Prezentace předmětu: Tourist attractions in the Czech Republic and in the World Vyučující: Ing. Patrik Kajzar, Ph.D. Název prezentace Název projektu Rozvoj vzdělávání na Slezské univerzitě v Opavě Registrační číslo projektu CZ.02.2.69/0.0./0.0/16_015/0002400 Logolink_OP_VVV_hor_barva_cz 10. Tourist attractions in the Asia Předmět: The Tourist Attractions in the Czech Republic and in the World Tato přednáška byla vytvořena pro projekt„Rozvoj vzdělávání na Slezské univerzitě v Opavě“ Opavě Geography of Cyprus q q qCyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean and the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus is located south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel, north of Egypt, and southeast of Greece. qA very narrow band of mountains (the Kyrenia) slices across the northern edge of Cyprus. That low range of mountains reaches a maximum of 1,024 m in elevation. qIn the south and western portions of the island the Troodos Mountains dominate. The highest point on Cyprus, located in the center of the Troodos range, is Mount Olympus at 1,952 m. q Rivers are seasonal and only flow after heavy rain, and under those conditions the Pedieos is the longest river in Cyprus. It rises in the Troodos Mountains, flowing northeast through the capital city of Nicosia. It then steers east, meeting the sea at Famagusta Bay. The river has a total length of approximately 100 km. qCyprus has over 100 dams and reservoirs, and all are the island's principal source of water for both agricultural and domestic use. The main tourist attractions in Cyprus q q qThere's no shortage of ancient sites in Cyprus but Kourion is the pick of the bunch. Romantically situated across a coastal cliff with tumbling views of the countryside and Mediterranean below, it's a magical place. The entire site is vast, but the most famous section is the theater and the House of Eustolios, which holds a clutch of fine, well-preserved mosaics. For those with more time up their sleeves, the large Byzantine basilica area is wonderfully picturesque with its tumbled columns and scraps of mosaic floor. qOne of the Mediterranean's most beautiful castle ruins, St. Hilarion's is an old Crusader bastion and the home of plenty of local legends and myths - the most famous being that a fairy queen, who spent her time charming local shepherds, built the castle here. qEasygoing Larnaca, on the island's southeast side, may be a seaside resort, but it's kept its local soul. All the facilities for sun- and sand-based fun can be found, but the old crumbling Turkish Quarter (called Skala) and ornate Agios Lazaros (Church of St. Lazarus) give the town an interesting historical edge. The main tourist attractions in Cyprus q q qThe most beautiful region in Cyprus is the lonely and rugged Karpas Peninsula, which stretches out in a long finger of golden beaches backed by rugged hills in the northeast of the island (in North Cyprus). It's Cyprus' least trodden area with sublime hiking, quaint villages, and hidden historical sites in abundance. This is the place you need to head if you want to experience the undiscovered and undeveloped island life of old. Venture out for the day in a car (the area has virtually no public transport) and visit the mosaics of Agia Triada at Sipahi village before heading further northeast to remote Dipkarpaz village and the small ruin of Agios Filon church. qThis huge archaeological site is home to a wealth of marble ruins and ranks up there with Ancient Kourion as the top historical site on the island. Wandering along the dirt tracks of Salamis between sets of ruins from a muddle of different time periods is a lesson in the vast history of Cyprus. Grand Hellenistic statuary - missing their heads, which were lopped off by over-zealous Christians - sit amid the ruins of the Gymnasium. The main tourist attractions in Cyprus q q qIf castles had cuteness competitions, Kolossi would surely come up trumps. This tiny but perfectly formed castle just outside of Limassol is an old Crusader stronghold and a reminder of Cyprus' importance for the Europeans during the Holy Land Crusades. qCape Greco is an impossibly pretty coastal national park with a variety of walking trails that start just east of the resort of Agia Napa. qThe Troodos Massif (Troodos Mountains), in the hill region of the southwest, are packed full of pretty villages full of stone-cut traditional houses and cobblestone alleys. They're also home to some of Cyprus' most amazing churches and monasteries that hold vibrant frescoes and wall paintings that date from the medieval era. The Troodos churches are so important historically that nine of them have been given UNESCO. qA swath