Thailand: Cities, Islands and Regions
Bangkok: Expect the Unexpected
A vibrant and dynamic city, Bangkok is a must-see, with plenty of major tourist attractions and bargain shopping. An endless array of shopping malls and street markets litter the city and will keep you busy for hours. It is easy to get around either by Skytrain, subway, taxi or for something different, take a ride on a local Tuk-Tuk.
The city boasts numerous inexpensive restaurants featuring cuisine from all areas of Thailand. Escape the hustle and bustle by taking a Thai cooking class. Choose from a range of sightseeing tours of the cultural and religious icons, or take a day trip to see the Bridge over the River Kwai. With accommodation to suit a range of budgets, you can relax in some of the best hotels in the world.
Phuket: ‘Pearl of the South’
The ‘Pearl of the South in the Land of the Smiles’, Phuket is the largest, most visited island in Thailand. The island is made up of a number of gorgeous bays, carpeted with soft white sand and unforgettable views.
Phuket offers a range of leisure activities. The main attractions are the beaches on the southwestern coast where there are plenty of activities for holidaymakers. Stay in vibrant Patong, or try the quieter areas of Laguna Phuket or Karon Beach.
Phuket is also well known for its extensive range of excellent hotels and resorts. A wide variety of water sports, shopping, dining, and nightlife are also widely available.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui has some of the most scenic and unspoiled white sand beaches in the world. The second largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui is just one flight away from Bangkok. Because of its location east of Thailand, Koh Samui is warm and sunny most of the year with some rain in October to December.
More than just a pretty face, the island offers mountainous terrain and coral reefs for the adventurous. Bougainvillea and coconut trees also adorn the land.
The main tourist area is Chaweng Beach, which offers many hotels and resorts in the surrounding beach area. There is also a compact shopping and restaurant district all along the bay.
For a quiet and more intimate resort area head South of Chaweng (10 to 15 minute drive) to Lamai Beach. The beaches here are less busy and make for a peaceful escape.
Other resort areas to the north of Chaweng are Bophut and Mae Nam where you can be assured a true escape from it all. The western side of the island is even quieter.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is the picturesque tropical made famous by ‘The Beach’, starring Leonardo DeCaprio. Explore the pristine beaches and bays by long-tail boat and swim, snorkel and scuba dive through the crystal clear waters.
Finish up by pampering yourself at one of the many day spas in the resorts: the complete movie star treatment.
Pattaya
Pattaya is located on the eastern coastline of Thailand’s Gulf of Siam. Pattaya was once a sleepy little fishing village with only primitive facilities. Today, Pattaya is a very popular beach resort destination with many resorts, restaurants and entertainment opportunities. Travel by road from Bangkok to get there.
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
The striking mountainous areas around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are distinctly different from the south. Bursting at the seams with culture, Chiang Mai is the place to be for adventurers.
Enjoy cool evenings wandering around Thailand’s second largest city. Trek through the jungle on an elephant, visit hill tribe villages or see some of the 300 ancient temples prominent in this historical region. Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is a must for bargain shoppers.
Cha-Am
Looking for a short, relaxing break or a long holiday in the tropical sun? Located on the sunrise side of the Thai Gulf, some three hours southwest of Bangkok is Cha-Am.
Unspoilt beaches, quiet coastal towns, water sports, historical sites, night markets, golf courses, spas, shopping and much more awaits the visitor at these two seaside resort areas.
More laid back than Pattaya beach, Cha-Am is an ideal destination for families and travellers looking to enjoy a relaxing holiday.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a vintage Thai town. Famously Thailand’s oldest beach resort, Hua Hin has enjoyed popularity among Thai royalty and aristocracy since the 1920s. The Thai Royal Family still frequently use the Summer Palace in Hua Hin.
Larger than Cha-Am and set among a traditional fishing port, Hua Hin enjoys high standards of shopping and fine dining. The white sand beach at Hua Hin is 5 kilometres long and is ideal for swimming. Several international golf courses, each 30 minutes from town, will have golfing enthusiasts occupied for days on end.
