Cha-am located on the sunrise side of the Gulf of Thailand, Cha-am is quiet relaxed coastal towns, perfect for family vacations. In contrast to Pattaya, across the Gulf, these sister resorts lack the bustle of an international playground and instead offered a quiet escape.

The main attraction of Cha-am is the chance to relax on a lovely beach and escape the crowds. A wide choice of water sports are offered by the main resort hotels, while the travelers themselves can enjoy the simple pleasure of taking a stroll and horse riding on the beach or enjoy a walk in town to have a insight into the traditional lifestyles.

Exalted in its mystical and historic setting among mountains and temples, Chiang Mai is nonetheless modern and friendly, an internationally flavoured city with much to entice visitors - high quality, low cost food, accommodation and shopping with cooler nights providing mercifully peaceful sleeping. It is also free of the traffic snarls and pollution which plague Bangkok and is small and safe enough to get around on a bike.

In fact, not only do many foreigners stay longer than planned in Chiang Mai but many also live here. Innovations such as recycling schemes, restrictions on development and cleaning/dredging of its famous moat have seen Chiang Mai preserve much of its character and highlight its progressive attitude.

Chiang Rai province is Thailand's northernmost province situated between north latitude 14º and east longitude 49º. It covers an area of some 11,678 sq km making it the twelfth largest province. The provincial capital, Chiang Rai city, is approximately 785 km north of the nation's capital, Bangkok.

Chiang Rai is most famous for the things it had and lost. It was founded in 1263 by King Mengrai of Ngon Yang who, having recaptured a prize elephant he'd been chasing around the foot of Doi Tong, took this as an auspicious omen for a new city. Tradition has it that Chiang Rai prevailed as the capital of the north for thirty years, but historians now believe Mengrai moved his court directly from Ngon Yang to the Chiang Mai area in 1290s. Thailand's two holiest images, the Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok) and the Phra Singh Buddha (now perhaps in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Nakhon Si Thammarat, depending on which story you believe), also once resided here before moving on - at least replicas of these can be seen at Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Phra Singh.

Pattaya Beach, in Cholburi province on the east coast of the Fulf of Thailand, is the most famours of the beach destinations in Thailand. The partying gets intense after the sun goes down, and the range of deversions appeals to every taste, interest and preference. You can find whatever you want in this cosmopolitan city dedicated to extravagant indulgence and the pursuit of pleasure.

A little over two hours from Bangkok by comfortable, air-conditioned bus, Pattaya is within easy reach of a dozen excellent, affordable golf courses which have spectacular views and all the amenities. It is also home to numerous fully equipped businesses which offer scuba adventures at one of the nearby islands. The beach on Pattaya bay itself is not ideal for watersports, but nearby Jomtien and Naklua beaches provide cleaner, less crowded venues for swimming, windsurfing, boating, and other kinds of sun-drenched fun in the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf.

When mentioning Hua Hin, one pictures long, sandy beaches, unspoiled and uncluttered. Hua Hin can be further distinguished as Thailand's oldest beach resort. What was once a sleepy little fishing port received royal distinction in the 1920s, when King Rama VII chose the site for a summer palace, which he named 'Klai Kangwon', meaning "Far From Worries" - an indication of Hua Hin's restful atmosphere.

A vogue was thus created and Hua Hin became the resort for the elite of Bangkok's society, a status enhanced by the completion of an 18-hole golf course. Today, the present Royal Family continues to spend part of the year at Hua Hin, while the resort has also gained wide popularity with overseas visitors.

In spite of moving with the times to offer all modern amenities, Hua Hin has retained its own enduring Thai identity. the main attraction of this resort is a peaceful time lazing on the beach soaking up the tropical sunshine, complemented by the fun of a variety of water-sports and delight in relishing some excellent seafood.

What makes Hua Hin stand out amongst Thailand's many resorts is the fact that unlike the younger resorts, such as Pattaya, Thailand's oldest seaside holiday town has never sought an international image. It remains content in itself and a stroll down by the little fishing port gives a refreshing insight into the traditional life of a Thai coastal settlement, perhaps a trifle more prosperous than most, but unpretentious nonetheless.

In addition to the attraction of sun, sea and sand, Hua Hin provides options for leisurely times away from the beach. Of particular note is the busy night market. This is not something created just for the visitor, rather it is a traditional place and occasion for shopping and pursuing that most delightful of Thai past times, 'pai teeo' - leisurely wandering about to see and be seen. Best buys for the dedicated shopper are the locally produced high quality silk and cotton, as well as the region's famous dried seafood and various kinds of 'kanom' - Thai sweets.

Although the keynote of a stay at Hua Hin is relaxation, the coastline in this region is well worth exploring. South from Hua Hin, through Pran Buri and down to Prachuap Khiri Khan, there are numerous quiet coves and tiny fishing villages, ideal destinations for day excursions. Hence, Hua Hin offers the visitors what they expect and more !

Kanchanaburi City is 150 km west of Bangkok on an excellent, scenic highway. The way to Kanchanaburi also leads pass the historic town of Nakorn Pathom with the world's highest Buddhist monument. Kanchanaburi city, itself a popular resort town, is on the bank of the picturesque Mae Klong River at the meeting point of its two tributaries - Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers. The city also serves, as overnight base for tourists to visit the province's many attractions, beside that bridge on the River Kwai.

