Mae Hong Son
Famously known as The City of Three Mists, Mae Hong Son is covered with a
mystical-like haze throughout much of the year. Not far from the Burmese border
and long isolated from the outside world, the picturesque town gets its name
from its unique elephant-friendly terrain.
This panoramic region is known as a "dream destination" by those seeking
natural wonders. Nestled in a deep valley and walled-in by high mountain
ranges, travelers often use Mae Hong Son as a base camp for nature treks,
elephant riding, and visits to hilltribe peoples-such as a the long-neck women
of the Paduang tribe, whose limbs are adorned with brass coils. Other ethnic
villages in the region include those of the Karen, Lisu, and Lahu peoples.
Popular times to visit are during the colorful Poi Sang Long festival, in
March, when local Shan boys, elaborately dressed, are carried around the
temples of Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang in a Buddhist ordination ceremony.
And in October, during the Jong Para festival, when villagers display their
talents at folk dancing and traditional drama.
Bangkok
Established as the Thai capital in 1782, during the current Chakri dynasty,
Bangkok is the national repository for Thailand's spiritual and cultural
treasures. Although "The City of Angels" is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan,
bustling, and developing cities, its singular landscape of glittering temples,
spectacular palaces, welcoming people, and changeless canal and river scenes
continues to endear the capital to travelers around the world.
Located on the Chao Praya River, not far from the Gulf of Thailand, Bangkok has
grown dramatically since the 1950s, when it was known as the "Venice of the
East." The present metropolis now covers an amazing 1,600 square kilometers.
Yet despite this growth, Bangkok has kept its rich traditional culture intact.
Visitors are presented with a virtual smorgasbord of exotic sights, sounds, and
smells. Buddha images, opulent silk textiles, fashionable shopping centers,
street vendors, weaving motorcycle taxi drivers, alms seeking monks, elephant
riding mahouts, and the ever smiling locals all come together for an abundant
and distinctly Thai experience. In the past, the biggest obstacle Bangkok
visitors faced was the city's infamous traffic congestion. But with the recent
opening of a modern subway line (along with the established BTS skytrain)
traveling around much of the city has become easier, cooler, and faster.
Ayutthaya
Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, the ancient city of Ayutthaya is one of
Thailand's premiere tourist attractions. Many centuries old ruins and artworks
can be found in the city, which served proudly as the Thai capital for 417
years, under the sovereignty of 33 Siamese Kings.
Only an hour's drive from the "The City of Angels," Ayutthaya makes for a
perfect day-trip escape from Bangkok's frenetic pace. One site of particular
interest is Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, a vast historical landmark in
the heart of Ayutthaya city and a UNESCO world heritage site since 1991. Other
fascinating sites include the temples of Wat Phra Meru, with its 1,300 year old
Buddha image and beautifully carved ceiling, and Wat Phra Si Samphet, a royal
favorite throughout history. As well as the ancient meditation temple Wat Yai
Chai, built in 1357.
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