Thailand Travel Guide

Krabi

The tiny Thai province of Krabi, 500 miles (800km) south of Bangkok, is a magical, as yet unspoiled paradise and one of the country's most enchanting coastal vacation resort destinations. The tranquil Krabi coast is made up of pristine, coral-fringed white beaches, a myriad of caves and waterfalls, and numerous exotic islets washed by the azure sea. Beyond the Krabi beaches lie lush jungles where giant trees trail lianas, and rivers fall over high cliffs or swirl lazily through mangrove forests. Visitors spend their holiday scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, climbing the cliffs above Ao Phranang and Railay beaches, hiking to mountain-top pagodas, discovering hidden temples set in the valleys, exploring caves, seeking out offshore paradise islands, or simply relaxing beneath a palm tree on an unspoiled stretch of white sand.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is an extraordinary vacation destination. The twin Phi Phi islands, 30 miles (48km) east of Phuket, are world-renowned, particularly since the making of the Hollywood box office sensation, The Beach. Phi Phi Leh, the smaller of the two islands, was the setting for this movie, and now draws scores of day trippers from Phuket, just a 45-minute boat ride away. The island has no accommodation and is accessible only by boat, but offers sensational snorkeling and the Viking Cave with wall paintings.

Phi Phi Don, the larger island, has idyllic tropical beaches lining its shores and Ton Sai Bay, the main tourist center on Phi Phi, may be a little overdeveloped for some visitors wanting a relaxed beach vacation. Although overrun by tourists, the islands retain their spectacular quiet beauty.

Koh Samui

A sun lover's holiday paradise, Koh Samui ('the coconut island') is Thailand's third largest island resort and no longer the footloose and fancy-free backpacker's secret hideaway. Koh Samui now rivals Phuket as one of Thailand's most popular vacation destinations, with regular flights arriving at its own airport disgorging keen vacationers. A range of accommodation options exists on Koh Samui, from modest beach bungalows to luxury vacation resort hotels. The island still retains its laid-back atmosphere though, with friendly locals, good food and some not too commercial local attractions, like a crocodile farm and butterfly garden, to keep visitor's entertained. Night time is party-time with open-air discos and music bars throbbing in the darkness.

Koh Pha Ngan

The beautiful little island of Koh Pha Ngan is a fantastic vacation destination lying in the center of the Gulf of Thailand, about 62 miles (100km) from the mainland, and home to 8,000 or so people and hundreds of thousands of coconuts. Coconut exports and fishing have long been the mainstay of the locals, but in recent years tourism is becoming increasingly important as visitors flock in on ferries, lured by the island's magnificent beaches and the world renowned monthly Full Moon Party.

The site of Koh Pha Ngan's legendary parties is the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin on the island's south-east corner, which is besieged by up to 10,000 people from around the world at full moon each month. As dusk falls thousands of lamps are lit on tables along the beach and the music is cranked up, sending party-goers into a frenzy under the rising orb of the moon.

Visitors on vacation in Pha Ngan generally stay in one of about 200 thatched bamboo bungalows that line the island's beaches and are let out for a pittance. Those after more luxury can choose from three vacation resort hotels: First Villa at Ban Tai Beach, the Pha Ngan Chai Hotel in the main town of Thongsala, and the Thong Nai Pan Beach Resort at Thong Nai Pan beach. Wherever you stay, the holiday is wiled away pleasantly with snorkeling, swimming or relaxing on the white sands.

Facilities in the Koh Pha Ngan town of Thongsala are limited, but there is a bank, police station, clinic and pharmacy. Motorcycle taxis can be waved down, or mountain bikes hired to explore the more remote beaches. Some beaches can only be reached by sea, and water taxis are available in the town.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao ('Turtle Island') has been described as offering 'heaven under the sea', its main vacation attraction being the incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities afforded in its clean, clear waters. Situated to the north of its more famous sisters, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, the island is a typical tropical paradise, with rich jungle in the center surrounded by quiet, palm treed beaches.