There are spectacular waterfalls, river cruises and jungle tours for the nature lovers. For the foot-loose travelers, there is the thrilling 200 km drive through newly opened jungle areas to the Thai Myanmar border to visit ethnic Mon and Karen settlements. For the sporting types, Kanchanaburi provides the best freshwater fishing grounds in remote jungle backwater and streams. For the outdoor type, rafting in the wild river. And, for the golfers, more than a score of 18-hole world standard courses in pastoral countryside.

The jungle, the rugged terrain, and wild rivers now combine to make Kanchanaburi the most rewarding tourist destination for nature lovers and sportsmen. A large jungle area of the province has been declared national wildlife sanctuary, called Thungyai National Park, which remains the most pristine area in the whole country. The sanctuary was recently listed as a world natural heritage by the United Nations.

Long before "The Beach" was filmed on Phi Phi islands, many tourists who have discovered the beauty of Krabi have jealously guarded the province and its attractions as their own secret paradise. But, the word is out. The throng of holidaymakers is arriving.

Krabi has always been Thailand's best kept secret. Certainly one of the kingdom's most stunning landscapes are set here, from majestic limestone cliffs and lush forest covers to dramatic rock formations and pristine island beaches.

With such glorious natural beauty, utter tranquillity and Xanadu-like settings, Krabi can cast a kind of magical spell to visitors, especially those who are ready to forget the pleasures of Phuket or Samui.

But Krabi is not just an alternative to the two top destinations. It is by itself an entirely different beach resort from the other two, often considered more beautiful, and more diverse. Thai tourism has another winner in Krabi.

Lampang is located about 100 km southeast of Chiang Mai. It was established in the 7th century, during the Dvaravati period, and later played an important role in the Hariphunchai kingdom. The local belief is that the town was founded by the son of Queen Chama Devi, the ruler of the Hariphunchai kingdom. In common with the older cities in the north, Lampang was built within a walled rectangle by the side of a river, in this case the River Wang.

At the beginning of this century, Lampang flourished in the highly profitable teak trade. Many of the fine temples around the town were sponsored by the timber merchants, who made vast fortunes from the hardwood. The highly sought hardwood was also the main building material used for the magnificent Wat Phra That Lampang Luan, thought to be the oldest wooden building still standing in Thailand.
One of the more pleasurable sights in Lampang are its horse-drawn carts. Although the more modern modes of transport have overwhelmed the streets of most cities, these equine-driven carts are still a form of public transport around town.

Mae Hong Sorn is set in the north-western corner of Thailand. The province is bordered with Myanmar to the north and west, which explains the strong Burmese influence that can be noted in the capital's temples and buildings. Its positioning also lead to frequent power struggles between various Tai and Burmese kingdoms over the years.
The early 19th century saw a great influx of the Shan people into the region, from north Burma where they had formed the Shan states. Originally from the Nanzhao Kingdom in southern China, a culmination of war and oppression had finally led them over the Loi Lar mountain range, where they first settled at Ban Pong Mu in 1831. Having settled in the area, the increasing numbers then founded what was to become Mae Hong Sorn. Deeply involved in the principles of Theravada Buddhism, they also had their own monarchy: the famous Wat Phra Norn was built by the first king of Mae Hong Sorn, Phaka Toekshan. The Shan are known locally as Thai Yai (Big Thai) and make up almost half of the local population.

The capital is sheltered by several mountains, keeping it cooler during the summer months and allowing the temperature to drop to only 2ºC during January. The mountains have long been home to various migrant hilltribes; Hmong, Lisu, Lahu and the predominant Karen. The area is also home to opium smugglers and illegal loggers, which have sadly brought the hilltribes into their illicit activities.
The region's many natural attractions have brought increasing numbers of visitors over the recent years. All coming to a region which provides great opportunities for adventures; on its twisting roads, sweeping rivers and in the mountainous forested region, passing through villages with Burmese/Shan style temples. Waterfalls, not only pleasing to the eye, but also fill small pools which are a perfect treat at the end of long treks through the forests. The region is also well known for its multitude of caves: archaeologists have discovered some 67 in the province. The 400m long cave at Tham Lod, about 80km to the northwest of Mae Hong Sorn is just one of these fine caves.

The province of Narathiwat is set in the deep south of Thailand. It borders with the northeastern state of Kalantan in Malaysia and faces the Gulf of Thailand. The province covers an area of nearly 4500 sq km, which consists of mainly forested mountains. Within the province are many areas of scenic beauty, including the forests and beach resorts. The inhabitants, which are mainly Muslims, are mainly agricultural workers or fishermen.

Pattaya is 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, and
faces the Gulf of Thailand. Pattaya is Asia's premier beach resort, and caters with equal appeal to Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is synonymous with every ingredient for memorable holidays.

