Where to go in Thailand

Thailand is an Asian country of impressive size (514 square meters) that is fairly evenly populated. All major tourist centers are concentrated in the south, north, and center of Thailand. Although experienced travelers who have had enough of the famous sights, the unspoiled nature of the smaller resorts may also be to their liking.

Famous Resorts in Thailand

The easiest cities to reach are those in the center of the country. This is where transportation is most convenient, with major airports combined with an elaborate network of shuttle buses. Let's take a look at Thailand's most famous resorts.

Rest in central Thailand

Bangkok

The capital of Thailand today is not only its administrative and business center, but also an amazing mix of cultural landmarks. A bustling, truly 24-hour vacation is juxtaposed with unique thousand-year-old temples, castles, and museums.

Living in Bangkok is expensive. In addition, it is uncomfortable here because of the surrounding bustle, kilometers of traffic during rush hours, extremely high temperatures, and lack of sea. But almost every tourist considers it his duty to take a tour to see the Emerald Buddha or the Royal Palace with his own eyes.

The country's largest airport, Suwanabhumi, located in Bangkok, will help with a domestic flight to any other resort.

Pattaya

On the shores of the Gulf of Siam, an hour and a half from Bangkok, lies one of Thailand's most popular tourist centers, Pattaya. Distinctive to this city are the following features:

A fairly cheap resort (accommodation from 200 THB per night, travel by songteo - from 10 THB);

The presence of a large number of night entertainment for young people (bars, discos, parties);

Lots of legal brothels with affordable prices for services (Pattaya is considered the epitome of Thai sex tourism);

A sufficient number of family and children's entertainment centers;

Absence of precipitation throughout the year;

A large number of Russian-speaking tourists;

Dirty sea, unsuitable for a quiet family vacation.

Co Lan

For those who find themselves in Pattaya but would like to relax on the clear coast, the preferred destination is the nearby island of Ko Lan, a half-hour ferry ride away. The fare is priced at 30 THB.

The island has a good infrastructure, prices are a bit more expensive than Pattaya, but there's virtually no dirt, noise, or hustle and bustle.

There are no significant attractions on Ko Lan.

Rayong

Rayong, a small town 60km from Pattaya, is another option for those tired of Pattaya's hustle and bustle. It is non-crowded, inexpensive, and cozy. Rayong is also considered a buffer town between Pattaya and Samet Island.

Ayutthaya

The country's ancient capital, located 70 kilometers from its modern follower Bangkok, is landlocked. Here most often tourists come for a day trip. The main purpose of the trip is to explore the local temples built more than 300 years ago.

Samet

Located within the national park, Samet is a reservation area. Entry here for visitors costs 200 THB.

The government is trying to preserve the area as if no man has ever set foot on Samet. There is no sense of hurry on the island. The local two dozen beaches and the protected park itself are the resort's main attractions. Infrastructure is virtually non-existent on Samet.

Ko Chang

The second tourist center after Phuket close to the Cambodian border. Ko Chang is only explored by tourists from the southwest side. The island is a mix of scattered, differently styled, one- and two-story hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and bungalows.

Ko Chang is virtually devoid of discos and parties but is known for a few bars built in the neighborhood of brothels. Despite this fame, the local seas are clean, as the island is considered part of a marine park, a natural attraction in Thailand.

Hua Hin

Just 200km from Bangkok is the favorite summer residence of kings on the Gulf of Thailand coast, the town of Hua Hin. There are still many cultural attractions of the era of the rulers: special architecture, valuable, from the religious point of view, temples, interesting statues. The modern infrastructure is developed at an average level, but Hua Hin is a rather expensive resort.

Cha Am

For budget travelers who would like to see Hua Hin but decide to save money on accommodation there, you can stay in Cha Am. The small town is 30 kilometers away, and is designed for a long quiet vacation. There are plenty of hotels and inns to suit all tastes, as well as supermarkets, pharmacies, and entertainment for the whole family.

