Thailand hotels and travel guide. Hotel reservation for Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and all provinces in Thailand.

Bangkok, also known as "Krungthep" (กรุงเทพ) meaning 'the City of Angels', is ranked as the best city in the world in 2008 by "Travel and Leisure Magazine". Bangkok is famous for its temples, the Grand Palace as well as some of Asia's largest shopping centers and Asia's largest outdoor week-end market (Chatuchak).

All sites can comfortably be reached by Skytrain (BTS) or Underground (MRT). Bangkok is highly appreciated for its wide choice of restaurants, from authentic street-side eateries to a number of fine dining establishments. In addition to probably the best nightlife in Asia. The wide choice of accommodation, from high end international hotels to guesthouses meets the demands of all travelers. In terms of relaxation – Bangkok has seen a huge development of Spas and wellness centers as well as medical facilities of Western standards.

Samut Prakan(สมุทรปราการ): also sometimes called Pak Nam (ปากน้ำ), is located around the area where the Chao Phraya River flows into the Gulf of Thailand and is only 30km from Bangkok. Samut Prakan is home to countless historical and cultural sites and the new Bangkok International Airport – Suvarnabhumi Airport – is located here.

Some of the major attractions in the province include the worlds largest crocodile farm (with over 60,000 crocodiles including the largest crocodile held captive with a length of 6 meters), the newly constructed Erawan Museum and the ‘Ancient City’, Mueang Boran, where imitations of major tourist attractions around the country are situated.

Nonthaburi(นนทบุรี): is one of the central provinces of Thailand and is more or less considered a part of Greater Bangkok. It is the land of elegant palaces, magnificent royal gardens, Ko Kret’s famous pottery, notably old and beautiful temples, delicious durian and the gorgeous city hall.

The most interesting place to visit is Koh Kret, an island in the Chao Phraya River, which serves as a refuge to the Mon tribes who are famous for their pottery. Ko Kret is another world compared to Bangkok and much of it retains the air of a rustic village, with wooden shacks propped against palm trees and the occasional dilapidated temple slowly crumbling. Hence the main attraction is just walking around, browsing the merchandise in the many pottery shops. Because of the closeness to Bangkok there are only few accommodation options in Nonthaburi.

Samut Sakhon(สมุทรสาคร): Samut Sakhon is located at the mouth of the Tha Chin Klong river, a distributor of the Chao Phraya river, to the Gulf of Thailand. Samut Sakhon was formerly called "Tha Chin" probably because, in the old days, it had been a trading port dealing with a vast number of Chinese junks.

Today it is a major fishing port, the biggest producer of brine salt and is home to the largest traditional fresh seafood market in Thailand – the Mahachai Market. Apart from seafood, Handicrafts such as wicker furniture, pottery and local sarongs are among the colorful offerings in the market. Cruising is one of the interesting water activities for tourists in Samut Sakhon. Tourists can rent a boat for an 1-2 hour roundtrip and enjoy the panoramic view of mangroves and witness the lifestyle of the fishermen and how to do mussels farming. Some small hotels and guesthouses in the city offer budget accommodations.

Samut Songkhram(สมุทรสงคราม): it is the province of fertile land, of plants and food grains, the production source of vegetables and fruits, as well as a vast variety of seafood products. It is also an interesting historical source for the early Rattanakosin period.

Samut Songkhram is also the birthplace of the Siamese twins – Chang-Eng- who made Thailand famous around the world. Attractions in the province include floating markets, temples, a Siamese cats house and the Ban Phaya So - a house of the alto fiddle (So U) maker who combines the art of traditional Thai music with carving.

Nakhon Pathom(นครปฐม): is a small province located just 56 Kms. from Bangkok. The province features an ancient religious structure called “Phra Pathom Chedi”, the world largest stupa which stands 120 meters tall. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruits varieties and famous dishes and Thailands best-known floating market – Damnoen Saduak.

Other attractions include the Rose Garden, the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo, the Thai Human Imagery Museum and Buddhamonthon - an old religious site with a huge standing Buddha image cast in bronze gold measuring 15.8 meters

Sing Buri(สิงห์บุรี): Sing Buri is located in the flat river plain of the Chao Phraya river valley 140 km north of Bangkok. Sing Buri is well known for abundant fish, particularly the Mae La catfish, and the yearly traditional boat race – an exciting and colourful event which attracts entries from many provinces viewing for the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy.

Attractions in the province are limited to temples like Wat Phra Non Chaksi - which houses a 46 meter long Buddha image, a hero’s monument and a museum.

Ang Thong(อ่างทอง): Ang Thong is a low river flat, crossed by the Chao Phraya and the Noi river. It has neither mountains nor forests, but consists of mostly agricultural land.

It is a province which is luxurious of native handicraft like molded court dolls, firebrick, and wickerwork. It is also the origination of Li Ke, the native folk song and hometown of Nai Dok and Nai Thongkaeo, the two heroes during the Bang Rachan Battle. Ang Thong is also abundant with more than 200 clean, magnificent, and interesting temples, most appropriate for Thai chronological study. Well worth a visit is the drum making village of Ban Phae, the Court Doll Center in Ban Bangsadet, the fish park at Wat Khoi and the bird sanctuary.

Pathum Thani(ปทุมธานี):
The province is located directly north of Bangkok and is part of the Bangkok metropolis. Pathum Thani has a very high concentration of higher education institutions, especially ones in the field of science and technology. From this fact, together with a number of industrial parks and many research agencies (including those in Thailands Science Park) in the province, Pathum Thani is considered an "Education and Technology Hub" of its area.

Pathum Thani is full of sites of knowledge, history and culture. There are many museums and public places that are full of knowledge to visit and learn. Other than the museums and the cultural center, there are many interesting temples in Pathum Thani to visit. Most of them are historical areas. Besides the cultural and natural places, there is the most famous and biggest amusement park in Pathum Thani - Dream World - located in Bungyeetoe sub-district.

Ayutthaya, full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya(พระนครศรีอยุธยา):
The ancient city of Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions and was the former capital of Thailand. The ruins of the old capital in the Ayutthaya historical park are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1991. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in the city and Ayutthaya celebrates its glorious past with historical exhibitions, traditional cultural processions and performances, light & sound presentations around city ruins, and numerous forms of entertainment.

There are over 400 temples in and around Ayutthaya to visit, as well as a private boat museum, arts and craft centers and Thailand’s largest freshwater fish aquarium – Wang Pla – amongst many others. Some elephant camps provide elephant riding and shows, and boat trips on the Chao Phraya  are on offer to enjoy the beautiful scenery and Thai lifestyle along the river. Accommodations are plentiful in the area and some golf courses invite for a day of golfing.

