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Last Updated: Jan 28th, 2008 - 17:11:39 |
If you're tired of grey English drizzle and bickering in-laws a last-minute break to Thailand could be just what you need this Christmas.
The only south-east Asian country never to have been colonised by a European power, Thailand is blessed with an exuberant fusion of ancient tradition and modern sophistication.
At its gateway is the cosmopolitan buzz of Bangkok. Situated on the east bank of the Chao Phraya river, the city is an exhilarating blend of old and new as markets and temples nestle side by side with the technologies of Silom Road and the Pantip Centre.
At the city's heart is the glittering splendour of the Grand Palace, a glorious golden shrine that houses the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most symbolic national treasure. The palace gates invite visitors into a square mile of pearl-coated throne rooms, ornate antechambers and wide courtyards that tells the story of dynasties of Siamese kings.
Just around the corner is the 16th Century Wat Po temple, home to the Reclining Buddha, an extravagant 150ft statue gilded in gold leaf. The temple also houses the famous Institute of Massage and is home to some 300 monks.
Bangkok was once dubbed the 'Venice of the East' and a quick trip to its teeming canals will show you why. The floating market is a phenomenal sight, as vendors peddling fresh fruit and vegetables, spices and souvenirs jam the waterways with colourful displays and exotic smells. Visitors can pick up some real bargains and the dull taste of English turkey quickly evaporates in the aroma of local curries flavoured with spices, coconut and lemon juices.
From there, a trip to the House of the Royal Barges is essential. The building is home to a collection of ornate vessels and warships used for governmental occasions across the centuries, each one carved with painstaking and unique designs. The Acala Gallery, which houses a huge collection of furniture and jewels from Tibet and India, and the famous Bangkok Snake Farm, a showcase of the country's most beautiful and deadly vipers, are equally fascinating attractions.
Downtown, many of the myriad restaurants stage cultural performances while diners eat. It's the perfect introduction to Thailand's highly stylised classical dance, and accompaniment from traditional instruments coupled with the elegant costumes of the participants makes these shows a must. Another common local exhibition is the Muai Thai, a brand of boxing unique to Thailand. Muai Thai is a highly skilful and often very vicious martial art and is drenched in a sense of ritual, usually accompanied by wild crowds and a din of excitement.
By night the action continues; Bangkok boasts a heady array of cafes, bars, nightclubs and discos that reflects the cosmopolitan energy of its streets. Whether you want to swing to the smooth jazz of the Bamboo Bar or experience the unique ancient art of Thai puppet theatre, dive into a local haunt or try out one of the huge megaclubs you'll be sure to feel the energy of a city that never stops.
When the heat gets too much, travellers can rent a car and escape to the south to relax in the beach resorts of Pattay, Hua Hin and Kanchanaburi. Exuding old-fashioned charm and offering delicious selections of seafood, these small towns are perfect for families and provide the perfect relaxing antidote to the excitement of Bangkok.
December is the ideal time to visit, with the summer's wet season abated and the scorching heat of spring still to come. So if you have a taste for the exotic and the urge to get away this Chrismas, a trip to Thailand could well be the stockingfiller you need.
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