the popular and reasonably priced hot springs which are set in a tranquil, 40 acre landscaped park.

They are famous for their restorative properties and people come from miles to cure aches and

pains and to take a break from the chaos of Bangkok. The deep-source springs reach over 100

degrees centigrade and are naturally high in sulfur. Visit to bath in the mineral-rich waters, camp in

the surrounding parkland or to boil some eggs in the hot steaming pools!

5. The East Coast Islands

Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are islands located on the east side of Thailand which are popular

with both vacationers and backpackers. Both islands are known for their palm tree lined white sand

beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid-back attitudes. Koh Samui is more developed and geared

towards holiday-makers and Koh Phangan with its cool cafes and world-famous full moon

parties has more of a bohemian feel. Nearby, the rugged island of Koh Tao and the idyllic Koh Nang

Yuan (pictured above) are only an inexpensive boat ride away. These two islands are much less

touristy due to their more isolated locations and are perfect for those looking for peace and world-

class diving.

6. Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son is the capital of Thailand‟s most northwestern province and its close proximity to the

Burmese border gives it a very different feel to the rest of the country. Very quiet and isolated, this

mountainous city is filled with Burmese style temples and shrouded in an atmospheric mist. Visitors

come here for the unique natural scenery, mountain trekking, craft markets and to see the local hill

tribe communities – one of which is the famous Karen long neck tribe. The Thanon Thongchai range

between Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand is popular for trekking and highlights include the beautiful

six tiered Pha Sua waterfall.

7. Ayutthaya

Only an hours train journey from Bangkok, the ancient city of Ayutthaya should be on every visitor‟s

itinerary. Once a sacred, important Siamese kingdom it existed from 1351 right up until 1767 when it

was raided and sacked by an invading army. Today the ancient city lies in crumbling ruins but the

remains of the extraordinary and once towering temples are classed as an UNESCO world heritage

site and are hauntingly beautiful. To make the most of this site, allow a full day to explore and of

course don‟t forget to pack your camera.

8. Railay and the Krabi Province

Railay and the surrounding coast of the Krabi province (located in the South of Thailand) is a tropical

paradise characterised by towering limestone cliffs, turquoise water and powder white sand. From

this area it‟s also easy to take a trip to nearby Phang Nga to see the famous „James Bond Rock„.

Railay is a beautiful secluded beach – accessible only by boat – which attracts a mixture of in-the-

know backpackers, well-heeled tourists and enthusiastic rock climbers. Surrounded by dense

vegetation and mountains, the area is also perfect for trekking. There are many beautiful beaches in

Thailand but Railay is unique because it‟s completely cut off from the daily grind – here visitors kick

back and mostly stay a lot longer than originally planned.

9. Koh Phi Phi

The tiny but idyllic west coast island of Koh Phi Phi is seen by many as the ultimate island paradise.

Even though the island has now fully recovered from the devastating 2009 tsunami, it has sadly

suffered from rapid tourist growth (especially since the release of “The Beach” starring Leo Dicaprio).

In spite of this, Koh Phi Phi still manages to retain a relaxed vibe which seems to keep both the

backpackers and the vacationers happy. Highlights include climbing a steep viewpoint to watch the

sunset and hiring a long tail boat to snorkel in the beautiful surrounding waters.

10. Hin Daeng

Adventurous travellers should head for Hin Daeng, located in the Andaman Sea. Literally meaning

the Red Rock, this is one of the top diving spots in Thailand – if not the world. Swim amongst

underwater pinnacles, swaying carpets of anemone and red soft coral. It‟s also teeming with marine-

life including huge shoals of fish, round batfish, manta ray, barracuda and if you‟re lucky the

odd whale shark or two.

It‟s almost impossible to squeeze the best of Thailand into a Top 10 list so we‟re also going to give a

special mention to the gorgeous beaches of Ko Kood, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Khao Yai

National Park, the remote city of Chiang Rai, the luxurious island resort of Phuket, the cultural city of

Nakhon Si Thammarat, Kanchanaburi (where the Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed) and the

blissful Koh Lanta.

Animal lovers should also include a visit to the beautiful Boon Lott‟s Elephant Sanctuary located in

North Thailand. Started by Katherine Connor, a former UK traveller (and now National Geographic‟s

traveller of the year) they provide sanctuary to formally abused elephants and welcome both guests

and volunteers. Visit to see some of the happiest elephants in Thailand, we promise you won‟t regret

it!

About Fortune Tours

Fortune Destination Management India Pvt Ltd. a.k.a Fortune Tours is a professionally run

Package Tour Operator functioning under the Indian Company’s Act. In a more greener words,

Fortune Tours are a Group of Recognized and Renowned Travel and Holiday Experts Who

Offers Way beyond than What One Can Envisage.

The expertise of Fortune Tours lies in conducting packaged tours to all popular Indian and

International destinations. Fortune Tours specialize in providing the entire gamut of travel-

related services under one roof. Under this umbrella, Fortune Tours offer right from

exploratory Group Expeditions to mesmerizing Honeymoon packages to ready-made tour

packages and even allow one to develop an amazing customized tour program.

Fortune Tours are a company led by professionals with years of experience in the trade under

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esteemed customers.

Everlasting Honeymoon packages, remarkable Holidays packages, poetic pilgrim packages,

aesthetic House boat cruise, hereditary Ayurvedic retreats and Rent-A-Car service throughout the

Kerala are some of focal features of Fortune Tours. For Fortune Tours travellers are not only

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Today clientele of Fortune Tours includes the idyllic family tour, the energetic adventure tours,

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