Thailand is a country in South-East Asia with coasts on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It borders Myanmar (Burma) to the north-west, Laos to the north-east, Cambodia to the south-east and Malaysia to the south.
With great food, a tropical climate, fascinating culture and great beaches, Thailand is a magnet for travellers the world over.
Thailand's 76 provinces can be conveniently divided into five geographic and cultural regions:
North - Chiang Mai, hill tribes and the Golden Triangle. Isaan - the great undeveloped north-east - get off the beaten track and discover backcountry Thailand and some magnificent Khmer ruins.
Central - Bangkok, lowlands and historic Thailand.
East - beaches and islands within easy reach of Bangkok, and Pattaya .
South - hundreds of kilometers of coastline and countless islands on both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, plus Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Tao and many more of Thailand's famous beach spots.
The main cities are:
Bangkok - Thailand's bustling, frenetic capital
Ayutthaya - a historical city, world heritage site and old capital of Thailand.
Chiang Mai - the capital of the North and the heart of Lanna culture.
Chiang Rai - gateway to the Golden Triangle.
Hat Yai - largest city in the Southern region.
Kanchanaburi - home of the Bridge over the River Kwai.
Pattaya - one of the main tourist destinations.
Sukhothai - Thailand's first capital.
The main Islands and beaches:
Ko Chang - once quiet island undergoing major tourism development.
Ko Kradan - Kradan Island Resort .
Ko Lanta - sleepy island near Krabi
Ko Pha Ngan - site of the famous Full Moon Party with miles of quiet coastline.
Ko Phi Phi - backpacker favorite where The Beach was filmed.
Ko Samet - the nearest island beach escape from Bangkok.
Ko Samui - hippie mecca gone upmarket.
Ko Tao - where the world learns to scuba dive.
Phuket - the original Thai paradise island.
Rai Leh - stunning beach by the limestone cliffs of Krabi.
and the National Parks::
Ang Thong National Marine Park - in Surat Thani Province .
Khao Yai National Park - in Isaan.
Ko Chang National Park - in Trat Province.
Similan Islands - in Phang Nga province.
Tarutao National Park - in Satun Province
Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South-East Asia, and for a reason.
You can find almost anything here: thick jungle as green as can be, crystal blue beaches that feel more like a warm bath than a swim in the ocean and food that can curl your nose hairs while tap dancing across your taste buds. Exotic, yet safe and largely hassle-free; cheap, yet equipped with every modern amenity you need, there is something for every interest and every price bracket, from beach front backpacker bungalows to some of the best luxury hotels in the world.
Despite the heavy flow of tourism, Thailand retains its quintessential Thainess, with a culture and history all its own and a carefree people famed for their smiles and their fun-seeking sanuk lifestyle. Many travelers come to Thailand and extend their stay well beyond their original plans and others never find a reason to leave
WIth thanks to Wikitravel for text and information
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