of white sand loveliness that rolls onto the turquoise sea in Agia Napa, Nissi Beach is Cyprus' most famous strip of sand. qKyrenia (Girne) is North Cyprus' prettiest town having clung to the old Ottoman character of its harborside old district. Kyrenia Castle overlooks the quaint harbor on the eastern side, and climbing up onto the castle's ramparts rewards you with fantastic views across the town. Geography of Turkey q q qThe European side of Turkey is mostly a series of rolling hills, while across the Bosporus Strait into central Turkey, the land rises into an elevated central plateau (Anatolian), surrounded by (and mixed with) high, rugged mountains, including the Taurus, Koroglu and Pontic ranges. qMany peaks in Turkey exceed 10,000 feet, and the tallest, most rugged ones, are found in the Eastern Taurus Mountains. q Turkey's highest point is Mt. Ararat which peaks at (5,166m), qAlong the Black Sea and Mediterranean coastlines the land is lower and quite fertile. The Tigras, Kizilirmak, Sakarya and Euphrates are the most significant rivers, and Lake Van is the largest lake. The main tourist attractions in Turkey q q qRenowned as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the spellbinding Byzantine glory of the Aya Sofya Museum (Hagia Sophia) is not only one of the top things to do in Istanbul, but also in Turkey. qNot to be missed, the mighty ruin of Ephesus is a city of colossal monuments and marble-columned roads. One of the most complete, still-standing Roman cities in the Mediterranean region, this is the place to experience what life must have been like during the golden age of the Roman Empire. qThe surreal swooping rock valleys of Cappadocia are every photographer's dream. Cliff ridges and hill crests are home to rippling panoramas of wave-like rock or wacky-shaped pinnacles that have been formed by millennia of wind and water action. qSumptuous beyond belief, the Topkapı Palace takes you into the fantastical, opulent world of the sultans. It was from here that the sultans of the Ottoman Era carved out an empire that would extend up into Europe and down through the Middle East and into Africa. qOne of Turkey's most famous natural wonders, the pure white travertine terraces of Pamukkale ("Cotton Castle" in English) cascade down the slope looking like an out-of-place snowfield amid the green landscape. Although the travertines are themselves a highlight of a Turkey trip, the vast and rambling ruins of Roman Hierapolis, an ancient spa town, lie on the top of this calcite hill. The main tourist attractions in Turkey q q qWith its stunning, lonely setting, built into a cliff face, Sumela Monastery (Monastery of the Virgin Mary) is the star attraction for visitors along the Black Sea Coast. Wandering around this abandoned religious complex, with its church interiors crammed with dazzling and vibrant frescoes, is a must for anyone who makes the long journey to Turkey's northeast region. qThe top sightseeing drawcard for Eastern Turkey, Mount Nemrut's summit funerary mound is scattered with the broken remnants of once mammoth statues, which guarded it. qThe derelict buildings of the powerful Silk Road city of Ani sit abandoned on the plains close to Turkey's modern border with Armenia. Once the Armenian capital, Ani's golden age came to an end in the 14th century after Mongol raids, earthquake destruction, and trade route tussling all played their part in the city's decline. qJust south of Antalya, the jaw-dropping mammoth bulk of the Roman Theater of Aspendos celebrates the pomp and ceremony of Marcus Aurelius' rule. The main tourist attractions in Turkey q q qTurkey's Mediterranean coastline has ruins galore and bags of things to do, but for many people, it's all about soaking up the sun while enjoying the gorgeous coastal views. Cruising on a yacht is the number one activity for visitors to Bodrum and Fethiye for good reason. qTurkey has an abundance of Greco-Roman ruins, but none can be so romantically placed as ancient Pergamum in modern-day Bergama. qImpossibly turquoise-blue water. Check. Lush green forest tumbling down a cliff to a white sand beach. Check. The sheltered inlet of Ölüdeniz, just a short journey from Fethiye, is Turkey's most famous beach, and with scenery that might as well have fallen off a perfect postcard, it's easy to see why its popularity hasn't waned. q Geography of Israel q q qThe country of Israel has four distinct geographical areas: qA fertile (and mostly flat) coastal plain fronts the Mediterranean Sea coastline; rolling hills dissect the country, including the central Samarian hills and the mountains and hills of Galilee in the north; the Great Rift Valley runs south to the