How 4 Things Will Change The Way You Approach Thailand Travel

Later in the day, it can get pretty rammed! It's a good idea to go in the morning when there's fewer people there. The Grand Palace and royal temple of Wat Phra Kaew map are typically open from 8.30 am till 3.30pm.

The large complex is full of throne halls, royal residences and golden Buddhist temples, and nowadays most of the court and temples are open to visitors. The palacial grounds in Bangkok were long the nerve centre of the Siamese kingdom. It's got a small traveller scene and is a good base for visiting historical sites, waterfalls, and Sai Yok National Park.

About 120km from Bangkok is the small riverside city of Kanchanaburi, made famous by the movie Bridge over the River Kwai. The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks. Thailand also suffered a series of bombings in 2015 in various places in Bangkok (Erawan Shrine, Sathorn Pier, Siam station of Bangkok's Skytrain System, Bangkok Criminal Court in Chatuchak district) as well as in Koh Samui (Central Festival shopping mall).

The Thai Interior Ministry has issued a nationwide directive, which called for security levels to be raised, especially in tourist areas and places where people are likely to gather. There were also casualties reported in bombings at Phuket (Patong), Surat Thani and Trang provinces. In Hua Hin, two explosions outside a bar killed one and injured several others, including foreigners.

There have been multiple bombings in several areas in Thailand on 11 and 12 August 2016. Despite this, the ruins of the city are still standing, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and are a great day trip from Bangkok. All this came to an end when the Burmese invaded in the 18th century, bringing the kingdom to ruin and resulting in the loss of many artistic and cultural treasures.

Much wealth was generated by this enormous empire, with grand palaces, ornate buildings and huge temples featured throughout the city. Enduring many battles, invasions, overthrows and coups, Ayutthaya's far-reaching trade with other regions ensured a flourishing influence of art, weaponry, religion and cuisine. Ayutthaya rose Travel to Thailand prominence as the new capital in the 14th century, and was considered a powerhouse of South-East Asia as one of the most important centres of trade in the world.

From the waterfalls of Erewan to a homestay with the hill tribes of the Golden Triangle, these are Thailand tours beyond the tourist traps. Let's just say your local Pad Thai has nothing on Chiang Mai's street stalls or the floating markets of Amphawa, where little old ladies do things with fish sauce and chili you never thought possible. Phi Phi's limestone karsts really do look like some alien world.

The water around Krabi and Ko Tao really is that colour. But no matter how clichéd the fantasy, Thailand delivers in spades. Note: Make sure if you're renting a motorbike, you're comfortable with driving it and never (ever) drink and drive.