Sawatdee Khrup – Welcome to travel in Thailand with us! In our travel guide page, you will find essential information on highlights of Thailand. Discovery DMC organizes themed and personalized journeys and tours to all Thailand’s most scenic places. Thailand is one the world’s ultimate travel destinations. Like any premier tour destination, it offers something for everyone and it is the perfect snapshot of the best that South East Asia has to offer. From the blend of traditional and modern in cosmopolitan Bangkok to eco-adventures in the mountains of the north and myriad beach and island escapes in the south, Thailand delivers. The list of reasons to visit is endless; mouth-watering cuisine, friendly people, pristine island escapes, and trekking across lush jungle mountains, to list a few. Steamy, frenetic and exhilarating, Thailand’s capital city is a legendary travel destination, equally famous for its rich cultural offerings, effervescent nightlife, superb shopping, and diverse dining options – which range from bustling, fragrant street markets to five-star haute cuisine establishments. The capital’s attractions are almost limitless, but if you only have limited time, not-to-be-missed attractions include the vast Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, a morning boat trip down the canals to see the floating markets, and the opulent Grand Palace. For shopping, head to the tourist hub of Khaosan Road, the MBK Centre, Siam Square, or on weekends, the vast Chatuchak market, while for dining and entertainment it’s best to check with your guide on the hottest spots of the moment. Dubbed ‘The Rose of the North’, Thailand’s northern capital is far smaller and more serene than Bangkok. Despite this, the city has seen extensive development in the last decade that has transformed it from a low-key, old-world city into a modern hub, complete with top-notch restaurants and five-star hotels. A walk around the inner-city moat will take you past the array of glittering temples, aromatic food markets and eclectic shops of Chiang Mai’s downtown, while just five minutes away is the popular Night Bazaar – a shopping Mecca for tourists. Other highlight attractions include a visit to the trendy Nimmanhemin district, with its upmarket bars and shopping outlets, and a trip up Suthep Mountain, to see the hilltop temple and take in panoramic views of the city below. Thailand’s northernmost province, Chiang Rai, is a wild, mountainous region of jungles and rivers home to many different tribes of indigenous peoples. Bordering Myanmar in the north, Laos in the East and the Chiang Mai province in the west, the province is part of the area known as the Golden Triangle, making it an ideal base from which to travel to the surrounding countries. Chiang Rai’s diverse traditional villages are the main drawcard; however, nature lovers and history enthusiasts also find a wealth of attractions to explore. Visitors can meander through the exquisitely landscaped garden at the Doi Tung Royal Villa, once the ‘summer’ home of the late Princess Mother, and see a prolific number of temples more than 1000 years’ old. Tea lovers will enjoy visits to the many plantations and excellent tea tastings. The borders of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers to form a tropical area known as the Golden Triangle, with the quaint town of Sop Ruak at the centre. Known famously as the biggest opium-producing destination until the 21st century, the Golden Triangle is home to two intriguing opium museums. Boat-rides along the strong river currents offer an incredible way to see breathtaking landscapes of folding earth covered in thick green forest. Thailand’s northernmost town of Mae Sai is renowned for its bustling market, legendary Scorpion Temples, astonishing Tham Luang Cave, and its lush wild areas inhabited by a variety of animals. Don’t miss: a stay in one of the many luxury hotels, exploring the remote Shan State of Myanmar, and meeting the hill-tribes-people of the sleepy Laos village, Xieng Kok. Set on the banks of the Pai River amidst emerald-green rice paddies and mountains swathed in lush jungle, Pai was once a sleepy hamlet frequented mainly by hippies and backpackers. Over the last decade, however, word of the area’s abundant natural charms and laid-back atmosphere has caused its popularity to skyrocket, and the town is now considered one of Northern Thailand’s primary attractions. Highlights include the hot springs, located in a tranquil forest; the Mo Paeng Waterfall; and the Pai Canyon for spectacular sunset views. Located close to the Burmese border in the jungle-clad hills of Thailand’s far north, Mae Hong Son is known for its rich cultural heritage, colourful festivals and lush jungle surrounds. Head to the lakeside night market to pick up some local handicrafts; go trekking to one of the nearby waterfalls or hill tribe villages; take a trip to the traditional Kuomintang Chinese village of Ban Rak Thai; or visit the Padaung (Long-neck Karen) tribal camp, where the women still follow the traditional practice of placing brass rings around their necks from an early age to give them an elongated appearance – considered a sign of beauty in Padaung culture. A highlight of the city’s annual calendar is the colourful Poy Sang Long ceremony, held at the beginning of April, when newly-inaugurated novice monks are paraded through town on the shoulders of their relatives to much music and celebration. Sharing a border with Myanmar in western Thailand’s Tak Province, the Mae Sot District serves as the main gateway between Thailand and Myanmar. The city of Mae Sot is the trading and transport hub of the district. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities including: browsing one of the many vibrant local markets for local handicrafts, dazzling gems, or fresh produce; visiting the Buddhist temple of Wat Thai Wattanaram, which houses the giant Reclining Buddha; exploring the Mae Kasa Hot Springs or enjoying a morning at the Gibbon Sanctuary. Don’t miss the wonderful Phra Charoen Waterfall tucked away in the lush dense jungle. Ayuttaha replaced Sukothai as the capital of the Siamese kingdom in the 12th century, and is the site of some spectacular historical ruins. Over the centuries, the city grew and prospered, earning the nickname ‘Venice of the East’ before it fell to the Burmese in 1767. The Ayutthaya Historical Park encompasses the ancient remains of ornate monasteries and religious towers that defined the city in its heyday. This archaeological site is the city’s most striking attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but for those who choose to linger a while, the more modern section of town has its own charms – including opulent Buddhist temples, quaint old colonial settlements and several markets serving excellent local cuisine. One of Thailand’s most sacred historical sites, Sukhothai was once the capital of the wider Sukhothai Kingdom, which flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries. Although the old city fell to ruins after it was deserted in the 16th century, it has since been restored and is considered one of the most important examples of ancient Siamese religious art and architecture. A designated World Heritage Site, it is located 12kms from the town of New Sukothai and is the area’s highlight attraction, featuring a series of decorative Buddha statues, towers, chedis and temples. Other points of interest nearby include two national parks and the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. Phitsanulok (or simply P’Lok for short) is a fairly large, historic city set along the Nan River, in lower northern Thailand. This ancient centre of Thai culture and politics is a busy, dynamic city and one of the larger of Thailand’s provincial capitals. Phitsanulok’s primary tourist attraction is Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, a famous temple, built in 1357, which houses the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, one of the most revered Buddha figures in Thailand. Other popular attractions include the Chandra Palace, a Buddha image foundry and a nearby folk museum. The city is also known for its excellent markets, its Nan River houseboats, and it’s interesting houseboat museum. The capital of Kanchanaburi province, Kanchanaburi town’s temperate climate, proximity to Bangkok and many natural and cultural attractions have made it a popular holiday destination. Highlights of the area include Wat Tham Phu Wa – a Buddhist temple complex that consists of a series of cave shrines – and The Bridge Over the River Kwai, which was built by forced Asian labourers and Allied POWs as part of the Thai-Burma Railway during the Japanese occupation of Kanchanaburi in WWII. Scores of men lost their lives while building it and two museums in town document this tragic event and commemorate those who died in the process. The two-hour ride along the infamous ‘Death Railway’ of which the bridge formed part takes in incredible views of sheer mountain cliffs, lush jungle and winding waterways. The seaside town of Hua Hin is located just a few hours’ drive from Bangkok, making it a popular weekend getaway with locals and ex-pats living in the capital, as well as tourists seeking an accessible coastal escape. This affluent destination has been a favourite holiday spot of the Thai royal family since the 1920s, and is still the site of the current king’s summer residence today. Hua Hin’s long, palm-lined sand beach offers endless opportunities for sun-tanning, swimming and snorkelling, and its lush surrounds encompass caves, waterfalls, mountains and national parks waiting to be explored. The town’s vibrant market is great for shopping and sampling local culinary specialities from streetside stalls, while Cicada Market in neighbouring Cha-Am offers a more arty experience, with its quirky selection of handcrafted wares. Koh Chang, meaning ‘Elephant Island’ in Thai, is one of the largest and most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The island falls within the Mu Ko Chang National Park, a spectacualar nature reserve extending all the way from the jungle-clad interior to the pristine offshore coral reefs. Ko Chang’s long stretches of coastline feature some exquisite white sand beaches and are dotted with lovely little laid back beach villages including Bang Bao, built on piers, and Hat Tha Nam, which boasts a lively waterfront party scene. Visitors can look forward to hiking through dense tropical jungle, discovering magnificent waterfalls, kayaking through beautiful mangroves, exploring local villages, island hopping around the smaller surrounding islands, and even taking Thai cooking classes. Other popular activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing. Koh Kood is one of Southern Thailand’s lesser known gems – remote, serene and exquisitely beautiful. While there’s virtually no nightlife here, the island’s natural and leisure attractions more than compensate – azure bays teeming with marine life; hiking trails winding through ancient jungle; waterfalls