Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ITINERARIES
One Week
Bangkok is the most likely place to land after a long-haul international flight and is the easiest place to
arrange onward travel. Give yourself a couple of days to adjust by exploring the sights in the old royal
district of
Ko Ratanakosin
and loading up on souvenirs at the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Experien-
ce the urban side of northern Thailand in
Chiang Mai
or
Chiang Rai
. Alternatively, escape cities al-
together with a side trip to the beaches of
Ko Chang
or the 'Golden Triangle' village of
Mae Salong
;
the former has the advantage of being a skip away from the Cambodian border at
Hat Lek
, while the
latter puts you in prime position to cross to Laos at
Chiang Khong
.
Two Weeks
With more time, extend your visit to Thailand's north via a culture- or nature-based excursion such as
a trek to the hill-tribe villages that surround
Pai
or a visit to remote
Doi Phu Kha National Park
in
Nan. Alternatively, consider a spin through
northeast Thailand
, the country's most traditional rice-
growing region. Visit the Khmer ruins at
Phanom Rung
and
Phimai
. Savour the riverine landscape
around the parks that make up the
Emerald Triangle
and follow the Mekong River in reverse to laid-
back
Nong Khai
before crossing to Laos or Cambodia.
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Connections
Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia's most important air hubs, and has frequent air links to
multiple destinations in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Several of Thailand's larger pro-
vincial capitals also offer air links to neighbouring countries.
Bus, minivan and train links from Bangkok and eastern, northern and northeastern
Thailand lead to numerous land (or sometimes river) border crossings with Cambodia and
Laos. Several larger Thai cities (including Bangkok and Chiang Mai) also offer bus links
direct to various cities in Cambodia and Laos.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Internet Resources
ยป
Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT;
www.tourismthailand.org
) National tourism de-
partment.
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