20 Things to do in Thailand th!ngs to!ndo 2 tha!land Printed in Thailand by Promotional Material Production Division, Marketing Services Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand for free distribution. www.tourismthailand.org E/FEB 2017 The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice. 2 20 Things to do in Thailand Visit Grand Palace and World Heritage Sites 1 Visit Grand Palace and World Heritage Sites The most recognised architectural landmark of Thailand, the compound of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo is a must-see place for those who want to explore the wonders of art and culture in Thailand. The splendid Grand Palace is the royal residence built in 1877 by King Rama V, and it is home to many ornate buildings with a variety of architectural styles. The magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo or the Temple of Emerald Buddha was built to house the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most valuable and sacred Buddha image. Another highlight is the stunning mural painting on the walls within Wat Phra Kaeo that depicts the Ramakian, Thailand’s national story based on the Indian Ramayana epic. 4 20 Things to do in Thailand Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai Historical Park are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and feature ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, city gates, walls, moats, and ponds. Sukhothai was the first independent Thai kingdom founded in the 13th century, and the attractions within the parks illustrate the long history and exquisite culture of Sukhothai or the Dawn of Happiness. Rich in history, the glorious remnants of the 417 year old royal capital at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, show treasures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Visitors can relive the golden days of Ayutthaya by strolling, taking a bicycle tour, or riding an elephant around the several historical sites scattered throughout this magnificent city. Things to remember when visiting sacred places • Buddha statues and Buddha images are religious objects and visitors are expected to treat them with the utmost respect. Do not lean on them, sit on them, touch them, or point your feet towards them. • Please ensure that you dress modestly, wearing such things as, shirts with sleeves, and long pants or skirts. Avoid see-through shirts, sleeveless shirts, short pants, and short skirts. 20 Things to do in Thailand 5 6 20 Things to do in Thailand Great Vibes at Khao San Road 2 Great Vibes at Khao San Road Khao San Road offers more than just fun-filled activities and reasonable-priced accommodation to the many tourists who visit Thailand. It is the most popular tourist centre and a home-away-from-home for backpackers and budget travellers, a place for multi-nationality experience, with dozens of street vendors, artisans, fancy bars, and restaurants galore. Visitors will be amazed by the street shopping experience for gifts, souvenirs, t-shirts, and watches, as well as all kinds of food. There is a selection of street food at which visitors can get an introduction to Thai food and a diversity of delicious dishes. Also worth exploring is the area surrounding Khao San Road. Located right next to it is Soi Ram Buttri, a street full of vendors selling appetising meals and snacks. A few minutes’ walk takes you to Phra Athit Road, the coolest Bohemian street in Bangkok, known for a fancy collection of chic restaurants and bars. 8 20 Things to do in Thailand Don’t miss : • Khao San Road is known for being a place full of fun activities on special occasions, especially at Songkran (Thai New Year) when you can see and join in the world-famous water-throwing activity. • When you visit Khao San Road, try the popular menus; such as, phat Thai, spring rolls, and khai chiao (Thai-styled omelette). Best time to visit : All day, but street food stalls get busy in the evening until late. Tips : • Bring enough cash as most vendors do not accept credit cards. • Consider planning your visit to Thailand to be in April so you can enjoy the famous Songkran Festival at Khao San Road. 20 Things to do in Thailand 9 10 20 Things to do in Thailand Shop Until You Drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market 3 Shop Until You Drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market Chatuchak or Jatujak Weekend Market, also known as JJ Market, is a shopping paradise, especially for shopaholics and bargain-shoppers. A journey among the maze of alleyways reveals almost everything imaginable, including trendy clothing, fashion accessories, books, souvenirs, handicrafts, silk, and even furniture at bargain prices. ‘Shop until you drop’ is the best way to describe how to spend your day here and one day is probably not enough to cover the whole market! Situated within the same area as the Weekend Market, Chatuchak Flower and Plant Market is a popular place for plant-lovers and those with green thumbs. Open only on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the market features all kinds of plants that are brought from all over the country to sell at reasonably low prices, ranging from small fragrant flowers; such as, jasmine and orchids, to ornamental plants, exotic fruit trees, and rare palm trees. 