Gulf of Aqaba along its southern border with Jordan, and the Negev Desert (part of the Sinai Desert) dominates the southern landscape. qThe Dead Sea is the lowest point (below sea level) on earth. The River Jordan is the most significant river, forming the natural border between Israel and Jordan. qIsrael's highest point is Mt. Meron, which peaks at (1,208m). The main tourist attractions in Israel q q qAching with the weight of history, Jerusalem has one of the world's most recognizable skylines, with the golden helmet of the Dome of the Rock glinting above the caramel-colored stone of the old city. This ancient city holds deep religious significance for all those of the monotheistic faiths, and the labyrinthine alleyways in the old district are packed with religious sites and mind-boggling history. qJerusalem is all history. Tel Aviv is about modern dining and café culture. And Haifa just does its own thing. This lovely northern city's main highlight is the Baha'i Gardens, which tumble down the hillside towards the sea in a series of immaculate green terraces. qForever linked to the story of Jesus in the Bible, Nazareth is one of the main pilgrimage destinations in the country. Don't miss the Basilica of the Annunciation and exploring the vibrant bazaar area, which adds some modern bustle to the twisty, old city lanes. qJaffa is a chilled-out little harbor town with an illustrious past as a major port. Made for aimless wandering and home to an excellent flea market, Jaffa provides an old-world style respite from the modern thrum of Tel Aviv next door. The main tourist attractions in Israel q q qThe lowest point on earth and one of the world's most wacky natural wonders, the Dead Sea is the mineral-rich and overly salty sea where no one can sink. Locked in by the cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, this bizarre body of water (where natural buoyancy occurs due to the rate of evaporation causing the high salt content) has been wowing travelers for centuries. qA major Christian pilgrimage center, Bethlehem is home to the Church of the Nativity, built over the site where Jesus Christ is said to have been born. The stately church complex with its far-reaching historical significance, and the busy market vibe of the bazaar make this the number one highlight of the West Bank. qRaw and rugged desert scenery at its best, Timna Park, near the Red Sea resort of Eilat, is one of the most beautiful corners of the Negev. qPacked full of attractions, the shoreline that wraps around the Sea of Galilee offers gorgeous countryside and bags of history. Whether you're here to visit the churches of Tabgha, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount and carried out much of his preaching, or you just want to soak in the hot pools near Tiberias. q Geography of UAE q q qMost of the United Arab Emirates is a desert wasteland, with large, rolling sand dunes, as the outer reaches of the Rub' Al Khali Desert stretch into the country. qThe coastal areas fronting the Persian Gulf are flat, while the Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape in the northeast. Jabal Yibir, the country's highest point, is located there, which rises to (1,727 m). qThe United Arab Emirates has no significant rivers or lakes of note. qNumerous small island and inlets are situated offshore in the Persian Gulf. The main tourist attractions in UAE q q qThe Burj Khalifa is one of the United Arab Emirates most famous buildings and the soaring sky-high landmark of Dubai. Not only is it the world's tallest building, it also lays claim to the titles of tallest freestanding structure in the world, highest observation deck in the world, and elevator with the longest travel distance in the world. A trip up to the observation deck, with its panoramic views across Dubai. qThe Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a mammoth modern mosque of incredible beauty. qThe Hajar Mountains scythe through the desert, creating the jagged and wild heart of the United Arab Emirates. qThe most important museum dedicated to the arts in the Emirates, the Sharjah Arts Museum is home to the most diverse art collection in the United Arab Emirates. qA must-do for anyone who wants to snap a great vista, the summit of Jebel Hafeet is a favorite day trip from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. qThe Bastakia quarter of Dubai is the last remaining fragment of Old Dubai and shouldn't be missed. The main tourist attractions in UAE q q qFor those with an adventurous streak, make a beeline for the empty stretch of desert hugging the coastline outside the cities. You'll find plenty of things to do here, from four-wheel-drive trips and dune-buggy