Saraburi(สระบุรี): Saraburi, a province in the upper central region of Thailand, is rich in tourist attraction resources including natural sites, artifacts, festivals, temples as well as historical sites. Located 108 kilometers from Bangkok and 65 kilometers from Ayutthaya it is conveniently commutable within a day The most important Buddhist temple Wat Phra Phutthabat, built in the 17th century, is located around a Buddha footprint.
It is the most popular pilgrimage site within central Thailand.
Two national parks are located in the province. Namtok Chet Sao Noi protects 28 km² around a scenic waterfall. Phra Phutthachai protects the Khao Sam Lan Forest, which consists of hilly landscape and is the source to several rivers and waterfalls.
Activities in the area include cliff climbing at Wat Phra Chai and exploring Saraburis longest cave – Tham Lumphini Suan Hin – with a length of 1800 meter. Accommodations with international standards are available in town and on the riverside as well as a golf course surrounded by some of the most beautiful country in Thailand.

Nakhon Nayok(นครนายก):
Nakhon Nayok is a destination which is often taken for granted by many tourists. The fact that it is located just 106 kilometers from Bangkok and its attractions may be visited as a day trip makes it just a stop over spot for travelers. Nakhon Nayok is famous for its refreshing natural beauty including waterfalls and parks, renowned historical sites, soft adventure activities, and its variety of fruits.
The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is covered by the Khao Yai National Park. The central part of the province is, on a contrary, a rather flat river plain formed by the Maenam Nakhon Nayok.
Popular activities are canoeing in the Nakhon Nayok River, mountain biking, horse riding and jungle trekking.
The Sida Resort Hotel near Nang Rong Waterfall is a perfect base to start exploring the refreshing embrace of mountains, evergreen forests, rock gardens, bird park and orchards.

Chachoengsao(ฉะเชิงเทรา): Chachoengsao is 80 kilometers from Bangkok and is an important venue for agricultural products in the Central Region, with Mango as the most popular fruit of the province. Moreover, it is the location of the sacred Phra Phutthasothon Buddha image.

Attractions include a drum making village, a court doll center and Thai-style house models producers as well as temples and the annual boat races, held in October, should not be missed.

Chonburi(ชลบุรี): Chonburi, Bangkoks nearest seaside town, is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometers from Bangkok. The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful beaches, local colors, traditions, delicacies and fresh seafood.
This is a popular resort among Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules as Chon Buri has something for everyone.

In addition, Chon Buri is the center of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and fishing villages.
The most famous city of the province is Pattaya - Asia's premier beach resort which caters with equal appeal to families, couples and single visitors. Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is synonymous with every ingredient for memorable holidays. Accommodation in Chonburi ranges from luxuriously appointed backside hotels with superb convention facilities to simple guesthouses.

Pattaya(พัทยา): is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.
From a fishing village in the 1960’s, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation.

Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you may choose to do nothing at all and relax.

Rayong(ระยอง): Located approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok it is another delightful resort on Thailand’s eastern coast. Most of the land is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of forest and fruit plantations. The province is well known for its pristine beaches stretching along a 100-kilometer coastline and scenic waterfalls amidst exotic surroundings. Aside from this, Rayong is blessed with an abundance of seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood, and tropical fruits of which Rambutan, Mangosteen and Durian are the most famous.
Several islands in the Gulf of Thailand belong to the province, including the popular tourist destinations, Ko Samet, Ko Mun and Ko Kodi.
Koh Samet offers extensive pristine beaches with clean white sand. A haven for relaxation, this T-shaped island is a perfect retreat for those looking for sun, sand and sea. The island is very popular for divers due to its easy access from Bangkok and clear water, colorful coral and diversity of marine life such as: turtles, tiger sharks and manta rays.
A wide range of accommodations on the island is available with from the budget conscious bungalow with basic amenities to the mid- and top range hotels

Chanthaburi(จันทบุรี) It is located in the east of Thailand, at the border to Battambang and Pailin of Cambodia and the shore to the Gulf of Thailand. Together with the neighboring province Trat, Chanthaburi is the center of gemstone mining, especially rubies and sapphires. Tropical fruits like Rambutan, Mangosteen and Durian are also among the main products of the province with the Durian on top of the list.

There are national parks with waterfalls and forested hills good for nature walks, hiking, camping and white water rafting; historical monuments, traditional cultures of the old days, temples and pagodas of various religions and beaches and islands to be explored.
Accommodation is available in town and along the coast at Laem Sing.

Trat(ตราด):
Trat is Thailand’s eastern-most province, located about 315 kilometers from Bangkok. This small province borders on Cambodia with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural demarcation. With 52 large and small offshore islands, long white sandy beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, Trat offers delightful scenery and a tranquil hideout for nature-lovers. The province also serves as a major fruit-growing and fishing area.

The city of Trat forays into outlying gem and Cambodian markets and is the starting point to Ko Chang island group. The island, together with more than 40 surrounding smaller islands, forms the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park. Other islands of the province include: Ko Kood, Ko Mak and Ko Kradad.
Trat is also a transit point for people travelling to Cambodia, as it is only a 90 minute minibus ride to the border at Hat Lek.
Accommodation is available in town and resorts on the islands offer quiet and relaxed beach holidays.

Koh Chang(เกาะช้าง): Chang is the second largest island of Thailand after Phuket, located on the Thai east coast 310 km away from Bangkok near the border to Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. The name means Elephant Island. Ko Chang was named for the elephant shape of its headland, although elephants are not indigenous to the island. It is a mountainous island and Khao Salak Phet is the highest peak of all at 744 meters. Visitors are also met with several waterfalls, splendid reefs and rainforests.

Ko Chang is one of Thailand most beautiful islands with some white sandy beaches, some half deserted. Some of the beaches are rocky in parts though so it doesn't have ideal swimming beaches like Phuket.
The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkeling, diving and jungle hiking. Resorts for all budgets are dotted along the beaches of the island offering international standard and facilities.

Prachin Buri(ปราจีนบุรี):
The province is divided into two major parts, the low river valley of the Prachin Buri River, and the higher lands with plateaus and mountains of the Dong Phaya Yen mountains. In those areas are also two national parks, Khao Yai and the Tab Larn National Park.

Prachin Buri is a very prosperous town with beautiful waterfalls and canals which are very popular among nature adventurers. Many trekking and bicycle routes are available in the province and white water rafting and golfing are popular activities.
One of the festive highlights in Prachinburi is the Bang Fai Sky Rocket Festival held annually in May at Wat Maha Pho. Accommodations are available in town and near the Khao Yai National Park – a perfect place for nature lovers to relax and experience the great outdoors.

Sakaeo(สระแก้ว): Located in the eastern border of Thailand, facing Cambodia at Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo is a popular province known as a trading centre. Generally, the area varies from plains to highlands. Highlands and mountains are in the north where Pang Sida National Park and Ta Phraya National Park are located, while the south is covered with wavy plains and hills.

Also, there are evergreen forests along the Chanthaburi mountain range. Accommodation is available within the parks and the Indochina Hotel just outside town is a good base to start touring the province.

