Regions - Thailand
Thailand is arguably the most accessible and beautiful destination in the striking region of Southeast Asia. Thailand is developed enough to be comfortable and safe for tourists, with a wide array of hotel options and many reliable methods of transportation. Perhaps most importantly, however, is the diversity in scenery and experience that Thailand offers. Beach, relaxation, cultural sights, eco-activities, urban excitement, fine dining - you can easily pick and choose which ones are most interesting to you (or enjoy them all!)
Here are a few of our favorite locales within the country:
Chiang Mai
This city, the second-largest in Thailand, is in the northern region nestled among dense jungle and towering, misty mountains. Though it's the regional capital, it still has the feel of an overgrown, laid-back provincial village. The moat around the original old town is still intact. The city is walkable with meandering side streets and hidden pathways that lead to enormous, elaborate Buddhist temples. In the countryside around Chiang Mai, you can ride an elephant, float on a bamboo raft, hike into the mountains to see local hilltribes, and simply enjoy the rich scenery.
Golden Triangle
At the very northern tip of Thailand is a unique location where three countries – Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar/Burma – all meet at the convergence of two rivers, including the famous Mekong River. Once known for being a significant transfer point for opium, today it's populated by small towns with colorful local markets, allowing visitors to visit all three countries in one day! Set against a stunning mountainous backdrop, this area offers similar activities to those found near Chiang Mai but in a more serene, remote, and nature-filled environment that is farther off the beaten track. A couple of top-notch resorts make this area a wonderful retreat.
Bangkok
Whether you choose to visit opulent temples and sprawling markets overflowing with fruit and fish, or mega-malls where a tailor can whip up a custom suit, there's no doubt that Bangkok has something to delight any traveler. It's a modern financial center, and yet the city's fragrant, colorful markets still surround some of Asia's most jaw-dropping temples. The trappings of modern civilization are never too far away, but unlike Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei, or other major Asian cities, Bangkok somehow feels less urban and more relaxed. One of the highlights for any traveler is the city's main thoroughfare – the Chao Phraya River – which offers an unlimited number of ships, longtail boats, water taxis, and private rice barge tours through its canals.
Phuket
An island located on the western side of the Thai Peninsula, Phuket is the most popular beach destination in Thailand. On one side is the blue Andaman Sea, and on the other side is the smaller but remarkable Phang Nga Bay, location of the Phi Phi islands and other daytrip spots. All sorts of watersports (including diving) can be found around Phuket, as well as a selection of tourist-oriented sights and activities. The top accommodations tend to be in more remote areas, allowing for plenty of peace and quiet but with easy access to sightseeing. Phuket is also served by its own airport, making it an easy place to reach.
Krabi
Also located on the western side of the Thai Peninsula, but on the mainland (as opposed to Phuket, which is an island), Krabi is a beachside province. The northern part of the province faces Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands across the dramatic limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, and the southern part looks past those islands to the Andaman Sea. Less developed than Phuket, but larger in size, Krabi has its own airport but usually requires longer driving distances as resorts are farther spread out along the coast. Krabi province has a more authentic feel relative to Phuket with charming small towns and national parks to explore. Don't come here for nightlife or easy access to major towns; Krabi is all about beach-centric rest and relaxation, along with the occasional water activity.
Koh Samui
Located in the Gulf of Thailand on the eastern side of the Thai Peninsula, this island offers a nice alternative to Phuket and Krabi, especially when it's rainy in the latter. The sights around the island (though numerous) are never far from your hotel. Koh Samui developed a little more slowly as a tourism destination, so its waters are arguably the cleanest and most turquoise among all the Thai beach options. Many accommodations are set high up on cliffs, with steps leading down to smallish but beautiful white-sand beaches.
Angkor Wat
Neighboring Thailand and easily reached via nonstop flights from Bangkok, Cambodia is an excellent destination to combine with a trip to Thailand – especially to visit the incomparable Angkor Wat. This impressive complex of temples, many in crumbling ruins, is often described as the most significant and beautiful temple in Asia. The religious significance and enigmatic ambiance remain intact. You can spend days wandering the vast temple grounds, learning about the area's mixed history, (centuries of Khmer occupation, who placed their capital at Angkor Wat, as well as colonization by the French, the Japanese, and the more modern infamous Khmer Rouge.) Not until the early 1990s did the area open up for major tourism, which means that much of the unique Cambodian culture still remains.
Combining a visit to Thailand
with one to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, or another Asian locale can provide a wonderfully diverse honeymoon experience. As long as you are in this part of the world, why not see a little more? A few days in chilled-out Bali and then on to the mountains of Chiang Mai in Thailand's north will give you a totally different appreciation for the diversity of this continent called Asia. See our fourth itinerary, "Bali and More" for an example on how this can be arranged.
