Bangkok Thailand Vacation Bangkok Thailand Vacation Packages The headlong pace and flawed modernity of BANGKOK (called "Krung Thep" in Thai) match few people's visions of the capital of exotic Siam. Spiked with scores of highrise buildings of concrete and glass, it's a vast flatness which holds a population of at least nine million, and feels even bigger. But under the shadow of the skyscrapers you'll find a heady mix of frenetic markets and hushed golden temples, of glossy cutting-edge clubs and early-morning almsgiving ceremonies. Most budget travellers head for the Banglamphu district, which is just a short walk from the dazzling Grand Palace and Wat Po and the very worthwhile National Museum. For livelier scenes, explore the dark alleys of Chinatown's bazaars or head for the water: the great Chao Phraya River is the backbone of a network of canals and a useful way of crossing the city. Bangkok is a relatively young capital, established in 1782 after the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya, the former capital. A temporary base was set up on the western bank of the Chao Phraya, in what is now Thonburi, before work started on the more defensible east bank. The first king of the new dynasty, Rama I, built his palace at Ratanakosin and this remains the city's spiritual heart. Initially, the city was largely amphibious: only the temples and royal palaces were built on dry land, while ordinary residences floated on thick bamboo rafts on the river and canals, and even shops and warehouses were moored to the river bank. In the late nineteenth century, Rama IV and Rama V modernized their capital along European lines, building roads and constructing a new royal residence in Dusit, north of Ratanakosin. Since World War II, and especially from the mid-1960s onwards, Bangkok has seen an explosion of modernization, leaving the city without an obvious centre. Most of the canals have been filled in, to be replaced by endless rows of concrete shop-houses, sprawling over a built-up area of 330 square kilometres. The benefits of the economic boom of the 1980s and early 1990s were concentrated in Bangkok, as were the calamitous effects of the late-1990s economic crisis, both of which attracted mass migration from all over Thailand and made the capital ever more dominant: the population is now forty times that of the second city, Chiang Mai, and Bangkokians own four-fifths of the nation's cars. U.S. Department of State Thailand Information: Country Description Entry/Exit Requirements Safety and Security ![[Map of Thailand]](http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/edu/ref/wf/2005/m/th-map.gif)
Leading hotels in Thailand
Anantara Phuket Resort and Spa
Overview
Discover and explore the vibrancy of southern Thailand. Guests can engage in the natural landscape and ambience of their surroundings on the magnificent North West coast of Phuket as they watch breathtaking sunsets over Andaman Sea. Anantara’s collection of 83 villas, each with its own private pool, is framed by magnificent gardens with enchanting paths meandering down to the sea. Reminiscent of a southern Thai village, each boasting 180m2 of walled privacy, an expansive bedroom, dressing room and indoor bathroom, colorful silks, teak furnishings, a deep soaking outdoor terrazzo tub -- joined directly to a private swimming pool surrounded by hardwood timber decks and an open air living room/sala. All villas have a daybed in the bedroom, an iPod docking station, LCDTV and DVD surround system, Wi-Fi Internet access, an Espresso coffee machine and a mini-bar filled with gourmet snacks and beverages.
The laid-back luxury of the resort is enhanced by unique and sophisticated dining concepts, and pampering leisure and recreation options
Banyan Tree Bangkok
Overview
Well-known for being the tallest luxury spa hotel in Bangkok, it boasts unparalleled panoramic cityscapes, elegantly decorated guest rooms, renowned legendary service and the Banyan Tree Club lounge with integrated spa facilities. Located in the heart of Bangkok's central business and embassy district, Banyan Tree Bangkok also affords guests great ease for shopping, entertainment and sightseeing. The hotel's 327 rooms are sleek and contemporary but have sophisticated design flourishes which create a warm aesthetic. The floor to ceiling windows ensure that natural light floods the space, as well as capitalizing on the fantastic panoramic city views, for which the hotel is famous. The new Two-Bedroom Grand Banyan Suite provides utmost comfort and facilities in an extensive elegant area of city sanctuary.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Overview
Bordered by golden beaches and the Andaman Sea, Banyan Tree Phuket is nestled in lush, tropical gardens. Guest are treated to lavish villas that include sumptuous silk textiles, teak furniture and floors, and stunning celadon bathrooms with open-air sunken tubs. Award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, exceptional Southeast Asian dining and a full range of sports activities create a memorable experience in Thai hospitality
Bo Phut Resort & Spa
Overview
Koh Samui is one of Thailand‘s loveliest tropical islands. Bo Phut Resort & Spa has earned an unparallel reputation for offering the most luxurious and secluded hideaway on Samui. The resort is located on a superb beach of Bo Phut whilst surrounded by 7 acres of indigenous plantations.
