Islands lined with palms overhanging gorgeous
beaches; superb cuisine; a rich cultural heritage; exotic rainforests;
cheap shopping; hundreds of temples and religious artifacts dating back
centuries; ancient villages stowed away in hidden corners of the land -
this is Thailand, one of the greatest travel experiences you are ever
likely to experience.
Thailand (ประเทศไทย) means the Land of Thai or humans and it is an unmissable destination, from the busy capital Bangkok, to the relaxed island of Phuket. Buddhist temples and statues are a-plenty, as Thailand towers above the rest of South East Asia
in sheer volume of historical delights. Perhaps the fact that Thailand
is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been ruled by a European
power is partly responsible for the wealth of history represented
throughout the country, kept alive through the ages. Whatever the reason
be, nothing can detract from the extraordinary pleasures Thailand
offers its visitors.
Geography
At 514,000 km² (198,000 square miles), Thailand is the world's 49th-largest country. It is comparable in size to France, and somewhat larger than California. Thailand shares international borders with Laos to the north, Cambodia to the east, Malaysia to the south, and Myanmar to the west. It is possible to cross overland with all of Thailand's neighbours.
Thailand
is home to several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to
the provincial groups. The north of the country is mountainous, with
the highest point being Doi Inthanon at 2,576 metres (8451 feet). The
northeast consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the
Mekong river. The centre of the country is dominated by the
predominantly flat Chao Phraya river valley, which runs into the Gulf of
Thailand. South Thailand consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.
The
climate is tropical and characterised by monsoons. There is a rainy,
warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September, as well as
a dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March. The southern
isthmus is always hot and humid.
Regions
Thailand has 77 provinces and 1 special administrative region (the capital Bangkok), split into 6 geographic regions:
| North | Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Lamphun, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Uttaradit |
| Northeast | Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram, Bueng Karn, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Yasothon |
| Central | Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Special Governed District), Chai Nat, Kamphaeng Phet, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Sawan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phetchabun, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, Uthai Thani |
| East | Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Trat |
| West | Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Tak |
| South | Phuket, Krabi, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phang Nga, Phatthalung, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang, Yala |
White-throated Kingfisher, Thalad area, Nakhon, Thailand
Cities
Bangkok
Bangkok
(กรุงเทพๆ) is the vibrant capital of Thailand and, for most travellers,
it is the gateway into the country. Located on the shore of the Gulf of
Thailand, Bangkok is a huge city boasting incredible diversity - a
reflection of the country's diversity. There are many attractive things
to see such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Place, the
canals and much more. Moreover, Bangkok is the heaven for shopping.
Chatuchak market and Mahboonkrong shopping centre are well known among
tourist.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, having taken the title from Nakhon Ratchasima
in the north-east just recently. It's an ideal destination for
travellers seeking a change from bustling Bangkok. Chiang Mai is set in
the northern highlands of Thailand, a beautiful and rugged region or
mountains, waterfalls, and incredible views.
Other cities and towns
- Patong Beach - Phuket
- Udon Thani - northeast of Thailand
- Surat Thani
- Ao Nang
- Chiang Rai - northern Thailand
- Phitsanulok - central Thailand
- Khon Kaen - in the northeast
- Krabi - beach town along the southwestern coastline
- Hat Yai - city in the south of the country
- Hua Hin - beach town along the east coast
- Nakhon Ratchasima
- Ubon Ratchathani
- Nakhon Sawan
- Nakhon Phanom
- Phetchaburi - central Thailand
- Kanchanaburi - western Thailand
- Ayutthaya - gateway to famous temples
- Mae Hong Son - northern Thailand
- Mae Sai - northern Thailand
- Songkhla - near Hat Yai in the south
Sights and Activities
Islands and Beaches
Thailand
has numerous beaches, both on the mainland and on many of the islands
in the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand. For many travellers these
beaches are the main draw to Thailand. With stunning white sand and
crystal clear water it is no wonder the Thai beaches attract millions of
people a year. Here are still plenty off the beaten track beaches if a
traveller doesn't want crowds.
Phuket:
Phuket is an island province in southern Thailand.The island is immensely popular for its beaches, the most famous of which is Patong Beach.
