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You're heading to Thailand for a dream trip and want to get back to nature, culture and local traditions? Here's a series of tours that are worth doing if you do not want to limit your vacation to the beach and nightlife.
The floating markets in Samut Songkhram
We begin with a hike that few tourists give up: a visit to a traditional floating market typical of the rural culture of Thailand.
The floating markets, floating or market, are similar to the weekly street markets that crowd the streets and neighborhoods of Italian cities, were it not for the fact that the stalls are positional water. Yes, you read right! Just outside Bangkok, you can admire the different markets in Samut Songkhram in Ratchaburi province: you can opt for the Damnoen Saduak, the most famous, or for Bang Bang Nok Kwaek and We, or, again, for the afternoon market Amphawa.
The floating markets are besieged by both tourists and Thais who must then go shopping, to avoid finding yourself in a floating market super-crowded, it would be better to concentrate your visit early in the morning, even before 08/08/30.
Also in Samut Songkhram you can not finally give up a visit to the quaint Maeklong Railway Market.
Trip to Ayutthaya (walking or cycling)
If your base in Thailand is Bangkok you can not help but take a hike, walk or bike to the ruins of the ancient capital of the Sima, Ayutthaya.
Ayutthaya consists of a very wide area where you can admire the archaeological ruins, temples and Buddha enormous size perfectly preserved. From Bangkok is easy to reach by train with the tours organized by various tour operators in the area.
The best way to visit the archaeological area in peace (often organized tours are crowded and chaotic) is the do-it-yourself. Close to Bangkok, Ayutthaya is easy to reach without guides or tour. Once at the train station, you only have to cross the channel to find a few minutes in the heart of Ayutthaya.
The archaeological site is quite large but flat and well articulated, so it's pleasant to walk by a statue of Buddha at a temple ruin, and so on. This can be done either on foot or by bike, the bike can be rented on site.
Among the must-see attractions are: the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the wihdan Phra Mongkon with the adjacent statue of the seated Buddha, Wat Mahathat andWat Thammikarat.
If you're heading to Phuket you can do to take advantage of the tour in the surrounding tourist attractions. The first one that we recommend is that in Thai Muang, a small town situated on the Andaman Coast right in the middle between Phuket and Khao Lak. Here you will find picture-postcard beaches virtually untouched but also a national park where you can enjoy the wildlife of Thailand, animals in the wild and beautiful waterfalls to take your breath away.
Also near diPhuketi tourists can visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre for where to see these amazing animals in the wild and where to learn everything there is to know about this species.
For lovers of the sea and unspoiled landscapes suggest a hike in the islets (still a little tour and this rarely visited) Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. To reach the beautiful Phang Nga Bay you can just barely an hour by boat from Phuket.
Excursion to the "Golden Triangle"
To conclude each tour in Thailand that respects itself, can not be mentioned the famous "Golden Triangle" (or The Golden Triangle). This area of northern Thailand is the place where you meet Thailand, Burma and Laos. Precisely at this point the Ruak River, which is the natural border with Burma, reaches the Mekong River, which is, however, the natural border with Laos.
Since you're in the area, if you still have time, Chiang Rai is much to see and admire. Among the attractions that are definitely worth a visit during a hike in the area of the "golden triangle" There are two monuments dedicated to the King founder of Chiang Rai, which is the Monument of King Mengrai and the Stupa of King Mengrai. Again in this area also deserves the striking scenic hill of Doi Ngam Mueang, where you can enjoy a wonderful view to say the least.
Visit the atolls of the Hat Chao Mai National Park
The last excursion that we can recommend is that (a little 'unusual but definitely worthwhile) to the islands of Trang, ie Ko Muk, Ko Ko Kradan and Chuek. These atolls are in the heavenly Trang province, just off the coast, and are part of theHat Chao Mai National Park. This tour is particularly recommended to fans of diving and diving.