There are times when the manic city buzz can become so overwhelming that even a weekend getaway to the beach simply isn't enough to pacify the soul. Ask most city slickers in Bangkok what their destination of choice is for a mountain getaway and UNESCO-protected Khao Yai National Park which straddles four northeastern provinces (Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok) will almost certainly top the list. Just a mere two hour's drive away from the capital, Khao Yai boasts a welter of stylish hotels, restaurants and activities. Whether it's golfing, sunbathing, food fests or vineyard tours, it's the next best thing to hopping on a plane to Italy.

Why Italy? Because it's what Khao Yai is being compared to. Having successfully shaken off its identity as "Cowboy County" and completing its gradual transformation as Thailand's very own "Little Italy", critics have accused this destination of suffering from an identity crisis. They can call it what they want, but give Khao Yai a chance and they'll find that the entire concept, however random, actually works if you don't allow it to bother you.

Come here if you're okay being in the company of Mother Nature, where the only sounds you'll hear are those of the wind rustling the leaves and your own sighs of content. So sit back, relax and enjoy. Just remind yourself every once in awhile that you're in Thailand!

The lush surroundings of UNESCO-protected Khao Yai National Park