Thailand is a country offering multiple different aspects. A very popular tourist destination, the country attracts visitors as much for its cultural riches as for its magnificent scenery and white sandy beaches.
Thailand actually has a great deal to offer the curious traveller, with Its capital, in particular, offering a wonderful cross-sample of what you can expect to find in the country. Bangkok is a city that simply buzzes with noise and vitality. Food stalls in the streets, trendy spots in which to party or go shopping, and not forgetting the temples, or the markets extending for kilometres – there really is something to suit every taste.
Continue on to the South and in 90 minutes you will find yourself at the beach. History buffs will probably prefer to take the road north to Ayutthaya and its temple, with all its many Buddhas. And heading further north still,Chiang Mai, the thick jungle and the area's preserved local traditions, in particular, are sure to delight lovers of tranquillity, good food and hiking.
Moving on to the southeast, fans of wide open spaces are sure to be captivated by Phang Nga Bay and its gorgeous aquatic landscapes. Phuket and Krabi, which lie in the surrounding area, are ideal destinations for fans of beaches and partying to spend some time at. And out in the Gulf of Thailand, the islands of Ko Tao,Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Samui serve as great destinations for both novice and experienced divers and anyone simply looking to enjoy the country's most beautiful beaches.
Kanchanaburi, in the west of the country, is a beautiful region visited mainly for the bridge on the River Kwai and for the national parks in the area.
A small town best known for the large number of monkeys in its center, both attractive and scary! The temples remind you that the town was once an important cultural center.
When in Thailand, a visit to the Isan region is like going on an adventure off the beaten track, and Korat is a good place from which to set out on that adventure.
The cave and mountains of Chiang Dao, located 80 kilometers north of Chiang Mai in the middle of the Golden Triangle, make it a wonderful off-the-beaten-track place to visit and explore!
During my stay in Thailand, I visited Mae Hong Son, a charming mountain village in the north of the country where various ethnic minorities live, especially the famous giraffe women.
Ubon Ratchathani is the capital of the most easterly province of Thailand, in the region of Isan. The province of the same name has numerous national parks and unbelievable scenery.