Bo Phut Resort & Spa is a fine attribute of traditional and contemporary Thai design, combining an exotic and tranquil setting. The resort is situated in the northern tip of the island, approximately 5 km. from Samui International Airport. Our boutique resort is a perfect combination of distinctly designed accommodation in a setting of rare natural beauty which only Samui has to offer.
All 61 rooms including 32 villas and 29 deluxe rooms are designed in a Modern – Thai style, featuring modern amenities such as separate shower and bathtub, satellite TV with movie channels , news and sport channels, DVD/CD player, in-room safe, and well stocked mini bar
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
Overview
Long considered one of Thailand's finest resorts, the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket is set among mature tropical greenery along the two-and-a-half kilometer Bang Tao Beach and is flaked by two inland lagoons. Situated halfway between Phuket Town and Phuket International Airport, the resort's signature warm, traditional Thai hospitality and décor creates an exquisite atmosphere of charm, elegance and luxury. Services at the integrated resort include world class golf, pampering spa, wide-range water-sports or just heavenly relaxation. It's an all-encompassing experience that ensures a special Thai memory. A low-rise building evoking Thai style, appointed rooms and suites, the last word of luxury
Karma Samui
Overview
Karma Samui resort is nestled in a serene cove, within a 5 minute drive to Chaweng Beach -- the island's shopping and entertainment center and rises gracefully from the blue seas and golden sands of a stunning tropical beach. 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom pool villas capture commanding ocean views of the Gulf of Thailand as they cascade down to the radiant blue waters of the sea.
36 one, two, three and 4-bedroom pool villas - each with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, TV/DVD/CD player, WiFi, writing desk, mini-bar and a tropical outdoor shower-pool-Thai sala facing the sea
Rayavadee
Overview
Rayavadee is located on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park with towering limestone cliffs and islands dramatically bordered by the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Krabi enjoys mild weather throughout the year and is famous for its sandy beaches and gorgeous natural scenery. Located just 180km east of Phuket, Rayavadee sits at the heart of the stunning Phranang Peninsula and offers 98 enchanting two story pavilions and 4 luxurious villas. The resort is spread over 26 acres of coconut groves and surrounded by three National Park beaches. The award winning architecture and tropical landscaping provide an atmosphere of a southern Thai village, while the interior decoration boasts all the luxury and comforts guests desire
Santiburi Beach Resort, Golf & Spa
Overview
An exclusive deluxe resort of great refinement with a distinctive and very attractive Thai appearance, this charming member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World is a property of great elegance and grace. Its architecture of elaborate and steeply pitched red-tiled roofs, flared eaves and carved gables, dominating cool cream facades, integrates superbly into the beautiful setting - tucked away within 23 Park-like acres of lush and perfectly maintained tropical gardens that border palm-shaded Mae Nam beach, arguably Koh Samui's most attractive beach on this quieter north coast with 300 meter private frontage. The main building interiors house a huge marble lobby, pools, fountains and local artifacts, intimate lounges and tasteful wicker furnishing and polished woods. And though the Santiburi's prevailing mood is a deceptive one of great tranquility, its discreet and relaxed atmosphere belies the hotel's really impressive range of leisure and sporting amenities.
The Chedi Chiang Mai
Overview
The Chedi Chiang Mai, centrally located on the banks of the Mae Ping River in the center of Chiang Mai City, is within walking distance to the famous night markets. The hotel incorporates modern Asian design, with teak wood flooring, and warm rich colors.
52 deluxe rooms and 32 Chedi Club Suites, each with a garden, courtyard or river view, balcony with day bed and an in-room safe. Chedi Club accommodations include complimentary breakfast buffet, cocktails and snacks, butler service and round trip transfers in a Mercedes Limousine
The Sukhothai, Bangkok
Overview
Lush tropical gardens and decorative ponds surround The Sukhothai, an oasis in the heart of Bangkok situated on six acres. The hotel's location is perfect for the business or leisure traveler. Only a 35-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi International airport by chauffeur-driven Mercedes S Class limousine. From spacious, teak-floored bathrooms and fine furnishings, the hotel's accommodation reflects an authentic hospitality that blends tradition with the best of elegant, contemporary living
Phuket Hotels - A wide choice of hotel accommodation in Phuket from DirectRooms.com
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