| Thailand is more than Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and | | | | treasures. Kanchanaburi lies next to the Kwai River, |
| Chiang Mai. In fact, there are a great many fascinating | | | | where the famous World War II bridge still stands (the |
| out-of-the-way places that regular visitors know and | | | | subject of an Oscar-winning movie, The Bridge Over |
| love, which you might like to consider adding to your | | | | the River Kwai). It’s a poignant reminder of the |
| itinerary when you’re planning your next trip to | | | | hardship endured by those who were forced to work |
| Thailand. | | | | on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway. Natural |
| About 260 km outside Bangkok, the ancient city of | | | | attractions here include numerous lovely waterfalls and |
| Nakhon Ratchasima, also known by its historical name | | | | caves. The trek through the steamy undergrowth, to |
| of Khorat, is famous for its several heritage sites that | | | | the stunning seven-tiered Erewan Waterfalls, is well |
| reveal the roots of traditional Thai culture. Once the | | | | worth the effort. Your reward is a plunge into the cool, |
| gateway to the country’s northeast, the city | | | | clear water beneath the falls, where curious fish nibble |
| was a major centre of the vast and influential Khmer | | | | at your toes. |
| kingdom, which stretched across much of Southeast | | | | North of Chiang Mai, in the jungle wilderness, is |
| Asia, between the 9th and 15th centuries. Life moves | | | | Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. The |
| at a relaxed pace here, compared to the main tourist | | | | national park, also of that name, presents some of the |
| centres. Just south of Nakhon Ratchasima, in a lush | | | | regions most exciting trekking opportunities. Best |
| river valley, is the delightful market village of Dan | | | | accessed by motorbike, due to the rough and narrow |
| Kwain, well known for the fine quality of its ceramics | | | | roads, Doi Inthanon is a mountainous expanse with |
| and distinguished by the individuality of its products. | | | | deep valleys that contain a rich diversity of distinctive |
| Near Nakhon Ratchasima, there are dense forests, | | | | flora and fauna. Be warned that temperatures on the |
| mountains, and rivers with spectacular waterfalls. Khao | | | | mountain top can drop to –8 C and the peak is |
| Yai National Park, listed as a World Heritage site in | | | | often swathed in mist. Here you’ll find the prized |
| 2005, undulates over magnificent mountain ranges | | | | red and white varieties of rhododendron, as well as |
| blanketed by thick forests, and plunges down deep | | | | more than 350 bird species, more than in any other |
| valleys with wild river courses. Wildlife is abundant and | | | | location in Thailand. |
| accessible and you can see elephants, tigers, | | | | Sukhothai, Thailand’s first administrative and |
| monkeys, black bears, deer, butterflies, insects, and | | | | cultural capital, established in 1257, is today a group of |
| birds. This is an ideal place to spot a Hornbill, which is | | | | well-preserved ruins. During its 120-year golden period, |
| common in the park from August to September. You | | | | the old city was known for its stunning temples, |
| can even join tiger-spotting trips accompanied by park | | | | statues and gardens, and is now a significant historical |
| rangers. | | | | focal point. The site is well worth the short drive out of |
| The quiet riverside town of Kanchanaburi, about 130 | | | | the current city of Sukhothai, about 400 km north of |
| km west of Bangkok, is another place where you can | | | | Bangkok. |
| explore more of Thailand’s natural and historic | | | | |