By John Hoskin Long established as
an exceptionally rewarding travel destination, Thailand today offers
a new dimension to its myriad attractions as a gateway to the Mekong
region, opening up fresh options for exciting excursions.
Countries
once closed to the traveler are now becoming
increasingly accessible, making it possible
to experience an extraordinary wealth of historic,
cultural and scenic sights.
Southern China's Yunnan province,
Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as north and northeastern
Thailand all border the mighty Mekong, Southeast Asia's longest
river and the traditional lifeline of the entire region. Along
the banks of this vital waterway have arisen the major civilizations
that have shaped the history of Southeast Asia, while the river
itself has and continues to sustain the life of a remarkably
diverse population.
Each of the Mekong countries has
its own unique attractions. There are monuments to quite distinct
ancient kingdoms, while cultures and typical lifestyles present
fascinating and contrasting images.
Located in the heart of the region,
Thailand now provides the most convenient access to all of its
neighbours. Direct flights link Bangkok with the capitals and
major cities of the Mekong countries, while new road and river
connections add enormously to the touring possibilities. As for
facilities, although Thailand has the most developed tourism
infrastructure, the standard of hotels and other services and
amenities are now rapidly improving throughout the region. The
traveller can expect comfort if not always luxury, and at the
same time enjoy a sense of adventure and discovery.
All of the Mekong countries are different,
with their own individual charm, and all encompass sights and
scenes as varied as the lands themselves. From the stunning natural
beauty of the hills of northern Thailand to the spellbinding
ancient ruins of Cambodia's Angkor or Myanmar's Pagan, from the
venerable temples of Luang Prabang, the former royal capital
of Laos, to the intriguing watery world of the Mekong delta in
Vietnam, the choice of sightseeing possibilities is unparalleled.
The Mekong first touches Thailand
at the country's northernmost province of Chiang Rai. Here, at
the "Golden Triangle", the Ruak tributary joins the
mainstream at a point where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar
and Laos meet. From this famous spot it is possible to travel
down the Mekong by longtail boat to Luang Prabang in Laos, or
take a luxury river cruiser for a voyage of discovery upstream
to Jinghong in southern China's Yunnan province. Or, from Mai
Sai, a short distance northwest of the "Golden Triangle",
you can travel overland into Myanmar, to the border settlement
of Tachilek and beyond to the enchanting town of Kengtung.
Northeastern Thailand is the most
traditional part of the country, where rural villages dot the
landscape and colourful festivals punctuate the agricultural
year. Virtually the whole of the area's northern and eastern
limits are bounded by the Mekong, which here forms the boundary
between Thailand and Laos. A road parallels the river affording
an immensely scenic drive, passing through important centres,
such as Nongkhai, where it is possible to cross via a bridge
into Laos, and cultural landmarks, like That Phanom, the region's
most scared Buddhist shrine.
Away from the river, the Northeast boasts some of Thailand's
most fascinating historical attractions, including the prehistoric
site of Ban Chiang and the major Khmer temple ruins of Phimai
and Phanom Ruang.
Although the region is largely rural,
there are a number of populous towns where a good standard of
accommodation and other facilities is available. The largest
cities also provide air and rail links with Bangkok.
The Mekong touches only a small corner
of Myanmar (formerly Burma), but the whole of this fascinating
country offers a remarkable variety of cultural and historic
sights. Until recently travel was limited, but today Myanmar
is rapidly expanding its tourism infrastructure and the visitor
now has chance to see more of this golden land than ever before.
A number of international-standard hotels have recently opened
in the major cities and tourist destinations, and other new facilities
are opening up at a rapid pace.
The Mekong first touches Thailand
at the country's northernmost province of Chiang Rai. Here, at
the "Golden Triangle", the Ruak tributary joins the
mainstream at a point where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar
and Laos meet. From this famous spot it is possible to travel
down the Mekong by longtail boat to Luang Prabang in Laos, or
take a luxury river cruiser for a voyage of discovery upstream
to Jinghong in southern China's Yunnan province. Or, from Mai
Sai, a short distance northwest of the "Golden Triangle",
you can travel overland into Myanmar, to the border settlement
of Tachilek and beyond to the enchanting town of Kengtung.
