When it comes to a short and quick vacation, nearby Thailand pops in as a popular destination for Indian holidaymakers – main drawcards being food, shopping, Buddhist temples and pagodas with golden towers, sandy beaches and lots of fun. Popular locations like capital Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Pattaya, Ko Samui and Krabi generally fills in the usual itinerary. However, there are few other striking places in this Asian nation that are unfortunately lesser known but no less attractive.
Here are five of them.
Kanchanaburi: Located 130 km away from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is home to the infamous ‘Death Railway’ built over a bridge over the Khwae Yai River during WWII, deploying 60000 allied force prisoners and several locals, most of whom died from the hard labour. A museum and cemetery in the quirky town provide a moving testament to the brutal episode, immortalised by the Hollywood movie, ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’.
The surrounding region is a nature’s paradise. The magnificent landscape is dotted with pristine national parks, tranquil rivers and charming waterfalls that offer excellent opportunities for fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, complementing the lures from history and culture.
Maeklong Railway Market: Markets in Thailand more or less have similar appearance and character. But one that definitely stands out is the Maeklong Railway Market, located 80 km south of Bangkok. It’s claimed to be the only market in the world, where a train runs through the middle of it, several times a day.
An amazing spectacle to see how swiftly vendors upon hearing the horn brings down shop awnings and move merchandise to give way to passing train with less than a foot to spare.
Ayutthaya: Around ninety minutes by road from Bangkok, Ayutthaya was one of the greatest cities in Asia during the medieval period. It was founded in 1350 and remained capital of Siam kingdom for over 400 years. With a myriad of palaces, monasteries Buddhist temples and chedis adorning the landscape, it was then regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Unfortunately, a devastating war with neighbouring Burma in 1767 reduced the city to ruins which still exist to evoke the splendour of the past. Local Thai people and some outsiders still haunt this wrecked arena for connection with the kingdom’s hallowed past.
Once home to over 400 temples, palaces, stupas and noble houses, only a few so far has been partially restored. While still in ruins, the leftovers of the Grand Palace show the might of the kingdom, Wat Mahatat which housed Buddha’s relics, Wat Phra Si Sanpet, Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol and Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit demonstrate the architectural ingenuity of the time.
Phrae: Tucked into Thailand’s remote north-eastern corner, this riverside walled town was built in the 12th century and well known for beautiful teak mansions, temples and unhurried lifestyle. Influences from neighbouring Laos and Burma are evident in architecture, art, culture, and cuisine. There are around twenty temples in the domain, Laos style Wat Luang – said to be around 1000 years old – is the first-born and the best.
This octagonal stupa is notable for its elephant caryatids. More recently built Wat Chom Sawan, is a teak architecture built in traditional Burmese style. Another very impressive temple is the Wat Phong Sunan, dominated by a gleaming white chedi consisting of 108 spires.
Nan: Only 130 km north-east from Phrae, Nan steep with history since the 13th century when it came under the influence of Sukothai and Lanna kingdoms. Later in 1558, it surrendered to Burma. Subsequently became a vassal state under Bangkok in 1788. Finally, in 1931, got annexed to the kingdom of Thailand.
Surely an off the radar of most travellers, but many find this quaint place a gem to relax in the middle great nature while appreciating the traces of the past in local art, culture, cuisine, handicrafts, and temple architecture. Must visit is the 1569, Wat Phumin, featuring central golden Buddha faces in four directions and the vivid murals that depict scenes from the lives of the Buddha. Another temple to visit is Wat Phra That Chae Haeng.
Travel Tips
Getting there: Fly Thai Airways from many Indian cities to Bangkok. Nok Air flies to both Phrae and Nan from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport. Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi are road-trips from Bangkok and Maeklong is on the way to Kanchanaburi
Stay: Rembrandt Hotel in Bangkok, Huern Na Na Boutique Hotel in Phrae and Wiang Kaew Hotel in Nan.
Ground assistance: Absolute Fantastic Holidays