Lop Buri (ลพบุรี):
Lop Buri Province is located approximately 154 kilometers north of Bangkok. Lop Buri Province is one of several provinces in central Thailand where many significant historical artifacts and prehistoric settlements have been discovered. These relics, ranging from the Bronze Age to the Ratanakosin period, have made Lop Buri a blend of east and west and ancient and modern, revealing the citys turbulent and alluring history and a glimpse of Thailands extraordinary past. Apart from historical attractions, Lop Buri provides opportunities for nature lovers to visit its famous Sap Langka Wildlife Sanctuary in the north.

Another special landmark of Lop Buri are monkeys. To tourists, the city is known as the land of monkeys. The food offerings in San Phra Kan drew the monkeys from nearby forests. These mischievous monkeys have taken over several attractions such as San Phra Kan and Phra Prang Sam Yot. A big feast for the monkeys on the last Sunday of November is held annually at Phra Prang Sam Yot and is one of the most attractive and most talked about tourist events in Thailand.

Nakhon Ratchasima (นครราชสีมา): Nakhon Ratchasima, generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand’s largest province located about 260 km north-east of Bangkok. Inhabitants of the province are mainly engaged in agricultural activities that include farming of rice, sugar cane, tapioca, corn, jute, peanuts, sesame and fruits.

The main attractions in Khorat are Khmer ruins scattered around the province. One of the Thailand’s finest Khmer ruins can be seen here next to Mon and Lao sites. Wat Phra Narai Maharat houses a Khmer sandstone statue of the Hindu god Vishnu which is highly revered by local residents and is considered the province’s most sacred object.

Apart from the famous statue of female heroine Khun Ying Mo Khorat is most well known for silk weaving and clay pottery products. The province has an abundance of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls with it’s most famous Khao Yai National Park, a preferred weekend get-away for Bangkok people.

However the most interesting place it the province is the Phimai Historical Park one of the most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand. The ancient temple complex is in the centre of Pimai, giving the town an extraordinary feeling since old and new are completely combined and fitted together in harmony. Regular light and sound shows are held in the temple grounds.

Buriram (บุรีรัมย์): Buriram, known as the city of pleasantness, is one of largest and most populated provinces in Isan (the northeastern region). The name Buriram means the "city of happiness" or the "city of joy". Buriram is a land of ancient Khmer prosperity. The southern part of the province has a number of Khmer sanctuaries, the most magnificent being Phanom Rung, regarded as one of the most beautiful examples of Khmer architecture in Thailand. Other places worth to visit are:

Khao Kradong Forest Park (วนอุทยานเขากระโดง): This extinct volcano is now a relaxation spot. On its top (265 meters) it houses "Phra Suphattharabophit", a large Buddha image which is the symbol of Buriram.

Huai Talat Reservoir and Buri Ram Bird Park (อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยตลาดและสวนนกบุรีรัมย์): A survey found more than 100 species of birds living in this area during the dry season which lasts from November to April.

Ancient Kiln Sites (แหล่งเตาโบราณ): The kilns date from around the 9th – 10th century and were use to make glazed potteries, during the Khmer period. It was probably the center of ceramic productions to supply other cities.

Prasat Hin Phanom was built from sandstone and late rite during the 10th to 13th centuries. Like most Khmer temples, the shrine was dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and symbolizes Mount Meru.

Surin (สุรินทร์): 450 km east of Bangkok is a big province on the Mun River Basin in the lower north-east of Thailand. In ancient times it was an important part of the Khmer empire but today it is famous, locally and international, for its yearly held "Surin Elephant Round-Up". The province was always home to elephants and Surin people have a long relationship with these pachyderms. During the festival more than 300 elephants march through the city followed by a feast of fruits for the animals. They impress everyone with their cleverness and create a unique character of the province.

Si Sa Ket (ศรีสะเกษ): Si Sa Ket is a quiet province at the Cambodia border. Many ruins found in the province proving is was an important settlement area already in the times of the Khmer empire. Most notable are the two ruined sanctuaries of Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai and Noi, dating back to the 10th century. However, the most famous Khmer site is actually in Cambodia. Khao Phra Vihan was built over 10 centuries ago and is one of the most spectacular Angkor period sites. Built as a Hindu temple, it begins in Thailand and rises to 600 meters with the main sanctuary in Cambodia. The walk to the summit is long and steep, and visitors are impressed by the art, size and complexity of the compound.

Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี): It is about 630 km from Bangkok and it is the most eastern province, bordering Laos and Cambodia. The area where the borders of the three countries meet is promoted as the Emerald Triangle and emerald refers to the large intact monsoon forests here. Due to the large number of fascinating temples dotting the city, Ubon is a place of pilgrimage at the beginning of Buddhist Lent when the famous candle festival will be held.

Relatively unknown to the most tourists, the province has a number of natural wonders, cultural and historical attractions, including the 4,000 years old rock formation, prehistoric rock paintings, national parks, waterfalls, and the legendary two-colored river.

Yasothon (ยโสธร) is famous for its boisterous Rocket Festival Boon Bang Fai. Every year in May giant home-made missiles are shot into the air in a symbolic rain-making prayer. The rockets decorated beautifully with Thai traditional patterns in gold color will be displayed on huge carts during a parade through the city. The next day, the rockets will be launched in a big field. Traditionally the owner of the rocket which did not launch successfully will be thrown into a muddy pond.

Wat Mahathat is a much-visited Lao-style chedi, said to be over 1,200 years old. It enshrines holy relics of Phra Ananda who was one of Buddha's main disciples. That Kong Khao Noi is an ancient Khmer chedi with a much revered brick and stucco Buddha that is ritually bathed every April.

The handicraft village of Ban Si Than is famed for the triangular pillows, called Mon Kwan, used in most Thai households. Yasothon is also famed for other handicrafts such as Khit cloth, replica cart, sticky rice container and basketry.

Roi Et (ร้อยเอ็ด) Translates to 101, referring to the original 11 satellite cities around the main city as well as the 11 city gates. To express the importance of the city the number was exaggerated. Roi Et town, about 510 km north-east of Bangkok, is built around an artificial lake which local people enjoy for all kinds of leisure activities.

Thailand’s tallest standing Buddha, 68 m high, can be found here at Wat Buraphaphiram. A staircase enables visitors to climb up to his knee-high level. Ku Kasing is a Khmer sanctuary dating from the 11th century. Pha Nam Yoi or Isan Buddhist Park (ผาน้ำย้อย หรือ พุทธอุทยานอีสาน) covers a forest with wide varieties of hardwood trees and is home to various kinds of wild animals. It has a large stone cliff having running water and small springs coming out from the wall.

Maha Sarakham (มหาสารคาม): Situated in the heart of Northeastern Thailand, the small province of Maha Sarakham is considered to be a regional education centre, earning the name "Taksila of Isan" (Taksila was a city where education of all branches centered around in ancient India). It is home to six colleges and 2 universities and the city has the feeling of a student town with a young and cosmopolitan population. The most famous temple is the more than 100 years old Phra That Na Dun, from the ancient city of Nakhon Champasi.

