THAILAND

If you take one lasting memory from Thailand, it has to be the hospitality of its people. Their charm can be seen everywhere, from the north’s breath-taking hill villages and the pulsating metropolis of Bangkok, to the powder-white shores of the south’s remote beaches and world-class resorts. Coloured by magnificent temples and flavoured by amazing cuisine, Thailand really does have it all.

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BANGKOK

Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand, located in the central part of the country on the Chao Phraya River. Known for its colourful street food, cultural landmarks, and vibrant nightlife…. this city never sleeps!  Some of the top attractions in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Chatuchak Weekend Market, and the floating markets. In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, Bangkok is a modern city with towering skyscrapers, high-end shopping malls, and a thriving nightlife. Sukhumvit Road is one of the most popular areas for shopping and nightlife, while Silom Road is known for its financial district and famous Patpong Night Market. Despite being a big bustling city, Bangkok is also home to many peaceful parks and green spaces, such as Lumpini Park and Benjakiti Park, where locals and visitors can relax and enjoy nature.

CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai is a city located in the north of Thailand, known for its rich culture, ancient temples, and stunning natural scenery. One of the main attractions is the Old City, which is surrounded by a moat and remnants of ancient city walls. Here, visitors can explore dozens of ancient temples and historic sites, such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phra Singh. The Sunday Walking Street Market, located in the Old City, is also a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, Chiang Mai is known for its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains and lush forests, and visitors can take a trek through the jungle to visit hill tribes, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Chiang Mai is also famous for its festivals and events, such as the Loy Krathong festival, which takes place every November and involves floating baskets decorated with flowers and candles down the river.

HUA HIN & CHA AM

Hua Hin and Cha-am are two popular coastal towns located in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province of Thailand.  Hua Hin is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and relaxed atmosphere. The town has a long and interesting history, dating back to the reign of King Rama VII in the early 20th century, when it was developed as a resort town for the Thai royal family and high society. Today, Hua Hin is a bustling and vibrant town, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained.  Aside from the beach, there are several excellent golf courses in the area, which attract golfers from around the world. Hua Hin is also known for its delicious food, which includes fresh seafood, spicy curries, and tasty street food. The town has a vibrant night market where visitors can sample a wide variety of local dishes, as well as shop for souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts. Cha Am sits to the north of Hua Hin and is considered to be quieter and more laid back than it’s neighbour.

KHAO LAK

Khao Lak is a low-key beach destination, located just 80 km north of Phuket on the mainland. Despite it’s laid back feel, visitors to Khao Lak will certainly find plenty to see and do. The main attraction is its stunning coastline, which stretches for miles and features pristine beaches, clear waters, and towering cliffs. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Bang Niang Beach, Nang Thong Beach, and Khuk Khak Beach. In addition to its beaches, Khao Lak is also home to several beautiful national parks, including Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park and Khao Sok National Park. These parks offer visitors the chance to explore lush rainforests, hike to scenic waterfalls, and spot a wide range of wildlife. Try elephant trekking, kayaking or rafting at one of the local national parks. Nearby Takuapa has an historical old town, where traditional architecture and businesses still exist. Take a speedboat to the Similan and Surin islands, which offer some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving sites.

 

KHAO YAI

Khao Yai is a national park located in the north-eastern part of Thailand, about 150 kilometres north-east of Bangkok. It is one of the most popular national parks in the country, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The park covers an area of over 2,000 square kilometres and is home to several ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, bears, deer, and monkeys. Visitors can take guided tours through the park to observe these animals in their natural habitats. One of the main attractions in Khao Yai is the Haew Narok Waterfall, which is one of the highest waterfalls in Thailand, with a drop of over 150 metres. Visitors can hike to the waterfall and enjoy its stunning beauty and the surrounding nature. Another popular attraction in Khao Yai is the Bat Cave, which is home to millions of bats that swarm out of the cave at sunset. Visitors can observe this incredible natural phenomenon from a safe distance. The park also offers several hiking trails, such as the Khao Yai Nature Trail and the Khao Laem Ta Khong Nature Trail, which offer stunning views of the surrounding nature and wildlife.

KOH KOOD

Koh Kood (also known as Koh Kut or Ko Kut) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, located near the border with Cambodia. It is part of Trat Province and is the 4th largest island in Thailand.  Koh Kood is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical forests. Some of the most popular beaches include Klong Chao Beach, Bang Bao Bay, and Ao Tapao Beach.  Visitors can also explore the island’s waterfalls, such as Klong Yai Kee Waterfall and Huang Nam Keaw Waterfall, or take a snorkelling or diving trip to see the colourful marine life around the island. Koh Kood is reknowned for its eco-friendly tourism practices and offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. It is a great destination for those looking to relax in a peaceful and natural setting away from the crowds of more popular tourist destinations in Thailand.