plunging into crystal clear rock pools; and seafood feasts prepared straight from the ocean. The dive sites in Bang Bao Bay and around the island are spectacular, and there are several levels of diving schools available, making this an ideal diving destination for families. The corals are one to five metres below the surface in some places, meaning snorkeling is also a popular option. Located less than 100km from Phuket, Khao Lak comprises some 20-odd kilometres of idyllic beaches and wild jungle along Thailand’s Andaman coastline. Low key and laid back, the area is perfect for families or travellers seeking serenity, solitude and unspoilt nature. Don’t miss the sunset views from Laem Pakarang promontory, a short drive from the town centre. Khao Lak is also a convenient gateway to the Similan and Surin national marine parks, offering spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving. The region makes a convenient central base to explore the Similan and Surin Islands, as well as several other areas such as the extra-quiet Hat Pakarand and Hat Bang Sak, a gorgeous stretch of beach surrounded by rubber-tree plantations and dense mangroves. Other highlights include: various luxury spa centres, an abundance of waterfalls, and the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet Sea Turtle Nursery. Khao Sok National Park is an incredible lowland jungle reserve in Southern Thailand. Extending over 646 square kms, this spectacular stretch of wilderness is home to the exquisite Cheow Lan Lake, some remarkable limestone formations, a host of jaw dropping waterfalls and an unbelievable rainforest believed to be over 160 million years old. Visitors to the park can indulge in a wide range of exhilarating outdoor activities including tubing down the river, caving, kayaking, and ziplining through the forest canopy while trying to spot some of the park’s rare wildlife which includes bears, boars, marbled cats, wild elephants and even tigers. If you are only able to visit one national park in Thailand, head to Khao Sok. You won’t be disappointed. Located on Thailand’s southern peninsula near the border of Myanmar, the small city of Ranong is a cultural melting pot infused with a blend of Thai, Burmese and Chinese traditions, as well as those of the region’s numerous ethnic minorities. It is renowned for its idyllic hot springs, located just outside the town. Ranong is also the departure point for trips to the remote and beautiful islands of Koh Chang (Lek) and Koh Phayam. Visitors can easily go diving around the Surin Islands and Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago from here. The town’s main road, Thanon Ruangrat, illustrates its history and geography well, with its nineteenth-century Sino-Portuguese designs, arches and shuttered windows, and signs in Thai, Chinese and Burmese. The town is also known for its wonderful cultural festivals, most notably the Ranong and Andaman Fair and Image Boat Procession and Races. One of Thailand’s most famous and popular island destinations, Phuket draws scores of tourists each year to its sand-fringed shores, inviting them to bask in the tropical sun, swim and snorkel in its azure bays, and revel in the endless leisure and adventure activities on offer. Phuket’s refurbished old town is one of its trendiest areas, where the diverse cultural and architectural influences of the past have been fused and immortalised – vivid red and gold Chinese temples stand side by side with Indian roti restaurants and antiquated colonial buildings. Patong is the hub of Phuket nightlife, with scores of bars and pulsing nightclubs lining the streets, while more relaxed beachside bars and restaurants dotting the coast. Those who prefer nature and serenity should head to the secluded beaches of the north, or to Promthep Cape, a rugged peninsula that forms Phuket’s southernmost point, providing dramatic scenery and breathtaking sunset views. Conveniently located only 30 minutes by speedboat from the popular tourist centre of Phuket, the peaceful island of Koh Yao Noi boasts breathtaking views of Phang Nga Bay and its towering karst islands. The island is the second largest of the Koh Yao islands, an archipelago of forty-four idyllic islands which have remained largely unaffected by the kind of mass development seen in nearby Phuket and Krabi. This lack of development has resulted in the preservation of Koh Yao Noi’s magnificent mangrove forests, lush jungle-clad interior, and sandy east-coast beaches which serve as an ideal environment for a range of exhilarating activities. These include, among others: fishing, kayaking, hiking, snorkelling and swimming. With its dramatic sea-cliffs, exquisite blue lagoons and pristine beaches, Koh Yao Noi is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an active tropical adventure or a relaxing beach getaway. Krabi is one of Thailand’s most scenic destinations, renowned for the towering limestone monoliths that shoot from its turquoise bays, its lush jungle vegetation, and the wide array of adventure and recreational activities available. Go hiking along verdant rainforest trails or rock-climbing on sheer ocean cliffs on the Railay Peninsula; feast on fresh seafood from beachfront restaurants in Tonsai; enjoy the nightlife in Ao Nang, or simply kick back and soak up the sunshine and sea air at any of these world-class destinations. Krabi is also the kick-off point for excursions to Koh Phi Phi, famous as one of the locations for the famous US blockbuster, ‘The Beach’. Set right in the middle of the magnificent Phang Nga Bay, Ko Phi Phi is a small archipelago in Southern Thailand’s Krabi Province, known for its spectacular natural beauty and its exceptionally lively nightlife. Phi Phi Don is the main island of the group and is home to an impressive array of restaurants, dive centers, bars, cafes and shops. The surrounding uninhabited islands are part of a protected national park, and can only be visited on a guided tour. With its limestone cliffs, crystal clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches and miles of lush forest, Ko Phi Phi is widely considered to be Thailand’s most idyllic tropical island. