Thailand Attractions

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has a striking mountain backdrop, over 300 temples and a quaint historical aura. It's also a modern, friendly, internationally-flavoured city with much to offer the visitor - food, accommodation and shopping are all top quality and cheap, and the nights are relatively cool.

Thailand's second-largest city and the gateway to the country's north was founded in 1296. You can still see the moat that encircled the original city. Doi Suthep, topped by one of Thailand's holiest wats, rises behind the city, providing a dramatic backdrop and fine views of the city.

Phuket Province

Dubbed 'Pearl of the South' by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand's largest, most populous and most visited island. A whirl of colour and cosmopolitanism, Thailand's only island province revolves around and thrives on tourism, but still retains a spark of the real Thailand.

There are a hundred and one ways to pass the day in Phuket. There are also more tourists here than on any other Thai island - it certainly knows how to cater to tourists' every whim. Most flock to the beaches on the southwestern side, which are loaded with amenities and entertainment options.

Thaleh Ban National Park

This 196-sq-km park on the Thai-Malaysian border in southern Satun Province is home to one of Southeast Asia's best preserved sections of white meranti rainforest. Its hilly terrain includes caves, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and lake views, and is home to some rare and varied wildlife.

The largest nearby town is Satun, a 15-hour bus trip from Bangkok. You can get a taxi to the park entrance where you can then hitch or hop on one of the infrequent songthaews into the park. Once inside the park, you can camp or bunk at one of the longhouses situated on the shores of a large lake.