Thailand.org

Thailand is full of bustling cities with modern airports. The capital, Bangkok, is among the world’s busiest airport hubs, featuring flights from nearly every major international airline. Airports in the cities of Phuket, Pattaya, Hat Yai and Chiang Mai also serve as global hubs for a large number of global carriers. Most major international airlines such as Air China, Air India, Alitalian, British Airways, Continent, Delta, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Northwest, Qantas and United feature flights to Thailand. With a wide range of competing flights, make sure to check for the most reasonable rates for your trip, as you’re likely to find multiple options among the carriers.

Thai Airways is the national carrier of Thailand, featuring flights from most major cities directly into the country. Thailand also features a wide range of regional and national carriers such as Bangkok Airways which primary offer flights within the country and to major surrounding cities. If you are flying to Ko Samui, Sukhothai or Trat, Bangkok Air has is the exclusive provider of these routes. Travelers can also purchase a Discovery Airpass in their home country which can be used for discounted fares both within Thailand and to neighboring Cambodia and Laos. Other national-regional airlines include SGA, which flies to Hua Hin, PB Air which flies into a number of mid-sized cities as well as Vietnam and Thai Air Asia which is a discounted regional airline flying to China, Singapore, Macau and several other neighboring countries.

Passport holders visiting for tourism from the US, EU, Russia, Australia and Japan are required to carry their passports but need not apply for a visitor’s visa unless their stay exceeds 30 days. If you plan to stay beyond the time period, it is recommended that you apply for a visitor’s visa, lest you have to pay a 500 baht per day fine upon departure from the country. It is recommended that you renew your passport before visiting if it expires within 180 days, and that you pre-arrange for ground transportation to satisfy onward transit restrictions of immigration officials. Make sure to research you flights well in advance of your departure to satisfy all travel restrictions, and to find the best rate for both your international and regional flights.

Situated in the scenic North of Thailand, Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่  or Kham Muang Jiang Mai) is a mixture of natural Himalayan settings and an emerging international culture. The city has a rich history dating back to the 13th century, including dozens of historical temples reflecting the country’s religious roots. Today, the city is expanding and represents a fusion of modern and ancient cultures that makes it an ideal destination for travelers.

Chiang Mai Temples

Travel to Chiang Mai

The city’s Chiang Mai International Airport has multiple daily flights on Thai Airways as well as Air Asia, Nok Air and Thai Airways, along with several regional airlines. As a major hub, you can also take a bus from Moh Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, which takes roughly 9 hours. Additionally, there are trains from Hualamphong Train Station in Bangkok, which take roughly 12 hours and you can also book overnight or first class trains.

Once you arrive at the walled city, taxis, known as tuktuks or samlors, can take you to your destination - some are metered while others require you to negotiate rates with the drivers. There are also several buses and covered trucks that offer transportation, known as seelors or songthaews. Additional transportation options include rental motorcycles and bicycles for shorter distances.

Cultural Activities

As a historic city, Chiang Mai has a number of cultural activities reflecting its rich heritage.

The City Arts and Culture Center features the Saam Kasat Three Kings Monument, as well as a museum that traces the city’s history back thousands of years including its Buddhist and agricultural heritage. Featuring multi-media displays, the Center is open Tuesday through Saturday during the day. Those seeking more in depth information about local tribes should visit the Hilltribe Research Institute Museum which provides anthropological research into the local people. Additional museums include the Numismatic Museum, the University Arts Center, the World Insect and Natural Wonders Museum, as well as the CMU Art Museum

Chaing Mai Walls

With hundreds of local temples, local Buddhist architecture provides a visual representation for religious culture in the area. Make sure to wear modest, traditional attire and be respectful of the local monks. Among the most well known temples are Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which traces back to the Lanna Thai era in the 14th century, overlooking the city with its rich architecture. The center of religious culture is defined by the Wat Phra Singh temple, including the Wihaan Lai Kahn altar commemorating King Kam Fu from the 14th century. The city’s oldest temple, Wat Chiang Mun, dates back to the 13th century and features a number of ancient Buddha representations. One of the most impressive temples is Wat Chedi Luang, which has been reconstructed several times after earthquakes and houses the Pillar of the City totem pole.

