Thailand Locations

Locations

The southern part of Thailand is peninsula-like and bordered

by the Gulf of Thailand on the east and the Andaman Sea on

the west.

This is undoubtedly the most popular destination for sun- seekers looking to relax on the many famous beach resorts in this part of Thailand. The mainline resort of Hua Hin and the resorts of Phuket, notably Patong, are very popular as are the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Phi Phi. These popular destinations have all the attractions you would expect in a resort such as sailing, snorkelling and offering the best water sports and nightlife. Or you can choose a less busy beach resort such as Cha Am in the Gulf just north of Hua Hin, or Khao Lak in Phang Nga province. Phang Nga province is to the north of Phuket and Khao Lak is about an hour’s taxi ride from Phuket International Airport (most hotels will organise this for you). The Thailand capital Grung Thep, or Bangkok, has all you would expect in a major city in the Far East. Large shopping malls offer designer goods and international products as well as a host of smaller outlets supplying souvenirs and local products at competitive prices. Most of the malls are very well designed with top food chains and maybe beautiful fish ponds. They are a great meeting place for Thais too and there can be some form of entertainment, either a live band or a dance show. The traffic in Bangkok can be very busy at times but the elevated Skytrain or the Metro provide a convenient and economical means of travelling around. Contrasting the busy streets of Bangkok are the beautiful and peaceful temples. A visit to Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace complex is recommended (No bare arms or legs allowed in the temple). The temple houses the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred image. Excursions are easily arranged by the hotels such as the floating market at Damnoen Saduak about 100km south west of Bangkok. You could also fit in a trip to the Rose Garden in Sam Phran in the same day. Bangkok was originally built around waterways, so a visit would not be complete without a tour of the canals. Many of the canals have gone but you can still experience the traditional Thai canals in Thonburi on the west side of Chao Phraya river. This can either be arranged through the hotel or from Tha Chang pier which is close to the Grand Palace. Another good trip is on the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat which stops at piers along the river (Tha Chang is one of them) and will allow some sight-seeing (and lunch) in between boats. You just get on and off at whatever pier is convenient for your choice of sights to see. One of the most satisfying ways to sightsee is to hire a car and drive from Bangkok towards Burma or Myanmar it is now. Driving in Thailand is not the terrifying experience one is led to believe in some travel guides, especially if you venture out away from the cities. For some tips, check out our Day to Day  section. Whatever you decide to do in Thailand, it is such a place of beauty and colour that you will want to keep the memories for a long time. It is recommended that you have a reasonable camera for this. A fairly good digital camera is sufficient for general use. If you are going to a National Park or driving to the Burmese border with the fantastic river views from the high roads, then something with a more suitable zoom lens is good. In the North of Thailand you can visit Chinese Hill Tribes, ride on an elephant or drive off road 4 x 4s, visit an Opium museum or have lunch in a town where you can see three countries meet. Northern Thailand has a less hot and humid climate and a wealth of things to see and do. The area grows some of the most beautiful flowers in the world and the presence of Lanna culture provides some beautiful architecture. Our North Thailand page covers it in more detail.

Thailand Locations

Locations

The southern part of Thailand is peninsula-like and bordered by the Gulf of

Thailand on the east and the Andaman Sea on the west.

This is undoubtedly the most popular destination for sun-seekers looking to relax on the many famous beach resorts in this part of Thailand. The mainline resort of Hua Hin and the resorts of Phuket, notably Patong, are very popular as are the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Phi Phi. These popular destinations have all the attractions you would expect in a resort such as sailing, snorkelling and offering the best water sports and nightlife. Or you can choose a less busy beach resort such as Cha Am in the Gulf just north of Hua Hin, or Khao Lak in Phang Nga province. Phang Nga province is to the north of Phuket and Khao Lak is about an hour’s taxi ride from Phuket International Airport (most hotels will organise this for you). The Thailand capital Grung Thep, or Bangkok, has all you would expect in a major city in the Far East. Large shopping malls offer designer goods and international products as well as a host of smaller outlets supplying souvenirs and local products at competitive prices. Most of the malls are very well designed with top food chains and maybe beautiful fish ponds. They are a great meeting place for Thais too and there can be some form of entertainment, either a live band or a dance show. The traffic in Bangkok can be very busy at times but the elevated Skytrain or the Metro provide a convenient and economical means of travelling around. Contrasting the busy streets of Bangkok are the beautiful and peaceful temples. A visit to Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace complex is recommended (No bare arms or legs allowed in the temple). The temple houses the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred image. Excursions are easily arranged by the hotels such as the floating market at Damnoen Saduak about 100km south west of Bangkok. You could also fit in a trip to the Rose Garden in Sam Phran in the same day. Bangkok was originally built around waterways, so a visit would not be complete without a tour of the canals. Many of the canals have gone but you can still experience the traditional Thai canals in Thonburi on the west side of Chao Phraya river. This can either be arranged through the hotel or from Tha Chang pier which is close to the Grand Palace. Another good trip is on the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat which stops at piers along the river (Tha Chang is one of them) and will allow some sight-seeing (and lunch) in between boats. You just get on and off at whatever pier is convenient for your choice of sights to see. One of the most satisfying ways to sightsee is to hire a car and drive from Bangkok towards Burma or Myanmar it is now. Driving in Thailand is not the terrifying experience one is led to believe in some travel guides, especially if you venture out away from the cities. For some tips, check out our Day to  Day section. Whatever you decide to do in Thailand, it is such a place of beauty and colour that you will want to keep the memories for a long time. It is recommended that you have a reasonable camera for this. A fairly good digital camera is sufficient for general use. If you are going to a National Park or driving to the Burmese border with the fantastic river views from the high roads, then something with a more suitable zoom lens is good. In the North of Thailand you can visit Chinese Hill Tribes, ride on an elephant or drive off road 4 x 4s, visit an Opium museum or have lunch in a town where you can see three countries meet. Northern Thailand has a less hot and humid climate and a wealth of things to see and do. The area grows some of the most beautiful flowers in the world and the presence of Lanna culture provides some beautiful architecture. Our North Thailand page covers it in more detail.