In this article you'll find a description of Ko Tarutao, one of Thailand's many hidden paradises, often overlooked by mainstream tourism.

Ko Tarutao, a lost paradise

In this article you will find good ideas for trekking in the mountains of northern Thailand.

The northern mountains, a paradise for trekkers

In this article you will find a description of Bangkok, the gigantic capital of the country and even of the continent.

Bangkok, the capital of a continent

The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.

The magic of Pha Taem, north of Khong Chiam

Damnoen Saduak is a floating market that unfortunately has become too touristy and is no longer authentic.

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Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? Travelling in an auto rickshaw will make you feel Bangkok, the hyperactive capital, buzz with life. Next step: the south of Thailand, which is even more charming… Bays, coves, bungalows on deserted beaches, clear water and colourful corals, underwater caves and rocks springing from the sea. Your journey to Thailand will allow you to experience the flavour of salty water, diving and blissful idleness.You will continue your journey north to Chiang Mai, where you will learn so much: there are so many cooking classes and massage courses to choose from. Later, you will take one of the most beautiful roads in the north, Chiang Maia Mae Hong Son, a journey brave travellers will take on two wheels. Between discovering misty, jungle-covered hillsides and villages nestled deep in splendid valleys: your stay in Thailand will be almost supernaturally beautiful.

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Damnoen Saduak

Kanchanaburi, in the west of the country, is a beautiful region visited mainly for the bridge on the River Kwai and for the national parks in the area.

Kanchanaburi

Situated to the east of Bangkok, Erawan is a national park that is best known for its turquoise blue waterfalls.

Erawan

Bang Pa In is a small village south of Ayutthaya Historical Park, mainly known and visited because of the royal summer palace located there.

Bang Pa In

Prasat Phanom Rung is a temple built in the Khmer architectural style on a hill created by an ancient volcano, today extinct.

Prasat Phanom Rung

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I discovered Prasat Phnom Rung thanks to a friend I was staying with in the area. It is a little jewel of Khmer architecture. The temple dates from the 10th century, from a time when the Khmer Empire extended over most of what is now modern day Thailand. This historical complex is located on a hill from where there are views out over the countryside of Isan, an agricultural region of Northern Thailand. I didn't know what to expect when I arrived at the site and I was impressed when I saw the long path and the steps along it leading to this very well preserved temple. I'd already been to visitthe temples in Angkorand therefore had something with which to compare the building's architectural style. I was greeted by statues of lions . The ponds oneach side demonstrate the mastery that those who created them had over the elements all that time ago, able to transformthe crater of this ancient volcano into a water source as they did. A visit to this temple is definitely an off-the-beaten-track experience ; there are plenty of people there, but most of them are Thais interested, like me, in exploring and learning about their heritage.

I was lucky enough to visit Prasat Phanom Rung, an isolated, and not at all touristy, temple in the east of Thailand, not far from the border with Cambodia. It is a Khmer style temple and a cause of dispute between the two countries. At the time, I was spending a few days in the area and a French guide took me to see it.  Prasat Phanom Rung temple is just superb! There was hardly anyone else there during my visit, apart from a few monks, who made my photos even more picturesque! The sculptures and friezes are in a really good state of preservation and when I visited Angkor a little later, I was aware of how lucky I had been to see this temple, which was at least as beautiful and a lot less touristy.  All around is jungle and stern looking soldiers. It doesn't encourage you to go off the paths, especially as the soldiers aren't far away. I left by the same route as I came, to continue my journey with my head full of images of this temple...an unforgettable moment in my <a href="/cambodia/"></a> <a href="/thailand/">journey around Thailand</a>.

This temple is in the Isan region of Thailand, not far from a militarized zone, which is witness to the tensions that exist between Thailand and Cambodia.

Prasat Phanom Rung Vacations

Prasat Phanom Rung: How to get there?

Prasat Phanom Rung: See when to go ?

Prasat Phanom Rung: For how long?

Prasat Phanom Rung: What to see nearby?

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