The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.

The magic of Pha Taem, north of Khong Chiam

Elephant rides have become a major concern in many locations, but are still offered by a handful of so-called "sanctuaries" with the proposition to get close to the exotic and majestic animal. Elephant rides are offered on every street corner and Westerners have little knowledge about the cruel methods to succeed in training these enormous animals.

Experience Thailand without riding elephants!

Come and completely immerse yourself in the gigantic megalopolis which is Bangkok. 

Bangkok, a continental megalopolis

To set the scene for you, imagine 2,188 km² covered by 80% forest and populated with more than 800 animal species roaming completely free. Add streams, waterfalls and a mountain range amongst 2,000 plant species. Classify it all as a UNESCO world heritage site and you have the Khao Yai national park.

Khao Yai or the paradise of species

Damnoen Saduak

Kanchanaburi

Erawan

Bang Pa In

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand; very popular, but big enough so you don't feel like you're tripping over each other.

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Phuket is nestled in the beautiful bay of Phang Nga. The island grows in popularity each year, but even so I really like this big island that sits in the Andaman Sea. The reason being that you can tour the island and still discover unique little corners. 
I'll let you in on a couple of them...the Moken villages, to the east of Phuket Town and on the coast of Rawai, that are still inhabited by these former sea gypsies. Note: it's still worth visiting the old part of Phuket Town. I also suggest that you take a trip along the east coast, as there are few or no beaches and it remains a relatively unexplored part of Phuket. It was when I arrived in these fishing villages, with no tourists and an amazing view of the islets in the bay that I fell for Phuket. 


It's also the perfect place for a family vacation. With a load of beaches to choose from, you'll find the perfect one. Personally, I loved the huge beach at Kata, in the south west, but it does lack a bit of shade. If this bothers you, then the beach further north at Surin may be a better choice. And then there's the beach at Nai Yang. It may not have the best water, but in terms of peace, quiet and natural beauty, it's one for me. It's usually deserted and there's nothing better than that! Otherwise, there are also several little creeks you can visit, such as the one at Promthep, but they tend to be busier.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand; very popular, but big enough so you don't feel like you're tripping over each other.

Phuket the city (as opposed to the island) is the capital of the province that shares its name and encompasses various other islands in the surrounding area. The city (population circa 70,000) is very charming, with its numerous colonial-style buildings. There are reasonable options in terms of accommodation and restaurants and prices are cheap. A hotel made famous by a Hollywood film in 2000 still exists and is quite interesting to see. As the island of Phuket is one of the largest in Thailand (if not THE largest), it has a number of heavenly beaches washed by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea for you to choose from.  A small rented car or a motorbike can offer a more comfortable way get around the island than the 4x4s with benches in the rear that serve as buses more or less everywhere in Thailand.

A world-famous island of Thailand, Phuket, which was once an important trading post for the region, today serves as an essential place to go when visiting Thailand.

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