Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Bangkok Getaways
You don't have to travel far from the capital to sample the best of Thailand. Within a
day's journey from Bangkok are beautiful beaches, ancient temple ruins, historical
towns and jungle excursions.
North of Bangkok is the ancient royal capital of Ayuthaya, home to temple ruins.
Northwest is Kanchanaburi, which played a minor role in WWII as the site of the
Death Railway. Just beyond the town are rugged mountains and outdoor adventures
galore.
Due east of Bangkok is a long and pretty coastline dotted by offshore islands, such
as pint-sized Ko Samet and jungle-clad Ko Chang.
In the northeast, Isan (
ee·săhn
) offers a glimpse of old-fashioned Thailand: rice
fields and water buffaloes. Thailand's first national park, Khao Yai is an easy and re-
warding jungle escape for elephant- and monkey-spotting. And scattered throughout
the northeast's rice fields are Khmer temple ruins built by Southeast Asia's ancient
superpower.
