Thailand Towns & Cities

Bangkok

Built in the early 15th century, Bangkok is now an international hub and is often a traveller’s first foray into Southeast Asia. The capital city is captivating mix of old and new; 200-year-old village homes and Buddhist temples get lost in a forest of giant skyscrapers overlooking the city and mega shopping mall to satisfy all your shopping needs; food stalls litter the streets 24 hours a day which is very convenient if you suddenly have an insatiable craving for food at the odd hours of the night. If you need a break from the frenetic energy of Bangkok’s streets, Lumpini Park – akin to New York’s Central Park – is an inner-city haven and a breath of fresh air. Ultimately, Bangkok has something for everyone and it’s the perfect starting point for your Southeast Asian adventure.

Area Highlights: Floating Market, Nightlife, Food, Lumpini Park, Lopburi, City Tours

Area Activities: Bangkok City Tour, Golf in Bangkok, Shopping in Bangkok

Kanchanaburi

Most visitors make their way to Kanchanaburi solely to cross the bridge over the River Kwai, made famous by the 1952 Pierre Boulle book ‘Le pont de la Riviere Kwai’ and the 1957 epic war film of the same name. In its entirety, the province is a stark remainder of the dark events that took place in the region during WWII. However, apart from old war remnants, the province has a wealth of National parks and easily accessible waterfalls to visit.

Area Highlights: The Bridge over the River Kwai, National Parks, Waterfalls

Area Activities: Bridge Over the River Kwai Tour

Pattaya

Pattaya was but a mere fishing town until the 1960’s, ‘Sin City’ as it is now dubbed, quickly gained popularity amongst the American army during the Vietnam War, and Pattaya became their prime R&R destination. Today, the city is one of Asia’s largest beach resort and Thailand’s second most visited city. If you’re looking for a quite retreat to relax, look elsewhere, Pattaya is not the right destination for you. The 4-kilometre’s long crescent shaped beach is paralleled by Pattaya’s main attraction – the Pattaya Beach road, this is where the city comes to life; all along the beach road are world class restaurants, mega shopping malls and most of all – beer bars and go-go clubs. However, if you’re willing to dig a little further you will find that Pattaya is also home to a wide variety of cultural attraction and activities such as the Nooch Tropical Garden and the RamaYana – a 45 acres’ waterpark that was opened in May 2016. To the south of the city there is a popular viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the city and the Wat Phra Yai temple sitting on top of a hill.

Area Highlights: Beaches, Walking Street, Floating Market, Water Parks, Bid Buddha Hill, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Area Activities: Golf in Pattaya

Koh Samet

Measuring just 6.8 kilometres from north to south, Koh Samet, is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 220 kilometres off the coast of the Rayong province. The well-known island was banned from overnight stays by the Thai government until 1981. However, it has since then become a popular destination for Backpackers and Bangkok Expats looking for a weekend outside of the capital city. Although lively party goers prominently occupy the northern side of the island, the southern beach is a sharp contrast to its northern counterpart and a lot more laid-back and family oriented.

Area Highlights: Beaches, Water Sports

Area Activities: Islands of Thailand

Hua Hin

Unlike Thailand’s other recently discovered beach destination, Hua Hin has been a favourite among Thais for over 90 years. Discovered in the early 1920’s by King Rama VII, the King built the Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace in 1928, in order to get away from the oppressive humidity of Bangkok. To this day, the palace is still used by the royal family on certain occasion and is open to public visits. Today, Hua Hin provides accommodation of all level at very affordable prices and some of the best seafood restaurants in the region which makes it the perfect holiday destination for families looking for a quieter alternative to Pattaya. Beside its stunning 8 kilometres long beach, where you can sunbathe all day, there is also a wealth of activities to be had in and out of the city.

