Country guides
Asia
Things to do in Thailand
There is so much to see and do in Thailand that few visitors can resist returning. With an expansive coast line and gorgeous tropical islands, the destination is justly famed for its wonderful beaches and laid-back lifestyle, while the inland region offers iconic sights of lush jungles, rolling hills and rice paddies. As a country of Buddhists, there is also an abundance of golden temples and beautiful, spiritually inspired architecture. One word of caution though: to avoid the common fate of temple fatigue, visitors shouldn't try to see too many, and should rather concentrate on a few key attractions and spend some quality time in each of them. In contrast is the buzzing atmosphere of Bangkok, where neon lights and smoggy streets blend with gardens and floating markets to create a unique hybrid of old and new.
One reason why Thailand is such a rewarding sightseeing destination is that it has retained its distinctive identity in the face of significant western influence. That makes visiting here an exciting and exotic experience, whether travellers are resort-loving beach bums or adrenaline junkies exploring hill tribes and river rapids. More good news is that Thailand is blessed with year-round temperate weather, so travellers can visit at any time, though in the months from June to October, rough sea conditions may make some islands unreachable via the ferry system.
Getting around is fairly easy and remarkably safe. An excellent bus network connects even far-flung towns with the major cities, while a comfortable sleeper train connects Chiang Mai in the far north with the capital Bangkok. Many people prefer to see the sights via organised tours and air-conditioned buses, but by doing so visitors risk missing out on the fun between attractions, where they will encounter local people in unexpected ways.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a popular resort area in southern Thailand. Consisting of two islands, Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, almost all of the tourist development is on Koh Lanta Yai, whic…
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a popular resort area in southern Thailand. Consisting of two islands, Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, almost all of the tourist development is on Koh Lanta Yai, which is often referred to as simply Koh Lanta. The island is a great place for travellers looking for a beach holiday away from the parties and crowds of Phuket, and is popular with slightly older tourists who populate the resorts and bungalows that line the beaches. There are plenty of things to see and do on Koh Lanta, including exploring the Khao Mai Kaew Caves on foot or elephant-back, visiting the orchid nursery farm at Long Beach (Pra Ae Beach), and sunning on the beaches of Klong Dao, Kor Kwang, and the beautiful Kantiang Bay. Visitors can also get a taste of the culture of Koh Lanta by visiting Lanta Old Town and the Sea Gypsy Village. Koh Lanta's diving spots, including Koh Haa and Hin Muang, are rated as some of the best diving locations in Thailand.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is an extraordinary holiday destination. The twin Phi Phi islands, 25 miles (40km) east of Phuket, are world-renowned, particularly since the making of the Leonardo di …
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is an extraordinary holiday destination. The twin Phi Phi islands, 25 miles (40km) east of Phuket, are world-renowned, particularly since the making of the Leonardo di Caprio film, The Beach. Phi Phi Leh, the smaller of the two islands, was the setting for this movie, and now draws scores of day trippers from Phuket, just a 45-minute boat ride away. The island has no accommodation and is accessible only by boat, but offers sensational snorkelling and trips to the Viking Cave and its wall paintings. Phi Phi Don, the larger island, has idyllic tropical beaches lining its shores and Ton Sai Bay, the main tourist centre on Phi Phi, may be a little overdeveloped for some visitors wanting a relaxed beach holiday.
Koh Phi Phi is a snorkelling and diving paradise, with its aquamarine waters, offshore reefs, rich coral gardens and variety of tropical fish. Ranked as one of the top five scuba diving destinations in Thailand, the waters around the islands are framed by dramatic limestone cliffs that provide a perfect environment for soft corals. Other popular activities in Koh Phi Phi include camping in Maya Bay, a picturesque beach on unhinhabited Phi Phi Le; cliff diving off the dramatic cliffs of Phi Phi Island; kayaking among the small islands surrounding the main tourist areas; trips to see Phi Phi Island's monkey population, located mostly on the thin beaches of Hao Ragoate on Phi Phi Don and Yung Gassem (now called Monkey Beach); and rock climbing at the Viking Cave and Tonsai Towers.
There are no cars on Koh Phi Phi, so people with walking difficulties will find the hills and lack of transport trying.