The province also houses a sacred Buddha image and has many historical sites, from the Dvaravati period. Maha Sarakham's beautiful hand woven silk and cotton fabrics are well-known locally and internationally for their original patterns. Maha Sarakham is 470 kilometers from Bangkok.

Khon Kaen (ขอนแก่น):
is the commercial, administrative an educational centre of the Northeast. Khon Kaen is the centre of the northeastern silk industry with numerous villages producing their own "mudmee" designs. Chonnabot is noted for its high quality silks. Every December the city hosts a Silk Fair and all the best materials are on sale.

Khon Kaen has plenty of beautiful temples, Wat Jien Bung Kaen Nakhon, Wat That. Wat Nongwang is located south of the city providing a stunning view of Khon Kaen city and Bung Kaen Nakhon Lake can be seen from the 9-tiered balcony that surrounds the outside of the temple. The Wat’s abbot will occasionally invite visitors to the top of the Wat to view ancient Buddhist artifacts.

Khon Kaen National Museum houses objects from the Dvaravati period and bronze sculptures from Ban Chiang.

Ubonrat Dam - Most of the area is covered with dipterocarps forests. Activities are jungle treks, lodging at a guesthouse, camping in the forest and campfires.

Worth a visit is the King Cobra Conservation Project where dozen of Thailand’s endangered king cobras are protected and bred.

Phu Wiang National Park, an area also famous for its flora, fauna and waterfalls and as well for the dinosaur remains which had been found here.

Chaiyaphum (ชัยภูมิ):
Is located 342km from Bangkok. It is well known because of its beautiful flower fields. Approximately 50% of Chaiyaphum is mountains and forests, the rest is a plateau.

Most famous in the town of Chaiyaphum is Prang Ku (Ku means "cave like stupa"), the oldest religious site, built of sandstone and enshrines a Buddha image from the Dhvaravati period. Locals come to worship daily and once a year a big bathing ceremony is held during the April full moon.

Four national parks can be visited in the province. The Tat Thon National Park is in north-west of the province, featuring some scenic waterfalls and dry dipterocarp forests. The park’s biggest attraction is the Sai Thong waterfall and huge fields of Siamese Tulips, the pink "Kra Chieo'' flowers.

Similar fields can be found in Pa Hin Ngam National Park which has its name from strangely shaped big rock formations.
On the top of Landa Mountain is a high cliff called Pha Koeng where a 7 meters tall Buddha image is built in a religious park. Ban Khwao is a village well-know for its patterned hand-woven silk.

Nakhon Phanom(นครพนม):
It is located 740 km north-east of Bangkok on the banks of the Mekong River bordering Laos. The area was long settled by Lao people and belonged to the Lan Xang kingdom.

During the centuries, Lao and other ethnic groups migrated across the Mekhong River and this is reflected in the local dialects, customs and cuisine of Nakhon Phanom. Many unique folk dances, such as the Sri Kotrabun dance, regarded as the symbol of Nakhon Phanom's long history, are still performed on special occasions.

Many ancient religious monuments can be visited and the most highly revered is Pra Thad Phanom. The sacred stupa nourishes the hearts of Nakhon Phanom’s community. People from other provinces and Laotian Buddhists make their pilgrimage to this highly venerated site to ask for blessings.
In addition, visitors can experience the unique fusion of Thai and Lao arts and culture through customs such as the Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan ceremony.

Nakhon Phanom province is renowned for its picturesque sceneries and relaxing ambiance by the Mekong River. 

Kalasin (กาฬสินธุ์): Kalasin, the land of Pong Lang music, but called as well the "Queen of Silk" for its famous Phrae Wa hand-woven silk cloths and shawls. It is 519 km north-east of Bangkok and most of the province is covered by hilly landscape.
In the north is the Lam Pao dam built 1963-68, storing 1,430 million m³ of water for flood prevention and agriculture. Most parts of the province is fertile agricultural land, producing sticky rice and other cash crops such as manioc and sugar cane.

In recent years the province became most famous for the dinosaur fossils found at Phu Kum Khao, the largest dinosaur site in Thailand. Most of the fossils are from the giant Sauropods of 120 million years ago.

Phra Buddha Saiyat Phu Khao is a reclining Buddha Image carved on a stone cliff and differs from other reclining Buddha images as the figure reclines on the left-side instead of the normal right-side. Built around 1692, the image is highly venerated by local worshippers.

Mukdahan (มุกดาหาร): Mukdahan is a peaceful province located on the bank of the Mekong River, opposite Sawannakhet in Laos.
The ancestors of the Mukdahan people migrated from Laos to establish the city in the late Ayutthaya period.
The province has always been an interesting mixture of cultures from various tribes since ancient times. Moreover, it is a land of fantastic natural rock parks and is a major gateway to tourism in Laos and Vietnam. The province is renowned for its sweet tamarind fruit and features many natural attractions.

Mukdahan is known for this beautiful Mekong scenery and as a Thai-Lao trade centre. Among Thais it's most known for the Talat Indojin, or Indochina Market, a Thai-Lao-Vietnamese affair that gathers around Wat Si Mongkhon Tai near Tha Makdahan.

Sakon Nakhon (สกลนคร):
Sakon Nakhon is 647 km from Bangkok in the upper Northeast, located on the Phu Phan mountain range and has many forest temple retreats for meditation. These temples are home to famous monks well known in meditation circles. Phu Pha Yon (ภาพรอยสลักผาสามพันปีที่ภูผายล,) the mountain in the compound of a meditation centre houses 3000 year old cliff carvings featuring lifestyle of Thai people in the pre-historical period.

The Phu Thai tribe people living in this province sometimes still wear their ancient costumes on special occasion.
The famous "Wax Castle" festival is held in October. To celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa), mould beeswax into miniature Buddhist temples and shrines (wax castles) in order to gain merit, believed to determine their future rebirth. In Ban Kud Na Kham is the centre is production of ceramics, wood carving and silk weaving.

Nong Khai (หนองคาย):
Nong Khai is a long narrow province running along the Mekong River, providing the main access to Laos. Originally people had to cross the Mekong by boat but the building of the Friendship Bridge has made Nong Khai a major centre for transport and trade with Laos. The provincial town is 615 km from Bangkok.

Attractions include Wat Pho Chai, renowned for its large seated Buddha believed to have been cast in Lan Xan, and Phra That Nong Khai, an old chedi that slipped into the river and can now only be seen completely in the dry season.

Sala Kaeo Ku is a bizarre sculpture garden packed with enormous statues of Shiva, Vishnu and Buddha as well as many other figures from Hindu and Thai culture. Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary near the Mekong River contains a number of beautiful waterfalls.
An annual highlight is the illuminated Boat Procession held in October or November at full moon. The boats are 6 -12 meter long rafts made of a banana trunk or bamboo and loaded with desserts, offerings, flowers, joss sticks, and with candles and lamps to illuminate it before being launched onto the river.

