Bangkok is the usual gateway for most travellers, and you should plan on three or five days in the capital. This should allow sufficient time for seeing the major sights such as the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Vimanmek Mansion. Perhaps also a trip along the Chao Phraya River or a shopping jaunt to Chatuchak Weekend Market.
AROUND BANGKOK
AYUTHAYA
80km north of Bangkok is Ayuthaya, which served as the Siamese capital from 1360 to 1767.
The city is located at the confluence of three rivers.
A large canal joins them and forms a circle around the town. A great way to see this is by a long-tail boat. Ayuthaya is full of ancient Thai culture and the city has two museums, Ayuthaya historical park is a world heritage site and is revered by Thai's.
KANCHANABURI PROVINCE
The town of Kanchanaburi, famous among Westerners for Death Railway and the movie "Bridge Over the River Kwai". A three hour minibus ride west out of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is a very pleasant place to hang out for a couple of days. Three Pagodas Pass on the Thai/Burmese border is still a popular smuggling route amongst locals. Most of the province is sparsely populated and wild, so if you want to see some of Thailand's largest waterfalls and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries this is a must.
CENTRAL THAILAND
Twenty four provinces make up Central Thailand, stretching north to Lopburi, south to Prachuap Khri Khan, west to Kanchanaburi and east to Trat. The rain fed rivers and canals make this the most fertile region of Thailand. As we covered Ayuthaya and Kanchanaburi in the around Bangkok section. Other places of interest are Lopburi and Saraburi, these are both good places for a look at old Thai temples. Lopburi especially, where the old ruins are full of many different species of monkeys
CHONBURI PROVINCE.
Pattaya City
Pattaya City is famous for its Go Go bars and nightlife. This seaside resort has more to offer than meets the eye. Jomtien Beach is a good place for water ports, para sailing, jet skiing and scuba diving around the various islands. Pattaya also has a wide range of activities; Go-Karting, shooting ranges, bungee jumping, micro-lighting and parachuting; it is up to you how adventurous you want to be.
TRAT PROVINCE
Ko Chang known as Elephant Island is the second largest island in Thailand and is also a
national marine park, 70% of which is undisturbed tropical rainforest with many forms of wildlife. Very close to Cambodia, Ko Chang can only be visited November - May as the monsoons hit the island very hard. Stunning waterfalls, spectacular beachs and crystal clear waters make Ko Chang a place you will not forget. Surrounding islands Ko Mak and Ko Kut are excellent or diving or snorkelling.