Area Highlights: Beaches, Water Park, The Venezia, Phraya Nakhon Cave, Markets, Railway Station

Koh Chang

Koh Chang measures approximately 154 square kilometres and is Thailand’s 3rd biggest island just after Phuket and Koh Samui. The name means Elephant Island and refers to a local legend which tells of three baby Elephants who turned to rocks after drowning off the northern coast of the island. Koh Chang has a thriving nightlife on the west side and it is the most populous area of the island. The eastern side is home to local fishing villages and a great place to experience the true local life, you can also go deeper into the lush green jungle and explore its majestic waterfalls hidden within it. The island is at its busiest from November to February as it is the best time to visit, that is, if you don’t mind the crowds, otherwise March to April is also a good period but the high humidity can get uncomfortable at times.

Area Highlights: Beaches, Fishing Villages, Waterfalls

Area Activities: Islands of Thailand

Chumpon

Chumpon is a gateway town to Thailand’s popular islands of Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan. Travelers stop here overnight to catch a ferry in the morning to one of the three islands. The province has a long coastline of 220km of pristine white sand beaches devoid of crowds which is great if you’re looking to get off the beaten path for a few days. There are numerous National Park in the province giving your plenty of opportunity to explore caves and waterfalls.

Area Highlights: Caves, Waterfalls, Beaches

Khao Lak

Located just north of Phuket, Khao Lak is the perfect destination for anyone looking for secluded beachside or to get lost in one of it five spectacular jungle national parks. The area is also home to the world-renowned Similan and Surin Islands. As you have now come to expect, the islands in Thailand all feature stunning refined white sand and exceptionally clear water and these two islands are no exception to the rule. However, the real treasure lies below the surface of the water; its amazing coral growths is sure to entice divers and snorkelling amateurs.

Area Highlights: Beaches, Waterfalls, National Parks, Island Hopping

Area Activities: Beaches of the South West, Thailand National Parks, Thailand Wildlife

Krabi

Krabi, has everything you’ve come to expect from a Thai province; beautiful beaches, excellent seafood restaurants and numerous National Park which you can venture into, it even rivals Koh Tao with several renowned diving sites in the Andaman sea. The small peninsula of Railay beach, located just outside of Krabi, is a popular destination among beach lovers and rock climbing amateurs; gigantic limestone Karts jutting out of the ground make it impossible to reach the peninsula by road. To get there, you will have to take one of the taxi boat leaving from Krabi daily. Although, more of a stopover than a true holiday destination, it is undeniably full of charm, and it is easy to see why it is attracting increasingly more tourists every year.

Area Highlights: Beaches, National Parks, Caves, Boat Trips, Railay Beach, Rock Climbing

Area Activities: Beaches of the South West

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is Thailand’s first and oldest island resort and as remained very popular amongst travellers over the years. Chaweng beach, located on the east side of the island is the island’s biggest and busiest area. Divided into four sections, you will find excellent nightlife infrastructure; including the ever-popular green mango club on North Chaweng. The beach also has an impressive range of accommodation from basic fan rooms for backpackers to expensive 5-star luxury resorts for couples and honeymooners. The 7 kilometres’ beach runs paralleled to the main road and is easily accessible through hotels. Koh Samui’s Lamao, Bophut, Maenam and Lip Noi beach are also a good alternative to anyone looking to get away from the crowds.

Area Highlights: Beaches, Temples, Water Parks, Fun on the Water

Area Activities: Beaches of the South East

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island and measures 48 kilometres from north to south, giving you the false impression of being on mainland Thailand. Located on the South-eastern side of the island, the old-fashioned town is the capital and economic hub of the island, home to quaint coffee shops, hidden Chinese shrines and numerous galleries it provides a rejuvenating change of pace, if you’re coming over from Phuket’s infamous beach resort Patong beach. The neon lit Soi Bangla road is filled to the brim with beer bars, go-go girls, clubs, and cabarets all fighting to get your attention. In some ways, Patong’s nightlife is the island main attraction, many travellers make the journey south solely to experience it themselves.

Area Highlights: Beaches, Theme Park, Island Hopping

Area Activities: Beaches of the South West