A phenomenon seen in the Mekong river every year at the end of the rainy season are the Naga Fireballs, shimmering fireballs of the size of a ping pong ball raising high up from the water before they disappear. Since a few years the Bang Fai Phraya Naga festival is held to watch the spectacle.

Udon Thani (อุดรธานี): Udon Thani, is a prime business center of I-San. Located 564 kilometers from Bangkok, it’s main attraction is the World Heritage Site of Ban Chiang where the world's first Bronze Age civilization is believed to have flourished more than 5,000 years ago. It is a world renowned archaeological site but Ban Chiang itself is still a remote village with a relaxed countryside atmosphere.

Ban Chiang National Museum is the country’s first open air museum and the tombs and excavation are open to visitors. Inside the museum  tools and utensilson  showcases the ancient technology and most famous countrywide are the earthenware pots some 4,000 to 7,500 years old.

Loei (เลย):
Loei is one of Thailand's most beautiful and unspoiled provinces. The land is mountainous and the temperature goes from one extreme to the other, the weather being hotter than elsewhere in Thailand during the hot season and colder during the winter season.

The culture is an unusual mix of northern and north-eastern influences which has produced more than one local dialect. The rural life of Loei outside the provincial capital has retained more of a traditional village flavor than many other places in Thailand.

Situated along the Phetchabun Mountain Range, Loei is a province that rises app. 400 meters above sea level and even wine is cultivated here. Loei Winery can be visited as one of the few ones in Thailand. Every year in May/June the illustrious Phi Ta Khon festival is celebrated when young man dress as spirits during a parade.
Loei has some beautiful national parks, among is one of Thailand’s most famous ones, Phu Kradung, a bell shaped mountain (1325m) and Phu Rua with one of it’s cliffs jutting from the peak is shaped as the bow of a Chinese junk. Phu Luang is a Wildlife Sanctuary up to an altitude of 1550m.

Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) is a city in the lower part of Northern Thailand is rich in historical, cultural and natural attractions, featuring mountains, plains and forest. The Nan River, lifeline of the province runs through the heart of the city.

Most of Phitsanulok's province is flat, but one third of the area, the north and east is covered by mountain ranges. For nature seekers natural beauty, waterfalls, and National Parks make a trip to Phitsanulok worthwhile.

Furthermore, Phitsanulok is one of the main area of the historical sites, it even served as the capital for about 25 years in the 15th century. There are remains of an ancient community dating back between 2,000 - 4,000 years, an old stone ax had been found here. In addition, the old temple of Wat Chula Mani, located 5 kilometers south of the city, was built even before the Sukhothai Kingdom came into power.

Uttaradit (อุตรดิตถ์) is a province in the lower north of Thailand. It has a long history even since pre-historic time.

The site of the original town of Uttradit, formally called Bang Pho Tha, was located on the right bank of the Nan River. It flourished as a port for goods transportation. As a result, King Rama V elevated its status into a province and re-named it Uttradit, literally the "Port of the North".

Most of the province was once covered with teak forests, then the major product of Uttaradit. The largest Teak tree in the world is found at the Ton Sak Yai Park. The 1500 year old tree measures 9.87 meter in circumference and 37 meter in height - originally it was 48.5 m high, but it was damaged in a storm.

Three National Parks are located in the province - Klong Tron, Lam Nam Nan and Phu Soi Dao.

Nan (น่าน) located about 668 kilometers north-east of Bangkok, is a rather relaxed little town in the remote valley of the Nan River in Northern Thailand. The area is still covered with dense jungle but arable land is used for agriculture. It is an ancient city steeped in history with its long association with both, Lanna-Thai and Sukhothai kingdoms.

The people of Nan descend from the Lan Changs (Laotians). Their ancestors moved to settle around present-day Pua district which is rich in rock salt deposits, about 700 years ago at the time when Sukhothai was becoming the kingdom of the Thais. They subsequently moved south to the fertile Nan River basin which is much more extensive.

Nan's history is deeply involved with its neighbors, in particular Sukhothai which played an important role in both political and religious terms before Nan became a part of Lanna, then Burma and now Thailand. Today Nan is still the home of numerous Thai Lue (ไทยลื้อ) and other hill tribes who retain highly interesting customs and traditions.

Phrae (แพร่):
Phrae, some 550 kilometers from Bangkok is an old and important community of Northern Thailand. Phrae was founded after Chiang Mai had been established as the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom.
With one of the largest reserves of teak forests in the country, it is located on the banks of the Yom River.

Phrae is surrounded on all sides by mountains with level plains in the middle.

Phayao (พะเยา): Phayao, about 691 kilometers from Bangkok is a peaceful province completely surrounded by mountains and as a result it has many beautiful and remote small valleys fascinating religions and ethnic sites.
Dating back more than 900 years, it used to be an independent state with its own rulers before it became a part of the Lanna Thai kingdom in mid-14th century.

Phayao town is located on the banks of Phayao Lake in the valley of the Ing River. Three big mountains surround the valley, Doi Luang (1697m), Doi Khun Mae Fat (1550m) and Doi Khun Mae Tam (1330m).

Chiang Rai(เชียงราย): Chiang Rai, some 785 kilometers away from Bangkok is the northernmost province of Thailand. Scenic dense mountains, river valleys, hot springs, waterfalls, ancient settlements and historical sites, hill tribe villages such as Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo and Muser, all can be found in Chiang Rai. Once the province became famous because of the renowned "Golden Triangle" where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge at the banks of the Maekong River. During the past years it became the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

The northernmost town of Thailand, Mae Sai on the Ruak River is the border to Myanmar. Rich in tourist attractions Chiang Rai remains until today a heaven for people looking for a rather laid holiday close to nature.

Of course trekking is a highlight in one of the many National Parks and roads are perfect for bikers.
The city of Chiang Rai was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom but soon was conquered by Burmese and only belongs to Thailand since the 18th century. The city's most honored temple is Wat Phra Keo.

Lampang (ลำปาง): Province is famous for his many monasteries and temples built in Burmese and traditional Lanna Thai style architectures and the wellknown one is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. The symbol of the town are the horse-drawn carriages and known all over the world, is the Thai Elephant Conservation Center.

Less well-known tourist attractions in Lampang are the Wang Kaeo Waterfall and the Chae Son National Park, a compact yet charming park which combine a natural hot springs with large waterfalls.
Due to its relatively dry climate winter can be cooler here than in other areas of northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) Province, some 700 km north of Bangkok, popularly known as the Rose of the North, is a fascinating example of merging the city's 700-year tradition with modern development.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right.

Visitors can find handicrafts of silk, silver and other jewels, umbrellas and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Since a few years one can find as well masterpieces of Thai contemporary art.
Just 20 minutes out of the city the legendary Doi Suthep is located on a mountain, a famous Buddhist site not to be missed.