Phuket has a beach for everyone and a beach combers dream come true.
There is also an excellent nightlife, so after a day in the fun a
traveller can party all night long.
Phi Phi Islands:
The Phi Phi Islands became world-famous with the shooting of The Beach
in 1998. They are situated in the south of Thailand and are quite
beautiful and popular islands, but unfortunately also quite expensive.
Other islands include Ko Samui, Ko Lanta near Krabi, Ko Samet near Bangkok and Koh Chang towards the border with Cambodia. Ko Pha Ngan (also spelt as Koh Phangan) near Ko Samui, is the location of the famous Full Moon Party island.
There are several nice beaches on the mainland. The mainland beaches include those at Pattaya, Hua Hin
and Cha Am. Mainland beaches are much easier and cheaper to get to then
the islands. Certain parts of Pattaya can be very shady especially for
women travellers.
May Bay Kho Phi Phi
Phi Phi Island
Scuba Diving
Thailand
is famous for its diving and snorkelling and many of the islands and
beaches mentioned above offer trips offshore or on the open sea to go
snorkelling and/or diving. Ang Thong Marine Park near Koh Samui is of
particular interest and enjoys a national park status.
Khao Yai National Park
Khao
Yai National Park is located several hours northeast of the capital
Bangkok in the Isaan region of Thailand. It is a very attractive park
with lush green forests, some wildlife and a very relaxed atmosphere and
good places to stay. You can go on guided walks or rent bikes. It is
best to rent a car or motorbike into the park or try and get a lift. The
Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle actually refers to a much larger area, covering parts of Myanmar, Laos
and even Vietname. Most people visit the area in Thailand though,
although it is easy to cross borders into Laos in this area. It is
famous for producing opium but most people just visit to witness the
confluence of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers.
Feeding Elephant at Golden Triangle
Ancient ruins
Lord Ganesh Temple Nakhon Nayok at Thailand
Cities
Bangkok
Bangkok (กรุงเทพๆ) is the vibrant capital of Thailand and, for most travellers, it is the gateway into the country. Located on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand, Bangkok is a huge city boasting incredible diversity - a reflection of the country's diversity. There are many attractive things to see such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Place, the canals and much more. Moreover, Bangkok is the heaven for shopping. Chatuchak market and Mahboonkrong shopping centre are well known among tourist.Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, having taken the title from Nakhon Ratchasima in the north-east just recently. It's an ideal destination for travellers seeking a change from bustling Bangkok. Chiang Mai is set in the northern highlands of Thailand, a beautiful and rugged region or mountains, waterfalls, and incredible views.Other cities and towns
- Patong Beach - Phuket
- Udon Thani - northeast of Thailand
- Surat Thani
- Ao Nang
- Chiang Rai - northern Thailand
- Phitsanulok - central Thailand
- Khon Kaen - in the northeast
- Krabi - beach town along the southwestern coastline
- Hat Yai - city in the south of the country
- Hua Hin - beach town along the east coast
- Nakhon Ratchasima
- Ubon Ratchathani
- Nakhon Sawan
- Nakhon Phanom
- Phetchaburi - central Thailand
- Kanchanaburi - western Thailand
- Ayutthaya - gateway to famous temples
- Mae Hong Son - northern Thailand
- Mae Sai - northern Thailand
- Songkhla - near Hat Yai in the south
Culture
Thailand is a Theravada Buddhist country like Burma, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Buddhism in Thailand is mixed with spiritualism and shamanism.Thai culture has been very influenced by Indian and Khmer culture. This influence is readily apparent in architecture and language. Nowadays, Thai culture is also heavily influenced by Western culture, as is manifested in popular music, clothing, language and architecture. Normally, foreign cultural traits are not replicated by Thais, but are first modeled into a Thai-style.
Traditional Thai architecture, music and clothes still exist, as Thai culture continues to develop. The luuk-tung (ลูกทุ่ง = child of the rice fields) music genre is an example of a modern cultural development in Thailand. This genre deals with issues connected to being from the country-side (predominantly Esan in the Northeast) and trying to make a living or get an education in the big city (Bangkok). The music is full of hope, homesickness and also melancholy and the texts are normally in the Esan language, underlining the origin and audience of this genre. Luuk-tung is very fascinating and highly popular among many Thai people: Luuk-tung singers have risen to become stars. One famous luuk-tung singer (Jonas) is actually a Swedish national but performs his songs in Thai.