Although tourist development has exploded in recent years, turning Koh Tao's traditional dirt-road villages into a montage of vacation resorts, souvenir stalls and restaurants, there are still plenty of unspoiled spots both on the coast and inland. The main beach is Sairee Beach, stretching about one mile (2km) along the west coast, offering a range of reasonably priced holiday accommodation, dive centers, restaurants, beach bars and other facilities.

Pattaya

Pattaya, sited about 100 miles (160km) south of Bangkok, was once just a quiet coastal fishing town. Today it teems with vacationers, both local and foreign, and is packed with hotels, shops, restaurants and bars. The tourism boom came with the Vietnam War, when Pattaya was chosen as a popular venue for American GIs to enjoy some 'R&R'. The town has developed something of a reputation for sex tourism, an image it is trying to shake off, although most of the night-time entertainment is centered around spicy cabarets, massage parlours, go-go bars, and beer-bars with girls for hire. The town however, has a multitude of other attractions on offer, from its rather over-crowded and well-used beaches to some first-class restaurants, hundreds of recreational activities, bazaar-type markets, and excursions to nearby more peaceful spots and offshore islands.

Koh Chang

The tropical island resort of Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket, and is made up of stunning white beaches, lofty mountain peaks, pristine rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Koh Chang is easily reached from Bangkok, a few hours away by road, and yet it remains relatively undeveloped and laid-back.

Koh Chang Island is home to exotic flora and fauna, abundant marine life and untouched, colorful coral reefs, making it an attractive vacation destination for adventurers, hiking enthusiasts and scuba divers, and the beautiful scenery, friendly locals, quality restaurants and trendy nightlife make it appealing to everyone else!

There is an array of accommodation options for visitors on the island, ranging from simple beach huts and bungalows to upmarket villas, suites and apartments. Daily flights from Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui arrive at the airport in Trat, from where ferries are available to Koh Chang.

Krabi

The tiny Thai province of Krabi, 500 miles (800km) south of Bangkok, is a magical, as yet unspoiled paradise and one of the country's most enchanting coastal vacation resort destinations. The tranquil Krabi coast is made up of pristine, coral-fringed white beaches, a myriad of caves and waterfalls, and numerous exotic islets washed by the azure sea. Beyond the Krabi beaches lie lush jungles where giant trees trail lianas, and rivers fall over high cliffs or swirl lazily through mangrove forests. Visitors spend their holiday scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, climbing the cliffs above Ao Phranang and Railay beaches, hiking to mountain-top pagodas, discovering hidden temples set in the valleys, exploring caves, seeking out offshore paradise islands, or simply relaxing beneath a palm tree on an unspoiled stretch of white sand.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is an extraordinary vacation destination. The twin Phi Phi islands, 30 miles (48km) east of Phuket, are world-renowned, particularly since the making of the Hollywood box office sensation, The Beach. Phi Phi Leh, the smaller of the two islands, was the setting for this movie, and now draws scores of day trippers from Phuket, just a 45-minute boat ride away. The island has no accommodation and is accessible only by boat, but offers sensational snorkeling and the Viking Cave with wall paintings.

Phi Phi Don, the larger island, has idyllic tropical beaches lining its shores and Ton Sai Bay, the main tourist center on Phi Phi, may be a little overdeveloped for some visitors wanting a relaxed beach vacation. Although overrun by tourists, the islands retain their spectacular quiet beauty.

Koh Samui

A sun lover's holiday paradise, Koh Samui ('the coconut island') is Thailand's third largest island resort and no longer the footloose and fancy-free backpacker's secret hideaway. Koh Samui now rivals Phuket as one of Thailand's most popular vacation destinations, with regular flights arriving at its own airport disgorging keen vacationers. A range of accommodation options exists on Koh Samui, from modest beach bungalows to luxury vacation resort hotels. The island still retains its laid-back atmosphere though, with friendly locals, good food and some not too commercial local attractions, like a crocodile farm and butterfly garden, to keep visitor's entertained. Night time is party-time with open-air discos and music bars throbbing in the darkness.

