Where to go in Thailand, Top Destinations in Thailand, Top Attractive Destinations in Thailand, Thailand Places of Interest, Interesting Sites in Thailand, Thailand Tourism, Destinations in Thailand, Cities and Provinces in Thailand

Top Destinations in Thailand

Bangkok: Love it or hate it, buzzing, sweaty, exotic Bangkok is a city that really is larger than life. For some, the frenetic pace, heat, traffic and lack of personal space can be overpowering and are good reasons to pass through the city as quickly as possible but, for many others, the sheer dynamism is intoxicating.

A curious blend of the traditional East with the modern West, Bangkok's every street has a surprise in hold for the visitor. Ramshackle buildings crouch next to exotic temples surrounded by delightful gardens, which are in turn overlooked by modern hotels and offices. The chaos on the roads is mirrored by the busy traffic on the Chao Phraya River, which dissects the city and is regularly crisscrossed by long-tailed boats, river taxis and small rowing boats, all miraculously missing each other.

But traditional Thai life is never very far away. Weaving among the nose-to-tail traffic in the morning rush hour, saffron-robed monks can still be seen collecting alms, while just moments from the city center whole communities live in stilt houses by the river, eking out a living using skills that have not changed in centuries. Bangkok became the capital in 1782, but the absolute rule of the monarchy ended in 1932 when it was replaced by a system of constitutional monarchy. To this day, the monarchy is regarded with almost religious reverence and it is an offence, punishable by imprisonment, to insult the royal family. His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest-reigning monarch in the world, having come to power in 1946.

Ayuthaya: The sacred city, the sacked city, Ayuthaya is complexly intertwined with Thai nationalism and religion. As the former royal capital, Ayuthaya earned the emerging Thai nation a place among the great empires of Southeast Asia, and placement on the map used by the international merchants sailing between India and China during the era of the trade winds. As a city that was destroyed by an invading army, Ayuthaya is eulogized like a slain hero.

But what is recounted in history and legend is not easily recognizable today. The ancient monuments retain little of their bygone majesty, with only a handful in recognizable forms. The modern city that grew among the rubble is busy and provincial, adding a distracting element of chaos to the meditative mood of crumbled kingdoms.

Still, the city is a necessary stop on the culture trail, because of its position in the historical hierarchy and because its story as a kingdom is more approachable and better recorded than Thailand’s other ancient capital, Sukhothai. Ayuthaya’s proximity to Bangkok also makes it an alternative base for recent arrivals who find the modern capital just plain crummy.

The culture and people of Thailand is heavily influenced by Buddhism. Other influences have included Brahmanism...
How to get there: There are many ways to get to Thailand but almost all tourists go by airplanes to Bangkok, the busiest international airport gateway in Asia...
Weather & climate: Thailand can best be described as tropical and humid for the majority of the country during most of...
Get a visa If you're entering Thailand by air for tourism purposes, you're eligible for a free 30-day stay in Thailand...

Kanchanaburi is famous as the location of the film Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi is the provincial capital of the same-named province. Situated only 128km from Bangkok, it's a favourite spot for a weekend getaway for both expats and Thais alike, while backpackers also flock here. With its serene river, lush green surrounds and quiet temples, the bucolic charm of Kanchanaburi has been steadily attracting visitors for decades. Kanchanaburi serves as an ideal base for exploring the province. There is adequate public transport, loads of tour options and great roads for those finding their own way about. While Kanchanaburi province boasts some of Thailand's most popular national parks, the town itself is more a place to relax on a raft house and watch the water slide by, feet in river with a cold drink and a good book. Attractions such as a floating nun, controversial Tiger Temple, and war museums and cemeteries make this a spot to easily while away a few days. If you're killing a couple of days waiting for a visa, this beats Khao San Road hands down. Many come here for two days, but end up staying weeks.

Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and is the country's second largest province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks. The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity. Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city.

Chiang Rai & Golden Triangle: the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. 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. Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers 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.

Pattaya: About 150 kilometres southeast of Bangkok or only about 2 hours drive. Pattaya is small city in Chonburi Province, located on the east coast of the gulf of Thailand and facing a wide bay. Pattaya has the rare distinction of being both a beach destination and a full fledged city. This near paradoxical status ensures the creature comforts and entertainment facilities of a major metropolis plus all the delights of sun, sea and sand. Such is the variety, Pattaya offers that it is ideal for all kinds of visitors.
Pattaya ranges from luxuriously appointed beach side hotels with superb convention facilities to simple guesthouses. Sporting opportunities abound both on land and water including some of the finest golfing, fishing game and scuba diving anywhere in Asia.

Phuket: Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Hua Hin, which literally means ‘stone head’ in Thai, is the oldest beach resort in Thailand. It’s also one of the most popular, especially for visitors from Bangkok looking for an alternative to Pattaya. The reasons are evident: It’s a wholesome, seaside town with friendly people, endless stretches of white sandy beaches, the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, world-class resorts, fantastic eco-adventures and sprawling golf estates set against the backdrop of spectacular scenery. And that’s just a small tease of what this charming town has to offer. Factor in its close proximity to Bangkok – less than three hours by car – and it’s no wonder that it’s so fast-growing in the popularity stakes.

Koh Samui: the island of the coconut trees, is the third largest island in Thailand. (Only Phuket and Koh Chang are larger by size) The area is about 247 km² and it is located 700 km South of Bangkok in the Surat Thani province. Well known beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam. Samui also has many sister islands; Koh Tao, (top diving destination in Asia) Koh Phangan (known for it's Full Moon Party etc.), Angthong National Marine Park, Koh Tan and beautiful Koh Nang Yuan. Samui has a large number of offshore islands. The Ang Thong Marine National Park contains 42 islands with wonderfully weird shapes formed from limestone and erosion. Some have caves and secluded beaches surrounded by coral reefs, while others rise hundreds of metres as sheer rockface from the sea. The strange rock formations extend below the water, allowing great diving opportunities and day trips sightseeing and snorkelling..

Laos: Laos Private Journeys | Laos Adventure Tours | Laos City Stopovers | River Cruises in Laos

Cambodia: Cambodia Private Journeys | River Cruises in Cambodia | Cambodia Golf Tours

Myanmar: Myanmar Private Journeys | Myanmar Adventure Tours | River Cruises in Myanmar