Additional destinations include the Elephant Nature Park, the Chiangmai Zoo, the Maesa Elephant Camp and the Bhuping Palace gardens.

As an education hub, the Chiang Mai University is one of the best Thai Colleges, and the city also is home to several Buddhist educational centers such as Wat Ram Poeng, as well as several Thai culinary schools such as the Smile Thai Cookery School.

Outdoor activities

As a natural setting, the city hosts activities ranging from the Kawila Muay Thai Boxing Stadium to several classes where visitors can experience the city through cycle tours, participate in local fishing and rafting on the Ping or Maetang River, rock climb on the Crazy Horse Buttress, play cricket at the Gymkhana Club or take elephant rides through the Nature Park. The unique forests allow for Canopy Tours through the rainforest, where you can see the Mae Kompong water fall.

Loi Kratong Festival

The city also hosts several local festivals include the Flower Festival in early February, which features vibrant parades and a celebration carnival over three days. The Loi Kratong Candle Festival features the Khom Loy launching of hot air balloons in the evening. A Ban Bo Sang Handicrafts Festival celebrates local artist and craftsmen, as well as hosting a beauty pageant. You can experience the rich floral scenery during the Orchid Fair and the Royal Flora Expositions.

Chiang Mai Restaurants

As the home of Northern Thai food, the region is known for traditional dishes such as khao soi curry noddles and hang ley pork curry.

There are cuisine options at all price levels, including some inexpensive traditional, local cuisine at places such as the Refeel Cafe, Huen Phen (which specializes in som tum papaya salad), Sila Aat (which serves fresh seafood) and Salimojoy Restaurant.

Upscale options include Khantoke restaurants which provide meals and traditional performances at restaurants such as the Old Culture Center on Walai Road, Kum Kahntoke in the Business Park and the Galae Garden at Suthep Road.

The bar and club scene is most prominent along Moon Muang and Loi Kroh, including the Half Moon pub and Tuskers. An emerging area around Nimmanhaeimin Road is close to the university and draws younger crowds at clubs such as the Monkey Club and Bang Rak. If you’re interested in local music, check out Charoenat Road along the Ping River, including La Barsserie for ethnic rock, the Jazz club, Riverside Restaurant for classic rock and the North Gate for modern jazz.

Chiang Mai Hotels

There are a wide selection of hotels which are generally more affordable than those in the rest of the country. Recently, an expanding number of resorts has increased the options for travelers.

Those seeking a low cost option can find guest rooms at lodging such as Baan Kwanta, Green Tulip, Pachkit House as well as several local guest houses such as Wild Orchid and Wanasit. Basic hotel options include the Raming Lodge and the Riverview Lodge, which offer nice accommodations at affordable rates.

Chedi Resort Hotel

Higher tier local hotels include the Chedi Resort, the Four Seasons, the five star Mandarian Oriental Dhara Devi, the exclusive Punipunn Baby Grand Hotel and long-term options such as Pacific and Viangbua Mansions.

Whether are you on a budget or seeking the finest luxury experience, Chiang Mai has the perfect hotel to meet your needs.

Located about an hour from Bangkok, Koh Samet island (or, Ko Samet) is the nearest major beach destination to the city. Known for its calm, relaxing beaches and breath taking ocean front cliffs, Ko Samet is a favorite relaxation spot for both tourists and locals alike. The island has a unique place in Thailand’s history and is the setting for much classic Thai literature including poet Sunthorn Phu’s Phra Aphai Manee. A peaceful island in the Gulf of Thailand, Samet is defined by its exotic beaches and dense forests.

Travel to Koh Samet

Ko Samet Beach

As a protected area, the majority of the island belongs to Mu Ko Samet National Park. The Thai National Park Service charges an entry fee as ferries approach the Island, which is utilized to help ensure the beaches remain in pristine condition.

If you’re traveling from Bangkok you can also take a bus or take a Rayong province by way of Sukhumvit Highway Number 3, which is roughly 125 miles and takes just over 3 hours. For travelers coming from distant cities, Bangkok Air flies into the nearby U Taphao Airport. Most transportation methods will take you to Phe Pier where you can either take a ferry or speed boat to Samet Island.

Once you’re on the island, it’s probably best to take a bus to your destination and then go by foot. You can also rent cars, motor bikes, ATV 4×4s and pickup trucks, although the Island only has a single paved road and not suitable to easy automotive exploration.