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities including rock climbing, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving or simply relaxing on a beach lounger with a cocktail in the one hand and a good book in the other. Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s destination gems: located off the country’s western coast in the Andaman Ocean, it has gained a reputation amongst travellers for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and superb sunsets. Plus it’s less developed than many of the country’s islands, but still relatively easily to reach. The quietest beaches are located in the island’s far south – so if it’s seclusion you’re looking for, heading in this direction will get you closest to your goal. Alternatively,the northern shores offer a busier, but fun and social experience, with restaurants and bars lining the beachfront. Wandering through the streets of Koh Lanta’s old town will take you past many traditional teak wood houses and give you a sense of Thailand’s days of old, while the food market offers a colourful glimpse into local life. Renowned for its tranquil turquoise bays, abundant marine life and gorgeous white-sand beaches, Koh Lipe lies off the far south of Thailand’s Andaman Coast, just 30 kilometres from the Malaysian island of Langkawi. It is one of 51 islands that make up the 1500 square kilometre Tarutao National Marine Park, known for its spectacular snorkelling and diving: beneath these azure waters lies an underwater fairyland of blooming coral gardens and vividly coloured tropical fish. Other highlights include wonderful kayaking opportunities, a purse-friendly array of Thai massages, and the Walking Street, where visitors can buy everything from culinary delicacies to vintage clothes. Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations, by virtue of its idyllic sand beaches, azure waters, spell-binding vistas and easy accessibility from the mainland. The last decade has seen extensive development on the island, bringing with it a flood of luxury hotels and resorts – often complete with beautiful private beaches. The coastline is the main drawcard here, but other attractions on Samui include the Big Buddha temple with its 12-metre effigy, the 30-metre Na Muang Waterfall, and the array of world-class spas and restaurants, as well more laid-back beachfront bistros and bars. There’s much to love about Koh Pha-ngan. Most famous for its riotous full moon parties, it’s also a stunningly scenic island with plenty of lush jungle trails, beautiful white-sand beaches and palm-fringed coves. And it’s easily accessible to boot, making it an ideal destination for visitors without much time to spare. If it’s a party you’re after, Hat Rin’s monthly full moon celebrations are second to none, with tens of thousands of revellers descending on this southern beach to dance the night away. If you find the thought of the main event somewhat intimidating, you might prefer to check out the half moon and new moon parties at the same location, which are not quite so wild and crowded. Many travellers to Koh Pha-ngan, however, choose to stay far away from the festivities and instead indulge in the island’s natural pleasures – sun-bathing on the secluded beaches of the north, snorkelling in crystal-clear aqua bays rich in marine life, or hiking through tangled rainforests teeming with tropical life. Named for both its turtle-like shape and its history as a turtle breeding ground, Koh Tao is the little sister to the world-famous islands of Samui and Pha Ngan, Koh Tao has made a name for itself as a diving and snorkelling hotspot, due to the profusions of coral reefs that lie within easy access of its coast. Favourite dive sites around the island are Chumpon, where divers have the chance to glimpse feathery scorpionfish, giant barracuda, underwater pinnacles crusted with brightly coloured sea anemones, and on occasion, even whale sharks; Shark Island, with its proliferation of corals frequented by stingrays, moray eels and nudibranchs; and ‘The Twins’, home to a family of rare and elusive saddleback clownfish. When you’re not immersed in the pleasures of Koh Tao’s underwater world, you can explore the island’s terrestrial attractions, including its lush trekking routes, stunning viewpoints and burnished beaches. WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOUBESPOKE TRAVEL AND TOURS IN THAILAND
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Destinations
BANGKOK
CHIANG MAI
CHIANG RAI ENVIRONS
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
PAI
MAE HONG SON
MAE SOT ENVIRONS
AYUTTHAYA
SUKHOTHAI
PHITSANULOK
KANCHANABURI
HUA HIN
KOH CHANG (YAI)
KO KOOD
KHAO LAK
KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK
RANONG
PHUKET
KOH YAO NOI
KRABI
KOH PHI PHI
KOH LANTA
KOH LIPE
KOH SAMUI
KO PHA-NGAN
KOH TAO
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