| Thailand at a Glance |
Geography
Thailand has a land area of 513,115 sq. km. (approx. 127,008 acres) bordered by Malaysia (South), Myanmar (West & North), Laos (North & East)
and Cambodia (Southeast). The country's east coast borders the Gulf of Thailand and the west coast abuts the Andaman Sea. The country is divided
geographically into four main zones-the fertile central plains, dominated by the Chao Phraya River; the 300-metre-high northeast plateau, the
kingdom's most barren region ; the mountainous North; and the tropical southern peninsula.
Thailand has a land area of 513,115 sq. km. (approx. 127,008 acres) bordered by Malaysia (South), Myanmar (West & North), Laos (North & East)
and Cambodia (Southeast). The country's east coast borders the Gulf of Thailand and the west coast abuts the Andaman Sea. The country is divided
geographically into four main zones-the fertile central plains, dominated by the Chao Phraya River; the 300-metre-high northeast plateau, the
kingdom's most barren region ; the mountainous North; and the tropical southern peninsula.
Climate
The temperature varies from 38°C to 19°C with the annual average at about 29°C. The humidity is from 66% to 82.8%.
The temperature varies from 38°C to 19°C with the annual average at about 29°C. The humidity is from 66% to 82.8%.
Seasons
There are three seasons in Northern, Northeastern and Central Thailand - hot (March to May), rainy (June to October), and cool (November to
February). And there are two seasons in the South - rainy (April to November) and hot (December to March).
There are three seasons in Northern, Northeastern and Central Thailand - hot (March to May), rainy (June to October), and cool (November to
February). And there are two seasons in the South - rainy (April to November) and hot (December to March).
The old capital from 1350 to 1767, Ayutthaya (76 km from
Bangkok), is today visited chiefly as a historical site, especially the
ancient ruins left by the Burmese invasion of 1767. Bang Pa-in
Palace, and Bang Sai Folk Arts and Crafts Centre are places
recommended for inclusion in a one-day tour.
Bangkok), is today visited chiefly as a historical site, especially the
ancient ruins left by the Burmese invasion of 1767. Bang Pa-in
Palace, and Bang Sai Folk Arts and Crafts Centre are places
recommended for inclusion in a one-day tour.
Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya
Wat Phra Sisanphet
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya
Kanchanaburi (128 km), a good place for nature lovers, where they can raft
down the stream watching enchanting scenery. The Death Railway and the
Bridge over the River Kwai are also located here. On a trip to Saraburi (107
km), Buddhists should not fail to pay homage to the Buddha's Footprint there.
down the stream watching enchanting scenery. The Death Railway and the
Bridge over the River Kwai are also located here. On a trip to Saraburi (107
km), Buddhists should not fail to pay homage to the Buddha's Footprint there.
| Raft - Houses, very popular in Kanchanaburi |
Lop Buri (153 km) is famous for shrines in the Khmer style, and the remains of King Narai's palaces of the
17th century. Nakhon Pathom (56 km) is the town that boasts the tallest Buddhist pagoda both in Thailand
and in the world.
17th century. Nakhon Pathom (56 km) is the town that boasts the tallest Buddhist pagoda both in Thailand
and in the world.
Phra Prang Samyot Lop Buri
Phetchaburi (123 km) has many tourist attractions, including scenic mountains, limestone caves, historical sites, ancient
temples and quiet beaches. Cha-am is the most famous beach resort of Phetchaburi with its long and clean beach.
Prachuap Khiri Khan (281 km) is well known for the Klai Kangwon Palace, a summer palace of the King and the Royal
Family, and the oldest beach resort, Hua Hin. Apart from the tranquil beach, Hua Hin also provides several other
attractions, such as the 18-hole golf course, Takiap Hill, Krailat Hill, and Khao Samroi Yot National Park.
temples and quiet beaches. Cha-am is the most famous beach resort of Phetchaburi with its long and clean beach.
Prachuap Khiri Khan (281 km) is well known for the Klai Kangwon Palace, a summer palace of the King and the Royal
Family, and the oldest beach resort, Hua Hin. Apart from the tranquil beach, Hua Hin also provides several other
attractions, such as the 18-hole golf course, Takiap Hill, Krailat Hill, and Khao Samroi Yot National Park.
| Khao Wang, Phetchaburi |
| The East |
Just 2 hours' drive from Bangkok is Pattaya, the renowned recreation centre on the east coast. Its fine sand, blue sky and limpid sea are among many
other good things that prove irresistible to both foreign and domestic tourists. There, they can enjoy themselves either quietly or by engaging in aquatic
sports such as swimming, fishing, sailing, water skiing, diving, windsurfing, etc.
other good things that prove irresistible to both foreign and domestic tourists. There, they can enjoy themselves either quietly or by engaging in aquatic
sports such as swimming, fishing, sailing, water skiing, diving, windsurfing, etc.
