Our New Mandalay to Bangkok routes!
As the businesses expand, so have our routes. We'll be flying directly to Bangkok from our Ancient Capital!
Thailand (previously known as Siam) has been populated ever since the dawn of civilization in Asia. There are conflicting opinions on the origins of the Thais. It presumed that about 4,500 years. the Thais originated in northwestern Szechuan in China and later migrated down to Thailand along the southern part of China. They split into two main groups. One settled down in the North and became the kingdom of "Lan Na" and the other one is in further south, which afterward was defeated by the Khmers and became the kingdom of "Sukhothai". However, the Thai history has been changed by the archaeological excavations in the village of Ban Chiang in the Nong Han District of UdonThani province in the Northeast. From the evidence of bronze metallurgy, it now appears that the Thais might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia, including China.
The controversy over the origin of the Thais shows no sign of definite conclusion as many more theories have been put forward and some even go further to say that Thais were originally of Austronesian rather than Mongoloid. What the outcomes of the dispute may be, by the 13th century the Thais had already settled down within the southeast Asia.
Bangkok
Bangkok, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is the dynamic capital of Thailand. It is also the largest city in the country with about7,000,000 inhabitants. This wealthy city, which is the 22nd most populated city in the world, receives about 15 million visitors annually.
Bangkok is characterized by a tropical climate which remains humid for a major part of the year. The city experiences alternate periods of dry and wet seasons. Dry seasons are warm with high humidity levels while it gets pleasant in the nights.
Historically, the city of Bangkok was a small trading centre which has now developed into an important economic and financial hub in Southeast Asia. Interestingly, the full name of the city is listed as the world's longest name of a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
Pattaya
An internationally well-known seaside resort, Pattaya is located approximately 170 km southeast of Bangkok on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The town stretches over 15 kilometers along the coast. With a population of more than 96,000, it is a melting pot of different nationalities. Every year it welcomes more than 5 million visitors.
The best period to visit is November to February, when the weather is nicely warm - 20℃ to 30℃ - and dry. February to May is the hot, dry season with occasional rain and spectacular thunderstorms. The monsoon season is June to October, with heavy rain, 90% humidity and temperatures 25℃ to 35℃
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the second-largest and one of the most significant cities in Thailand. Located on the Ping River, it is also the capital of the Chiang Mai Province. Home to a population of about 170,000 inhabitants, Chiang Mai is regarded as one of the premier destinations in Asia owing to its mix of modern and traditional charm.
The climate in Chiang Mai is equatorial in nature with hot, humid summers and pleasant, cool winters. From July to October, monsoon rains bring forth the lush greenery. Winters are the best time to visit as this is when the climate is mild with bright sunshine and blooming flowers.
Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 and was a significant centre for pottery, carving, and other arts. The city has still retained its glory in the various art and crafts shops. Today, it is a rapidly developing city in Thailand.
Phuket
Phuket is a city situated in Phuket Islands, Thailand. It is a small town with an active economic centre, appealing colonial architecture, and riveting beaches. Phuket was incorporated as a city in 2004 and is home to a populace of about 60,000 people.
The city is characterised by a tropical monsoon climate with year-round warm temperatures. Phuket possesses two main seasons, dry and wet, owing to the monsoon winds. April to May is the hottest period, while October and November are the coolest months.
The name 'Phuket' originates from the word 'Bukit' which means a hill. Phuket city is an interesting blend of traditionalism and modernism. Its growth-oriented economy consists of tin mining, agriculture, and marine products.
Ayutthaya
The historic city of Ayutthaya is an ancient, yet modern, city on an island in the Central Plains of Thailand. It is the capital city of the Ayutthaya province and is around 90 km from Bangkok. It lies at the junction of the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pa Sak Rivers.
With a population of more than 75,000 people, the city experiences temperatures ranging from approximately 20℃-37℃; November-February is considered as the best time to visit. Ayutthaya was destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese army, but its ruins still remain at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, with the modern town being set among the ruins. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The cheapest and most scenic way to get to Ayutthaya is by train. However, minibusses and regular coaches from Bangkok are also available.
KohSamui
KohSamui is the third largest island in the Kingdom of Thailand. It is located in the Suratthani province and lies more than 500 km south of Bangkok. The tropical island, roughly circular in shape, is situated in the Gulf of Thailand.
KohSamui has an airport with daily flights to Bangkok, but many tourists prefer using the night train, buses, and ferries to avail of cheaper options to reach the island. The island has a temperate climate with warm sunny temperatures that usually stay above 25℃. February to May is considered the hottest time of the year, and October to December generally isn't advisable for a visit owing to the heavy monsoon.
KohSamui has a population of nearly 50,000 people. It is surrounded by at least 60 sister islands which constitute the Ang Thong National Marine Park.