Local Festivals

The island has a number of well known local festivals each year where residents and tourists alike celebrate the seasons. In May, the Rayond Fruit Festivals celebrates the harvest with a celebration filled with local produce and contests. During the summer, Sunthon Phu Day is held on June 26 to honor the national poet. Later in the winter, visitors can join in celebrating the Phra Chedi Klang Nam and Loi Krathong Festivals with a variety of location celebrations, including a number of traditional Buddhist ceremonies.

Ko Samet Beaches

Towards the east of the island there are countless beaches, each with its own unique character and culture. While we cannot cover every single beach, some of the most popular destinations include:

Ao Wong Deuan beach is one of the larger beaches, featuring a pristine beach setting as well as high quality seafood and traditional Thai cuisine along with well-kept hotels and villas for overnight stays.

If you want to experience traditional local culture Ao Karang Beach is a favorite of residents and features some of the most authentic Thai seafood cuisine on the Island.

Crystal Sand Beach, also known as Hat Sai Kaew or Diamond Beach, is a bustling, long beach complete with a number of water activities ranging from jet skis to windsurfing, banana boats and an active night life scene.

There are also several smaller islands off the Samet coast, such as Ko Kudi and Ko Thalu which are accessible by boat from the island for those seeking a peaceful getaway.

Local Activities

Ko Samet Fire Spinning

The island offers a variety of natural activities ranging from hiking to water activities to yoga for the active traveler. Popular options include boat trips to nearby coves and small sub islands, which feature snorkeling, cookouts and fishing (especially for squid), in addition to swimming. You can also find windsurfing options, especially at Hat Sai Kaew beach which has a strong, gentle wind coming from the coast. Off shore diving options are availiable at the Ao Prao Beach Resort, which offers local trips to Ko Thalu and Ko Kud. More adventurous travelers can take classes in Muay Thai boxing, as well as watching matches at Naga Muay Thai. Another local specialty is fire spinning, which you can both witness and learn at Ladan Village. For those looking for relaxation, the island offers several massage centers, as well as spas within the local resorts, including the Dhivarin Spa at Paradee and the Le Vimarn Spa.

Island Restaurants

The local island cuisine features authentic Thai seafood as well as several beach barbecue restaurants. Some of the best casual barbecues can be found at Joe’s at Saikaew Beach, as well as Gecko Bar on Ao Phai Beach. Finer local cuisine includes upscale eats at Ao Prao Resort, which offers a world class dining environment. For those seeking top notch grilling, Samed Villa at Ao Phai comes highly recommended.

In addition to cuisine, the island features a number of casual bars and night spots that are excellent for kicking back. The Ploy Bar at Haat Sai Kaew features live music, games and a vibrant night scene. At Ao Phai the Silversand Bar offers dancing and spectacular fire spinning demonstrations, which keep the bar packed through the night.

Koh Samet Resorts

Accommodations range from simple bungalows to upscale tourist hotels; during peak summer months, it’s best to book your hotel in advance. While local villas can be a good choice for budget travelers, make sure to review the settings before you book and make sure that mosquito nets are provided.

Top local budget rooms include Jep’s air conditioned bungalows and the Tub Tim Bungalow. For a bit nicer choices, Sai Kaew offers a range of bunker rooms in a nicely, gardened setting, while Tarn Tawan at Ao Cho offers clean, hospitable bungalow options.

Travelers seeking a resort experience can find a number of resorts at nearly every beach; while you’ll pay more, it can make for a more comfortable stay. Some of the nicest resorts include Ao Prao, Samed Villa and Lima Bella. Additional recommended options include Mu Ban Thalay at Ao Noinar, Sai Kaew at Hat Saikaew, the Ao Cho Hideaway, Nimmanoradee at Ao Parakrung, Le Vimarn Cottages and Lima Coco at Ao Prao and the Paradee Resort at Ao Kiew.

Make sure to plan out your trip in advance, making reservations where possible so you can get the most out of your Koh Samet vacation.

Koh Tao island (Ko Tao), or Turtle Island, is a relaxing getaway located in the southern Province of Surat Thani. Known for its beautiful beaches and wide-variety of diving opportunities, the island has recently undergone development that has produced world-class Thai cuisine and cultural choices. To maintain its pristine environment, the Island works hard to conserve and follow best environmental practices.

