Slightly north of Chiang Mai, Mae Rim is a rural retreat blessed with an abundance of natural attractions, wildlife experiences, Thai restaurants and a local market. The town centre is easily explored on foot, but you’ll need a private vehicle to venture further afield. The town centre provides a smattering of temples and museums, while the outer region reveals an elephant camp, farming areas and a tiger kingdom. Stop off at the Mae Sa Waterfall in Doi Pui National Park for a dip in the swimming hole, before visiting the Elephant Nature Park to meet rescued elephants and take a jungle tour. Slightly deeper into the valley you’ll find Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, a stunning expanse of rare Thailand plants, themed greenhouses and seasonal flowers. Hang out in the centre of Mae Rim to visit the fascinating Darabhiromya Royal Mansion Museum, home to artefacts from Chiang Mai’s royal family. Head to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a magnificently gilded temple with intricate statues and a white elephant shrine. One of Mae Rim’s most popular areas is the Mae Sa Valley, which attracts numerous motorcycle tourists and adventure lovers with its waterfalls, eco-tourism and hiking trails. If you get hungry along the way, stop off at one of the many restaurants spaced out along Highway 1096, including Thap Rim Than Restaurant, where you can eat charcoal barbecued chicken. If you prefer a day out on the links, visit Summit Green Valley Chiangmai to tee off on the picturesque 18-hole golf course, before enjoying a drink in the on-site clubhouse. Mae Rim is about 50 minutes’ drive from Chiang Mai International Airport, where you can pick up a rental car. Need inspiration for a day trip? It’s just across the river from Wat Pa Dara Phirom, an ornate Buddhist temple with stone lions and tropical gardens.
Resorts Near Yasothon
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, during 12.00 a.m. Between Bangkok and the seaside resort of Pattaya lies the Ancient City, called Muang Boran in Thai. This floating market, located on Damnern Saduak Canal in Ratchaburi Province, is an hour’s drive away from Bangkok. Visitors can take part in one of the organized tours available or charter a private boat to do their sightseeing at their own pace. Busy between 8.00 a.m. The vast and well-tended premises comprise replicas – on a smaller scale – of most of Thailand’s historical buildings and monuments, from Chiang Rai in the North to Nakhon Si Tammarat in the South. Women wearing broad straw hats and traditional blue cotton clothing manoeuvre boats laden with fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked food, and other products. 8.00 p.m., the Amphawa Canal is occupied by vendors who pack their boats with food and drinks, such as fried sea mussel, noodles, coffee, O-liang (iced black coffee), sweets, etc. There are also things for sale on wheelbarrows on the bank. 10.00 a.m., Damnern Saduak Floating market offers great photogenic scenes and several restaurants are lined along the banks.
A daily show starts at 9.00 a.m.
The 200-acre site can be visited at leisure on foot, while bicycles are also available for hire. The Ancient City has been built with considerable taste. A daily show starts at 9.00 a.m. The replicas are one-third of their original size, but there are also original buildings such as the traditional village stilt-houses around the “floating market” which were once dismantled before being moved to their current location. Renowned and exuberant Pattaya is less than a two-hour drive from Bangkok thanks to a new fast road which includes the world’s longest elevated expressway. These reptiles are here for the visitors’ entertainment and education, but are also bred for commercial purposes such as the manufacture of belts, shoes, handbags, and others. Located by the old road to Pattaya, the Crocodile Farm is believed to be one of the biggest attractions of its kind in the world with over 30,000 crocodiles from both Thailand and abroad. Skill as expert advice from several quarters – such as the National Museum – was given during its development. The premises also include a zoo with several other species of animals.
- Ko Samet
- Ang Thong Marine National Park
- Shop ‘Til You Drop
- Phen Phop Mai Waterfall
- Maenam Beach, Koh Samui
- Koh Tao
- Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe
Famous for its bustling night scene complete with pubs, nightclubs, bars of all sorts and for its water sports, Pattaya has recently been evolving and has acquired a new status as a residential and educational hub. New malls have been opened and some attractions have been designed for families such as zoos, golf courses, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, and the Pattaya Aquarium. The beach of Bang Sen, located within one hour’s drive from Bangkok, is an ideal destination for people wishing to spend a day by the beach in the close proximity of Bangkok. The former capital of Siam, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I and continuously flourished until its fall in 1767 when it was destroyed by a Burmese army after a fifteen-month siege. Frequented by Thais mainly, the beach is reasonably clean and the area is especially famous for its fresh and cheap seafood products which can be enjoyed at one of the many eateries near the beach. Pattaya is a favourite destination among both Thais and expats wishing to leaveBangkok for the weekend and just relax on the beach.