journeys, to sand boarding, hiking, and camel treks. Most people plan a desert trip from Dubai, but Abu Dhabi and Fujairah are also excellent bases for desert sightseeing. qThere's a beach for everyone in the United Arab Emirates. From the city beaches along the coast of Dubai, with their high-rise background, and Abu Dhabi's golden sand beaches along its island-littered coastline, to the luxury sweeps of sand around Ajman and the wilder beaches of the Emirate of Fujairah, you have plenty of choice. qDubai Creek slices through the city, and the best way to experience Dubai is from one of the beautiful dhows (traditional Arabic boats) that ply the creek. qOne of the best museums in the country to focus on the full breadth of Islamic history and culture - not just local history - the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Geography of China q q qIn the vast western reaches of China - mountains, high plateaus and deserts dominate the landscape, while in the central and east areas, the land slopes into broad plains and deltas. qThe Himalayas, the world's most elevated mountain range, form its southwestern borders with India, Nepal and Bhutan, and contain the highest peaks in the world. qLocated within the Himalayas is China's highest point, the famed Mt. Everest, which is also the tallest mountain in the world, and whose summit reaches (8.850 m). qNumerous rivers arise in the Himalayas, including the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers. qIn the far northeast, high mountains ring China's border with the Russian Federation. qThe Gobi Desert runs west to east along the border with Mongolia. Here the topography varies from sand desert, into the low mountain foothills and plateaus that stretch into Mongolia. qFrom the higher elevations in the west literally thousands of rivers drain the country; the most significant include the Yangtze (third longest river on the planet), and the Heilong (Amur), Mekong, Pearl and Yellow. The main tourist attractions in China q q qNobody can be a true hero unless he has been on the Great Wall" goes the popular saying, one that clearly demonstrates the importance that the Chinese place upon this unique ancient monument. The magnificent Great Wall of China - known in Chinese as Changcheng, or the Long Wall - stretches more than 6,000 kilometers from the fortresses of Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west, passing through Hebei, Tientsin, Beijing - where the best preserved section of the wall can be visited - Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu along the way. qChina's largest and most important building, the Forbidden City - also known as the Imperial Palace - is in the heart of Beijing and is a must-see when visiting the country. qIt was while digging wells on the outskirts of Xi'an in the 1970s that farmers stumbled across what was undoubtedly China's most important archeological find: the Terracotta Army. The site - part of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Park - is one of China's most important tourist destinations and offers the unforgettable experience of standing in front of this assembly of soldiers and horses as if inspecting a centuries-old parade. The main tourist attractions in China q q qAn easy 15-kilometer commute from Beijing, the sumptuous Imperial Summer Palace (Yíhé Yuán) is set amid more than 700 acres of beautiful parkland and is one of China's most visited attractions. While the palace itself was built in 1153, its large lake was added in the 14th century to enhance the Imperial Gardens. qCruising the Li River - The town of Guilin, in the northeast corner of Guangxi, boasts some of China's most beautiful countryside and is famous for the crystal-clear rivers that meander through the town and its ring of mountains. qNo visit to China would be complete without at least one panda experience. While the country's top zoos boast many fine specimens of these fascinating creatures, the best place to see them in a close approximation to their natural habitat is at the excellent Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, located in the province of Sichuan. qConsidered one of the world's most important historic gardens - hence their designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Classical Gardens of Suzhou should rank highly on your China itinerary. q Geography of Japan q q qThe archipelago of Japan contains over 4,000 islands stretching along the Pacific coast of East Asia, with four major islands (sometimes referred to as the "Home Islands"): Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. qHonshu is the main island of Japan, and largest at (1,300 km) in length. q The second