KOH SAMUI

Once a hippy retreat, Koh Samui is without doubt one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. Retaining its laid-back atmosphere, there really is something for everyone here, with stunning white sand beaches, coconut plantations and waterfalls, not forgetting the nightlife and legendary beach parties. Chaweng Beach, located on the east coast, is the biggest island resort and is famed for it’s superb pristine white beach and evening entertainment.  Bophut, on the north coast, is much slower paced and home to the popular Fisherman’s Village. It also has great views and easy access across to neighbouring Koh Phangan.

KRABI

Krabi is a province located on the south-western coast of Thailand, alongside the Andaman Sea. This popular tourist destination is known for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and limestone cliffs.  Krabi offers a diverse range of attractions and activities, making it a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and beach-goers.  One of the main highlights is its breath-taking landscape. The province is characterized by towering limestone karsts that jut out of the turquoise waters, creating a stunning backdrop. These limestone formations can be found in various locations, such as Railay Beach, Phra Nang Cave Beach, and the famous Phi Phi Islands.  Ao Nang Beach is regarded as the most popular tourist hub for visitors and offers a vibrant atmosphere with its numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.  Many of the luxury resorts are located outside of Ao Nang along the coastline.  For adventure seekers, Krabi provides a wide range of outdoor activities. Rock climbing enthusiasts flock to Railay Beach, which is considered one of the best rock-climbing destinations in the world. Diving and snorkelling are also popular activities, as the waters around Krabi are teeming with vibrant marine life and colourful coral reefs. Kayaking, jungle trekking, and island-hopping tours are other exciting options to explore the natural wonders of the region.

KUI BURI

Kui Buri is a district located in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province of Thailand, about 100 kilometres south of Hua Hin. It is a relatively quiet and lesser-known destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. One of the main attractions in Kui Buri is the Kui Buri National Park, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, gaurs (the largest species of wild cattle), and several species of deer and monkeys. Visitors can take a guided tour through the park to observe these animals in their natural habitats. Another popular attraction in Kui Buri is the Phraya Nakhon Cave, which features a stunning, golden-coloured pavillion located inside a large cavern. Visitors can hike to the cave and explore its unique and beautiful surroundings. Kui Buri is also known for its beautiful and secluded beaches, such as Bo Nok Beach and Ao Manao Beach. These beaches offer pristine white sand and clear water, and are a great destination for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

PRANBURI

Pranburi is a town located in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province of Thailand, approximatelty 30 kilometres south of Hua Hin. It is a peaceful and tranquil destination that offers a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of more popular tourist destinations in Thailand. One of the main attractions in Pranburi is its beautiful and secluded beaches, such as Khao Kalok Beach, Pak Nam Pran Beach, and Sam Roi Yot Beach. These beaches are known for their pristine white sand, crystal clear waters, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and nature reserves. Pranburi is also home to several nature reserves and parks, such as the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, which offers hiking trails, caves, and mangrove forests. Visitors can also take a boat ride down the Pranburi River to explore the local flora and fauna. In addition to its natural beauty, Pranburi is also known for its local seafood restaurants and markets, where visitors can sample fresh seafood caught in the Gulf of Thailand. The Pranburi Forest Park is also a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, featuring walking paths, playgrounds, and an outdoor fitness area.

PHUKET

Phuket is an island province in southern Thailand, located on the Andaman Sea. With some of the country’s best beaches, it’s hardly surprising that Phuket has become Thailand’s most visited island. Choose from the bright lights of Patong, with its wide selection of restaurants and bars, or seek out secluded bays dotted along the coast. Kata, Karon and and Bang Tao beaches are considered as 3 of the preferred destinations to stay. In addition to its beaches, Phuket is also home to several cultural attractions, including ancient temples like Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha, as well as, Old Phuket Town, which is known for its colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street art. For those seeking outdoor activities, the island offers a range of options, including hiking, biking, and zip-lining in the lush rainforests of the island’s interior. Visitors can also explore the surrounding islands, including Phi Phi Island, James Bond Island, and the Similan Islands, which are known for their stunning natural beauty, excellent diving and superb snorkelling opportunities.

KOH PHANGAN

The beautiful south eastern island of Koh Phangan is just a short speed boat or ferry ride from popular Koh Samui. Essentially a laid-back backpacker beach destination, the island is famed for the monthly Full Moon Party, which draws revellers to Haad Rin. On the north coast lie quieter, white-sand beaches including Hat Khuat and Hat Thian. The interior is characterised by a lush and tropical jungle.

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