Krabi
The tiny Thai province of Krabi, 500 miles (800km) south of Bangkok, is a magical, unspoilt paradise and one of the country's most enchanting coastal holiday destinations. The tran…
Krabi
The tiny Thai province of Krabi, 500 miles (800km) south of Bangkok, is a magical, unspoilt paradise and one of the country's most enchanting coastal holiday destinations. The tranquil Krabi coast is made up of pristine, coral-fringed white beaches, a myriad of caves and waterfalls, and numerous exotic islets washed by the azure sea. Beyond the Krabi beaches lie lush jungles where giant trees support lianas, and rivers fall over high cliffs or swirl lazily through mangrove forests. Visitors spend their holidays scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, climbing the cliffs above Ao Phranang and Railay beaches, hiking to mountain-top pagodas, discovering hidden temples set in the valleys, exploring caves, seeking out offshore paradise islands, or simply relaxing beneath a palm tree on an perfect stretch of white sand. The small city of Krabi can be flown to direct from Bangkok and a number of other cities, with flights landing at Krabi Airport, which is situated conveniently close to the city.
Koh Pha Ngan
The beautiful little island of Koh Pha Ngan is a fantastic holiday destination in the centre of the Gulf of Thailand, about 35 miles (55km) from the mainland. Coconut exports and f…
Koh Pha Ngan
The beautiful little island of Koh Pha Ngan is a fantastic holiday destination in the centre of the Gulf of Thailand, about 35 miles (55km) from the mainland. Coconut exports and fishing have long been the mainstay of the locals, but in recent years tourism has become increasingly important, as visitors flock in on ferries, lured by the island's magnificent beaches and the world renowned monthly Full Moon Party. The site of Koh Pha Ngan's legendary parties is the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin on the island's south-east corner, which is besieged by up to 30,000 people from around the world at full moon each month. As dusk falls thousands of lamps are lit on tables along the beach and the music is cranked up, sending party-goers into a frenzy under the rising orb of the moon. The interior of Koh Pha Ngan has rutted roads that run through coconut plantations, and past crystal waterfalls, viewpoints and little villages, and cries out to be explored on hired motorbikes. The Pang Waterfall National Park offers beautiful walking trails, and those looking for a more spiritual holiday experience can visit the renowned temple and meditation complex of Wat Khao Tahm, between Thong Sala and Haad Rin, where there are courses and retreats. The enticingly warm waters off the white-sand beaches that surround Koh Pha Ngan are the main source of fun for visitors, who enjoy boat rides, snorkelling through coral reefs, or just bathing in between spells of soaking up the sun. Scuba diving in Koh Pha Ngan offers a range of dive sites suited to beginners and advanced divers. The west coast has the highest concentration of dive sites, but there are sites to the north as well. T Visitors on holiday in Pha Ngan generally stay in one of many thatched bamboo bungalows that line the island's beaches. Those after more luxury can choose from the many holiday resort hotels. Wherever visitors stay, the holiday is wiled away pleasantly with snorkelling, swimming or relaxing on the white sands.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is an escape from the Western-style shopping malls of Bangkok and a glimpse into the past, revealing the centuries-old way of life of the residen…
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is an escape from the Western-style shopping malls of Bangkok and a glimpse into the past, revealing the centuries-old way of life of the residents whose stilt-houses perch on the canals and make their living selling fruits, vegetables and flowers. Visitors can explore the market with boat trips and sample the wares of local farmers as they do so. They can also enjoy the experience of floating through one of Thailand's many river villages.
Royal Grand Palace
The Royal Grand Palace is a popular Bangkok attraction. Construction of the palace began in 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of King Rama I, and opened in 1785 to …
Royal Grand Palace
The Royal Grand Palace is a popular Bangkok attraction. Construction of the palace began in 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of King Rama I, and opened in 1785 to signify the end of the Burmese invasion of Thailand. The palace itself is made up of a complex array of smaller buildings, most notably the Wat Mahatat (the Palace Temple) and the Wat Phra Keow (the Royal Chapel), which houses the famous Emerald Buddha sculpted from a single piece of jade. It's one of the most revered objects in Thailand.