Krabi

Krabi is a small paradise on the southwest coast of Thailand, located along the Andaman Sea. Its stunning landscapes, including limestone cliffs, lush jungles, and clear waters, attract tourists looking for both relaxation and adventure.

Krabi serves as a gateway to several famous nearby destinations, such as Railay Beach and Phi Phi Islands. The province offers a wide range of activities, from rock climbing and jungle trekking to island hopping and snorkeling.

Phang Nga

Phang Nga is known for its emerald waters and stunning limestone karsts rising dramatically from the sea. The most famous attraction in this province is James Bond Island, which gained fame after being featured in a James Bond movie.

Visitors can explore the Mangrove forests, go sea kayaking, or take boat trips to discover the natural beauty of the area.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is an archipelago in the Andaman Sea known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. The main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh.

The islands offer opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. The nightlife on Phi Phi Don is lively, making it a popular choice for younger travelers.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a relaxed and peaceful island in the Andaman Sea, perfect for those seeking a quieter vacation. It's known for its long beaches, clear waters, and beautiful sunsets.

Visitors can explore the island's nature, go snorkeling or diving, and enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere compared to some of the busier Thai resorts.

Phangan

Phangan is an island located slightly north of Samui. It is traditionally considered one of the popular destinations for party and disco fans. It hosts the famous Full (Black) Moon Nights, which is open-air fun on the local coast for everyone to enjoy.

Krabi

Krabi Province, led by the regional center of the same name, is located on the shores of the Andaman Sea, 800 km from Bangkok. The seas here are uncomfortable for swimming, but the drawback is compensated for by the surprisingly vivid nature. The quaint combination of greenery, rocks, and sea is complemented by modern infrastructure.

Other resorts in the southern part of the country

• Koh Lanta

Officially, the resort is considered part of the province of Krabi. There is almost no tourist infrastructure on the territory of the city. Lanta is ideal for travelers wanting solitude and seclusion.

• Phi Phi Islands

The five islands united by the name Phi Phi Islands, 40 kilometers from Phuket, are considered the largest archipelago in the Andaman Sea. On the main one, Koh Phi Phi Don, the main tourist infrastructure is concentrated, including hotels, spas, restaurants.

• Koh Lipe

The small town is located near Malaysia. It is home to several luxury beaches with clear seas. Suitable for lovers of peace and quiet.

Northern resorts in Thailand

The cities located in the north of the country are landlocked but boast a more familiar to Europeans soft climate. There is no sweltering heat, and the local nature is more vivid than other resorts.

The following cities are of interest to tourists:

• Chiang Mai

Cultural capital of the country, the center of the Lanna Kingdom - Home to many temples and palaces built over 500 years ago.

• Chiang Rai

Located on the border with Myanmar and Laos, it has a developed tourist infrastructure. Attracts tourists primarily by the famous White Temple.

• Pai

A picturesque resort, a favorite place for hippies and Rastamans. Characterized by inexpensive prices and a complete absence of the noisy nightlife typical of civilization.

• Mehongson

A small town located near Chiang Mai, attracting connoisseurs of beautiful scenery and peaceful unhurried relaxation.

Tips for choosing a resort

The main criterion in choosing a resort is the purpose of the vacation:

• Hangouts and parties are mainly concentrated in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Pangan;
• Single adventure seekers and shopping enthusiasts will find Pattaya and Bangkok suitable;
• Families with children will be particularly suited to Krabi province;
• People who appreciate wild beaches will love the islands of Surin, Similian, Kud, Mak, Wai.

When choosing a seaside resort, you should also pay attention to the location of the locality.

Rainy season

On the Andaman Sea coast, the rainy season (May to October) and big waves are more pronounced. During this time, the resorts on the Gulf of Thailand boast a mild climate and virtually no waves. From December to March, the situation is reversed - the water in the Gulf becomes murky, while the Andaman Sea is calm and crystal clear.

Thailand is wonderful in that it can offer tourists a vacation to suit every taste. It's worth planning your trip in advance, being able to move around and experience several cities in one trip. Then you'll want to come back again and again!