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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