Hua Hin

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200 kilometers to the south of Bangkok by train or road, lies one of Thailand’s oldest beach resort towns, Hua Hin. This popular stretch of coastline, with its surrounding limestone peaks, was highly prized by the royal family in the early parts of the 20th century, and the King of Thailand has a permanent residence here today.

 

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Hua Hin today caters for a range of visitors, and offers all of the coastal holiday activities you’d expect, including fishing, diving, and swimming. There are upmarket resorts with spectacular gardens and opulent interiors, but also plenty of cheaper options as well. The area is not just all tourist industries either. There are working fishing boats and other coastal industries lending authenticity to the experience. Hua Hin is particularly good for food lovers.

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There are great Thai cooking courses, and the abundant supplies of local seafood provide plenty of opportunities to practice. The markets are a great place to wander at night, and grab bargains, as well as trying some exotic and spicy street store food. It is easy to organise a ride on a local longboat to get you around the coastal areas. The nearby Sam Roi Yot National Park is a brilliant place to explore.

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There are secluded beaches, vast marshlands, and extensive cave systems among the limestone hills. While there, be sure to visit the incredible Kuha Karuhas Pavilion, which is sited in dramatic cavern setting, and gives an insight into the importance of spirituality in this beautiful country.

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Phuket

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Phuket – the name is synonymous with Thailand – beach resorts and relaxation. Phuket is about the same size as Singapore, making it Thailand’s largest island. Phuket is an incredibly popular destination for tourists, and the long stretches of idyllic beaches along its West coast are lined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other tourist facilities.

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You will never be bored in Phuket. If you get tired of strolling the beaches and markets, there are plenty of attractions aimed squarely at the tourist market. Enjoy live theater, bands, or even theme parks, complete with white tigers, elephant rides, upmarket bars, and dazzling exhibits.

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. Phuket also caters for those interested in exploring some Thai culture, with museums and temples that can be explored away from the crowds, nearer to the beach.

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When hunger strikes, visitors can choose from laid-back cafes beneath the palm trees, right through to fine dining, and everything in between. Patong Beach is probably the most developed spot on the island, and has a thriving nightlife, complete with beer halls, markets, and GoGo bars.

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Elsewhere in Phuket, there are quieter and less-developed stretches of coastline, where there’s more focus on relaxing and the natural environment. Phuket is a destination where everything is within easy reach, and enjoying yourself is easy.

 

Khao Lak

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Khao Lak is a beautiful and unspoiled area located just about an hour from Phuket Airport. As with many of Thailand’s west coast areas, there are the usual miles of beaches, and sparkling water, but Khao Lak is special in that the area is relatively undiscovered by the tourism industry.

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The long sandy beaches look over the Andaman Sea, and are located close by to reefs, estuaries, and nearby islands. Khao Lak is also the jumping-off point for trips to the Similan and Surin Islands. Lush tropical jungles, waterfalls, and lakes are nestled close to the coastline, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the steamy tropics.

 

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Not far from Khao Lak is the incredible freshwater Cheo Larn Lake, which features stunning limestone mountains and cliffs set against water and jungle. Shopping is a feature of Thailand, and Khao Lak is no exception, with the local towns also selling a wide range of tours to visit the surrounding attractions.

 

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There’s a good range of accommodation available in the area, although none of it is high-rise, and most are hidden away, sympathetic to the beautiful natural environment.

 

 

Krabi

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Krabi is a coastal province on the Western coast of Southern Thailand, and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. Scattered across the water and the land are dramatic limestone rock formations, shaped by winds and ocean, which give the province a unique and fascinating landscape.

 

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Hidden away among the cliffs and islands are some of the very best beaches in Thailand, including the renowned Railay Beach, although if you want to experience some solitude, you may need to arrive early.

 

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The smooth limestone cliffs attract rock climbers from around the world. One of the most popular places in the province is Phi Phi Island, Ko Phi Phi. It is one of hundreds of islands which are sprinkled across the waters. The interior areas are covered in lush jungles, and are home to wildlife, caves, and waterfalls.

 

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Below the surface, things are just as dramatic. Coral reefs, and abundant sea life abound, and there are plenty of options for diving and snorkeling.

 

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As a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of options for shopping and eating, as well as an extensive array of ferries and longboats, to get you around to all the best locations, making it a very easy place to concentrate on relaxing, and enjoying the views.

 

Koh Chang

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Situated in Eastern Thailand, just over 300 kilometers from angkok, Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. Until recently, it was a little-known destination, however it now boasts a blossoming tourist industry, with many resorts, spas, and luxury accommodation options now available.

 

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In 1982, Koh Chang and its surrounding islands were protected, and became the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park.

 

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This has preserved much of the mountainous interior, beaches, and diving sites, all of which are part of the attraction of visiting this beautiful island. Local life here is simple, with many fishermen harvesting their catch from the surrounding waters, and selling fresh seafood to the tourists and resorts.

 

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It’s an unhurried way of life which infects those who visit as well. The ramshackle estuary shacks and boats have a charm of all of their own.

 

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You can walk the peaceful jungle paths through the island, exploring dramatic waterfalls which feed tranquil streams.

 

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Of course, with the beautiful waters all around, there is plenty of canoeing, diving, and snorkeling. As Koh Chang lacks an airport, it’s likely to remain a quieter holiday spot for some time, and for that, many will be very thankful indeed.

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Kanchanaburi

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Kanchanaburi spans the Northern banks of the Mae Klong River, about 150 kilometers from Bangkok.
kanchanaburi-1Bordering the edge of a mountain range gives ita much cooler, more temperate climate than most of central Thailand. The thriving town is the commercial center of the region and is conveniently located close to several historical and natural attractions.kanchanaburi-3Thankfully, most of these are easily accessible by short train journeys along the Nam Tok Line that winds its way through spectacular dense-jungle-covered mountains. This area was an important center for Japanese during the Second World War, and contains many significant military sites.kanchanaburi-5The Bridge Over the River Kwai is located just five kilometers from Kanchanaburi, and the infamous Hellfire Pass is also close by.
kanchanaburi-4 One of the most popular natural attractions near Kanchanaburi is the Erawan National Park, with its amazing natural falls and streams that cascade through the deep forest. Kanchanaburi is a great destination for visitors to Thailand that yearn for a taste of more than the coastal resorts and typical tourist attractions.

 

 

 

Thailand Holiday Tips