The province is mountainous and Thailand's highest peak Doi Inthanon (2575m) can be found here.
Hill tribes of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.
From the end of the 70s of the last century, mainly backpackers started to discover the beauty of the city and the province of Chiang Mai. Still today backpackers can find low-priced accommodation, however, luxury tourists won't miss anything since the opening of the first 5* Star hotels in and around the city.

Mae Hong Son (แม่ฮ่องสอน):
Mae Hong Son, is a northern province bordering Burma and is one of the remotest provinces in Thailand. High mountains and deep valleys with no roads protected tiny villages until recently from the outside world. A few years ago roads have been built and there are even flights now to Mae Hong Son's tiny airport.

Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations for visitors looking for peace and nature. Tourists are attracted to the area due to its breathtaking sceneries, pristine virgin forests, spectacular mountains, lush valleys, waterfalls and caves, indigenous wildlife and unique hilltribes. The province offers unspoiled charm and soft adventure opportunities like trekking and rafting.

Mae Hong Son is home to some beautiful temples built in traditional Burmese architecture, unusual outside of Burma.
Pai district has now evolved as Thailand 'hippiest' hang-out and during the dry season, young Bangkokians flock to Pai village.

Lamphun (ลำพูน): Lamphun is just 26 km away from Chiang Mai with an enchanting ambience of an old community.
It hosts one of the north's most important temples, Wat Phra That Haripunchai. It is believed that in its chedi (stupa) one original hair of Lord Buddha was enshrined, dated to be in 897, probably the founding date of the Wat.

Lamphun is the most famous producer of Longans and a Longan Festival (งานเทศกาลลำไย) is held each year in August to promote this hugely popular product. There are the beautifully decorated Longan parades and Longan contests.

Tak (ตาก):
Province, some 430 km northwest of Bangkok, is a place with long history.
Mostly forested and mountainous, natural wonders are magnificently matching ethnic diversity.
Thailand's highest waterfalls can be visited here, Namtok Thi Lo Su and Namtok Thi Lo Re. Those who favor whitewater rafting must come to visit this area.

Tak province is furthermore an environmental and cultural center with magnificent forests, spectacular waterfalls and caves, fascinating hill tribes such as Karen, Lisu, Lahu, Akha, Yao and Hmong.
The town of Tak is peacefully located on the Mae Ping basin.
Besides natural beauty, Tak province is famous for its agricultural products, both flowers and fruits. Its large Thapthim fruit (pomegranate) is now very popular.

Sukhothai (สุโขทัย): Sukhothai founded by King Ramkhamhaeng during the 13th century, was the first capital of Siam. The province's temples and monuments from this glorious period have been restored and Sukhothai Historical Park has been created to protect the numerous sites of historical interest.

Today the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other interesting places are Sri Satchanalai National Park, Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, The Royal Palace and Wat Mahathat; for nature lovers Ramkhamhaeng National Park.

  

Kamphaeng Phet (กำแพงเพชร): Province, located in the lower north on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai highway. To its east are Ping River flatlands while the western areas are made up of high mountains lush with fertile forests where a number of national parks have been established.

Smaller and calmer than Sukothai, Kamphaeng Pet Histirical Park is a Unesco Heritage site since 1991 and home to many well protected ruins from the Sukothai period.

Phichit (พิจิตร): province is situated in the lower North region of Thailand, accessible by both road and rail. Nurtured by two rivers, the Yom and the Nan running parallel to one another north to south, the land is agriculturally fertile with green valleys and picturesque wooded hills. It is the home of traditional boat racing competitions which became now an inter-provincial boat race taking place on every first Saturday and Sunday of September, at Nan River in front of Wat Tha Luang. The main features of the festival are boat races, boat processions, and beauty contests which are exciting, joyful and colorful events.

Phichit is known as well as the land of the crocodiles, it has been home long time to the wild reptiles which thrived and prospered in its waters. Nowadays several fresh-water crocodile farms can be visited.

Nakhon Sawan (นครสวรรค์):
The city of Nakhon Sawan is located about 260 km north of Bangkok. On the way to Chiang Mai, you pass the city. There is a good highway to Nakhon Sawan, and by car you can reach the city in about 4 hours. By train is also very comfortable, it takes about 5 hours to get there.

The province, also known as "Pak Nam Pho" is where the rivers of Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan converge and form the Chao Phraya River, the most important waterway of Thailand. It was named, according to the site, "Muang Chon Ta Wan". It is surmised Nakhon Sawan was built in the Sukhothai period.

Chainat(ชัยนาท):  Located some 194 kilometers from Bangkok it is famous for handicrafts, basketry, sculpture, weaving, as well as the Benjarong pentachrome ceramics made in the finest and most sophisticated craftsmanship.

An important tourist attraction is the Chai Nat Bird Park which has the biggest aviary in Asia (26 rai) as well as an aquarium, snake park, rabbit park and wild animal park.
There is also a monkey park and a crocodile farm with different kinds of animals such as crocodiles, tigers, rays, and various bird species to visit.

Uthai Thani (อุทัยธานี)Located in the lower part of northern Thailand. Most of the province consists of forests and high mountains.
There are several tourist attractions and places of interest well shown and protected because the area is away from the main highway and only few visitors make the trip to this interesting province.

Rich in natural resources, such as forests and wildlife, "Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve" was proclaimed a Natural World Heritage Site.
Visitors can discover different lifestyles of the local people, join the rafts on Sakae Krang River, a waterway that aided the birth of the province and which has been a lifeline for its people since ancient times. It is also where provincial trading has flourished. Life revolving around the river eventually grew from a community into the major province that it is today.

Phetchabun (เพชรบูรณ์):
Due to the huge Pa Sak river basin with mountain ranges running along both the western and eastern sides of the province, Phetchabun has always been famous for it's fertility of the land, it is an agriculturally highly productive area. The name of the province actually means "The land of crops and foods".
Due to the natural beauty, mountainous forests and national parks, the province has high potential for tourism. Nam Nao National Park is one of Thailand's most beautiful ones.
The ancient City of Petchabun has a long history and one of the highlight to visit is Wat Mahatat, the City Pillar Shrine and Wat Trai Phum.
Si Thep Historical Park
Si Thep is an ancient town where many architectural structures still remain to indicate its past prosperity during the 11th - 18th Buddhist centuries. Over one hundred ancient sites, all built with bricks and laterite, most of them have since crumbled. There are also remains of several ponds spread out all over the area. Some parts of architectural nature and interest have been discovered such as elaborate lintels, plastered designs and human skeletons adorned with ornamental pieces. In 2000, the park received the Thailand Tourism Award for guaranteeing welfare of culture and ancient buildings.

Kanchanaburi(กาญจนบุรี): Kanchanaburi is located where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge into the Mae Klong river and where in 1942, under Japanese control, the famous Bridge on the River Kwai was built by prisoners of war (POWs). A memorial and two museums are also located here: the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum and the JEATH War Museum dedicated to the bridge and the Death Railway.
The city is also home to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. It is the easiest access point to the nearby Tiger Temple.

