Nearby Locations in Thailand
The upcoming ESL teachers who enroll themselves for the on-site TESOL
courses conducted by American TESOL Institute must understand that choosing
Thailand as a TEFL location not only gives them the opportunity to explore
the three most beautiful hot spots namely, Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai
but there are several other cities and regions in the country which deserve
special mention. Some of these places whose charm is sure to captivate the
TEFL trainees are :
Ayutthaya is a perfect place of visit for the TESOL trainees, about a day
trip from Bangkok. All you upcoming ESL teachers after visiting Ayutthaya –
a historical city, a world Heritage site and old capital of Thailand, would
notice that the city boasts of the magnificent ruins which indicate the
erstwhile prosperity of the city. A TEFL trainee while paying a visit to
this city will realize that the city is a former base of Thai Buddhism and
is soaked in true Thai culture. While in Ayutthaya, the TESOL candidates
should make a point to visit the Ayutthaya Elephant camp wherein they can
enjoy elephant rides at reasonable price. The Boat Noodle Soup made with
noodles, meat and vegetables is particularly a favorite cuisine amongst the
ESL trainees while traveling in Ayutthaya.
Chiang Rai is the meeting point of Laos and Mayanmar and the TESOL trainees
should not miss the opportunity of seeing Laos and the mighty Mekong River
while standing atop the mountain. The Gate of Siam is a spectacular view and
worth seeing. For the TESOL trainees, Night Bazaar would be an ideal
shopping spot, for dance and music performances.
For all you TEFL enrollees, it is worth visiting the magnificent Ton Nga
Change waterfall at Hat Yai which is the fourth largest city in South
Thailand. You all can enjoy reasonably priced beer in Hat Yai. There is
nothing much to do here in this city except shopping. Accommodation is
available at very cheap rates here.
Another attractive place of visit for the TESOL candidates would be
Kanchanaburi – site of the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, which is well
known for the bridge, the start of the infamous Death Railway which
connected to Myanmar. Apart from the bridge you can also visit the Art
Gallery and War Museum and the Erawan Waterfalls which is one of the most
beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. Among places to stay River Kwai Hotel and
Felix River Kwai Resort are more well-known. In the former hotel does the
TEFL trainees can unwind with some local Thai massages.
All you TESOL trainees should also visit Isaan – backcountry Thailand and
the place for some famous Khmer ruins. It is the poorest part of the country
and is deprived of tourists as it has got practically nothing to offer. No
beaches, no big malls. But in case you wish to explore the country, this
part can be an adventurous place of visit outside the actual TEFL location.
The TEFL students must know about Sukhothai whose only claim to fame is as
the first capital of Thailand. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. TESOL
candidates should have ‘Sukhothai’ noodles here. It is a must have while you
are in this old capital. There is not much to buy here except visiting the
Thongchai Wittayu store which is a well known place for memory cards and
digital cameras. It is the biggest electronic store. For staying you really
have to choose between Mountain View Guest House and No. 4 Guest House.
The most stunning beach which all the TESOL candidates must go to, taking
time out of your TEFL classes or after your TESOL program is Rai Leh – a
fabulous beach by the limestone cliffs of Krabi. It is the best winter sport
rock climbing area in the world. There are no grocery vendors here and the
restaurants here are not so remarkable. There are reasonably good hotels
here and Railay Princess is the preferred choice of most visitors.
For those TESOL candidates who love scuba diving, must call on Ko Tao a
tourist spot only meant for scuba diving. You can go for scuba diving at
Shark Bay. Great food can be enjoyed after TEFL classes at Zanzibar. Charm
Churee Villa and Blue Wind are the places to stay in Ko Tao.
Generally all TESOL students pack off to Ko Phi Phi – backpacker’s paradise
made famous by the movie ‘The Beach’. It is one of the most naturally
beautiful places in the world. You can visit the Tsunami Memorial Garden,
View point and Monkey Beach. The spicy food is very popular amongst the TEFL
enrollees. For eating out you can go to Papaya which is one of the finest
restaurants rebuilt after Tsunami.
Tarutao National Park – This place is hugely popular among the Americans
TESOL student as the 5th season of ‘Survivors’ was shot here. It is an
upcoming national park and yet to gain confidence of the tour operators.