Kanchanaburi
Located 89 miles (143km) west of Bangkok, the town of Kanchanaburi has secured its position of infamy as the original site of the Bridge Over The River Kwai, where during World War…
Kanchanaburi
Located 89 miles (143km) west of Bangkok, the town of Kanchanaburi has secured its position of infamy as the original site of the Bridge Over The River Kwai, where during World War II Allied prisoners of war were used by the Japanese to build the Death Railway, killing thousands in the process. With its modern hotels and welcoming air, Kanchanaburi seems an unlikely setting, but the bridge is still in use and the graves of the Allied soldiers are testament to the town's unfortunate past. Worth a visit is the JEATH (Japan, England, Australia, America, Thailand and Holland) War Museum in Kanchanaburi, which recounts experiences in the Japanese POW camps during the War. The Sai Yok Yai Waterfall in the Sai Yok National Park is a place of idyllic beauty and makes a good excursion from Kanchanaburi; the falls are widely celebrated in Thai poetry and songs. The turquoise waters of Erawan Falls are also reachable from Kanchanaburi, and make for an interesting day trip.
Website www.kanchanaburi-info.com
Koh Tao
Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, has been described as offering heaven under the sea, its main holiday attraction being the incredible snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities afforded…
Koh Tao
Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, has been described as offering heaven under the sea, its main holiday attraction being the incredible snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities afforded in its clean, clear waters. Situated to the north of its more famous sisters, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, the island is a typical tropical paradise, with rich jungle in the centre surrounded by quiet, palm-treed beaches. Although tourist development has exploded in recent years, turning Koh Tao's traditional dirt-road villages into a montage of holiday resorts, souvenir stalls and restaurants, there are still plenty of unspoilt spots both on the coast and inland. The main beach is Sairee Beach, stretching about one mile (2km) along the west coast, offering a range of reasonably priced holiday accommodation, dive centres, restaurants, beach bars and other facilities.
Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)
Dating back to the 13th century, the buddha at Wat Traimit stands nearly 10 feet (3m) tall, weighs over five tons and is believed to be solid cast gold, the largest gold statue in …
Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)
Dating back to the 13th century, the buddha at Wat Traimit stands nearly 10 feet (3m) tall, weighs over five tons and is believed to be solid cast gold, the largest gold statue in the world. It was discovered by accident in 1957 when an old stucco image was dropped by a crane, shattering the plaster shell to reveal the brilliantly shining gold underneath. The statue is breathtaking and is thought to have come from Ayutthaya covered in plaster to hide it from the Burmese invaders.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from 1350 until mid-18th century, and at one time was one of the largest cities in the world. The capital was relocated to Bangkok in 1768, when t…
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from 1350 until mid-18th century, and at one time was one of the largest cities in the world. The capital was relocated to Bangkok in 1768, when the Burmese army destroyed much of Ayutthaya. Today, tourists don't need much imagine to experience the splendour of the old capital, as many of the enormous structures are still there, and the ruins of Ayutthaya have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Multiple buses (a trip that takes a bit over an hour) and trains arrive daily from Bangkok, and a boat up the Chao Phraya River to Ayutthaya can be organised through travel agencies. Although many organised tours in Thailand can result in frustrating experiences, a tour guide in this instance can give some fascinating history to the already impressive wats. This is an easy way to experience some of the ancient history of Siam, as Bangkok is relatively new.
Pai
Located 83 miles (135km) up a coiled mountain road from Chiang Mai in the extreme northwest of Thailand, Pai is an unlikely tourist attraction. Over the course of its history, the …
Pai
Located 83 miles (135km) up a coiled mountain road from Chiang Mai in the extreme northwest of Thailand, Pai is an unlikely tourist attraction. Over the course of its history, the town has transitioned from hill tribe village to hippie hideaway, and finally to tourist playground, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and peaceful mountain scenery. Pai is a popular base camp for treks into the hills, which can be arranged through hotels or travel agencies in the city. Closer waterfalls and hot springs are worth a visit too, as are the nearby elephant camps. An airport now connects Pai to Chiang Mai, but the best way to get there is by motorbike or bus in order to see the beautiful scenery on the way.