Quite a number of music- and movie stars in Thailand are luuk-krueng (ลูกครึ่ง = half children or mixed children) having one Thai parent and one Western parent. Thais think that luuk-krueng are very beautiful because their skin is fairer than most Thais.
Thai literature is another example of Western influence on Thai culture. Previously, Thai culture consisted of Buddhist texts and royal tales but has now included poems, short stories and novels. Some Thai literature has been translated into English and is available in the bookshops in the bigger cities. Chart Korbjiti is a full-time Thai author that has written several novels which have been translated into English. He elaborates on issues of everyday-life in Thailand. If you want to know about rural Thailand in former days then you should read A Child of the Northeast by Kampoon Boontawee - it's a bit old but has won literature prizes. A movie has also been made based on this novel. Asiabooks, DK Books and Chulalongkorn University Bookshop are good places to find the English language literature.
Thai movies are also a good source of entertainment and both DVDs and VCDs are cheap. A good place with a big variety of movies is Mangpong, but DVDs can be purchased in many shops including small street stalls in the Sukhumwit area. Some of the most famous Thai movies outside Thailand are Suriyothai, Ong Bak and Bangrajan, but several other movies are also worth watching. Two well-known movies are based on true stories about ladyboys or Kratoeys (กระเทย) as they are called in Thai. This is Satrii Lek (Iron Ladies) about a volleyball team from the North of Thailand consisting of only ladyboys. This team managed to become Thai champions in volleyball and became very famous. Beautiful Boxer is another entertaining story about a ladyboy Thai-boxer who became very famous in Thailand. He/she now runs his/her own Thai-boxing school, which is very popular, not least because of his/her beauty....
Water fall and bush walking
Tee Lor Su water fall in Tak province is recognized to be the most beautiful one South East Asia.You will feel like being under the rain when you get close to it. The track to the waterfall is highly recommended for people who were in love with bush walking especially the rain season, you need to get there by rubber boat and continue walking which are all around 3 hours but you won't feel tired since you will enjoy the the forest and good scenery while you are paddling on the boat.Weather
The weather in Thailand is tropical with high temperatures and high humidity during the year. Although it is hot and humid all year round, some months are stiffling hot and this applies mainly to the months of April and May when temperatures in Bangkok hit 40 °C and combined with the high humidity these months are best avoided for travelling around the cities and the interior. Temperatures in the north and northeast sometimes are even a few degrees higher during these months, like in Chang Mai and the area towards the border with Laos. These areas however, are a few degrees cooler during the 'winter' months of November to March, when generally it is still warm or hot and humid but with temperatures between 28 °C and 33 °C, travelling around is more bearable.The wet season comes with the southwest monsoon which last from June to October. In the north the wettest months are usually July and August, while in Bangkok and surroundings September is the wettest. Koh Samui on the other hand has the wettest time of the year in October and November and never has a real dry season although March to May are generally a bit drier.
Usually, temperatures along the coastal areas of Thailand, including lots of popular islands, vary less than in Bangkok and the interior. In the north, several mountain ranges keep temperatures mild and Mae Hong Son even has recorded temperatures of just several degrees above zero.
Getting Around
By Plane
Thai Airways and Air Asia both have domestic services. Airplane is the safest and quickest way to travel in Thailand but also less adventurous. From Bangkok, you can fly to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui, Hat Yai, Krabi, Narathiwat, Phuket, Ranong, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani.By Train
The State Railway of Thailand operate train services nationwide. Trains are safe but runs relatively slow in Thailand. But if you are not in a hurry it can be a great experience to travel by train. Meals can be bought on the train and the train will normally also have a bar. If you travel overnight make sure to book well in advance and avoid public holidays since the trains will be packed with people going back to their hometowns. Also make sure to book a lower berth: It is wider than the upper berth and therefore much more comfortable. It is possible to sleep really well on the train. The movements of the train which are due to the connection of the rails, makes it very easy to sleep. First class sleeper are quite boring except of course when sleeping because it just consists of a 2-person closed compartment with two berths so save the money and book a ticket for second class instead and you will have a better chance for seeing and talking to other people.By Car
Cars and motorcycles can be rented in most major cities and airports. The international chains have offices in most of the major cities and can be booked before arrival via their websites. Local companies are located in major tourist destinations and tend to have cheaper rates than the international chains, but their fleets of cars tend to be older and not as well maintained. Check the tyre treads and general upkeep of the vehicle before committing.Be sure to have an international driving permit and proper insurance.