Koh Pha Ngan

The beautiful little island of Koh Pha Ngan is a fantastic vacation destination lying in the center of the Gulf of Thailand, about 62 miles (100km) from the mainland, and home to 8,000 or so people and hundreds of thousands of coconuts. Coconut exports and fishing have long been the mainstay of the locals, but in recent years tourism is becoming increasingly important as visitors flock in on ferries, lured by the island's magnificent beaches and the world renowned monthly Full Moon Party.

The site of Koh Pha Ngan's legendary parties is the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin on the island's south-east corner, which is besieged by up to 10,000 people from around the world at full moon each month. As dusk falls thousands of lamps are lit on tables along the beach and the music is cranked up, sending party-goers into a frenzy under the rising orb of the moon.

Visitors on vacation in Pha Ngan generally stay in one of about 200 thatched bamboo bungalows that line the island's beaches and are let out for a pittance. Those after more luxury can choose from three vacation resort hotels: First Villa at Ban Tai Beach, the Pha Ngan Chai Hotel in the main town of Thongsala, and the Thong Nai Pan Beach Resort at Thong Nai Pan beach. Wherever you stay, the holiday is wiled away pleasantly with snorkeling, swimming or relaxing on the white sands.

Facilities in the Koh Pha Ngan town of Thongsala are limited, but there is a bank, police station, clinic and pharmacy. Motorcycle taxis can be waved down, or mountain bikes hired to explore the more remote beaches. Some beaches can only be reached by sea, and water taxis are available in the town.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao ('Turtle Island') has been described as offering 'heaven under the sea', its main vacation attraction being the incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities afforded in its clean, clear waters. Situated to the north of its more famous sisters, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, the island is a typical tropical paradise, with rich jungle in the center surrounded by quiet, palm treed beaches.

Although tourist development has exploded in recent years, turning Koh Tao's traditional dirt-road villages into a montage of vacation resorts, souvenir stalls and restaurants, there are still plenty of unspoiled spots both on the coast and inland. The main beach is Sairee Beach, stretching about one mile (2km) along the west coast, offering a range of reasonably priced holiday accommodation, dive centers, restaurants, beach bars and other facilities.

Pattaya

Pattaya, sited about 100 miles (160km) south of Bangkok, was once just a quiet coastal fishing town. Today it teems with vacationers, both local and foreign, and is packed with hotels, shops, restaurants and bars. The tourism boom came with the Vietnam War, when Pattaya was chosen as a popular venue for American GIs to enjoy some 'R&R'. The town has developed something of a reputation for sex tourism, an image it is trying to shake off, although most of the night-time entertainment is centered around spicy cabarets, massage parlours, go-go bars, and beer-bars with girls for hire. The town however, has a multitude of other attractions on offer, from its rather over-crowded and well-used beaches to some first-class restaurants, hundreds of recreational activities, bazaar-type markets, and excursions to nearby more peaceful spots and offshore islands.

Koh Chang

The tropical island resort of Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket, and is made up of stunning white beaches, lofty mountain peaks, pristine rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Koh Chang is easily reached from Bangkok, a few hours away by road, and yet it remains relatively undeveloped and laid-back.

Koh Chang Island is home to exotic flora and fauna, abundant marine life and untouched, colorful coral reefs, making it an attractive vacation destination for adventurers, hiking enthusiasts and scuba divers, and the beautiful scenery, friendly locals, quality restaurants and trendy nightlife make it appealing to everyone else!

There is an array of accommodation options for visitors on the island, ranging from simple beach huts and bungalows to upmarket villas, suites and apartments. Daily flights from Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui arrive at the airport in Trat, from where ferries are available to Koh Chang.

