Beyond the golden palaces and vibrant streets of Thailand’s capital lies a spectacular land of ruined cities and colourful hill tribes, where the rich cultural diversity of the Golden Triangle, permeates the very fabric of towns like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Bangkok

One of the world’s top tourist destinations, Thailand’s bustling capital lies beside the busy waters of the Chao Phraya River, where it began its life as a small trading outpost of the powerful Ayutthaya Kingdom. Known as the ‘City of Angels’ its rise to prominence started in the 18th century and today is one of the most dynamic cities in Asia, whose colourful streets and meandering canals are scattered with a spectacular array of monuments to a dazzling past, including the impressive Grand Palace, the famous reclining Buddha of Wat Pho and Emerald Buddha of Wat Pho Kaew, as well as the beautiful and iconic Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.

Chiang Mai

Ideally placed for exploring the jungles and the hill tribes of the north, Chiang Mai lies along the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River, set before a backdrop of some of Thailand’s highest mountains. The largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, it it’s the capital of the Chiang Mai Province, located 700 kilometres north of Bangkok.

Strategically important, along ancient trade routes serving as a major centre for handcrafted goods, jewellery and woodcarving. The city developed to become the capital of the Lannathai Kingdom, developing a cultural significance that is still evident today. Over the years the city has become increasingly modern, although it is still missing the cosmopolitan nature of Bangkok, it is rich in attractions for visitors.

Chiang Rai

The northern of Thailand’s provinces, Chiang Rai lies along the Mae Kok River, within the confines of the infamous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge.

The city was founded in 1262, by King Mangrai and it became the capital of the Mangrai dynasty. A new city was built by Mangrai at Chiang Mai, resulting in the city losing its status. The city was then conquered by Burma, remaining under their ruling for several hundred years, until 1786, when Chiang Rai became Chiang Mai Vassal. It was not until 1910 that the city was proclaimed a province of Thailand.

Rich in reminders of its regal heritage, temples and palaces are dotted around the city. Home to a number of ethnic villages, it is a fascinating region to discover Thailand’s diverse traditions.

A visit to Bangkok can be incorporated as an extension to our Orient itineraries or as part of your own tailor made Thailand luxury holiday. To find out more, call our experts now on 08452 703 862.

About Paul Taylor

Other articles by Paul Taylor

I first developed my passion for travel and in particular for India and the Far East, whilst taking a gap year backpacking in India for 3 months, before then undertaking a degree in Politics. Having returned to England and unsure what to do next, I then decided a career in travel would be an exciting way to visit other countries and therefore joined Bales, where I have now been for 6 years, and am currently a Sales Supervisor. I now specialise in India & the sub-continent and the Far East and this has allowed me to travel back to my favourite destination, India, numerous times. Therefore, thanks to Bales and my previous travelling experience, I now have a vast knowledge of my specialised area, that in-turn, I can pass on to our clients in order to ensure that they have as much of a wonderful experience in these countries as I have had.