largest, Hokkaido, is also the northernmost of Japan's islands; while on the other end, Kyushu is the most southwesterly. Shikoku is the smallest and least populous of the four main islands. qA long ridge of rugged mountains runs through the heart of Japan, punctuated by steep tree-lined slopes, and deep valleys on the Pacific Ocean side, and lower hills and mountains along the Sea of Japan side. q The main interior mountain ranges include the Akaishi, Hido and Kiso, where elevations typically exceed (3,000 m). The country's highest point, Mt. Fuji, southwest of Tokyo, is a dormant volcano that rises (3,776 m). qThe islands of Japan are located on the Ring of Fire, and as a result suffer from frequent, violent earthquakes and some serious volcanic activity. The main tourist attractions in Japan q q qWithout a doubt Japan's most recognizable landmark, majestic Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) is also the country's highest mountain peak, towering 3,776 meters over an otherwise largely flat landscape to the south and east, tall enough to be seen from Tokyo more than 100 kilometers away. Mount Fuji has for centuries been celebrated in art and literature, and is now considered so important an icon that UNESCO recognized its world cultural significance in 2013. qTokyo's most famous landmark, the Imperial Palace, with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded by walls and moats, is a must-see when visiting the nation's capital. qHiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima Heiwa Kinen Kōen) lies at the epicenter of the atomic blast in what was once a bustling part of the city and includes a number of important monuments, memorials, and museums relating to the events of that fateful day. qOne of Japan's most visited cities, lovely Kyoto - one of the few cities in the country to be spared the devastation of WWII - attracts more than 10 million visitors annually to explore its fine old streets and architecture, much of it unchanged since the Imperial family took up residence here more than 1,000 years ago. q The main tourist attractions in Japan q q qJust a short ferry ride from mainland Hiroshima is the island of Miyajima, famous the world over as Japan's Shrine Island. Covering an area of 30 square kilometers in Hiroshima Bay, Miyajima is best known as the home of the Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto temple dedicated to the Princess daughters of the wind god Susanoo. qFor centuries the hub of Japanese culture, the lovely unspoiled city of Nara is home to a large number of historic buildings, along with important national treasures and works of art. In addition to its many historic streets, the city boasts numerous important old temples, including the magnificent seventh-century Kofuku-ji Temple, and perhaps the best known of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, the splendid eighth-century Todai-ji (Great East Temple), famous for its huge bronze statue of the Great Buddha. qBuilt in 1586 by famous Japanese warrior and politician Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle (Ōsaka-jō) was at the time the largest and most important fortress in the country. qOne of the country's most spectacular parks is Chūbu-Sangaku National Park in the center of Honshu, incorporating in its northern and central regions the group of mountains collectively referred to as the Hida Mountains, or Japanese Alps. Geography of India q q qThe Himalayas form the highest mountain range in the world, and slope southward into a large fertile plain that covers much of India. qThree mountain ranges extend from the Indus River in the northwest, to the Brahmaputra River in the east, including the Himadri, Himachal and Shivaliks - all with deep canyons gorged by the fast-flowing water. qIndia's highest point is Kanchenjunga which rises (8,598 m). q The land rises slightly into two plateaus, bordered in the central and south by lower mountains (Ghats), that gently slope into narrow coastal plains. qNumerous rivers drain the land, and without question, the Ganges is the heartbeat of India and one of the most significant rivers on the planet. The main tourist attractions in India q q qPerhaps India's most recognizable building, the Taj Mahal is also the world's most famous testimony to the power of love. Named after Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, this most beautiful of mausoleums was begun upon her death in 1631 and took 20,000 workmen 22 years to complete. qA major pilgrimage center for Hindus, the holy city of Varanasi has long been associated with the mighty Ganges River, one of the faith's most important religious symbols. Dating back to the 8th