Although Pattaya is the cream of Chon Buri, other places of interest are plentiful in this province - Khao Sam
Muk, where stands the Chao Mae Sam Muk Shrine highly revered by Thais; Bang Saen, the
nearest-to-Bangkok beach resort for the families; Koh Sichang, a paradise island whose name has become the
title of a song. Chanthaburi (245 km), a coastal province famous for its gemstones, fruits, hot pepper and
Chanthabun mats.
Muk, where stands the Chao Mae Sam Muk Shrine highly revered by Thais; Bang Saen, the
nearest-to-Bangkok beach resort for the families; Koh Sichang, a paradise island whose name has become the
title of a song. Chanthaburi (245 km), a coastal province famous for its gemstones, fruits, hot pepper and
Chanthabun mats.
| Buffalo Racing Festival in Chon Buri |
Rayong (179 km), where the most attractive tourist spot is the Samet Island, which has become very
popular among foreign visitors.
popular among foreign visitors.
Trat (315 km), the most far-flung province on the eastern
coast, is well known for its Koh Chang National Marine Park.
coast, is well known for its Koh Chang National Marine Park.
| Samet Island, Rayong |
| Koh Chang, Trat |
| The North |
The fine weather, the mountainous scenery, the exquisite handicrafts
and the rich northern Thai culture are some of the charms of the
North. Chiang Mai (697 km), the second biggest province of Thailand,
provides visitors with a host of places of interest, such as, Doi Suthep,
Doi Inthanon, Bhubing Palace, etc.
and the rich northern Thai culture are some of the charms of the
North. Chiang Mai (697 km), the second biggest province of Thailand,
provides visitors with a host of places of interest, such as, Doi Suthep,
Doi Inthanon, Bhubing Palace, etc.
| Pai River, Mae Hong Son |
| Horse carriage, Lampang |
| Folk Dance, Mae Hong Son |
| Phae Muang Phi, Phrae |
Chiang Rai (785 km), located at the northern tip of Thailand in the very heart of the Golden Triangle, gains its fame
from its scenic views, exotic hilltribes and exciting elephant back riding tours.
from its scenic views, exotic hilltribes and exciting elephant back riding tours.
Loi Krathong Festival at Sukhothai
Lamphun (670 km) is a town of beautiful women, bountiful orchards and ancient temples. Lampang (599 km) is the sole province in Thailand where
horse-drawn carriages are still used as a means of transportation.
horse-drawn carriages are still used as a means of transportation.
Phrae (643 km) is known for the northern costume called mohom and Phae Muang Phi, a small area of weird earth formation. Lying in the northwestern
corner bordering Burma, Mae Hong Son (942 km) is well known as the "Town of Three Mists" because it is mist-shrouded throughout most of the three
seasons. Sukhothai, the first capital of the Thai Kingdom, is known for its historic sites.
corner bordering Burma, Mae Hong Son (942 km) is well known as the "Town of Three Mists" because it is mist-shrouded throughout most of the three
seasons. Sukhothai, the first capital of the Thai Kingdom, is known for its historic sites.
| The Northeast |
Known as Isan in Thai, the Northeast consists mostly of a plateau. Some may think that this area is dry and lifeless. But in fact, it has large numbers of
tourist spots, some of which are being developed.
tourist spots, some of which are being developed.
Nakhon Ratchasima (259 km), or Khorat for short, is the gateway to the Northeast, where are located the Thao
Suranari Monument, Khmer-style stone shrine Prasat Hin Phimai and a 250-year-old banyan tree. Khon Kaen (449
km), one of the northeastern commercial centres famous for the local product - matmi silk. At Phuwiang National Park,
dinosaurs' fossils which were uncovered at the site, are on show and their footprints can also be witnessed. Kalasin
(519 km) is where dinosaurs' fossils were excavated and are now exhibited at Dinosaur Research Center in Sahatkhan
district. Ubon Ratchathani (629 km), where the annual Candle Festival is grandly celebrated.
