In terms of tourism, Thailand is the most developed country in Asia. Millions of travelers visit its resorts every year to relax on white tropical beaches, look into the most hidden corners of wildlife, see ancient temples, and make inexpensive shopping.
The infrastructure is well developed here - a large selection of housing, bars, restaurants, shops, massage parlors. This is for lovers of comfort. And for fans of secluded relaxation, there are clean, uncrowded beaches on each island. You can rest on them all year round, but still the best time is December-March. Entertainment is presented for every taste. Among the most popular are diving and snorkeling. In this regard, the underwater landscapes of the Similan Islands, 100 km from Phuket, are interesting. The snorkeling in their surroundings is considered the best in the world.
Popular resorts and islands of Thailand
Pattaya
A city on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, part of the Chonburi province. The most popular resort among our tourists. Free morals reign here, establishments and shows for adults on Walking Street are known all over the world. Life is in full swing both day and night. Pattaya is the cheapest resort in the country. The city has excellent shopping, a wide range of excursions, a favorable climate and great opportunities for family entertainment. However, the purity of the water in the sea leaves much to be desired, and the city is absolutely devoid of natural oases, with the exception of the park on the Pratumnak hill. Excursions to neighboring islands are popular, for example, Ko Lan, where the quality of the beaches is much higher.
Phuket
By visiting this largest island in the Andaman Sea, you can get an idea of the country as a whole. All facets of Thailand are represented here - untouched nature in a national park, noisy, crowded beaches with a vibrant nightlife and secluded picturesque corners, shows with different animals, numerous parks, temples, viewing platforms, large shopping centers and markets. All types of active entertainment - both water and land. The island has an international airport. The disadvantages include strong waves from June to October - during the rainy season, and rather high prices for housing and transport.
Samui
It occupies the third largest island in terms of area. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, 30 km from the mainland. The peculiarity of the resort is the combination of a developed infrastructure with a clean sea, uncrowded beaches and perfectly preserved nature. Thanks to the airport, you can easily get here from anywhere in the country. Of the ten local beaches, Chaweng is considered the most popular. There is enough entertainment not to get bored - water parks, tiger zoo, carting, crocodile farm, butterfly garden, monkey theater, safari park, aquarium. There are many beautiful temples on Koh Samui, the most famous one with the mummy of a seated monk.
Krabi
A province in the south of the country, consisting of a coastal strip of 150 km and a large number of islands in the Andaman Sea. The unique landscape is created by high limestone cliffs that seem to grow out of water or earth. Mountaineering is popular in Krabi. There are no decent beaches in the capital, Krabi Town. The tourist infrastructure is best developed in the resort of Ao Nang - hotels, restaurants, shops, nightlife, a 1.5-kilometer beach. Attractions include national parks, hot springs, waterfalls, caves, lakes, mangroves, shell cemetery, temples. Phi Phi and Lanta are the most popular islands.
Khao Lak
A city on the shores of the Andaman Sea, 60 km from Phuket. Interesting for lovers of nature and secluded relaxation. Uncrowded beaches of many kilometers and tropical forests are just a paradise for such tourists. The most developed infrastructure is in the area of two beaches on the northern outskirts of the city. The rest of the beaches are completely deserted, only a few hotels on the coast. Local attractions include temples, a national park, and a tsunami memorial.
Hua hin
One of the oldest resorts in the country. The first tourists appeared in the city more than a century and a half ago. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, south of Bangkok. Famous for palaces, temples, a retro village, an old railway station, floating and night markets. A beach holiday is also good, especially away from the city center, where it is always crowded. Hua Hin is home to a closely guarded royal residence, so you don't have to worry about security.
Phangan
Five of the largest Thai islands. Combines the beauty of pristine nature and all the benefits of civilization. Located in the Gulf of Thailand. A unique feature of the island is the large-scale Full Moon Patry party, which gathers up to 30 thousand people once a month on the seashore. There are other more modest parties every day. Attractions include temples, the large Laem Son lake, waterfalls, observation decks, mini golf, elephant and monkey village.
Koh Tao
This island is known as a place of pilgrimage for numerous diving and snorkeling fans. Located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is famous for its purest water, luxurious underwater world and low prices for obtaining diving certificates. Diving schools abound. The tourist infrastructure is well developed. All attractions are associated with natural beauty. These are beaches, waterfalls, viewing platforms. Mountains occupy 65% of the territory.
Koh Lanta
Several islands in the middle of the Andaman Sea, within the province of Krabi. In terms of tourism, only Lanta Yai is interesting. It is on it that hotels, bars, restaurants, ATMs, massage parlors are located. The beaches on the island are long, wide and uncrowded. With developed infrastructure - northern and central. You can visit the Old Town, mangrove forests, waterfalls, a monkey school, a village of sea gypsies. The southern part of the resort is occupied by a national park.
Phi Phi
Several islands in the Andaman Sea, 42 km from the mainland. Inhabited - Phi Phi Don. It is heterogeneous. Lo Dalum beach is the noisiest, youngest, with bars and discos. Long Beach - for a relaxing family vacation. On the east coast, there are deserted beaches and upscale hotels. The other 5 islands are uninhabited jungles and wild beaches. They are visited as part of excursion groups. Phi Phi Lei is especially popular, the painting "The Beach" with DiCaprio brought him world fame.
Racha Yai
A hilly, rainforest island in the Andaman Sea near Phuket. It is famous for its white beaches, amazing light emerald water, dive spots and excellent snorkeling surrounded by coral reefs. Coves and lively beaches are found in the northern part of the island. The southern coast is rocky. The infrastructure is well developed - hotels, restaurants, motorbike rental, diving centers. Day trips from Phuket are popular.
