GoPhilanthropic

About Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city with a population of approximately 10 million people has become one of Southeast Asia’s top economic, spiritual, cultural, and diplomatic centers. Bangkok, the “City of Angels,” has become a modern splendor in the eyes of many travelers searching for culture with a cosmopolitan spirit. Over 400 ornate Buddhist temples can be found throughout the city and its surrounding areas, including the remarkable Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which serves as the royal chapel. Take a journey back in time on the Chao Phraya River, described as the “Venice of the east,” and stop at the many floating markets on the way. It’s a city of aromas, cosmopolitan pleasures, and temples.

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s largest city to the North. In comparison to Bangkok, Chiang Mai is better known for its natural beauty and friendly residents. The city has maintained its original, 700-year-old layout, with many modern twists. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, Chiang Mai has a beautiful array of waterfalls, wildlife and flowers, which can be found in their national parks. Explore an important park devoted to Elephant Rescue and Conservation. Weave into your stay a cooking class at one of the areas most notable Thai cooking schools.

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China. Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.

Southern Beaches: Round out a trip to Thailand with a few days of intense R&R at the beach. The beaches of the South, most notably Phuket, Krabi and Kho Samui offer exceptional getaways with white sand beaches, tropical forests and world renowned diving sites to enjoy.

Challenges

While Thailand continues to be one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations, it faces many challenges that should not be ignored as we visit. International Sex Trade and Prostitution are thriving businesses in Thailand supported by both Thai men and international tourists. In addition, as with any popular tourist destination, Thailand’s natural environment and wildlife have suffered. Thankfully, Thailand is realizing the need to preserve its natural heritage. Several key conservation groups are fighting hard in this area. Green groups are working with government and international organizations to establish guidelines and practices leading to sustainable development, not just in tourist areas, but all over. More and more hotels are going green in an effort to preserve the country’s natural beauty. In forest and marine parks, local people have been invited to participate in tourism, showing them the benefits of preserving the environment rather than exploiting it. GoPhilanthropic is committed to providing our guests with access to these valuable programs.

Responsible Tourism

Do not buy goods made of turtle shell, ivory, or body parts of tigers and leopards. Refuse shark’s fin soup, bird’s nest soup and exotic ‘jungle food’. This is meat from endangered animals such as Asiatic black bears and Malaysian sun bears, creatures that endure horrific torture before ending up on the plate. Report any trade in endangered wildlife to Wildlife Fund Thailand (tel. 02-521 3435, fax 552 6083). Dispose of garbage properly.