Travel destinations in Thailand – Part 14

I doubt there is another country in South-East Asia that offers as many viable travel options, in terms of destinations, as Thailand. There is the higher elevation region of the Golden Triangle in the north, with the quaint town of Chiang-Mai dominating. Here one can see the walled and moated historical city center which used to be located along the ancient Hunanese trade routes. One may spend time with the hill tribes and see a way of life little changed by time’s march. Here (due to the more northerly latitude and the higher altitude) it can be cool in the evenings – not too common in the south. There are more elephants here, and it is even possible to spy a tiger in the wild.

There is the capital city of Bangkok, through which the Chao-Praya river flows. Bustling market districts, China-town, world-class hotels and restaurants, low-class night clubs (and some really nice ones, too), the backpacker haunts of the Khao San Road area, the wealth of the world mingling with the poverty of the back streets, old and new, rich and so very poor, the elevated and surprisingly modern sky train monorail and canals that rival Naples, if not Venice. It is a city of two tales, two worlds and two times. For all this, it is statistically safer than many large U.S. cities. It is truly a must see, even for all its chaos.

There are the Gulf of Thailand islands of Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Koh Tao, Koh Pha-Ngan and the inimitable Koh Samui, among others. Sleepy and wonderful beach getaways that make beautiful honeymoon spots. Wave runners for rent and para-sailing are available for those who want them and some of the best diving in that part of the world; or simply peace and quiet on the eaves of a tropical forest with the crystal blue waters shimmering nearby, for those who want that. Not terribly far off the beaten path, but far away enough to truly represent the calm that so many of us associate with the tropics.

There is the so very famous island of Phuket, on the Andaman coast (the other side, the Indian Ocean side). All things seem to be available here, it is a place where part of my heart will always reside. From the traveler and tourist packed beaches of Patong and Karon, to the less visited Kata, Kata Noi and Nai Harn beaches, to the relatively pristine and untouched central hills whose tops are crowned with gorgeous emerald jungle, to the most perfect and little hamlet of Phuket-town, just a quick twenty minute drive – over those pristine hills – from the pretty