There's more to Thailand than Bangkok and Pattaya. Like a treasure trove of culture and natural beauty, to begin with.

Most people who visit Thailand go home with the impression that Bangkok and Pattaya is all there is to see. Pity. Considering that those who've seen these two places have merely scratched at the surface of all the attractions in this delightful country. Thailand has such a wealth of tradition and culture, that it boggles the imagination. But to really appreciate the country's charm, one has to venture off the beaten tracks to smaller towns like Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, both of which will give you a taste of the real Thailand.

Imagine a scene straight out of a Thai Classic, dated 1000 A.D. and in all probability, it would have been set in a town like Chiang Mai, 543 kilometres from Bangkok. The town is built on a rich heritage of culture and tradition and is surrounded by the sort of rich natural diversity that would make living here seem like a dream. Chiang Mai could easily be called the Temple City of Thailand, for it has around 300 Buddhist temples within the city and its outskirts. These temples are a unique mixture of architectural styles that incorporate Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon influences in one form or another. Flamboyant, intricate wood carving and protective Naga serpent staircases reflect an awesome reverence for the Buddhist religion. The flamboyant style coupled with gilded umbrellas, guardian figures from the tales of the Ramayana and stupas trimmed with gold filigree make these temples a real; treat to visit.

Exquisite handmade paper umbrella

Wat Jedee Luang on Phrapokklao Road today, is a reconstructed version of what was once a giant 86 metre pagoda, built way back in 1401. Wat Chiang Mun, within the walled city on Rajpakinai Road, is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. The temple has some fabulous Buddhist icons like a tiny crystal Buddha that is thought to have the power to bring rain. Another image, called Phra Sila Khao reflects the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen dating back to over a thousand years ago. Wat Phra Singh, located in the center of the city has a large Jedee, built in 1345 and a typical scripture repository. These repositories are something like our modern day vaults and were used to store and protect the delicate or mulberry paper sheets used by monks and scribes to keep records and write down folklore. The high stucco-covered stone base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from the rain, floods and pests. The walls of the chapel are covered with murals illustrating Lanna customs, dress and scenes from daily life, making it well worth a visit.

Royal waiting room at station

The temples in Chiang Mai are unique in many other ways too. Wat Jed Yord, for example is a seven-spired temple that draws inspiration from its name. Strangely enough, it was copied from the Mahabodi Temple in Bodh Gaya, in Bihar!Wat Goo Tao was obviously designed by someone with a sense of humour as it has a delightful, almost whimsically constructed jedee shaped like five melons, all of which are decorated with intricate pieces of colored porcelain. And last, but not the least, no temple trail in Chiang Mai would be complete without a visit to the Wat Phra Thart Doi Suthep, which is set amongst the peaks of Doi Suthep. The Wat, which happens to be the symbol of Chiang Mai, has a lovely setting with a panoramic view of Chiang Mai and the Mae Ping River valley. The site was selected by sending an elephant to roam at will up the mountainside. When it reached this spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, and Kneeled down and the rest as they say, was history.

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