By Bus
There is a wide web of bus routes all around Thailand, but buses are not always that safe. Try to avoid buying your bus ticket in a very touristy area if possible as there is a big chance that you have bought a cheap ticket on a shitty bus that can break down any time. If possible you should go directly to the bus terminal where you can buy tickets for different classes on the buses that Thais themselves use, ranging from the cheapest 3rd class to the more expensive 2nd and 1st class air-conditioning and the excellent VIP buses. This is more expensive but definitely worth the money when travelling over a long distance and is also a lot safer since two drivers will take turns on driving instead of a low-budget bus that only has one driver even for long overnight journeys.By Boat
The Chao Phraya Express Boat operates river boat services between the city of Nonthaburi and Rat Burana district of Bangkok.
Sunrise at Phuket
Listed below are our top Phuket survival tips:
- Touts at bus stations, the airport and other tourist areas are there for one reason only; commission!!! Unfortunately, this usually involves unsuspecting travelers parting with their cash. You should always question any unsolicited offers and it is a good idea to know your prices before agreeing to go with someone. Unfortunately the commissions that the touts receive will be paid by you in the long run.
- The cost of travel on Phuket is much higher than in other locations in Thailand, but it shouldn’t be. When using a tuk-tuk or a motorcycle taxi on Phuket, agree on the fare before you travel. Make sure the tuk-tuk price quoted is for the group, not per person.
- It is a good idea to carry a selection of change such as small notes and coins as many people cannot change large notes, especially in once you get out of the major towns and villages.
- Young, fresh coconuts are much more refreshing than water, great if you are spending the day on the beach or suffering from a hangover.
- Although the tap water is often drinkable in large cities, it is best to stick to bottled water. The larger bottles of UV treated water are the cheapest, although not the healthiest. It is worth paying a few baht more for the popular brands of bottled water.
- Items such as suntan lotion and mosquito spray tend to be a little bit more expensive on the islands, so it is a good idea to stock up before you go. Internet access is often much more expensive as well.
- Guesthouse owners and their staff are generally a good source of local information so it’s worth getting to know them.
- Make sure you check the expiry date of your visa carefully as there is an overstay fine of 500 baht per day, plus you get an overstay stamp in your passport that may haunt you on your next visit to Thailand.
- Many bathrooms, particularly when you are away from your hotel, do not provide toilet tissue, so it is a good idea to carry some with you.
- Sarongs are an essential item as they dry much quicker than towels and can also be used as a blanket, a privacy screen and an item of clothing.
- Learning a few words in Thai can go a long way to getting what you want and forming friendships. Compliments and jokes are always effective.
- Never give your passport to anyone you don’t know, and make sure it never leaves your sight. The best way to achieve this is to always carry a photocopy of your passport front-page with you. Then, you can make sure your passport is always secure. It is a good idea to carry a of your passport, especially when going out drinking as police have been known to perform random checks and may ask to see it.
- It’s easy to become dehydrated, make sure you carry water and drink small sips often.
- If you need to get away from the heat for a while, plan on visiting
the larger shopping centres like Jungceylon in the afternoons.
KHO SAMUAI
Lamai Beach, situated a couple of bays to the south of Ko Samui’s most famous beach, Chaweng, is Koh Samui’s second largest resort area after Chaweng. It is much quieter than Chaweng, but still with plenty of shopping, dining and accommodation options.
Guesthouses and resorts at Lamai are considerably cheaper and the Beach seems never as busy as Chaweng. So for those looking for value for money and smaller crowds, Lamai Beach can be a good option.
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