Thailand Travel Guide

The nation, with a population of about 68 million, 77 provinces and covering 513,120 square kilometer, is developed into a growing industrial country and a major exporter in the 90’s. Its economy leading factors are manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. Thailand, aka Siam until 1939, has a long and interesting history of more than 700 years during a period of four different dynasties: Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Thonburi and the current (constitutional) monarchy Rattanakosin.

The north, which was once a separate independent mountainous kingdom called Lanna, is one the most modest and humble places to live in. The culture and identity of the northern area is reflected from the overall personality of the locals. The language, Kum Muang, is a softer and slower version of the Thai language and is still spoken by millions of people. From the three seasons in the north, winter is the most popular. Local people from around the country always flock to the north during the winter time (October - February) to stay in the mountains where they enjoy the chilly weather and the cool, clean air. The highlight is always the view of sunrise in the morning when the fog becomes visible right in front of your tent. This fog, called ‘talay mok’ (the sea of mist) by the locals, starts to cover the green mountain tops before descending into the valleys below, softly being penetrated by the first rays of sunlight as it vanishes. This in combination with the singing of the birds, the smell of blooming rhododendrons and the pure oxygen will make this a perfect wakeup place.

Widely referred to as Isan, this is the biggest region in Thailand comprising of 20 provinces and is located on the top right of the map. It shares borders with Cambodia and Laos and it is adjacent to the right bank of the Mekong river over hundreds of kilometers. People in this region mainly have an agricultural background, especially focusing on rice cultivation. The world famous Jasmin rice has its origins in this region. Isan houses parts of the Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Khao Yai, with its 2.168 square kilometers being the biggest National park of Thailand, covers a vast area of subtropical jungle, grasslands and marches. It is sometimes called ‘The lung of the country’ and is home to various species of birds, mammals and vegetation. It is a popular hiking destination all year round and many resorts, villas and camping grounds can also be found in and around the park. Apart from the chill spots in Khao Yai, there is a place which the locals claim as to be the coldest point of Thailand during winter, Phu Ruea, in Loei province. This 1.365 meter high mountain top sometimes has a temperature of lower than zero degree celsius. However, during winter time, certain elevated points of Isan (and the North) always reach less than 10 degrees celsius, which attracts hordes of local tourists to experience these shivering temperatures.

The central region of Thailand is located in the broad alluvial plain of the Chao Phraya River. It houses the capital Bangkok and other former capital cities such as Ayutthaya and Sukhothai which gave the center of Thailand a lot of antique charm on the history trail. The debris of ancient cities in Sukhothai and Ayutthaya provinces are still available to visit. The walls and remains from several wars stills keep the memories and stories. These ruined cities still attract a lot of tourists, locals and foreigners alike. The central region is also home to Bangkok, the vibrant capital and the country’s most populated city. Bangkok is a place to go all urban: flashy shopping malls, high-rise posh apartment buildings, contemporary art galleries and hidden local markets are tucked away all over the city.

This region covers seven provinces with a total area of 34,380 square kilometer. The East is connected to the central plains and Bangkok in the west, Isan to the north and it shares a land border with Cambodia. Eastern Thailand has five provinces on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand with the resort city of Pattaya the most famous place. There are many interesting places to visit, activities to do and experiences to live in this region. Mountain trekking in Nakhon Nayok, hiking to waterfalls in Sa Keo, bird-watching and camping in Chantaburi are just a few of the many possibilities to choose from. For beach lovers there are idyllic places on the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Samet and Koh Larn which offer a great number of all sorts of water activities. Rayong province is home to one of the world’s most notorious nightlife spots, Pattaya, which got its dubious reputation from American G.I.’s whilst on R&R during the Vietnam War. Today it is more of a family-oriented, high end beach resort with just a handful reminders of these turbulent years from the 60’s and 70’s.

An area of 53,769 square kilometer consisting of five provinces: Kanchanaburi, Tak, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Petchaburi and Ratchaburi. There is a lot of nature to be found in the west of Thailand including the waterfalls of Kanchanaburi and the stunning karts formations of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Kanchanaburi, apart from the beautiful waterfalls, is host to the infamous ‘Death Railway’, a 415 kilometer long railway constructed during WW2. Thousands of allied prisoners of war and Asian coolies worked here under dire circumstances and the constant thread of beatings and executions by their Japanese captors. An estimated 16.000 POW’s and 100.000 Asian laborers died during the construction of this railway. One of the most famous coastal towns in Central Thailand is located southwest of Bangkok in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Hua Hin is popular with locals and foreigners alike as it offers great relaxation and quiet sandy beaches.

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