A strange combination of contrasts, Thailand can be very stressful when attempting to get around Bangkok, but it can also be extremely relaxing visiting any of the number of beachesalong the Thai coast. These beaches have served as the settings for several films. Traditional beach resort areas like Phuket and Phi Phi and rustic beaches at Ko Chang island, with beach bungalows, a few local bars and a couple of stores, are easy to find.  However, do not limit yourself to just the beach. Up country, towards the north, you can find the city of Chang Mai, the Summer Palace of the King of Thailand, and little villages where you can partake of interesting local customs and rituals. Rafting, hiking, mountain biking, diving, snorkeling, trekking, and other adventure sports are also popular among outdoor enthusiasts.  Read on to see our recommendations on other Thai destinations to check out.

The climate in Thailand is, for the most part, tropical. It is rainy, warm, and cloudy during the southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry and cool during the northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); and the southern isthmus is generally hot and humid.  Thai is the most common language spoken, but English is gaining popularity, especially with the influx of tourists. Ethnic and regional dialects predominate in village areas, but an interpreter or guide can help you to understand the language and communicate.  Tour operators such as Travelbag’s package holidays in Thailand can help to arrange for tour packages which include food, transport, accommodation and guide services – this should help manage language barriers especially in more remote areas.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a fascinating city which has managed to keep it’s ancient eastern traditions whilst embracing the modern progression of the western world. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and offers a host of experiences which include floating markets, modern bars, top of the range shopping, gastronomical delights and ancient temples steeped in the city’s history.   The Chao Phraya River separates the city and has a series of canals. The new ‘Sky train’ railway is something which should be experienced whilst in the city should you fancy avoiding the bustling traffic.

One of the largest floating markets, Damnoen Saduak is on the outskirts of Bangkok and you’ll greeted by the aromatic smells and the age old tradition of the locals and their way of making a living along the busy canals.

Phuket

Phuket is the biggest island attraction that Thailand has to offer. It is the perfect place to retreat to and enjoy a tropical paradise.  Walk around Old Phuket Town where you can check out amazing Sino-Portuguese mansions along Dibu and Thalang roads.  These were left behind by Chinese immigrants from the 19th century, who were lured in the past by the tin mines.  If you are into Muay Thai boxing, you can check out regular matches at the Saphan Him Stadium in Phuket City.

Krabi

Krabi Town is situated near the mouth of the Krabi River. The Mangrove forest is something to experience and is a must for avid bird watchers. Krabi Resort is set among a curtain of palm trees on the Ao-PhraNang beach. This is a delightful place to be if you are looking to soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city full of traditional heritage that shares its secrets with all who wish to discover them. It is a city with stunning natural beauty. It is amazing to see plants that we have to protect from the frost, growing in their scores, naturally along the roadside.

The people of Chiang Mai are a wonder in themselves with exceptional handicraft skills producing magical souvenirs for the endless throng of visitors.  North of Chiang Mai, in the jungle wilderness, is Doi Inthanon standing 8,448 feet above sea level making it the highest mountain in Thailand. The national park, also of that name, presents some of the regions most exciting trekking opportunities. Best accessed by motorbike, due to the rough and narrow roads, Doi Inthanon is a mountainous expanse with deep valleys that contain a rich diversity of distinctive flora and fauna. Be warned that temperatures on the mountain top can drop to –8 C and the peak is often swathed in mist. Here you’ll find the prized red and white varieties of rhododendron, as well as more than 350 bird species, more than in any other location in Thailand.

Thailand is more than Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai. In fact, there are a great many fascinating out-of-the-way places that regular visitors know and love, which you might like to consider adding to your itinerary when you’re planning your next trip to Thailand.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai, Thailand’s first administrative and cultural capital, established in 1257, is today a group of well-preserved ruins. During its 120-year golden period, the old city was known for its stunning temples, statues and gardens, and is now a significant historical focal point. The site is well worth the short drive out of the current city of Sukhothai, about 400 km north of Bangkok.  When visiting Sukhothai the main attractions for the area are Phra Mae Ya Shirne which is located in the Muang District. You will see a long haired figure made of stone that resembles an ancient queen. There is also a museum and National park as well as monuments of great interest inside the city walls.

Nakhon Ratchasima

About 260 km outside Bangkok, the ancient city of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known by its historical name of Khorat, is famous for its several heritage sites that reveal the roots of traditional Thai culture. Once the gateway to the country’s northeast, the city was a major centre of the vast and influential Khmer kingdom, which stretched across much of Southeast Asia, between the 9th and 15th centuries. Life moves at a relaxed pace here, compared to the main tourist centres. Just south of Nakhon Ratchasima, in a lush river valley, is the delightful market village of Dan Kwain, well known for the fine quality of its ceramics and distinguished by the individuality of its products.

Near Nakhon Ratchasima, there are dense forests, mountains, and rivers with spectacular waterfalls. Khao Yai National Park, listed as a World Heritage site in 2005, undulates over magnificent mountain ranges blanketed by thick forests, and plunges down deep valleys with wild river courses. Wildlife is abundant and accessible and you can see elephants, tigers, monkeys, black bears, deer, butterflies, insects, and birds. This is an ideal place to spot a Hornbill, which is common in the park from August to September. You can even join tiger-spotting trips accompanied by park rangers.

Kanchanaburi

The quiet riverside town of , about 130 km west of Bangkok, is another place where you can explore more of Thailand’s natural and historic treasures. Kanchanaburi lies next to the Kwai River, where the famous World War II bridge still stands (the subject of an Oscar-winning movie, The Bridge Over the River Kwai). It’s a poignant reminder of the hardship endured by those who were forced to work on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway. Natural attractions here include numerous lovely waterfalls and caves. The trek through the steamy undergrowth, to the stunning seven-tiered Erawan Waterfalls, is well worth the effort. Your reward is a plunge into the cool, clear water beneath the falls, where curious fish nibble at your toes.