Title: Best Paradises in Thailand

Author / Design / Published: Unseen Planet Co., Ltd.

408/61 15th FL. Phaholyothin Place Bldg., Phaholyothin Rd.,

Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

TEL: +66 (2) 619 0287-9 FAX: +66 (2) 619 0290

Photographers: Photo Square and Graphic Co., Ltd.

Surajit Jamornman and Kriengkrai Waiyakij

Content: Amporn Samosorn, Peerawat Jariyasombat,

and Siratrakarn Manojing

Editor: Bob Tremayne

Special Thanks to:

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Thai Airways International Public Co., Ltd.

AIG Card (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

National Library of Thailand Cataloging In Publication Data:ซ

Best Paradises in Thailand._ _ Bangkok : Unseen Planet, 2007

220 p.

1. Resort_ _ Thailand. I.Title.

910.462

ISBN 978-974-7706-68-0

First Published: October 2007

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced

in any form or by any means without

prior written permission from the publisher.

A journey is about to begin...

Thailand, the Land of Smiles where culture strikes a

perfect balance with breathtaking beauty and tranquility,

has cast its magical spell on travelers for centuries.

Now it’s your turn to come under its spell. Whether for

leisure, healthcare, romance, or adventure, take this

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and be touched by Thai

beauty, warmth, and hospitality.

Discover the Best Paradises in Thailand by exploring the

captivating splendor of 70 of the finest resorts in prime

locations throughout Thailand. This collection allows you

the chance to enjoy quality time with family and friends,

gather a lifetime of memories, and experience the

timeless natural wonders of this magnificent kingdom.

Best Paradises in Thailand is proud to share with you the

surprises, excitement, and inspiration of Thailand, and

to ignite the passion of travel in your life. Your dream

and your journey have just begun.

Close your eyes and dream of a land where people’s faces are

constantly painted with a smile, a land that is full of magical

places that make you feel lost in time, a land that is rich in

culture and natural heritage, and a land that allows you to

listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the hills, and

then you will know how Thailand came to be known as

The Amazing Kingdom.

Thailand is built on a passion for beauty manifest in different

forms. There is the beauty of a variety of landscapes such as

lush tropical forests and magnificent beaches. There is the

beauty of the history and culture of ancient people steeped in

art and agriculture. And there is the beauty of a dynamic,

fast-developing, modern nation, all combining to make an

amazing Thailand. Whatever form of beauty you’re looking for,

you’re free to search for your dreams in this enchanted land

and enjoy experiences that usually only occur once in a

lifetime.

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T h E A m A z I N g k I N g D o m

In the north, you’ll be astonished standing atop of Doi Inthanon, the

highest peak in the country in Chiang Mai province. Great oceans of mist

envelop the valleys of Muang Sam Mok (City of Three Mists) in Mae

Hong Son. Northern Thailand is a paradise of cooler temperatures and

temperate-climate flowers and plants. At Phu Chee Fah, you can roam the

fields full of Dok Siew or Dok Chong Ko wildflowers that blossom during

February. At Mae Fah Luang Garden, the most magnificent landscaped

garden in Thailand, you are able to cast your eyes across a collection of

flowers and shrubs from around the world throughout the year.

This region is a significant scientific research location and visitors may

observe the agricultural laboratory work and, afterwards, sample the

cooler-climate fruits, flowers, and vegetable products of the research

stations. At the Royal Project sites in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao,

Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son, there is trekking to jungle waterfalls and

people are welcome to stay overnight in blissful surroundings close to

nature in hill-tribe villages learning about the unique way of life of

the local communities. It is an amazing, unforgettable experience!

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Tourists are able to experience the traditions, language, art, and costumes

of the Lanna culture. The food, an ancient lantern, a Kalae fabric flag, and Bo

Sang umbrellas are examples of beautiful and time-honored practices that

form the heart and soul of the Lanna people.

The northeast of Thailand, I-san, has stunning mountains, waterfalls, and

forests. It is a mainly agricultural area, a ‘vacation secret’ seldom visited by

tourists, but its charm never fails to fascinate those who come. Ancient

cultural practices and local wisdom have been passed down through

generations so that much of what happens in present daily life has its origins

deep in the past. The simple way of life and true friendliness are significant

attractions to tourists, many of whom come back again and again.

In the northeast region, there are numerous prominent national parks, for

example Khao Yai National Park. Khao Yai, with an area of 2,165 square

kilometers and nominated as a World Heritage Site, is a vast natural resource

of an extensive variety of flora and fauna, some well-known but some very rare.

The park is renowned for educational camping and trekking programs that

attract both Thais and non-Thais, young and not-so-young, to its gates. There

are also many waterfalls within the park’s boundaries, such as Nang Rong

and Sarika Waterfalls. Phu Kradueng and Phu Ruea National Parks are other

natural areas that challenge trekkers with their dominating terrains, cascading

water courses, and stunning vegetation.

I-san, with its strong traditional background and diversity of cultures, is a region

full of festivals. In Loei province, the Phi Ta Khon festival presents villagers

wear masks made of sticky rice husks painted in bright colors participating

in entertaining processions to honor the spirits. Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani,

and Surin all have their own annual celebrations, the Rocket Festival in May,

the Candle Festival in July, and the Elephant Roundup in November respec-

tively. Magnificent examples of Khmer settlements of many centuries ago can

be explored at Phanom Rung Stone Castle and Pimai Sanctuary. Throughout

this region, there is evidence of the local wisdom, skills, and artistry of

the northeastern people in utilizing the natural resources in their production

of silk, traditional musical instruments, and Dan Kwain pottery. And one must

not forget to sample the delights of I-san popular food such as grilled chicken,

steamed sticky rice, and papaya salad (Som Tum). A vast assortment of

treasures and traditions await the unsuspecting visitor to I-san.

The Central Plains of Thailand are dominated by the capital city, Bangkok.

There are hundreds of sites in this region worth visiting, many more than

most people perhaps ever realized. There are mountains, mysterious caves,

tropical forests, waterfalls, meandering creeks, raging rapids, large rivers,

and the sea, all within reasonable distance of the large metropolis.

Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1991

because of its biological diversity and forms the largest mainland conservation area in

South East Asia. This area in Kanchanaburi and Tak provinces combined with Thung Yai -

Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani province constitutes a massive

protected cluster of national parks comprising Sri Nakarin, Chaloem Rattanakosin,

Erawan, and Sai Yok, with Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary.

To the east of the capital, you can witness the buffalo races in Chonburi province.

Originating as a way of relaxation for the farmers while trading the animals at the

market, it has now developed into a major festival and attracts many participants and

onlookers. Proceeding further east brings the traveler to the major tourist city of Pattaya

with its wide range of accommodation and entertainment. Following the coast road,

there is a year-round supply of fresh fruits, ranging from rambutan, durian, mangosteen,

and zalacca available from local orchards and at roadside stalls. The most difficult

decision is deciding what fruit to try!

You can dream of long stretches of beautiful white sandy beaches and watch them

become a reality at the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Samed. All of these are

diving paradises allowing you to marvel at the colors of the coral. As well as marine life,

visitors can witness magnificent examples of biologically diverse ecosystems in virgin

tropical rainforests.

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Just three hours south of Bangkok sees you in Hua Hin, providing the traveler with a

relaxing opportunity to explore the ambience of Thai history. This town is the site chosen

many years ago by the Royal Family for the construction of their summer palace, and is

today a popular ocean-front location for royalty and tourists. Once at Hua Hin, it is only

a short hop to Cha-am Beach where one can ride bikes along the ocean promenade,

enjoy the sea breezes, and taste the fresh seafood. Or you can stop at Pakname-Pran

Beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan province to savor the peaceful way of life of a traditional

fishing community.

This aquatic theme continues as one proceeds further south down the Thai peninsula.

There is clear turquoise seawater, white sandy beaches, plentiful sunshine, gentle sea

breezes, and a rich underwater life that draws both Thais and foreigners from every

corner of the world to this region. All of this is backed by undisturbed rainforests,

stunning hills and cliffs, and waterfalls producing a variety of natural attractions.

Specific examples abound. Krabi has never failed to impress even the most hardened

and experienced traveler. The province’s powdery white sand, gorgeous corals ideal for

snorkeling and diving, caves, and over 100 islands provide a kaleidoscope of choices

for the energetic and the more laid-back. To the east of the peninsula, the Andaman Sea

islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Surin, Koh Tarutao, and Koh Rangs, many of them protected

by national park status, also provide excellent diving opportunities. If you find all these

aquatic activities too much and you want a break, why not try to fight your fear and defy gravity

by tackling one of the world’s top ten rock-climbing sites at Rai Lay?

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island province and constitutes the main tourist accommodation

focus in the south. It has many beaches to enjoy in the day and much entertainment once the

sun has set. Hey Island is a location off the south coast of Phuket well-known for its splendid

coral reef, earning it the title Coral Island. At Sadet Cave, you can explore the mysteries of a

world underground, complete with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. For those seeking

adventure under the blue skies, you can take your chances under the cool waters of a

cascading waterfall or simply relax under the shade of the overhanging trees.

To the west of the Thai peninsula is the Gulf of Thailand. Its islands are not to be outdone

by those of the Andaman Sea, boasting stunning beaches, delightful bathing opportunities,

and magnificent forests. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao are comparable to anything

anywhere in the world. The climatic conditions here are different from the Andaman Sea coast

with more monsoon influences taking effect. However, the local communities are still heavily

involved in fishing, their daily lives being based on the prevailing winds and tidal conditions. An

example can be found at Pan Yee islet, a Muslim community at which inhabitants have earned

their livelihoods from the ocean for hundreds of years. Coconut plantations are common

here, giving rise to numerous monkey training centers at which visitors can admire the close

relationship and collaboration between human and animal. Shadow puppetry known locally as

Nang Talung is a unique form of public entertainment in this part of the country and is popular

at village festivals, temple fairs and family celebrations.

Whichever direction you go, whatever form of beauty you’re passionate about, you’ll find

something in this Amazing Kingdom of Thailand to captivate you, fascinate you, enthrall you,

and charm you. Close your eyes and dream.

17

h ot e l s a n d r e s o r t s

In the land of artistry

Elegant and delicate,

Shared by people worldwide,

A dreamland of arts and sentiment

p h a n g n g a

the Sun riSing at takOlaBuri On the reddiSh laterite

cOluMnS and the BuildingS revive MeMOrieS Of ancient

SukhOthai tiMeS.

the contemporary architecture of takolaburi stands out against the

idyllic white sands and clear blue sea at Pakarang cape. As the day

breaks, the reddish laterite columns and the four-sided pavilion over

the swimming pool glow like an image of a temple in the ancient

Sukhothai kingdom. Modern materials and thai-style decorations are

featured throughout the resort, with spacious wooden floors and walls,

large balconies, beautiful gardens and lotus ponds. the thai touch

is evident throughout. the structures blend in with the natural

surroundings of the mountains to the rear and the unspoiled beach and

the Andaman Sea at the front. ramayana Health club and Spa with

4 individual thai pavilion rooms is the place for total relaxation and

rejuvenation, with an emphasis on thai herbal treatments, many using

fresh products from the resort’s garden. the Jedi restaurant offers a

distinctive cuisine and a unique dining experience in a thai pavilion over

the pool with a panoramic view of the beach. You may also choose to

sample the menu at the don three thai Sala that provides food, live

thai music, and a classical show for your entertainment.

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tAkOlABUrI cUltUrAl & SPA reSOrt: 46 Moo 2, Prakarang cape, tambol kukkak, Amphur takuapa, Phang-nga 82190 thailand ) + 66 (76) 487 287, 2 + 66 (76) 487 2867 info@khaolaktakolaburi.com / www.khaolaktakolaburi.com

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