12 20 Things to do in Thailand Don’t miss : • Not only Chatuchak Market is full of interesting and tempting products but there are also countless eateries and restaurants offering a wide range of delicious food at reasonably low prices. • Spend time walking around the Chatuchak Flower and Plant Market to explore the many fruit trees; such as, mango, pomelo, jackfruit, and guava. You might have tasted the fruit but never seen the tree! Opening hours: Weekend Market : Weekends from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Flower and Plant Market : Wednesdays-Thursdays from 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Tips: • Bring enough cash as most vendors do not accept credit cards. 20 Things to do in Thailand 13 14 20 Things to do in Thailand Amazed by Thai Culture Shows 4 Amazed by Thai Culture Shows The entertainment choices in Thailand include classical and modern, and traditional Thai and international performances. The fun-loving nature of Thai people shines through the variety of exquisite cultural performances, each of which has its own historical significance, story, and style. Visitors are advised to see cultural shows as they are wonderful opportunities to learn more about Thai traditions. One of the most fascinating Thai arts is Ram Thai or classical Thai dance. It can be presented in many forms, depending on the region of origin, but every form displays beautiful choreography and distinct cultural heritages. Another interesting performing art is Khon, a unique classical masked dance drama that was originally only performed in the royal court. Requiring great skills and extensive training, the Khon performance features scenes from episodes in Thai literature based on the Indian Ramayana epic. 16 20 Things to do in Thailand Hun Lakhon Lek is a highly valued Thai performance and is considered one of the most sophisticated theatrical arts in the country. The show features meticulously decorated and embroidered small puppets manipulated by the handlers, who also dance in synchronised movements. Nang Yai or Large Shadow Puppet is a form of shadow play that originated in the Ayutthaya period. The puppets are made of buffalo or cow hide, intricately decorated, and manipulated to depict particular scenes of the story, usually from the Ramayana epic. The performance is accompanied by beautiful narration and a musical ensemble in the background. Sala Chalerm Krung Thai cultural shows and Khon performance www.salachalermkrung.com Siam Niramit Theatre Thailand’s history and cultural treasures shows www.siamniramit.com Asiatique The Riverfront Hun Lakhon Lek performance at Joe Louis : The Art of Thai Wat Khanon Theatre Nang Yai Facebook: Wat Khanon Temple 20 Things to do in Thailand 17 18 20 Things to do in Thailand Turn Back Time at Floating Market and Canal Tour 5 Turn Back Time at Floating Market and Canal Tour Thai people have long lived their lives close to waterways and communities were often established along rivers and canals, especially in the Central Region of the country. Despite communication, transport, and trading activities becoming more land-based, the water-based way of life still exists and continues to fascinate visitors today. In the past, Thais brought fruits and vegetables to sell by boat, and today, visitors can experience this unique and colourful reminder of the old days at the floating markets. Nowadays, fruits and vegetables are not the only items visitors can find at the floating markets, but the options extend to souvenirs, handicrafts, shirts, silk, and of course, freshly-cooked local delicacies. Examples of the famous floating markets are Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi province, Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram province, Ayutthaya Floating Market in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthay province, and Pattaya Floating Market in Pattaya. Some of the floating markets offer boat-trips along the networks of canals, passing by stilted houses along the banks, waterside temples, herb and vegetable gardens, and orchid orchards. Visitors can take a glimpse of that water-based life of yesteryear. 20 20 Things to do in Thailand 20 Things to do in Thailand 21 22 20 Things to do in Thailand Experience the Art of Muay Thai 6 Experience the Art of Muay Thai Muay Thai or Thai boxing is a unique form of self- defence that illustrates the exquisite heritage of Thailand and is the most passionately followed sport in the country. Using feet, arms, fists, and knees in the fights, Muay Thai has intrigued and inspired people from around the world to want to learn this distinctive form of martial art.