A wonderful mix of ancient splendour and modern excitement,
Thailand is one of the world’s top stop-offs for
travellers. If you’re heading there, why not have a
look at our
top 5 things to do in Thailand
? We’ll help you experience the best the world has to
offer.
1. The floating market
The floating market used to be a staple of Bangkok life, but
had gradually disappeared from the city’s culture
before being resurrected in 1987, in honour of the
king’s 60
th
birthday. It’s only open at weekends, but the
beautiful setting and traditional music ensure it’s
worth making a date for.
2. Tea at the Oriental Hotel
A five-star hotel, and one of the most highly regarded in
all of Asia, the Oriental is perhaps the classiest
accommodation in Thailand. If the rooms are out of your
range, why not treat yourself to afternoon tea? You can soak
up the atmosphere which drew, among others, Joseph Conrad,
Somerset Maugham, Lauren Bacall, Mick Jagger and Princess
Diana.
3. Surin Elephant round-up
This fascinating annual procession may sound like an ancient
tradition, but in fact began as recently as 1960.
Nevertheless, the battle re-enactments do provide a
fascinating rendition of Thai history, and the sheer
spectacle of hundreds of elephants marching through a town
centre is something to behold.
4. Muay thai
Muay thai is Thailand’s national sport, and is
essentially a variant of kickboxing. The extensive use of
elbows and knees can be alarming for spectators more used to
conventional boxing, and the sport is much better
appreciated if you find out a little bit about its cultural
history and significance in Thai society.
5. The River Kwai Bridge at Kanchanaburi
Immortalised in David Lean’s famous film, starring
Alec Guiness, the bridge was built by PoWs and Asian
labourers in 1943, as a vital connection in the
Burma-Thailand railway. The bridge inevitably suffered heavy
bombing during the war, but was subsequently rebuilt (using
the original curved spans) and is in daily use to this day.
For all its beauty and sense of adventure, Thailand is also
a place where you need to keep your wits about you. Make
sure you sort out travel insurance before you go, so you can
relax and enjoy the trip…