Travel to Koh Tao

Koh Tao Beach

Direct travel to Ko Tao is possible only by boat or ferry, which you can reach from nearby airports at Surai Thani and Ko Samui; both airports offer major connections from Penang and Bangkok. A ferry from Surat Thani takes three hours to reach the Island, while Ko Samui is just under two hours away by boat. Ferries can vary widely in quality and amenities, so make sure to get details before buying a ticket - to make sure you get there quickly, we recommend a Seatran boat or a high speed catamaran. If you’re coming from Bangkok and don’t plan to fly, you can buy a combined bus and boat ticket to save money.

Once you arrive at the island, you can catch a taxi or longtail boat to your destination. Some of the roads are unpaved, so be cautious about renting motorcycles or ATVs, unless you are traveling only a short distance. Once you arrive at your destination, there are a number of bicycle rentals available to get around, and many of the areas are within walking distance if you stay at a centralized hotel.

Koh Tao Diving

Koh Tao Diving

Scuba is the top attraction on the island with its pristine beaches and wide array of ocean life from turtles to tropical fish. The popular Chumphon Pinnacle features harmless bull sharks as well a beautiful coral reefs. During most months you can see over twenty meters in the water with a forty foot view under the best dive conditions, and a wet suit is needed only for deep sea diving.

Make sure that the dive shop (or diving school) you choose will allow you to get PADI open water scuba certification. Some shops will help you to train in a pool before entering open water, so ask in advance about their training policy. Top diving coaches will have a private diving pier, while others use beach locations or public docks. Ideally, find an experienced teacher who is well versed in English, has PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructions) certification and keeps classes limited to a small number of students.

There are dozens of choices for diving instruction, and we present a few of the schools we recommend. Ban’s Diving Resort is a large, PADI-CAC-IDC accredited diving school on the island with highly experienced teachers located at Sairee Beach. Another 5-star PADI-IDC school is Behhva View Dive Resort at Chalok Ban Kao Beach. Easy Divers and Planet Scuba are also PADI five-star dive shops with multiple locations throughout the island. Sunshine Diver’s Resort at Chalok Bann Kao Beach is Gold Palm certified as well.

Depending on your interests, there is a great selection of dive sites on the island. The most well known site is Sail Rock, which is a public site with options for all levels of divers and features a diversity of aquatic life from batfish to jack fish. The Chumphon Pinnacles are top sites offering giant gropers, lionfish as well as harmless grey reef sharks. We also recommend the Southwest Pinnacles off the southwest coast, which feature sea fans, whip corals and anemones. For a change of pace, two wrecked ships, the Unicorn Wreck and Torpedo Wreck, offer a variable of fish in an interesting environment.

There are also a large number of other sports available, including rock climbing and rappelling, mountain biking, water skiing and wake boarding, Muy Thai kick boxing and short cruises at Good Time Adventures.

Koh Tao Restaurants

There are some great restaurants in Koh Tao, serving fresh seafood including local barbecue specialties.  You can also find fresh juice, banana pancakes, pizza and pasta at most beaches. We recommend Thipwiwarn Restaurant in the north, which has a great view and reasonable prices. Those seeking a relaxed pub environment should check out British pubs Safety Stop and Choppers. If you’re in the mood for Indian, Noori India serves authentic cuisine and is known for its Tandoori. Zanzibar is a top local cafe serving breakfast, lunch and coffee all day.

Koh Tao Resorts

Koh Tao Resort

While you can book a hotel upon arrival, it is often best to have reservations, especially at the more upscale resorts. Sairee Beach resorts offer the most access to the Island, although Chalok Bay hotels are recommended for those seeking relaxation. Recommended  Sairee accommodations include Sivler Sands Beach Resort, Narakaan Hotel and Blue Wind resort.

Ko Chang

Ko Chang is Thailand’s second largest island, located within Trat Province. Once considered a relatively calm island frequented by hikers, a wide range of development has increased the profile of the island with a number of new resorts.