Krabi

The tiny Thai province of Krabi, 500 miles (800km) south of Bangkok, is a magical, as yet unspoiled paradise and one of the country's most enchanting coastal vacation resort destinations. The tranquil Krabi coast is made up of pristine, coral-fringed white beaches, a myriad of caves and waterfalls, and numerous exotic islets washed by the azure sea. Beyond the Krabi beaches lie lush jungles where giant trees trail lianas, and rivers fall over high cliffs or swirl lazily through mangrove forests. Visitors spend their holiday scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, climbing the cliffs above Ao Phranang and Railay beaches, hiking to mountain-top pagodas, discovering hidden temples set in the valleys, exploring caves, seeking out offshore paradise islands, or simply relaxing beneath a palm tree on an unspoiled stretch of white sand.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is an extraordinary vacation destination. The twin Phi Phi islands, 30 miles (48km) east of Phuket, are world-renowned, particularly since the making of the Hollywood box office sensation, The Beach. Phi Phi Leh, the smaller of the two islands, was the setting for this movie, and now draws scores of day trippers from Phuket, just a 45-minute boat ride away. The island has no accommodation and is accessible only by boat, but offers sensational snorkeling and the Viking Cave with wall paintings.

Phi Phi Don, the larger island, has idyllic tropical beaches lining its shores and Ton Sai Bay, the main tourist center on Phi Phi, may be a little overdeveloped for some visitors wanting a relaxed beach vacation. Although overrun by tourists, the islands retain their spectacular quiet beauty.

Koh Samui

A sun lover's holiday paradise, Koh Samui ('the coconut island') is Thailand's third largest island resort and no longer the footloose and fancy-free backpacker's secret hideaway. Koh Samui now rivals Phuket as one of Thailand's most popular vacation destinations, with regular flights arriving at its own airport disgorging keen vacationers. A range of accommodation options exists on Koh Samui, from modest beach bungalows to luxury vacation resort hotels. The island still retains its laid-back atmosphere though, with friendly locals, good food and some not too commercial local attractions, like a crocodile farm and butterfly garden, to keep visitor's entertained. Night time is party-time with open-air discos and music bars throbbing in the darkness.

Koh Pha Ngan

The beautiful little island of Koh Pha Ngan is a fantastic vacation destination lying in the center of the Gulf of Thailand, about 62 miles (100km) from the mainland, and home to 8,000 or so people and hundreds of thousands of coconuts. Coconut exports and fishing have long been the mainstay of the locals, but in recent years tourism is becoming increasingly important as visitors flock in on ferries, lured by the island's magnificent beaches and the world renowned monthly Full Moon Party.

The site of Koh Pha Ngan's legendary parties is the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin on the island's south-east corner, which is besieged by up to 10,000 people from around the world at full moon each month. As dusk falls thousands of lamps are lit on tables along the beach and the music is cranked up, sending party-goers into a frenzy under the rising orb of the moon.

Visitors on vacation in Pha Ngan generally stay in one of about 200 thatched bamboo bungalows that line the island's beaches and are let out for a pittance. Those after more luxury can choose from three vacation resort hotels: First Villa at Ban Tai Beach, the Pha Ngan Chai Hotel in the main town of Thongsala, and the Thong Nai Pan Beach Resort at Thong Nai Pan beach. Wherever you stay, the holiday is wiled away pleasantly with snorkeling, swimming or relaxing on the white sands.

Facilities in the Koh Pha Ngan town of Thongsala are limited, but there is a bank, police station, clinic and pharmacy. Motorcycle taxis can be waved down, or mountain bikes hired to explore the more remote beaches. Some beaches can only be reached by sea, and water taxis are available in the town.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao ('Turtle Island') has been described as offering 'heaven under the sea', its main vacation attraction being the incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities afforded in its clean, clear waters. Situated to the north of its more famous sisters, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, the island is a typical tropical paradise, with rich jungle in the center surrounded by quiet, palm treed beaches.

