Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the splendid Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It's the largest temple in Bangkok and famed for its huge and majestic reclining Buddha measured 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf. The Buddha's feet are 3 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious 'laksanas' (characteristics) of the Buddha.
If you've never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a good place to start. It's quite different to most other forms of therapeutic massage and tends to be invigorating rather than relaxing, incorporating yoga style postures to relieve stress and improve blood circulation. Cost is around 120 baht for half an hour or 200 baht per hour.
Thailand is a country with abundant natural resources, including a wide variety of flora and fauna, and distinct ecological zones. There are over 100 Thailand national parks, including more than 20 marine parks, and each park features unique attractions, outstanding facilities, and opportunities to see animals in Thailand. Those interested in trekking, mountain biking, photography, birding, camping, scuba diving, or getting up close to exotic animals in Thailand have many options to choose from.
A visit to a Thailand beach or one of the many Thailand islands is an opportunity for visitors to relax, experience exotic marine life, or even learn to scuba dive. However, across Thailand, whether at a beach, island, or Thailand National Park visitors will discover unique flora and fauna and distinct ecological zones, from the temperate forests of the northern mountains and the plains of central Thailand to the savannahs of the northeast and the mangrove forests of the southern coasts. Animals in Thailand include not only elephants and monkeys but also bears and whale sharks, the world’s largest fish.
Chiang Mai is one of the most popular cities in Thailand for Thais and tourists alike. Chiang Mai is in northern Thailand, around 700 kilometers from Bangkok and is popular for long weekends, long holidays, hiking, trekking, elephant riding, visiting Hill Tribe villages and more. There is so much to do in the Chiang Mai area, that sometimes it's difficult to narrow it down. But, as a westerner who lives in Thailand and has visited Chiang Mai many times, there are certain things I would recommend everybody to do.
Visit Doi Suthep - One of the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai is to visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. Wat Prathat Doi Suthep is a temple high up on Suthep Mountain and is the place where everyone visits at least once when they go to Chiang Mai. To get to Doi Suthep you can take a tour bus, hire a taxi or go in a songtaew (the red pick up trucks that pick up passengers all over Chiang Mai). From downtown Chiang Mai, it will take around 30 to 45 minutes to get up to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, depending on how bad the traffic is and which day you go (Saturdays and Sundays are very busy, so during the week is usually a better time to go). Doi Suthep is a beautiful temple with a golden chedi, lots of bells you can ring to send your prayers to heaven and, on a clear day, the most beautiful view all over Chiang Mai. When you get to Doi Suthep and walk past all the hawkers, you have two choices to get up to the actual temple. Walk up the steps, which comprises of more than 300 of them, or take the easy way up by riding the funicular - an old-fashioned rail carriage that chugs up the hill to the temple.
Go to the Umbrella Factory and the Silk Factories - Chiang Mai is famous for its Thai handicrafts, especially handmade paper umbrellas and Thai silk. There is a large umbrella factory that you can visit, buy umbrellas and have them, bags, t shirts, jackets etc. hand-painted by artists who only charge $1 per hand-painted item. There are also three or four silk factories and silk showrooms that showcase the most beautiful Thai silk clothing. As Thai silk is the best silk in the world, here you will get beautiful quality items at an extremely fair price.
The Activities of Sky Shuttle, Speed Shuttle and Tower Jump, the best vantage point for a breathtaking view with the challenge and excitement. You can jump from 170 metres high off the tower, or go with the Sky shuttle to the beach and having something faster with the Speed Shuttle. "TRY FREE" when you buy an observation ticket.
The Panorama, The Pinnacle and The Meridian Revolving Restaurant on the 52nd, 53rd and 54th floor. Taste the international buffet lunch and dinner with seafood.
Water Park :Splash through the water slides and relax in the whirlpool by the beach Water Park.
Fun Park : Other options for exciting experience at Funny Land with the first Tower Shot in Thailand, Swing Vikings Ship, Tower, Slalom Roller Caster, Family Swinger, Demolition Derby, Musical Carousel and the Monorail to speed you around the resort.
Pattaya Park Tower : Breathtaking views, sumptuous meals. The first and highest seaside tower with a revolving restaurant. Located on The East Coast of Thailand, 240 metres high, you can stand and gaze at the beauty of the coastline and Pattaya City.
