Page 193 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2024 LIMA

Tien and Pattaya Beach

For many, beautiful beaches with
turquoise water are what they think of
when imagining a visit to Thailand. Al‐
though the most famous of these beaches
are well outside of Bangkok, just an hour
down the coast will bring you to Pattaya, a
popular resort town especially for those
from Bangkok. Enjoy its wide and relatively
peaceful beaches or, for something even
more spectacular, hire a boat to visit Tien
Beach. Located on the private island of Ko
Lan, it represents a beautiful escape from
reality from which you will likely not want
to return.
If the beach isn’t for you, head north‐
west out of Bangkok and you will arrive at
Erawan National Park. Near the entrance to
this park is Elephants World, a sanctuary
for rescued elephants. For centuries, ele‐
phants have been integral to Thai life and
culture. Even today, you will see pictures,
statues and carvings of elephants nearly
everywhere you go. Although the popula‐
tion of elephants has greatly decreased
over the last century, places like Elephants
World hope to keep the history and impor‐
tance of the elephant alive and well. After
an unforgettable visit with these gentle gi‐
ants, visit Erawan Falls, which has a series
of water falls and pools in which you can
take a refreshing plunge.

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