The magnificent landscape and charming beauty of Kanchanaburi have resulted in major tourist attractions including several well-known waterfalls, caves which were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and reservoirs. Together, they offer an intriguing experience for first-time or repeat visitors.
Whether its fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.

Suphan Buri(สุพรรณบุรี):
Just a hundred kilometers away from Bangkok, Suphan Buri is an ancient town rich in natural and historical heritage. The province was once an important border town involving battles and important wars during the period of the Ayutthaya kingdom. So, today, travelling around the province is like drifting through historical novels.

Historical evidence leads you to travel to the past such as Don Chedi Monument, Wat Khao Khuen, whose abbot played a significant role in Thai history, U Thong National Museum, etc. Furthermore, various natural wonders such as Phu Toei National Park, Bueng Chawak Aquarium, as well as the famous local-style cake Sali Suphan always impress visitors.

Ratchaburi(ราชบุรี): Ratchaburi means "The land of the king”
The province is full of cultural heritage, beautiful places, and historical sites.
It is located 80 kilometers west of Bangkok and borders Burma to the west with the Tanaosi range as a borderline. It has Mea Klong River through the center of town. The provincial area abounds in natural attractions and historical sites. The most famous tourist spot in this area are the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak.
It shows the people's life style and the importance of the river as a mean of commerce.
The Khao Ngu Stone Park offers adventurous activities on its area, such as abseiling, flying fox, rope bridge, and rock climbing. The west of the province is more mountainous, and includes the Tanawsri mountain range and there are several caves containing stalactites. Some caves are inhabited by large colonies of bats, and it is an impressive sight when they swarm out in the evening to feed. Other caves like the Khao Bin are accessible for visitors.

Phetchaburi(เพชรบุรี) Phetchaburi, also known as Phetburi, is a town in central Thailand, capital of the Phetchaburi Province. It is approximately 160km south of Bangkok, at the northern end of the Thai Peninsula.

The Phetchaburi River runs through the middle of the city. The region is mostly flat, save for a hill (called Khao Wang) on the outskirts of town. The royal palace named Phra Nakhon Khiri and one of the many wats are on top of Khao Wang.
The hill and town is the site of an annual festival, called the Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair. It lasts for eight days in early February and includes a sound and light show and classical Thai dance.
In the south of the province is Cha-am, a popular beach resort for Phetchaburi people as well as travellers from Bangkok and surrounding areas to spend the weekend.

Hua Hin(หัวหิน):
It is a part of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. 281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai, is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.

Hua Hin’s consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the Sofitel Centara Grand), an elegant Victorian-style resort hotel, and also the countries first standard golf course.
A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing.
Today, Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination with word-class facilities coupled with a true sense of Thai hospitality. Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, the splendor of Hua Hin remains intact. Remaining content in itself, Thailand’s oldest seaside resort has never sought international recognition. It has continued to provide a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary in a picturesque environment that comes with a true sense of historical identity.

Cha Am(ชะอำ):
The premier beach resort of Phetchaburi, Hat Cha-am is just as beautiful as the neighboring Hua Hin Beach.
Located approximately 163 kilometers south of Bangkok and 20 kilometers north of Hua Hin, the casuarina-lined beach is famous for being long and clean. Cha-am is a popular lively resort town offering a large variety of accommodations and challenging activities.

Boredom is rare in Cha-am as there are a variety of water sports that can be enjoyed, while a possible alternative to water sports is bicycle riding along a 6-kilometer sandy white beach or touring Cha-am’s Forest Park.
There are also several world class golf courses nearby to enjoy a day of golfing. During the weekdays the beach is virtually deserted but on weekends and holidays it is party time with many students coming down from Bangkok.

Prachuap Khiri Khan(ประจวบคีรีขันธ์): Prachuap Khiri Khan, or commonly referred to as simply Prachuap, is a province located in the lower central region 93km south of Hua Hin. It connects with the South of Thailand and possesses various interesting tourist attractions such as beaches, islands, forests and mountains. Besides just sunbathing snorkeling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood and nearby national parks.

The provincial capital is a fishing port with a superb location beside beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops. About 100 kilometers to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailand’s first beach resort which is renowned for golf and spa. Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan is Pran Buri with many boutique resorts and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird life.

Chumphon (ชุมพร):
Chumphon is a sea coast city parallel to the Gulf of Thailand and is the gateway to other southern provinces. Along more than 200 kilometres of Chumphons seashore, there are many beautiful and picturesque beaches. Still maintaining the natural beauty, the province is best for those who seek relaxation in the natural and uniquely quiet atmosphere.
Attractions include beaches, islands, national parks, waterfalls, caves with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites and mountains.
Chumphon is also a hub for travellers going to or coming from divers paradise Koh Tao. Accommodation range from hotels and resorts to guesthouses and is readily available.

Ranong(ระนอง):     A mountainous and heavily forested province, Ranong is best known as a fishing and trading port and contains various natural attractions and is blessed with hot springs and unspoiled mangrove forests.
Ranong town is a gateway to Myanmar and the famous hot springs are just outside of town, where an arboretum and various first-class hotels cater to visitors eager to benefit from the mineral waters.
Some small islands of the coast, like Koh Phayam, welcome visitors with a quiet, unspoiled tropical island ambiance and basic accommodations are availble. They also provide excellent game fishing, snorkeling and diving.

Phang Nga (พังงา):     Phang-nga, located app. 800km from Bangkok, is a province with two characters - land and sea - and packed with national parks that guard magnificent scenery with immensely different attractions. Most famous is Ao Phang-nga National Park, a geological wonder filled with islets, sunken caverns and startling rock formations rising sheer out of the sea. The bay is extremely sheltered ideal for expeditions of sea canoes to explore the many fascinating caverns.
Phang-nga's andaman coast offers parks of a different kind. The island groups of Surin and Similan are renowned for their beautiful unspoilt beaches and spectacular underwater scenery, attracting divers from around the world.
Khao Lak is a coastal park full of birds, mammals and scenic waterfalls, and most hotels and resorts of the province are located here on the pristine beaches.

Surat Thani
(สุราษฎร์ธานี):    
The largest province of south Thailand and with numerous islands along the coast makes Surat Thani a perfect hideaway for vacationers from around the world. The best known islands are Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao as well as the Angthong National Marine Park.
On the mainland 6 national Parks offer scenic spots, rare wildlife, waterfalls and activities like elephant treeking.
There are some hotels in Surat Thani Town for a stop-over before going to the islands or parks as well as restaurants and shopping opportunities. Attractions in town are limited to Thai and Chinese temples.

