Bangkok is the capital and largest city in Thailand. Bangkok is a modern Asian metropolis whose inhabitants alternate gracefully between traditional and modern. Air-conditioned megamalls and swish cocktail bars sit alongside street-side food stalls and ancient temples laden with offerings of food, flowers and incense. This city features modern buildings with awe-inspiring architecture, magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, and busy markets. Winding its way through Bangkok is the Chao Praya River, flanked on one side by noisy, restless downtown Bangkok and on the other by stilted houses and luxury hotels. A trip in a traditional wooden long-tailed boat around Bangkok’s klongs (canals) reveals floating shops, waterfront temples and small-scale fruit orchards.
Chiang Mai is located in the northern region of Thailand, approximately 700 kms away from Bangkok. Located in Chiang Mai Province, among the highest mountains in Thailand, the city of Chiang Mai sits at an elevation of 316 meters, giving it a more temperate climate. Once considered a major trading route, the city runs along Ping River, a major tributary to Chao Phraya River.
Phuket, ‘the Pearl of the Andaman’, is Thailand’s largest island in Southern Thailand and is blessed with white powder beaches, broad bays and tropical inland forests making it one of Asia’s most popular beach destinations. Tourism is very well-established and the island has a wide range of resorts and luxury hotels. The area is surrounded by the Andaman Sea to its west and various bays to its east, featuring powdery white beaches, magnificent coves, lush mountains, and hospitable people. It is wealthiest Thai province, Phuket boasts fine dining and high-end spas near resort areas while its interior retains mountains, forest and rubber plantations. Its strategic location on ancient trading routes has conveyed many diverse cultural influences and Phuket Town in particular features glorious Sino-Portuguese architecture.