Although tourist development has exploded in recent years, turning Koh Tao's traditional dirt-road villages into a montage of vacation resorts, souvenir stalls and restaurants, there are still plenty of unspoiled spots both on the coast and inland. The main beach is Sairee Beach, stretching about one mile (2km) along the west coast, offering a range of reasonably priced holiday accommodation, dive centers, restaurants, beach bars and other facilities.

Pattaya

Pattaya, sited about 100 miles (160km) south of Bangkok, was once just a quiet coastal fishing town. Today it teems with vacationers, both local and foreign, and is packed with hotels, shops, restaurants and bars. The tourism boom came with the Vietnam War, when Pattaya was chosen as a popular venue for American GIs to enjoy some 'R&R'. The town has developed something of a reputation for sex tourism, an image it is trying to shake off, although most of the night-time entertainment is centered around spicy cabarets, massage parlours, go-go bars, and beer-bars with girls for hire. The town however, has a multitude of other attractions on offer, from its rather over-crowded and well-used beaches to some first-class restaurants, hundreds of recreational activities, bazaar-type markets, and excursions to nearby more peaceful spots and offshore islands.

Koh Chang

The tropical island resort of Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket, and is made up of stunning white beaches, lofty mountain peaks, pristine rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Koh Chang is easily reached from Bangkok, a few hours away by road, and yet it remains relatively undeveloped and laid-back.

Koh Chang Island is home to exotic flora and fauna, abundant marine life and untouched, colorful coral reefs, making it an attractive vacation destination for adventurers, hiking enthusiasts and scuba divers, and the beautiful scenery, friendly locals, quality restaurants and trendy nightlife make it appealing to everyone else!

There is an array of accommodation options for visitors on the island, ranging from simple beach huts and bungalows to upmarket villas, suites and apartments. Daily flights from Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui arrive at the airport in Trat, from where ferries are available to Koh Chang.

Krabi

The tiny Thai province of Krabi, 500 miles (800km) south of Bangkok, is a magical, as yet unspoiled paradise and one of the country's most enchanting coastal vacation resort destinations. The tranquil Krabi coast is made up of pristine, coral-fringed white beaches, a myriad of caves and waterfalls, and numerous exotic islets washed by the azure sea. Beyond the Krabi beaches lie lush jungles where giant trees trail lianas, and rivers fall over high cliffs or swirl lazily through mangrove forests. Visitors spend their holiday scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, climbing the cliffs above Ao Phranang and Railay beaches, hiking to mountain-top pagodas, discovering hidden temples set in the valleys, exploring caves, seeking out offshore paradise islands, or simply relaxing beneath a palm tree on an unspoiled stretch of white sand.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is an extraordinary vacation destination. The twin Phi Phi islands, 30 miles (48km) east of Phuket, are world-renowned, particularly since the making of the Hollywood box office sensation, The Beach. Phi Phi Leh, the smaller of the two islands, was the setting for this movie, and now draws scores of day trippers from Phuket, just a 45-minute boat ride away. The island has no accommodation and is accessible only by boat, but offers sensational snorkeling and the Viking Cave with wall paintings.

Phi Phi Don, the larger island, has idyllic tropical beaches lining its shores and Ton Sai Bay, the main tourist center on Phi Phi, may be a little overdeveloped for some visitors wanting a relaxed beach vacation. Although overrun by tourists, the islands retain their spectacular quiet beauty.

Koh Samui

A sun lover's holiday paradise, Koh Samui ('the coconut island') is Thailand's third largest island resort and no longer the footloose and fancy-free backpacker's secret hideaway. Koh Samui now rivals Phuket as one of Thailand's most popular vacation destinations, with regular flights arriving at its own airport disgorging keen vacationers. A range of accommodation options exists on Koh Samui, from modest beach bungalows to luxury vacation resort hotels. The island still retains its laid-back atmosphere though, with friendly locals, good food and some not too commercial local attractions, like a crocodile farm and butterfly garden, to keep visitor's entertained. Night time is party-time with open-air discos and music bars throbbing in the darkness.