Suranari Monument, Khmer-style stone shrine Prasat Hin Phimai and a 250-year-old banyan tree. Khon Kaen (449
km), one of the northeastern commercial centres famous for the local product - matmi silk. At Phuwiang National Park,
dinosaurs' fossils which were uncovered at the site, are on show and their footprints can also be witnessed. Kalasin
(519 km) is where dinosaurs' fossils were excavated and are now exhibited at Dinosaur Research Center in Sahatkhan
district. Ubon Ratchathani (629 km), where the annual Candle Festival is grandly celebrated.
Sakon Nakhon (647 km) offers tourists the picturesque scenery of the vast Nong Han Lake. Surin (457 km), the land of
elephants, is world famous for its Elephant Round-up taking place at the third weekend of November. Buri Ram (410 km),
is where the largest-Khmer style stone temple, Prasat Phanom Rung, is locate Loei (520 km), a challenging place for
visitors who want to find out the lowest temperature of Thailand in the cool season.
elephants, is world famous for its Elephant Round-up taking place at the third weekend of November. Buri Ram (410 km),
is where the largest-Khmer style stone temple, Prasat Phanom Rung, is locate Loei (520 km), a challenging place for
visitors who want to find out the lowest temperature of Thailand in the cool season.
Prasat Hin Phimai,
Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima
Udon Thani (564 km) has thrived as a transport hub and agricultural market of the Northeast with its World Heritage site
- Ban Chiang Village of ancient civilization. It also boasts Phu Phra Bat Historical Park with bizarre rock formations.
- Ban Chiang Village of ancient civilization. It also boasts Phu Phra Bat Historical Park with bizarre rock formations.
| The South |
The most prominent tourist attraction in the South is inevitably Phuket (862 km), the biggest island of Thailand located in the Andaman Sea. It has
rapidly become one of the best known seaside resorts of the world. Apart from the numerous beaches around the island and all kinds of accommodation
facilities, it is famous for its seafood, coral and marine life. It also serves as a base for exploration trips to nearby islands. The grand celebration of the
Vegetarian Festival in October is another attraction.
rapidly become one of the best known seaside resorts of the world. Apart from the numerous beaches around the island and all kinds of accommodation
facilities, it is famous for its seafood, coral and marine life. It also serves as a base for exploration trips to nearby islands. The grand celebration of the
Vegetarian Festival in October is another attraction.
Phang-nga (788 km), adjoining Phuket, is full of magnificent seascape and beautiful limestone caves. Krabi (814 km)
and Trang (828 km) also have many fine beaches and beautiful scenery waiting to be explored. Tarutao Island off Satun
(973 km), being the remotest, will provide you with the most marvellous underwater life and most tranquil atmosphere
and Trang (828 km) also have many fine beaches and beautiful scenery waiting to be explored. Tarutao Island off Satun
(973 km), being the remotest, will provide you with the most marvellous underwater life and most tranquil atmosphere
Ban Chiang
But if you find Phuket a little too crowded in the peak tourist season, then Samui Island of Surat Thani (644 km) will be another choice. Its tranquility
and unpolluted environment will refresh you. Ranong (568 km), Thailand's rainiest province, is well known for its hot springs and Burmese gems.
Phatthalung (840 km) is believed to be in the realm of the ancient Sri Vijaya Kingdom, which has long been forgotten leaving only a few hallowed hills
today. Songkhla (950 km) is a famous seaside resort in the far South where a cruise on Songkhla Lake is fascinating. Another famous place in this
province is Hat Yai, the big bustling city widely known for the low-priced imported goods.
and unpolluted environment will refresh you. Ranong (568 km), Thailand's rainiest province, is well known for its hot springs and Burmese gems.
Phatthalung (840 km) is believed to be in the realm of the ancient Sri Vijaya Kingdom, which has long been forgotten leaving only a few hallowed hills
today. Songkhla (950 km) is a famous seaside resort in the far South where a cruise on Songkhla Lake is fascinating. Another famous place in this
province is Hat Yai, the big bustling city widely known for the low-priced imported goods.
Bangkok
The capital of Thailand, is a metropolis where one can find both old and new, East and West, traditional and fashionable, blended together in a
harmonious way. There are several magnificent Buddhist temples inside the city and well-known attractions on its outskirts.
The capital of Thailand, is a metropolis where one can find both old and new, East and West, traditional and fashionable, blended together in a
harmonious way. There are several magnificent Buddhist temples inside the city and well-known attractions on its outskirts.
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