1. The Grand Palace
Relish a Regal and Religious Experience

The temple and palace, located in the historic Rattanakosin Island, are only a short walk from other marvels, such as Wat Pho (home of the Reclining Buddha and a traditional massage school), as well as the National Museum, the City Pillar and the National Gallery.
It is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. except on special days. Visitors are advised that polite and modest dress is essential. For more information, please visit http://www.palaces.thai.net/
2. Khon, Hun Lakhon Lek and Siam Niramit
Be Wowed by Yesteryear’s Theatrical Traditions Today

These extravaganzas are based on the mythical Ramayana. At the nucleus of the story is how Hanuman, the white monkey warrior, came to serve the good King Rama, in his quest to defeat the demoniac overlord Thotsakan and his green-masked minions. During performances of Khon at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, English subtitles are fl ashed across a screen above the stage. And before the show even starts, there’s a fi lm explaining the signifi cance of certain movements the dancers perform and details about their elaborate masks.
One of the newer venues to add a zesty, cultural dimension to Thailand’s nightlife is Siam Niramit (Tel. 0 2649 9222, http://www.siamniramit.com/). They offer a nightly dinner show package that uses hi-tech special FX to spotlight highlight heaven, hell and the enchanted Himapaan Forest, which lies between them. The other two acts of the show give the audience previews of some of the country’s most colourful festivals and take them on a whirlwind tour of its four distinct regions.
3. Golfing
Tee Off on Tropical Greens

So many tourists come to the Kingdom every year to indulge in their favourite sport that a number of tour companies have sprung up to cater to these afi cionados. This means you can choose from a variety of packages, from VIP golf holidays to more inexpensive variations, or even stay at a resort with a course on site. Let the tour operators take care of the details so you can concentrate on your game and take in the splendid scenery.
You don’t have to be Tiger Woods to get the ball rolling.
4. Muai Thai
Jump in the Ring

And there are gyms all over the country which welcome foreigners and give classes in English. What’s even more thrilling are the Muai Thai resorts and training camps opening near beaches on Pattaya, Phuket and Ko Pha-ngan. There’s nothing more soothing for those aches and pains than some downtime on the beach or a swim in a tropical sea after a hard day’s workout, learning pugilistic moves like “breaking the elephant’s tusks.”
5. Elephant Trekking
Riding a Jumbo

At the National Elephant Institute, in the northern province of Lampang, tourists can also sign up for courses on how to be a mahout. Learn how to ‘drive’ the beast, how to take them to the river for a bath, and even sleep with your own elephant out in the jungle. Please bear in the mind that these intelligent and endangered creatures, which have the same lifespan as a human being, are sacred to Thai people and that a white elephant once graced the flag of Siam. Even today, you can still see Thais walking under the elephant’s belly, like ancient Siamese warriors used to do, in order to bring themselves good luck and strength.
6. Medical Tourism Best Places to Go
Affordable Surgery Abroad & Medical Tourism

Medical tourism in Thailand is a great idea because “The Land of Smiles” is already one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. You probably already know Thai food is great and have heard that Thailand is a fantastic place to vacation.
7. Beauty Spa & Thai Massage
Take a Dose of Healthy Tourism

What’s more, plenty of people come to Thailand to get their teeth done (yes, there’s even a dental spa in Bangkok, too) because, for the fraction of the price in the West, they can enjoy quality dentistry and then use the savings to bankroll the rest of their vacation.
As obesity, stress and a lack of physical exercise claim more and more lives each year, good health has become a matter of life and death. No wonder so many tourists are choosing health-conscious holidays. These might entail a week-long fasting and colonics program on a tropical island; or working in some spa treatments after doses of sightseeing; or making sure your hotel has a decent gym and pool to keep yourself in good shape.
These days, holidays are not just exercises in gluttony and sloth.
8. Tom Yum Kung, Phat Thai, & Cooking
Savour the True Spices of Thai Life

Better still, you can choose your own kitchen. Would you like to study aboard a converted wooden rice barge? How about in a humble wooden abode? Or would you prefer the gleaming kitchen of a five-star hotel?
Whichever you choose, you can take a day-long course – or longer – and learn the secrets of preparing your favourite local dish from a real Thai chef. And then you get to join in the feast along with your fellow cooks.
Fancy a sweet green curry with chicken, or a spicy papaya salad? How about a mouthwatering grouper steamed in lemon and ginger?
They’re all on the menu at these cooking classes, along with outings to buy ingredients at local fresh markets.
9. Songkran & Loi Krathong Festival
Make Memories at Amazing Festivals


Both of these uniquely colourful festivals show off the spiritual and mirthful sides of the Thai people and will surely deposit some scenes in your memory banks that will not soon be forgotten.
10. Travel by Rail
Ride the Rails in Splendour and Comfort

From the privacy of your immaculate compartment on the E&O, you’ll have your own window on some of the most cinematic scenery in Thailand (both pastoral and urban). Into the bargain you’ll be pampered like a prince. The range of intercontinental dishes available in the dining car is to drool for. And how many other trains have their own well-stocked library?
After seven days of traversing Thailand, the Eastern and Oriental Express makes tracks through Malaysia to reach the end of the line in Singapore.
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