Chiang Mai Temples
Temple tours of Chiang Mai are a wonderful attraction for visitors. The old town is home to the most honoured temples and some tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries. The historic Wat Pra S…
Chiang Mai Temples
Temple tours of Chiang Mai are a wonderful attraction for visitors. The old town is home to the most honoured temples and some tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries. The historic Wat Pra Singh holds the revered Phra Singh Buddha, which possibly dates from the 14th century. The oldest temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Chiang Man (established by King Mengrai), noted for its ancient bas reliefs and massive teak columns. Wat Chedi Luang boasts a gigantic chedi ruin, said to be the tallest structure in the old town, and was once home to the sacred Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok).
Phang Nga Bay
The holiday spot of Phang Nga Bay is characterised by sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water. The bay contains a fascinating collection of 3,500 …
Phang Nga Bay
The holiday spot of Phang Nga Bay is characterised by sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water. The bay contains a fascinating collection of 3,500 mostly uninhabited islands that are unique in that they have central hollows or 'rooms' (actually collapsed cave systems) containing hidden realms of unspoilt fauna and flora. Many of these can only be reached by inflatable kayak, which makes exploring the bay on the water an exciting way to enjoy the spectacular scenery. The largest and most popular Phang Nga Bay islands are James Bond Island and Koh Pannyi, the first named for having been where the movie The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. Koh Pannyi or Sea Gypsy Island is where a village has been built on stilts in the water, with a giant monolithic rock guarding its rear. Regular boat trips carry holiday tourists from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay, and it can be overcrowded during high season.
Similan Islands National Park
Even among Thailand's many islands, the Similan Islands have a reputation as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. The intense blue waters are framed by white cora…
Similan Islands National Park
Even among Thailand's many islands, the Similan Islands have a reputation as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. The intense blue waters are framed by white coral sand beaches, and are home to intricate coral reefs and rock formations. The most famous dive site in the Similan Islands is Richelieu Rock, where whale sharks are commonly spotted. The Similan archipelago consists of nine islands: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. Not all are open to visitors, and all are virtually uninhabited. Many charters offer day trips to the Similan Islands from Phuket and Phang Nga, but there are limited accommodation opportunities as well. Travellers should note that the park is closed from mid-May to mid-October every year due to unsafe weather conditions, and that it is illegal to visit during this period; guests who do so put their lives at risk, as there is no emergency support.
Website www.thainationalparks.com/mu-ko-similan-national-park
Sukhothai
Now a small city in southern Thailand, Sukhothai was once the seat of an ancient Siamese culture. The Sukhothai National Historic Park has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, …
Sukhothai
Now a small city in southern Thailand, Sukhothai was once the seat of an ancient Siamese culture. The Sukhothai National Historic Park has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is dedicated to preserving the area's many temples, palaces and monuments, which date back to the 13th century. The old city covers roughly 27 square miles (70 sq km) and is divided into three zones, each of which charge separate admission. There are bicycle rentals available, and there is a privately run tour by tram. New Sukhothai, 7.5 miles (12km) from the historic park, features a fresh market with great local food, and a few shops and restaurants.
Chiang Rai
Nestled into the lush mountains of northernmost Thailand, Chiang Rai is a hotspot for travellers who want to get a real cultural experience from their stay in Thailand. The region …
Chiang Rai
Nestled into the lush mountains of northernmost Thailand, Chiang Rai is a hotspot for travellers who want to get a real cultural experience from their stay in Thailand. The region is home to the remote hill tribe communities that make up about 10 percent of Thailand's population. Scattered through the mountains and valleys of the province, the tribes are descendents of nomadic peoples from Tibet and southern China. Each tribe is unique, with its own colourful culture and traditions. Many travellers arrive in Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai (a three-hour bus journey) to begin their treks to hill tribe villages, but there is plenty to see and do in Chiang Rai itself, including many beautiful temples and interesting museums. Visitors will also find good restaurants and food stalls offering a taste of northern Thai cuisine. The city has a lively, if not endless, nightlife, with a few good bars and pubs hosting live music. Chiang Rai is situated near the coming together of the three modern nations of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, a region known as the Golden Triangle, which is dissected by the mighty Mekong River.
Transport
Chiang Rai is 3-4 hours by bus from Chiang Mai