Located in the Trat province, travelers has a number of options for arriving at the island. Direct flights are available from Bangkok to Trat (1 hour flight time), and there are bus and ferry options to get to the island from there. It is also possible to take a bus directly from Bangkok to Trat (just a 5 hour drive). To get to the ferry crossing at Laem Ngop from Trat there are a number of buses which travel from surrounding areas. Ferry crossings take roughly 45 minutes and offer many daily crossings, as well as amenities on car ferries.

A number of small, local villages on the island celebrate traditional Buddhist culture, as well as providing a number of industries. Baan Khlong Son is a fishing village offering visitors tours, as well as squid Ban Salak Phet is another fishing village located on the Ao Salak Phet bay, and its ancient culture has largely been left intact, including a temple commemorating King Rama V. Locals also celebrate Ko Chang Yutthanavani which honors the Royal Thai Navy and their liberation of the island.

The island is just over 400 square kilometers with a wide range of cliffs, evergreen forests, waterfalls, reefs and beaches. Namtok Khlong Phlu is a 3-tiered waterfall near Long Beach and Klong Plu, Klong Nueng and Kongoi are among the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. There are also several coral reefs, including those at Ao Khlong Son at Klongson Beach. A number of beaches, including White Sand Beach, Lonely Beach, Ao Bai Lan and several others offer waterfront relaxation, as well as a variety of activities.

In additional to natural sight seeing, Ko Chang offers a variety of fun options for travelers. With its pristine beaches, snorkeling, canoes and diving offer an opportunity to experience the water. For those seeking to see more of the island, there are firefly boat trips, aircraft flyovers, ATV rentals and elephant treks available (Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp). Those seeking a bit more leisure can enjoy the island’s many resort spas, and shop with the local vendors at White Sands Beach. Most of the restaurants in the area serve traditional Thai cuisine, especially in the White Sands area. Local specialties include fresh fish and local fruit wine.

Ko Chang Resorts

The island offers a number of hotel options, ranging from guest rooms to resort hotels. Near the White Sands area, you can find basic rooms as well as the Koh Chang Kacha Resort, which features several rooms as well as villas, a pool and a tropical garden.

At Klong Prao Beach, the Amari Emerald Cove Resort is the island’s only 5-star resort and offers the finest luxury accommodations. Kai Bae Beach features a number of quality resorts including the bungalows at Gajapuri Resort and Spa.

Lonely Beach offers the widest array of Resorts on the island. Bhumiyama offers the best quality accommodations, and is within walking distance of the Nature Resort. The recently renovated Siam Beach Resort also offers bay views with pool villas also available for those seeking a getaway.

Patong Beach

Patong Beach is a center of beach, shopping and night life in Phuket. The beach runs over a mile long, and is the most extensive resort on the island. Life along Patong is defined by the shops, restaurants and clubs that run along it. The area serves as a cultural melting pot, with a wide variety of both traditional and alternative sub-cultures co-existing in the area.

Cultural stops along Bangla Road provide a wide array of choices for visitors, including upscale shopping and traditional Thai food, while Paradise Complex caters more to alternate lifestyles. while the area suffered damage in the 2004 tsunami, it has been rebuilt with hard work from locals to restore the resort town. Today, Patong is among the most bustling, fully developed beaches in the country, with an active local music scene and vibrant clubs for visitors of all walks of life. Transportation to the beach is available locally via bus or taxi, although you will likely find that most of the prime areas are within walking distance. For those traveling from outside the area, Phuket International Airport is within a 45 minute drive.

Patong Activities

Patong Club

In addition the life along the beach, there are a number of water-based activities including Scuba, snorkeling, jet-skis and para sailing. You can also take a river boat cruise, or try you hand at surfing or motor boating.

There is also an active Thai boxing and martial arts (Muay Thai) scene at Bangla Stadium with nightly competitions. Muay is a fierce, competitive sport that combines a number of martial arts elements. Additionally, you can take kick boxing lessons from some of the participants.

For those looking to relax, the dancing is lively at the wide selection of disco clubs including Baya Beach, Banana Disco, Tai Pan and the D-Club. There are also cabaret shows on display at a number of clubs at night. The most lively bar scene in the area is Thanon Bang La which features a number of energetic pubs. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the traditional Irish bar Molly Malone’s provides a good pub atmosphere.

