The cauldron of cultures
Bangkok sure is an interesting city, full of contradictions and ongoing changes. The city is a colorful and exciting mix between yesterday and tomorrow, between tradition and modernization. Colorful Temples next to the notorious Red Light districts, neon- adverts, lively night-markets, giant shopping- centers, chaotic traffic, culinary delights of all kinds and prices- this metropolis really has almost too much to offer for just “one night in Bangkok”!
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A truly royal destination
The quaint seaside retreat of Hua Hin and the quiet “sister” Cha Am are known for 2 things: hi-end and very luxurious resorts as well as very family- friendly beaches. You will find holiday -spots for the demanding, the families...and the demanding families! The nice summer climate also brought the Royal Family to have their summer retreat near Hua Hin- all is set for your own “royal” holiday!
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The beautiful North
The sister- cities Chiang mai and Chiang Rai really have a lot to offer, both in terms of nature and culture. Some of the most significant temples in Thailand are to be found here, the rich mountain- forests are habitat for many different species of animals and the hill- tribes represent ethnics cultures. Everybody who would like to experience a Thailand aside the famed beaches, should definitely plan for a few days “up north” and experience the “other Thailand”, a Thailand with evergreen hills and mountains and a slightly different appeal.
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A step back in time
The small town to the northwest of Bangkok is famous for their sights from the younger history of the country. It is the place where you can visit the famous “Bridge over the River Kwai” and learn about Thailand's role in WW2. But it is also a place of natural grace and beauty. You may spend a night on one of the accommodations, floating on the River Kwai or take a ride on an elephant's back, through rich, green rain forest. Kanchanaburi has a lot to offer.
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Of course you should take the opportunity to visit all things, connected to the River Kwai Bridge: the WW2- cemetery, the war museum or take a ride on the “Death Railway” through a scenic landscape with jungle and picturesque valleys.
A sunset paradise
Some of the nicest beaches in Thailand, magnificent sunsets and -although the touristic- infrastructure is fully developed- a calm and quiet place; all that is Khao Lak. As part of a national park, the region has kept it's natural charm, far from GoGo Bars and Jet Skies. If you are looking for good food, excellent music, breathtaking nature, first- class dive spots and a nice kind of evening entertainment, you will find your Eldorado in Khao Lak.
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The sleeping beauty
Of course, infrastructure on Koh Chang is by now fully developed; places like White Sand Beach or Klong Phrao offer a variety of shops, restaurants and bars to choose from. But even in high- season one can not fight the impression, that Thailands second largest island is still in a state of sweet slumber. Koh Chang is still some kind of secret for lovers of nature, people who need it calm and quiet and no “mass- destination”.
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Southern comfort
You are looking for the perfect destination, that offers relative calm and quiet , a decent choice of restaurants and shops, nature and good, family- friendly beaches? Look no further, because you will find it all on Lanta Island. The main beaches are flat with mostly shallow waters and ideal for kids and you will find many places off the beaten tracks to discover Thailand's southern island world.
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Much more than just “Full Moon Party”
Samui's little sister was mostly known for the monthly “Full Moon”- parties. Things have changed! There are now also “Half Moon”-, “New Moon”- and all kinds of other parties. But to reduce Phangan to a party- island, would be unfair. The vast stretches of unspoiled jungle- terrain, make it an Eldorado for hikers and nature- lovers. The nearby coral reefs attract divers and the relative safety of the beaches, make the island a good alternative for families with smaller children.
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From a hippies- dreamland to a destination for everyone
When the first backpackers came to Samui they had two things with them: and adventurous, exploring spirit and a lot of drugs. The hippies of the early days have long gone, the bamboo- huts and hammocks have been replaced by some luxurious hotels. What remained, was the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The island is nowadays a top- destination for divers, families and party- people.
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The unspoiled Thailand- island- feeling
People mostly come to Koh Tao for 2 reasons. They are either divers, because the island offers some of the best dive- sites in the Gulf of Thailand. Or they are people, looking for the calm and the quiet and an unspoiled island- retreat. Koh Tao still is far from being a “mass- destination”. You will find some shops and a good choice of restaurants in Mae hat, the islands main village- but you will mostly experience beautiful beaches, endless forests of palm- trees and may get that “Robinson Crusoe”- feeling in a small bungalow- resort.
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Beautifully bizarre
Krabi is one of those rare places on earth, where Mother Nature seemed to be going a little wilder than elsewhere. If Krabi is nothing else, it is an ideal place for nature photographers. The huge limestone rocks and islands, give you that kind of “Jurassic Park” feeling and the beaches of the smaller islands are snow white and surrounded by crystal clear waters full of colorful fish! Krabi is a feast for the eyes and an asylum for the soul.
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A hidden mountain treasure
Northwest of Chiang Mai, close to the border of Myanmar, hides the mountain – treasure by the name of Mae Hong Son. The influence of the Burmese is clear to see in the temples and buildings of the area, some are built in the traditions of the Lana kingdom. Rich jungle and ethnic minorities ad to the picture of a “lost world” in the rainforest of northern Thailand, that waits to be discovered.
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Green Valleys and Rice Fields
Pai is a paradise for nature- lovers. If you are a passionate photographer: this is the place to go. Endless rice- paddies, green hills and valleys, jungle, waterfalls and last but not least a variety of ethnic hill- tribes. Since Pai has opened up to tourism, you will find good accommodation from cheap rooms to hi- end spa- retreats in the area, that has an especially nice climate in the winter months, when you may feel like taking a break from the beach- life.
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A destination for everybody
The eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand offers a hand full of destinations, that couldn't be more different: the notorious Pattaya, where live happens mostly at nighttime. The more family- friendly neighbor Jomtien or the charming island of Koh Samed, that changed from a daytrip- destination to a fully grown holiday alternative. Just choose your ideal destination.
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One island- endless possibilities
Phuket, for many, is still the embodiment of a Thai- holiday island. From the lively streets of Patong to the scenic beaches on the east coast with their postcard- panorama, there is a lot to see and do on Thailands largest island. Party animals go to Patong, families find excellent conditions at Kamala or Rawai, Nai Yang, Mai Khao or nai Harn are still quiet and idyllic and all who can just not decide, go to Karon or Kata, where they can find a bit of everything.
Things to see and do