タイの旅のヒント

Bangkok’s exciting blend of historical landmarks, notorious entertainment venues and rapid modernization draws eleven million visitors every year, placing it third, worldwide, behind Paris and London. With literally thousands of temples to see, unique floating markets and both Westernized and Eastern shopping centers, it’s no surprise that Bangkok is such a popular destination. Of course, Thailand boasts world-renowned food and Bangkok is a great place to sample some signature dishes. During this tour of the Grand Palace complex you will take in the Grand Palace itself, which is still used for ceremonial occasions now, the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall. The Rose Garden Cultural Centre, which is 20 miles (32 km) out of Bangkok is a great chance to connect with rural Thai culture and craft. Witness silk-weaving, pottery making, umbrella painting, doll making, fruit carving and the crafting of silverware.

If you take the Ayutthaya Temple tour and boat cruise, then you get to see the old site of a once thriving Siamese kingdom, 53 mi (85 km) out of Bangkok. The Ayutthaya Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its temples, many of which are still intact, including Wat Phra Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Panangcherng and Wat Chai Mongkol, which is known for its large bronze statue of the Reclining Buddha. The tour also includes a trip to the summer palace of King Rama IV, which has been preserved as a museum to take you back in time to Siam. Finally, the tour ends with a boat trip that will enable you to see many other temples along the river. If you have less time to spend looking at the temples, then local tour guides also offer half day tours. Expect to see the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which has a 3 meter (9 feet) tall gold statue of Buddha, weighing five tons. Once again, the tour takes in the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Located on Thailand’s west coast, just south of Bangkok, the city of Phuket serves as a gateway to the blue seas and white sand beaches of the Thai Islands. By basing yourself on the island of Phuket, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of this well-developed resort area while taking day cruises to some of the surrounding islands and beaches. If you’ve ever seen the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, you’re already familiar with Ko Phi Phi, an island with some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. Take an express ferry from Phuket to Ko Phi Phi for a day of soaking up the sunshine on the beach, swimming or snorkeling among the colorful corals. Another popular cruise option made famous by the James Bond franchise takes you to Phang Nga Bay and iconic James Bond Island. On a Phang Nga Bay Tour by speed boat from Phuket, you’ll get to see some of the 100 limestone outcrops and islands and visit a traditional village on stilts.

タイには多くの少数民族が住んでおり、その中でもチェンマイを囲む山々には山岳民族が住んでいることで有名です。山岳民族の村は見学することができ、タイの少数民族の伝統や文化を知る貴重な体験ができます。 チェンマイには、モン族、ヤオ族、ラフ族、リス族、アカ族、カレン族、ルア族、ティン族、カム族の9つのエスニックグループが存在しています。これらの少数民族は中国本土から南下した民族で、いまだに古来の伝統文化を守り続け生活しています。多くの村は観光客を受け入れ、工芸品を売ったりして現金収入を得ています。チェンマイで最も有名な山岳民族は、首長族として有名なパトゥン首長族でしょう。また、カレン族は、草木染めの織物や貫頭衣で有名な民族で、モン族は、繊細な刺繍で有名な民族です。 山岳民族の村を見学した後は、美しいチェンマイの大自然の中で、ジャングルトレッキングや急流を下るホワイトウォーター・ラフティングなどのアクティビティーに参加してみてはどうでしょう。