Patong Shopping

Shops in Patong range from small, local merchants selling hand-made clothing, scarves and souvenirs to luxury shops selling fine international goods. Most local shops will negotiate prices, and bargains are available to those who seek them out. The area also has a large Jungceylon shopping mall, as well as the OTOP Shopping Paradise market.

Patong Restaurants

The area has among the most diverse choices of cuisine, ranging from traditional Thai food to a full selection of global cuisine. Among the finest restaurants near the beach is Ali Baba, which serves both Indian and Arab cuisine, as well as having a hookah bar at night. For those seeking traditional Thai food, the Baan Yin Dee restaurant provides traditional hospitality and menu choices, along with La Diva which has a Latin American theme to spice up the delicious traditional Thai menu, Oceanview Restaurant which offers Thai at a great value and the Green House and Balcony which serves upscale Thai in a relaxed environment.

Patong Hotels

For travelers on a budget, consider staying at the Kaya Guest House which provides a good value with clean, air conditioned rooms with amenities for much less than traditional hotels.

Traditional hotels near the beach include the Patong Inn, which has an ideal location near Bangla Road and the Quality Resort Patong Beach, a high-quality value resort within walking distance of the beach.
Travelers seeking a luxury resort will find a wide range of choices in Patong. Those seeking a romantic setting off the beaten path will find the Amari Coral Beach Resort to be an ideal choice with views of the private beach and professional staff. Another ideal option is the Diamond Cliff Resort, which has a startling view of the Andaman Sea as well as a complete resort garden. The Impiana Phuket Cabana is a resort with luxury rooms and service, and is highly recommended. The Thavorn Beach Village and Spa offers a non-traditional setting with private villas and bungalows across from Nakalay Bay. Within walking distance of the beach, the Deevana Patong Resort and Spa offers a private tropical garden and a relaxing atmosphere.

The area offers a full selection of options for every traveler, so make sure to chose carefully to get the most from your beach experience.

Bangkok is home to some of the world’s finest luxury hotels and resorts featuring the finest amenities and service:

Banyan Tree Resort

Banyan Tree Bangkok

Located on South Sathorn Road, this 5-star resort is located in the heart of Bangkok featuring world-class service. With a full-service spa and professional hospitality, Banyan Tree was voted a top business hotel by Business Traveler. Rooms range from Spa Suites with full access to spa treatment including 24-hour service, Club Suites for executives, Premier rooms and Deluxe View suites which offer a view of the city and a full living room.

The roof-top Vertigo Grill stands atop 60 floors with a sweeping view of the city and an exquisite seafood menu featuring items such as grilled scallops in toasted hazelnut and coriander butter in addition to a full-service Moon Bar. Visitors can also dine on genuine Thai cuisine at Saffron, the hotel’s signature restaurant.

Services include a fitness center, swimming pool, gallery, shopping companion, 24/7 IT support, business center and meeting rooms.

Grand Hyatt Bangkok

Grand Hyatt Bangkok

Located in the heart of Bangkok’s commercial district near the Erawan Shrine, this 5-star business hotel offers scenic views of the city, spacious rooms and plus features for the upscale traveler.

Grand rooms feature walk-in closets, marble baths, high-speed internet and satellite TV and daily fresh fruit and flowers. The hotel provides a full fitness center, 24-hour guest services, a full meeting and conference center, as well as a full selection of quality restaurants ranging from authentic Italian cuisine at Spasso to a hotel bakery and tea room to traditional Thai at The Dining Room.

Inter-Continental Bangkok

Intercontinental Bangkok

Centrally located in the city, you will be immediately notice the impressive Intercontinental lobby and the friendly, traditional Thai hospitality.

Featuring over 300 deluxe rooms and 39 suites, each room features a well-appointed interior with marble bathrooms, high-speed internet and round-the-clock service. Home to one of Bangkok’s best steakhouses, the Fireplace Grill serves dinner daily while an espresso bar is open for casual dining. The Royal Health Spa provides Thai massage treatments, along with a rooftop swimming pool and updated fitness center will help you relax on your trip.

With over 20 large meeting rooms and a ballroom with a capacity of over 1,000 guests with the latest LCD projection technology, the Intercontinental is an ideal location for international business gatherings. Executive support services provide on-demand secretaries and technology solutions for your business needs.