Theme and amusement parks, offbeat museums and lush botanical gardens offer numerous forms of leisure activities and cultural entertainment for all family members. And after dark, Pattaya offers all the allure and magic of a truly vibrant nightlife with a spectacular variety of restaurants, night clubs, bars, discotheques, cocktail lounges and carbarets.
Pattaya can be brash, bold, beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything an authentic international beach resort can.

The province of Phang Nga is a land rich with idyllic islands and a hinterland comprising beautiful scenery. The majority of the area is mountainous with very little basin area. Phang Nga covers an area of over 4,000 square kilometers, over half of which is made up of mangrove and evergreen forest. Phang Nga is roughly 800 km from Bangkok, bordering on Ranong to the north, Phuket to the south, Krabi and Surat Thani to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the west. The province is administratively divided into eight Amphoes: Muang, Kapong, Khura Buri, Takua Pa, Takua Thung, Thai Muang, Thap Put and Ko Yao.

The provincial capital of Phang Nga is a small town, set amidst spectacular limestone crags. The limestone geology of the area has forged many natural attractions; sheer cliffs, fascinating rock formations and plenty of caves for the visitor to explore. Around the mangrove-fringed bay is a scattering of striking limestone karsts protruding from the sea, surrounded with an abundance of coral reefs below the clear waters. A classic example of the limestone karsts can be found at the famous Koh Phing Kan or 'James Bond Island', with its famous over-hanging rock, from the movie "The Man With the Golden Gun".

Phi Phi Island, located just 45 minutes by boat from Phuket, offers a great laid back tropical lifestyle. Soak up the sun, go beach hopping, or simply enjoy the great outdoors in some of the most beautiful scenery in Asia!

Picture postcard perfect, with classic white sandy beaches, surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs and sunlit crystal water, Phi Phi actually consists of two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley, so gorgeous it was used as a location for the Hollywood film, "The Beach."

As well as perfect beaches, the islands also offer excellent snorkelling, great diving, challenging game fishing and lots of activities like rock climbing, kayaking and local boat trips.

There's no shortage of restaurants either. Sample some local Thai food on the beach with the sand between your toes, or enjoy a steak under a starry sky. Nightlife is fairly simple, but for the size of Phi Phi Don, is considerable with music bars and local hotspots.

Largest Island Phuket is Thailand's largest island. Approximately the size of Singapore, it is nestled against the Indian Ocean coast about 87 kilometers south of Bangkok. The island, a thriving major international resort, has a rich and colorful history. It derives its wealth from tin and rubber, and is blessed with teeming marine life.

Phuket island has been well known for a long time, first by miners and later by travelers. The beauty of the beaches, the fascinating landscape and the elegance of the coral reefs under the sea, resulted in it being dubbed the Pearl of the South.

Phuket's glory is its majestic coastline. Thailand's southern isle of paradise, Phuket Island is bounteously provided with a wide array of attractive beaches and idyllic islands surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Beaches range from gentle crescents of sand with calm waters to rocky headlands pounded by raging surf. The island's western shore is dotted with dozens of spectacular beaches, bays, capes, cliffs and coral reefs.

Rayong province is situated in the east of Thailand, along the Gulf of Thailand. The province is bordered with the province of Chonburi, Chachoengsao and Chantaburi.
Rayong is known for its quality beaches and fine islands, but is probably famous for its nam plaa (fish sauce). The province also produces fine fruits such as durians and pineapple.

Koh Samui is an island of natural beauty and charm, a place where you can have a wonderful holiday. Blue-sky days and a nice ocean breeze are the norm. Today tourist from the whole world go to this paradise. It´s located in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by over sixty other Islands.

The koh (Thai for island) has retained its tropical dream island charm even as the growing numbers of visitors arrive because amazingly, this very phenomenon has ensured the protection of the natural beauty. The tourist come precisely because of them and thus local people have become more aware in preserving their island's pristine environment while at the same time increasing its ability to satisfy those with a taste for luxury.

Sunbath or swim all day is great; however, when you get bored there is hundreds of great to do and good places to go around. There are several restaurants and bars or choose to spend your time in couple of gyms. You´ll find a great Thaiboxing camp also. The nearby islands Koh Phangan (Fullmoon Party), Koh Tao Koh Nangyuan, Koh Tan (Diving) and Koh Matsum (Pearl Farm) offer more local attractions worthwhile investigating if you feel a little adventurous.

Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Chaweng and Lamai where, generally, the most attractive accommodation is found.
Besides beaches, other island attractions include the Hin Lat and Na Muang waterfalls the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; a massive seated Buddha inage of Fan isle and Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants, tour agencies and hotels are located.

The province of Ubon Ratchathani is tucked in the southeast corner of the northeast region, bordering with Laos and Cambodia. It is more prosperous than most provinces in the northeast and is surrounded by a more verdant landscape.
The provincial capital, known simply as Ubon, is located on the banks of the Mun River - Thailand's second longest river. The city was once dominated by Dvaravati and Khmer kingdoms, before being settled by Lao people in the late 18th century.
Along with Udon Thani and Korat, it became a US air base during the Vietnam war. The province benefited from the arrival of the US forces, who set up the infrastructure for the present day city.
Up until recently the border region with Cambodia was not considered a safe place to travel; due to the activities of the Khmer Rouge along the border.