century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world. It offers many reasons to visit, not least of them the chance to explore the Old Quarter adjacent to the Ganges where you'll find the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, built in 1780. qFounded in 1577 by Ram Das, Amritsar is an important hub of Sikh history and culture. The main attraction here is Harmandir Sahib, opened in 1604 and still often referred to as the Golden Temple for its beautiful gold decoration. qThe Golden City of Jaisalmer is an oasis of splendid old architecture that rises from the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. qRed Fort in New Delhi, named after the stunning red sandstone used in its construction. Geography of Maldives q q qSpread over (90,000 sq km), the Maldives is a flat series (or chain) of coral atolls, consisting of coral reefs and sand bars. There are no rivers and no lakes. qApproximately 1,200 islands make up the Maldives, and the topography of each varies from mostly sand to marshy wetlands. qIts highest point, an unnamed point on Wilingili Island, is only. (2.4 m); while its lowest is the Indian Ocean (0 m). q The main tourist attractions in Maldives q q qSince the highlights of the Maldives are its great waters and marine life, the Bluetribe Moofushi diving center offers the best experience in terms of water sports activities such as windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, riding on catamarans/pedal boats, and many more activities. qSecond best is the Sun Island Resort and Spa located on South Ari Atoll. Its exotic tropical flowers, beautiful greenery, and the stunning lagoons would capture your heart. qAt the third spot is Alimatha Island located at the Vaavu Atoll on the eastern side of the Maldives. It is a complete Maldivian destination for tourists, as it offers world-class diving, aquarium-like snorkeling as well as a central beach complete with great facilities. qManta Point is a diving area where you can enjoy seeing large numbers of manta rays being fed and cleaned by wrasses. Manta rays circle several large coral rocks, and wait their turn to be cleaned. qBanana Reef, which is the most sought out diving site in the Maldives. It is called Banana Reef because it has the shape of a banana that extends 300 meters from north to south. Geography of Indonesia q q qStrategically positioned between the Pacific and Indian oceans, Indonesia is an archipelagic nation containing over 18,000 islands. Of those, the larger islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (which comprises two-thirds of the island of Borneo), Sulawesi, and Irian Jaya are quite mountainous. qThe highest elevationsare found on Irian Jaya in the east, with the highest point being Puncak Jaya at. (5,030 m). qIndonesia's former tallest peak, Mount Tambora (2,722 m), is an active stratovolcano. qLocated along the Ring of Fire, Indonesia has about 400 volcanoes within its borders, with at least 90 still active in some way. qIn addition to the mountainous landscape, much of the islands are covered in thick tropical rainforests that give way to coastal plains. qSignificant rivers of Indonesia include the Barito, Digul, Hari, Kampar, Kapuas, Kayan and Musi; as well, there are also scattered inland lakes which are relatively small in size. The main tourist attractions in Indonesia q q qFor many people, Bali is beaches. Arguably Indonesia's most popular vacation spot, Bali has a number of cultural landmarks and traditions that make a visit here worthwhile. But anyone who travels to Bali is going to have warm sand and blue water on their mind, and the island doesn't disappoint. Kuta is the best known beach, and is great for those who like to combine sun, surfing, and socializing. qThis ancient temple is one of the most famous and culturally significant landmarks in Indonesia. Borobudur was built in the 8th century and constructed in the shape of a traditional Buddhist mandala. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is considered one of the greatest Buddhist sites in the world. qNo trip to Indonesia would be complete without seeing some orangutans, and Borneo is a great place to visit these beautiful and endangered creatures. Though orangutans still live in the wild, several sanctuaries rescue and protect orangutans as land development infringes on their natural habitat. Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan, Borneo, is home to the largest orangutan population in the world, as well as other primates, birds, and reptiles. The main tourist attractions in Indonesia q q qThe Gili Islands are a major draw in Lombok, which has risen in popularity among backpackers and tourists in recent years. qThe komodos of Indonesia are no mythical creatures, however they are fierce and deadly animals. Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, encompasses five main islands and a number of smaller ones, as well as the surrounding marine areas. qUbud is the cultural heart of Bali, and it's here you'll find the Sacred Monkey Forest, a serene space where you can feel the ancient majesty of the island. qIndonesia sits on the Ring of Fire, an area with some of the most active volcanoes in the world. Many of the country's volcanoes, such as Mount Merapi, are famous for their violent eruptions and their stunning, but dangerous beauty. qA visit to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi Province will not only feel like you've stepped far back in time, but also offers a look at the richness and diversity of Indonesia's long-standing cultures. Geography of Thailand q q qThailand's terrain includes relatively high mountains in the north that extend southward (in a narrow strip) along its Burma border to the northern edges of Malaysia. qThe highest point of the country is Doi Inthanon whose summit peaks at (2,576 m); the lowest point is the Gulf of Thailand (0 m). qThailand's fertile central plain is dominated by the Chao Phraya River, which flows for (372 km), and is home to some of the most historically significant and densely populated settlements of Thailand; the river and its tributaries drain into a delta south of Bangkok. q The Khorat Plateau, a region of rolling low hills and small, shallow lakes, drains into the Mekong River system on its border with Laos. qAlong its southern peninsula (Isthmus of Kra) the land fades into mangrove swamps. Numerous islands are found off the coastline, with Phuket being the most famous. The main tourist attractions in Thailand q q qKrabi province is home to some of Thailand's most famous beach destinations, and Railay is the cream of the crop. Widely considered one of the best beaches in the country, Railay delivers on promises of white sand beaches, clear blue water, and a feeling that you've found a slice of paradise. You have to take a boat to reach the island getaway, with services available from Krabi town and Ao Nang.The beaches are the main reason to visit Railay, but it's also a rock-climbing hotspot. qThe Phi Phi Islands, also in Krabi, are one of Thailand's most popular resort areas for a reason. Only Phi Phi Don is inhabited, with day trips available to the surrounding islands. One of the fun spots on Koh Phi Phi is Monkey Beach, where you'll come face-to-face, literally, with the namesake creatures. qEven if your plans for Thailand mainly involve frolicking on a beach, cozying up to elephants, and eating as much Massaman curry and tom ka gai as humanly possible, you'll probably spend at least a day or two in Bangkok. There's plenty to see and do in the capital, but it's perhaps best to start with the Grand Palace. The main tourist attractions in Thailand q q qEvery Thailand visitor looks forward to cheap and delicious food, and it can be found in abundance at Chiang Mai's Sunday Night Walking Street. Vendors sell all kinds of treats: pad Thai, chicken satay, samosas, crab cakes, fried bananas, sweet rotees, and fresh fruit shakes. qThailand's reputation as a country of beautiful landscapes and friendly people is thanks largely to the world-renowned southern beaches. Most people don't realize that the vast north is also home to breathtaking landscapes, though these are of a different nature entirely. Pai, in Mae Hong Son province, is a perfect place from which to enjoy the country's natural beauty as well as the famed Thai hospitality and cooking. qElephants are revered in Thailand, and statues and paintings of them can be seen everywhere you go but more exciting is the chance to see them in their natural environment, and Khao Yai National Park provides a great opportunity to do just that. qSukhothai's Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and much has been invested to restore and preserve one of Thailand's most significant historical sites Selected sources: qHRALA, V., 2013. Geografie cestovního ruchu. Praha: Idea servis. ISBN 978-80-859-7079-1. qNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, 2011. 100 Countries, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do. National Geographic Society. ISBN 978-14-262-075-87. qTravel Guides by the Experts available from http://www.planetware.com/ qUNESCO, 2009. World Heritage Sites: A Complete Guide to 878 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Firefly Books. ISBN 978-1-55407-463-1. qWorld Atlas available from https://www.worldatlas.com/ q q Thank you for your attention