1.About the Place:-

Thailand's great appeal as a honeymoon destination is that it is so different.

(i) Rich and varied natural scenery ranges from northern misty mountains and jungles, through emerald rice fields in the central plains, to east coast and southern palm-fringed beaches and lush tropical islands.

(ii) Thailand possess a wealth of architecture, culture, cuisine, and traditions that are each distinctively Thai.

(iii) Thailand offers numerous sporting opportunities, including golf on championship courses and every major watersport in popular beach resorts. 'Soft adventure' activities include scuba-diving, white-water rafting, sea canoeing and elephant trekking in various regions. More than 60 national parks offer extraordinary scope for ornithology, trekking and camping to savour exotic flora and fauna.

2. General Information:-

(i) Thailand is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and is shaped somewhat like an elephant's head. The profile faces Myanmar (Burma), the ears border Laos and Cambodia, and the trunk extends southwards between the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand towards Malaysia.

(ii) Average temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius make the climate predominantly warm and sunny, though northern hills become somewhat chilly during the months of December and January.

3. What to see? :-

i. Bangkok:- A National Treasure House beside the 'Amazing River of Kings'Thailand's capital edges the Chao Phraya, the celebrated 'River of Kings'. It looks like a modern metropolis, but closer inspection reveals a magical easterncity concealed among high-rises and shopping centres.

A river cruise is highly recommended to tour around Bangkok. Major landmarks of Bangkok are the magnificent Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Chapel, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and the exquisite royal barges on the river with their exotic figureheads.

Bangkok's famous museums include Aphisek Dusit Palace which houses exquisite handicrafts from the Royal Vocational Projects; Vimanmek Mansion Museum, the world's largest golden teak building; the sprawling National Museum; and Jim Thompson's Thai House, former home of the man who revitalised the Thai silk industry, and which houses an impressive collection of regional objects d'art.

To witness local sports, you can try either the Ratchadamnoen or Lumphini boxing stadiums for a spectacular evening of Muay Thai, or Thai kick-boxing.

ii. Around Bangkok:-

Ayutthaya, the ancient Siamese capital from 1350 until 1767, lies some 70 kilometres north of Bangkok. An impressive temple and palace ruins attest to the former capital's glory.

30 minutes south of Ayutthaya, the riverine and former summer palace of Bang Pa-In comprises a fascinating blend of Italian, Chinese, Victorian Gothic and Thai architectural styles. The riverside Bangsai Folk Arts & Crafts Centre, under the patronage of H.M. the Queen, is a further 20 kilometres to the south. A recently opened bird park and freshwater fish aquarium number among major attractions.

A day-trip to the west will bring you to the 'River Kwai Bridge" of Second World War notoriety, and the scenic hills and rivers of Kanchanaburi. River rafting is a favourite activity. Late November, early December, each year, Kanchanaburi celebrates its history with week-long celebrations centered on the infamous bridge. Nightly light & sound presentations record the forced labour construction of the notorious 'Death Railway' which eventually linked Siam and Burma during 1943.

iii. Pattaya:- Jewel of Thailand's East Coast

The 'sun and fun' culture of Pattaya beach resort, just a 2-hour drive southeast of Bangkok, offers something completely different, including all major watersports, horse-riding, tennis, go-kart racing and golf and dozen challenging golf courses designed by such luminaries as Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.

Children will enjoy water parks, model villages, open zoos, including the Sriracha Tiger Zoo, and elephant shows. Quality accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and shopping help make Pattaya the perfect all-round holiday and honeymoon destination.

The clear waters of the offshore Lan island are popular with snorkellers. The sandy beaches of Samet island, to the southeast, are perfect for those intend on doing precisely nothing.

The east coast provinces of Rayong and Trat are well-known for their uncrowded beaches, tranquil islands and national parks. Rayong is well known for its Ban Phe fishing village and famous Samet island, with 15 bays and exquisite beaches.

Directly across the Gulf of Thailand, the beach resorts of Hua Hin and Cha-am are ideal family resorts.  Both have  excellent  golf  courses. The nearby   heavily  forested  and mountainous Kaeng Krachan National Park offers verdant jungle alternatives to lazy days on white-sand beaches.

Recommended day trips from Pattaya are to Nong Nooch village and Pattaya's offshore islands. Nong Nooch village is a huge parkland of tropical flora and many animals. Among Pattaya's offshore islands, a trip to Ko Lan is a must see for its coral reefs which can be viewed from a glass bottom boat or by scuba diving.

iv. Phuket & Samui-Southern Treasure Islands:-

Samui in the Thai Gulf, and Phuket, in the Andaman Sea, are two lush tropical islands which offer all the ingredients for truly memorable holidays and honeymoons. Phuket is the more developed of the two. Both boast luxury accommodation, numerous watersports activities, and opportunities for exploring neighbouring islands.

Little more than one hour by air south of Bangkok, Phuket is internationally renowned for   its beautiful beaches and excellent seafood.  Phuket's western coast is characterised by especially fine sandy beaches separated largely by  forested headlands. Within this area, some of the world's most picturesque resort  complexes offer every  imaginable luxury. Phuket also has 3 international golf courses and enough watersports opportunities, including some of Asia's best game fishing, sailing and scuba-diving, to keep everyone happy.

The neighbouring provinces of Krabi and Phang Nga offer equally fine beaches and lushly tropical offshore islands. Indeed, island-hopping is a popular pursuit. Both the Phi Phi and Similan islands feature  magnificent underwater  coral gardens teeming with multi-hued tropical fish.

Phang Nga Bay, to the northeast of Phuket, offers great adventure trips. Long-tail launches transport visitors through mangrove swamps, caves dripping with stalactites, and out into the bay where scores of tiny volcanic islands soar hundreds of feet skyward. Many such islands can be explored by 'environmentally-friendly' sea-canoes, which allow access into otherwise hidden grottoes where the timelessly tranquil atmosphere is decidedly pre-historic.

Samui island is also approximately one hour south of Bangkok by air. The palmfringed and mountainous Samui is the major island in a sparkling archipelago that includes the Ang Thong Marine National Park. Samui offers the broadest imaginable range of accommodation, fine sandy beaches, several 'hideaway' coves and relaxed ambience equally well attuned to lazy days and a vibrant nightlife.

On the southern mainland, Hat Yai, just 50 kilometres from the Malaysian border, and Songkhla, offer very contrasting lifestyles. Hat Yai is a major commercial, entertainment and shopping area. Songkhla is a somnolent beachside town with a scenic beach and a freshwater lake containing Thailand's largest waterfowl sanctuary.