Koh Lan
In translation - "coral island". Located in the Gulf of Thailand, 10 km from Pattaya. It is famous for its clean sea. The water is visible 10-20 meters. Great spot for snorkeling. Day trips from Pattaya to local beaches are popular. The choice of accommodation on the island is modest, mainly guesthouses and compact family hotels. Apart from the beaches, the main attractions are a temple, several Buddha statues on the mountain, viewing platforms, and a shooting range. There is no nightlife.
Rayong
The main city of the province, recognized as the agricultural center of Thailand. Located on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. It is famous for its uncrowded beaches, fruit and rubber plantations. Suitable for a relaxing holiday. Housing is provided in large quantities - on the coast and in the city center. Local markets have a wide selection of seafood and fruits at low prices. The only negative is the factories on the coast. The cleanliness of the water on the beaches is poor.
Ko Samet
Island in the Gulf of Thailand, 6 km from the mainland.Most of the island is part of a national park and is not spoiled by civilization. There are about one and a half dozen small beaches, almost all of them are located on the east coast. The busiest are in the pier area. There are several observation decks in different parts of the island with excellent views of the bay. The man-made landmarks include two temples, the Big Buddha, Mermaid and Prince statues.
Bang Saen
Quiet city in the east of the country, between Bangkok and Pattaya. Known for its magnificent sandy beach. Coastal cafes and restaurants are a paradise for Thai food and seafood lovers. Notable sites include the Temple of Hell and Paradise, as well as a mountain with wild monkeys. There are more than two dozen hotels in Bang Saen; there is a large number of inexpensive guesthouses near the beach. Thais from the surrounding cities like to come here on weekends.
Koh Kradan
A picturesque island in the Andaman Sea, 20 km from Koh Lanta. Fans of beach holidays and snorkeling should go to this island. There are no other entertainments and attractions here. Only the coastal zone is inhabited. The entire infrastructure is about 10 hotels, several bars, restaurants, massage parlors. Prices are among the highest in the country. The main beach with a length of 2 km - Paradise Beach - is located in the eastern part of the island.
Koh Chang
Lies in the Gulf of Thailand, the second largest island after Phuket, part of the province of Trat. Belongs to the marine reserve. Delightful nature, clean and calm sea, uncrowded beaches - this is what this island is proud of. Almost all hotels are located on the first line, as the jungle begins 300-800 meters from the coast. The most popular beaches are in the western part of the island. Among the entertainment - diving, kayaking, trips to the elephant village, to the waterfalls and temples.
Koh Kood
Island with an area of 162 km2 in the Gulf of Thailand, south of Koh Chang. Recently began to be mastered by tourists. Attractive for beach lovers and scuba diving. Only coastal hotels and restaurants remind of civilization. But the prices here are among the highest in the country. Popular beaches are in the west of the island. The best equipped is the 600-meter Klong Chao. Among the interesting objects - a couple of waterfalls, a big Buddha in the village of Ao Salad, a village on the stilts of Ao Yai.
Koh Lipe
One of the islands in the Andaman Sea, near the border with Malaysia. Part of the Tarutao Marine Park. There are no special attractions and entertainment, the island is chosen by beach lovers. There are 4 main beaches and several secluded ones. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to first-class hotels. Popular fishing, diving, excursions to the islands of the national park.
Koh Ngai
Island with an area of 8 km2 south of neighboring Ko Lanta, in Trang province. It is famous for its white beaches and coral reefs that go around the island around the perimeter. The western part is uninhabited - it is a rocky coast covered with rainforest. The entire east coast is occupied by the main beach several kilometers long and a dozen hotels. There are no roads, tourists move along hiking trails in the jungle. Most of the island is part of the national park.
Koh Wai
Compact island with mountainous terrain in Trat province, 6 km south of Koh Chang. The tourist infrastructure is not developed. Only a secluded beach vacation, kayaking and snorkeling are what you should go here for. There are 5 hotels with restaurants on the island. The beaches of Koh Wai are covered with white sand, palms grow at the very edge of the water, and a rainforest begins 50 meters from the coast. There are a lot of rocks and corals in the water, which is not very convenient for swimming.
Ko Muk
A small island a few kilometers from the mainland, it has the most developed infrastructure in Trang province. In addition to hotels, there are shops, Thai villages, markets, roads, bike rental. Of all the beaches on the island, the most famous and beautiful is the Thai Maldives. The main attraction is the Emerald Cave. This is a tiny beach surrounded by high cliffs, which can only be reached by swimming under its own power through a dark tunnel in a cave.
Ko Mak
The third largest island in the province of Trat, 36 km from the mainland. The landscape is represented by forests and flat plantations of coconut and rubber. The most popular beaches with infrastructure are Ao Khao and Xuan Yai. Among the local attractions are Mount Paen Ti, a Buddhist temple, a museum with exhibits of the last century. For lovers of outdoor activities - kayaking, snorkeling, night fishing, diving, cycling. There are several diving centers.
Prachuap Khiri Khan
A cozy city on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, the center of the province. Quiet, no noisy entertainment, suitable for families. A long promenade with numerous cafes stretches along the coast. Housing and food prices are quite affordable. The main attraction is a high mountain teeming with monkeys. A temple was built on its top, about 400 steps lead to it. The best beach is on the southern outskirts of the city, in the bay of Ao Manao. An air force base is located nearby.
Songkhla
The city in the south of the country, near the strait uniting the Gulf of Thailand and the large freshwater lake Songkhla is a national reserve. The center of the province. Notable objects include the Governor's Palace with a museum, temple complexes, a historical center, and a bullring. Two hills rise above the city - one is crowned with a temple, the other is a park. The most popular beach is Samila. There are fish restaurants and several monuments along it.