Koh Pha Ngan

The beautiful little island of Koh Pha Ngan is a fantastic vacation destination lying in the center of the Gulf of Thailand, about 62 miles (100km) from the mainland, and home to 8,000 or so people and hundreds of thousands of coconuts. Coconut exports and fishing have long been the mainstay of the locals, but in recent years tourism is becoming increasingly important as visitors flock in on ferries, lured by the island's magnificent beaches and the world renowned monthly Full Moon Party.

The site of Koh Pha Ngan's legendary parties is the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin on the island's south-east corner, which is besieged by up to 10,000 people from around the world at full moon each month. As dusk falls thousands of lamps are lit on tables along the beach and the music is cranked up, sending party-goers into a frenzy under the rising orb of the moon.

Visitors on vacation in Pha Ngan generally stay in one of about 200 thatched bamboo bungalows that line the island's beaches and are let out for a pittance. Those after more luxury can choose from three vacation resort hotels: First Villa at Ban Tai Beach, the Pha Ngan Chai Hotel in the main town of Thongsala, and the Thong Nai Pan Beach Resort at Thong Nai Pan beach. Wherever you stay, the holiday is wiled away pleasantly with snorkeling, swimming or relaxing on the white sands.

Facilities in the Koh Pha Ngan town of Thongsala are limited, but there is a bank, police station, clinic and pharmacy. Motorcycle taxis can be waved down, or mountain bikes hired to explore the more remote beaches. Some beaches can only be reached by sea, and water taxis are available in the town.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao ('Turtle Island') has been described as offering 'heaven under the sea', its main vacation attraction being the incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities afforded in its clean, clear waters. Situated to the north of its more famous sisters, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, the island is a typical tropical paradise, with rich jungle in the center surrounded by quiet, palm treed beaches.

Although tourist development has exploded in recent years, turning Koh Tao's traditional dirt-road villages into a montage of vacation resorts, souvenir stalls and restaurants, there are still plenty of unspoiled spots both on the coast and inland. The main beach is Sairee Beach, stretching about one mile (2km) along the west coast, offering a range of reasonably priced holiday accommodation, dive centers, restaurants, beach bars and other facilities.

Pattaya

Pattaya, sited about 100 miles (160km) south of Bangkok, was once just a quiet coastal fishing town. Today it teems with vacationers, both local and foreign, and is packed with hotels, shops, restaurants and bars. The tourism boom came with the Vietnam War, when Pattaya was chosen as a popular venue for American GIs to enjoy some 'R&R'. The town has developed something of a reputation for sex tourism, an image it is trying to shake off, although most of the night-time entertainment is centered around spicy cabarets, massage parlours, go-go bars, and beer-bars with girls for hire. The town however, has a multitude of other attractions on offer, from its rather over-crowded and well-used beaches to some first-class restaurants, hundreds of recreational activities, bazaar-type markets, and excursions to nearby more peaceful spots and offshore islands.

Koh Chang

The tropical island resort of Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket, and is made up of stunning white beaches, lofty mountain peaks, pristine rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Koh Chang is easily reached from Bangkok, a few hours away by road, and yet it remains relatively undeveloped and laid-back.

Koh Chang Island is home to exotic flora and fauna, abundant marine life and untouched, colorful coral reefs, making it an attractive vacation destination for adventurers, hiking enthusiasts and scuba divers, and the beautiful scenery, friendly locals, quality restaurants and trendy nightlife make it appealing to everyone else!

There is an array of accommodation options for visitors on the island, ranging from simple beach huts and bungalows to upmarket villas, suites and apartments. Daily flights from Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui arrive at the airport in Trat, from where ferries are available to Koh Chang.