Koh Samui (เกาะสมุย):
  At 247 square kilometres, Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island and has become one of South East Asia’s top five most visited tourist destinations.
Along with the island’s established infrastructure including international educational and medical facilities, a wide choice of high street shopping brands, exquisite dining venues, boutique resorts, hotels for all budgets and beautiful white sandy beaches, Koh Samui stands out as one of the jewels in Thailand’s illustrious crown.
The neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the breathtaking Ang Thong National Marine Park offer visitors a wide range of activities such as sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling and adventure excursions as well as accommodations ranging from bungalows to 4 star resorts.

Koh Phangan (เกาะพะงัน):
  Koh Phangan, world famous for the monthly full moon party at Hat Rin beach, still has some remote beaches with a laid-back atmosphere if you are not in a party mood. These are mostly in the northern part of the island and some can be reached only by boat or a walk on a dirt road through the jungle.
In recent years more hotels, from simple bungalows to 4 stars resorts, have been built to respond to everybody’s idea of an unforgettable beach vacation. In the fullmoon party period many of them require a 3 to 5 days stay.
Enjoy a relaxing massage in one of the spas, explore the underwater world or meditate at the hilltop temple called Wat Khao Tham.
Wether you are in party mood or just want to relax Koh Phangan can deliver what you are looking for.
Koh Phangan can easily be reached by boat from Koh Samui in 30 minutes.

Koh Tao (เกาะเต่า):
  Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, is a divers paradise just a 2 hour boat ride north of Koh Samui and the best dive site in the Golf of Thailand.
Beautiful bays with tropical resorts and crystal clear water surround the island and it is only a step from your hotel room to the colorful underwater world.
There are plenty of diving schools to refresh your skills or you can take a longtail boat to magical Koh Nang Yuan for a day of snorkeling.
After sunset enjoy a delicious seafood dinner, have a drink in one of the bars and clubs at the beach and go shopping for some souvenirs.
Koh Tao can be reached by boat from Chumphon or Surat Thani via Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in app. 2 hours depending on weather conditions and boat type.

Krabi(กระบี่):    
Krabi is the perfect getaway destination at the Andaman Sea with stunning limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches like Ao Nang and Railay and more than 130 islands including the most famous - Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.
Enjoy relaxing days at one of the tropical hotels and resorts available and visit the natural beauty of waterfalls and caves and other attractions.
The more active ones can try some rock climbing, sailing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling or just spend a day or two for island hopping.
Krabi has everything on offer for a fantastic and unforgettable holiday experience.

Nakhon Si Thammarat(นครศรีธรรมราช):    
Nakhon Si Thammarat is the second largest province of the South and is 780 kilometres from Bangkok, and the walled town of Nakhon Si Thammarat is one of Thailand's oldest cities.
In addition to its great history, Nakhon Si Thammarat boasts pristine verdant jungles abundant with luxuriant vegetation and is also noted for picturesque beaches and beautiful waterfalls.
The national parks in the province provide opportunities for hiking and rafting and some caves with Stalactites and stalagmites of strange shapes can be explored.
Accommodations are plentiful either in town or on one of the many beaches. The parks offer campgrounds where tents are available for visitors.

Trang (ตรัง):    
Trang has breathtaking islands and astounding beaches along the coast as well as awe-inspiring inland limestone - propped mountains.
The province consists of an archipelago in the Andaman Sea with over 46 islands including the Mu Ko Petra National Park.
In the last years many hotels and resorts where build on the beautiful islands - Koh Mook, Koh Libong, Koh Kradan and Koh Sukorn - to accommodate the increasing numbers of tourists visiting the area looking for a relaxed, tranquil ambience.
On the mainland you can discover old Buddhist temples shown in caves or you can take a bath in the many pools formed by the crystal clear waterfalls in the jungles there.

Phattalung(พัทลุง):     Phatthalung is an ancient city in southern Thailand, app. 850km from Bangkok, and the town sits on the west bank of Songkhla lake.
It is a land of mountains and is regarded as the birthplace of the shadow play and the Nora dance.
To get a panoramic view of the province visiters can go up the stairs of Khao Ok Thalu, a 250 meter high mountain in the prvincial capital which is clearly visible from afar.
Phattalung is, apart from Nakhon Si Thammarat, the only province where the Thai shadow play tradition still remains and performances take place during temple fairs.

Satun (สตูล):     Satun is a small province in the south of Thailand that borders Malaysia, facing the Andaman Sea.
The province possesses renowned picturesque islands with verdant forests and mountainous land.
Most tourists head out to the pristine islands of Tarutao National Park. Its landscape is full of underwater peaks, excellent beaches, calm and peaceful coves, jungle and mangrove swamps. Snorkelling can be found at Lipe island, the land of the sea gypsies, while neighbour Adang island is stunning with forest, hills and waterfalls.
Around Satun, there are plenty of interesting sights, including dove farms, forest parks and huge waterfalls. Thale Ban National Park is famous for its abundant wildlife with many waterfalls and caves worth visiting.

Songkhla(สงขลา):    Songkhla, one of Thailand's important ports and coastal provinces, is located 950 kilometers from Bangkok.
Songkhla has fine beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and a tranquil lake,while Hat Yai, the major district of the province, serves as a transportation and communications hub of the South.
Hat Yai and Songkhla can be ideal places for the tourist to visit with an abundance of tourist attractions and an amazing range of seaside resort towns with hotels for all budgets.

Pattani(ปัตตานี):    
Pattani is a small province among the five so-called Southern Border Provinces. Blessed with irresistible charms it is rich in historical significance including impressive customs and traditions.
The natural scenic beauty of its streams and falls, the 170 kms. long golden beaches along the Gulf of Thailand and wonderful hospitality of the Pattani people makes it a worthwhile holiday destinantion.
There are several tourism resources of nature, historical ancient places, and traditional culture which have been the integration of Thai, Chinese and Islam.

Yala (ยะลา):    
Yala is the southern-most province of Thailand and is the only landlocked province in the south. Yala is the border province with many interesting facets: history, culture, and beautiful scenery and is mostly mountains and covered with forests. Attractions include waterfalls, temples, a hot spring and the largest mail box with a hight of 9 meter as well as the largest mosque in Thailand.
Every year in March the ASEAN Dove Competition is held here joined by Dove raising clubs from all over Asia.

Narathiwat(นราธิวาส):
Located app. some 1,149 kilometers south of Bangkok is Narathiwat the southernmost province in Thailand.
Visitors to the province are provided with great opportunities to spend days at the beach or in the forests and take excursion trips to some of the magnificent temples.
With Su-ngai Kolok serving as an economic and border tourism center, the province welcomes an increasing numbers of Malaysians and Singaporeans on short holidays or shopping sprees.
The city of Narathiwat has an abundance of traditional culture and authenticity with village-like tranquility. As such, Narathiwat is an amazing and unique area with a constant flow of culture and trade between Thais and Malaysians

Phuket (ภูเก็ต):
Phuket is Thailands largest island, approximately the size of Singapore. Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline 862 kilometers south of Bangkok.
Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, white beaches, island-dotted seas, superb accommodations and delightful architecture. Phuket has numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape - all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays