Feeding catfish at Thewet Pier

Bangkok is one of the major tourist destinations in Southeast Asian and boasts many exotic wonders to draw in tourists by the millions each year. It is home to the beautiful Chao Phraya River, which harbours an exciting array of attractions on the river banks that are a delight to explore, especially via a Bangkok cruise tour. Step aboard a century-old rice barge made from solid teak restored to a splendid river boat offered by Anantara Cruises Thailand and be transported back in time on the water as you discover the many enchanting sights courtesy of one of the finest Bangkok cruises available. Encounter the wonders of the Dusit district en route, and you can even interact with the wildlife as you step off and discover Tha Thewet Pier, which is a famous locale for feeding the numerous catfish that flourish in the area. Visitors can purchase bags of bread pieces or whole slices to treat the catfish, and this is an activity enjoyed by both locals and foreigners. If you’re in the Dusit district and want to explore the area further, there are a range of attractions that are a welcome breath of fresh air from the tourist traps located in the inner city. The Thewet Flower Market is the perfect place to pick up a set of unique flowers and plants as it offers an exciting collection of exotic blooms. Located close by on Khao San Road is the Wat Indraviharn temple,  which houses one of the tallest Buddha images in Thailand, standing 32 metres tall. The Wat is also a treat to experience and its detailed murals are exquisite to behold. The Dusit district is a unique little cultural enclave ideal for visitors not wanting to tread the beaten path, and who are looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
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Dream World

If you love the trill and adrenaline rush of theme park rides and attractions, then the next time you visit Bangkok make sure to plan a trip to Dream World! This well known theme park can be found in the Thanyaburi district and those in search of self catering style accommodation Bangkok has to offer which can be used as base for your travels should consider Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok. These modern Sukhumvit apartments are walking distance from the Thonglor Skytrain Station providing you with easy access to the capital. Head to Dream World where rollercoaster rides, themed attractions and a whole lot of family friendly entertainment await! The stomach-churning revolutions of Tornado, the heart pounding Hurricane which takes you to the highest heights and then on a twisting ride of a lifetime, Snow Town where you can enjoy a winter wonderland and the exhilarating Sky Coaster are just some of the many thrills that await you here. With so much to see and experience, you should look to spend a whole day here if possible and be prepared for some truly unforgettable holiday memories!

Bangkok Safari World

Bangkok is a top tourist destination one must visit to explore exciting family attractions. A luxury Bangkok hotel would let you explore these attractions and would provide you with comfortable accommodation to relax and unwind after an exhausted day out in the city. Anantara Bangkok Sathorn is one of the top hotels Bangkok has in store for its discerning holidaymakers to the city. One of the top attractions one would get to explore in the city of Bangkok is the Safari World which is a spectacular leisure park and a perfect family day out for the vacationers to the city. The place is popular as one the best open zoos in Thailand and it offers great entertainment options especially for the young visitors to the place. Safari World in Thailand caters to all the requirements of various holiday makers as it offers exciting safari tours, dolphin shows and spine chilling stunts for its visitors. Thailand Safari World is home to more than hundred various animals from all around the world and is known as one of the must-visit places in Bangkok.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry. Google+

Segway through Bangkok-Segway Tours

With a breathtaking view of the Chao Phraya River the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa is one of the classiest 5 Star Hotels in Bangkok. This Bangkok Resortoffers a unique experience which comes with a combination of modernity and Thai tradition. The ways to explore this city of Angels are immense.

A new way to discover the city is to use a Segway Personal Transporter. This is the world’s first electrical self-balancing personal transporter. The device will automatically respond to the movements of the human body and take the person on a very smooth ride. This way is more convenient than many other sightseeing methods, much faster and efficient. Make your visit to Thailand memorable by having fun exploring the culture and landmarks in two wheels.

Bangkok street food

The Luxury Hotel Group, COMO Hotels and Resorts offers luxury travel experience to its guests. To give a personal touch, this Award Winning Hotel chain always blends local culture and modern accommodation facilities in their properties. While absorbing all the beauties and wonders in the city try some unique Thai street food.

Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles dish), and Pad Khee Mao or drunken noodles are some of the popular street food noodle dishes that visitors may come across. Rice is also a major choice, where visitors get the option to choose from a wide variety of dishes. Apart from this Tom Yum soup and Thai salad are also must try street dishes in Bangkok. Try these Thai style dishes to make your Bangkok vacation more worthwhile.

Palm Sugar Village

Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia, sharing borders with Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The country is known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine and terrific attractions. Different parts of the country are famous for different things. Tourists who want to enjoy the best beaches Thailand has to offer can head over to Phuket or Krabi; those who want to enjoy the nation’s rich history can visit Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi; as for those who want to enjoy Thailand’s divine shopping opportunities, excellent restaurants and vibrant nightlife, the best place to go is Bangkok.

Not only is Bangkok Thailand’s capital, it is also its biggest city. Although it is known for its traffic clogged streets and a profusion of nightclubs, Bangkok actually has a lot more to offer. Famous tourist attractions in Bangkok include the Wat Arun, the Wat Pho- which is home to the world’s largest statue of a reclining Buddha, the Grand Palace- where one can see the famous Emerald Buddha, the Wat Ratchanaddaram, and the Dusit Palace- built by King Rama V.

The Palm Sugar Village is technically not a Bangkok tourist attraction as it is located outside the city. However, tourists who have visited all the sights within the city that interests them should consider taking a short day trip to the Palm Sugar Village. As the village is located on the way to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one can visit both places at once. At the village tourists can see how sugar is made from the buds of coconut flowers and even take part themselves. It is a fun and interesting experience and should not be missed when visiting the city.

Bangkok’s traffic blocked streets are notorious and the best way to avoid them is by using the Metro or the BTS Skytrain. Together they greatly ease the hassles of travelling in the city. Tourists should also try to get accommodation in a central area so that navigation is not too much of a difficulty. The Metropolitan Bangkok is a luxury Bangkok hotel that enjoys a convenient location and is a great place to stay at. This Bangkok luxury hotel is found next to the city’s most popular leisure and shopping centres and offers a tranquil refuge from the bustling city.

Visit the Ampawa Floating Market for Retail Therapy, Leisure and Cultural Insight

Traditionally, the Thai mode of trading was dominated by many innovative methods, trade by way of floating markets which utilized the multitude of waterways in the city, were simply one of them. In modern day Thailand, these floating markets still exist, albeit less exorbitant and diverse, and at most, preserved as a tourist attraction. Nevertheless, taking a ride in a long tail boat and visiting these floating markets are truly an experience in itself for they still are unique in nature and the endless string of commentary on the history of the area and the ways of life of the people by the boat’s captain truly contribute to a wholesome experience.
The Ampawa Floating Market too is one such market which is unique in itself. It is more active and livelier than most other markets and one can find vendors selling a myriad of goods ranging from edible delights to souvenirs. One thing that is notable is that most of the houses along the canal are also makeshift shops and restaurants and edible homemade pastries and other goodies can be found in abundance.
This floating market belongs to the increasingly rare category of attractions which double as both an active market as well as a tourist attraction. Due to the double role played by the houses that are found alongside the canal, one can even see traditionally attired farmers selling their wares as well. Therefore, a ride to this Market is never wasted for even if you do not buy items, which is a rare occurrence in itself, you can still observe the simple way of life of the Thai people: an experience you may miss if you spend the entire vacation solely inside a luxury Bangkok hotel.
The Ampawa Floating Market is an afternoon market that begins at noon. Thus if you are staying in a Bangkok luxury hotel during your vacation, you are able to visit multiple floating markets in a given day. Most people opt to visit this market during the afternoon and take a ride through the famed Damnoen Saduak afterwards. After an immensely exciting day, no doubt complete with retail therapy, return to the luxury and comfort of a hotel such as the Metropolitan Bangkok and wrap up a perfect day with a delectable meal at their award winning restaurant.

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Thai Royal Guards Parade: A Stunning Display of Military Prowess

Established in 1859 by the then Crown Prince Chulalongkorn, the Thai Royal Guards have evolved throughout history and has served a multitude of purposes. Initially entrusted with simple duties such as scaring crows, the Royal Guards soon became a strong division of the Thai Armed Forces and is, at present, entrusted with the protection of the Thai Royal Family.

In keeping with the special position the Royal Guards occupied within the Armed Forces, in 1953, they received colours from the then reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, one of the highest accolades that the King, as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, may bestow. Since then, this event has been ingrained into the colourful history of Thailand as the Royal Guards of the Armed Forces participate in a massive parade displaying military prowess in celebration of the birthday of the King of Thailand and humbly pledge their loyalty to the reigning King.

What began as a minor activity in the mid 20th century has now blossomed into a massive display of the capabilities of the Thai Royal Army and is attended by the Army, the Navy, the Thai Marine Corps as well as the Thai Air Force. The event is broadcasted live throughout the nation and is attended by thousands of citizens who flock to the Royal Plaza in Bangkok to witness this great display of might. Though the colours ceremony aspect which was initially the focal point of the 1953 parade is no longer a part of the national celebration, other elements such as a 21 Gun Salute and ceremonial march pasts are still retained in this fifty year long tradition.

If one is in the country during December, making a visit to witness this parade is a worthwhile endeavour. It is usually conducted in front of the Dusit Palace at the Royal Plaza in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Whether the excursion to modern day Siam is for business of pleasure, opting to stay at a serviced apartment Bangkok is a sensible option in terms of accommodation. One such award winning option would be the Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok which affords all the modern comforts you deserve. Overall, its location further affords an exclusivity that is enjoyed by only the very best of Bangkok serviced apartments.

River Cruises to Ayutthaya: Where Culture and Tranquility Intertwine

The city of Ayutthaya, the capital of the province of Ayutthaya in Thailand is a city encapsulated with historic importance and is fondly known as the Venice of the East as well. The city is located in the valley of the Chao Phraya River and tourists often opt to make an excursion to the city to visit its temples such as the Wat Chai Mongkol, the Wat Phra Sanphet and the Wat Mongkhon Bophit.

There are a number of ways of exploring a city of such historic importance, but a river cruise is truly one of the best ways to see it up close. Travelers have the option of selecting a luxury cruise or the economical choice of a converted rice barge to do so. One of the most popular cruises is the River Sun cruise which allows you to arrive back in Bangkok from Wat Chong Lom Pier. The cruise lasts for around three hours and allows patrons to witness the pristine beauty of the river and observe the routine life styles of the locals living along the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Another cruise, the Grand Pearl, takes its patrons through the provinces of Pathumthani and Nonthaburi. In addition, it allows you to take in the sights of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Dawn as well. the 4 days RV River Kwai Cruise takes river cruises to another level altogether with a number of stops along the bank to enjoy activities such as elephant rides, hiking and even shopping as well as lectures on the historical and cultural importance of the sites that are passed while on board, are made. Of course, each of these cruises is complete sumptuous buffet lunches featuring a variety of cuisines that is sure to set your taste buds tingling in epicurean delight.

For Bangkok cruises to the city of Ayutthaya which encapsulates the luxury that you deserve, opt for Anantara cruises Thailand which is a three day excursion passing the Royal Barges Boat House, Temple of Dawn and many other historic landmarks. Opt for this Bangkok cruise tour and allow its exquisitely luxurious converted rice barges complete with delectable meals and personalized service, cater to your every need.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Ultimate Adventure in Paradise with Spidermonkey Climbing

The broad spectrum of activities available for tourists in Thailand is the main reason it is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the world. Visitors can navigate its crowded cities, enjoy South East Asian cuisine, see age old traditions in action, and escape to the beaches or tropical forests. The island of Ko Phi Phi Don gives tourists the opportunity to engage in most of these activities – including climbing the rock faces of its numerous cliffs.

Rock climbing in these regions is an emerging trend, and it looks like there is plenty of room to grow. The southern islands of Phi Phi, which is already a popular destination due to its beaches and tropical settings, have been attracting climbers for the past few years. The non-volcanic island of Ko Phi Phi Don is largely made of limestone and sports cliffs that are ideal for climbers. Even the bay of Nui is dotted with rocks that rise above the blue sea. There are around 50 routes over 5 interesting crags, and these have been developed over the years. As the cliffs overlook the coast of the tiny island, the views are amazing. Access to this island is only available by boat through Phuket or Krabi.

Safety is the most important factor in this activity where a small slip can have disastrous consequences. So it is vital that visitors who are not experts or are not carrying their own gear get the best help that the island has to offer. Spidermonkey Climbing, found in the main village, is a favourite due to the locals’ professional knowledge and friendliness, and caters for beginners and experts alike.

Half a day’s climbing at the end of Tonsai beach will give beginners a chance to learn basic techniques, take in the view and take a relaxing walk back from the 12- 40 metre climbs available. If you are looking to polish up your climbing skills and learn new techniques, the three day course is suitable. This course introduces customer belay, leading a climb, and if possible, multiple – pitch as well. For a more formidable climber, the multiple pitch course offers two experiences. Either climb the 100 foot Tonsai Tower in 4 pitches, or practice and improve your skill on various other double pitch routes. Renting your own gear is only advisable for experts who know the art of climbing. Whichever way you choose you are sure to end up gazing at the clear blue waters of Tonsai, with a spectacular view over the island.

After you have exhausted yourself in scaling these vertical overhangs, enjoy the rest of Thailand in a Bangkok Cruise Tour. Float down the river Chao Phraya on a 100 year old rice barge that is refurbished for luxury with Anantara Cruises Thailand. Take in the scenery of Thai temples and Buddha statues along the river as the personal crew attends to all your needs. These Bangkok cruises are the perfect way to relax in style after an exhilarating tour of rock climbing.

 

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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