Regions in Thailand | Timbuktu Travel

Bangkok

Lip-smacking food, craft beer and a great dollop of life in the streets of the city that never rests.

It’s big, it’s bustling, it’s a little bit intimidating, there’s a lot of beeping, and it definitely takes kamikaze tuktuks to another level, but leave a little time to explore Bangkok and you’ll find the gems that are worth a linger. The Grand Palace is a glorious introduction to Thai architecture, as are Wat Pho and the nearby Temple of Dawn, and Jim Thomson’s teak house always draws the gazes. But life is lived on the streets here, and a wander on foot will reap the ultimate rewards: get lost in Chinatown, wander through the maze of sois and visit one of 400 temples, snack on street food (head to the areas around the office blocks and take advantage of the lunch trade), haggle in a market – and then end off with a float down the Chao Phraya River on a long-tail and a sundowner in a chichi cocktail bar.

Thai Islands & Beaches

Golden sands, azure waters and swaying hammocks. Sound like a cliché? These islands are even better…

After an intrepid adventure through Thailand’s interior, there’s nothing more heavenly than catching sight of soft, white sand, a crystal-clear ocean and, hopefully, a cocktail menu. Well, Thailand certainly rises to the occasion in that department and an array of irresponsibly-beautiful beaches and islands await, whenever you’re ready to discover them. But here, even powder-soft beaches are not created equal and there’s a destination to suit everyone from the sun-worshippers to the active adventurers, and everyone in between. For remote, beached-out bliss, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Kood hit the R&R nail on the head, but if some underwater action is up your street, Koh Lanta is known for some of the best diving in the area. For easy access to tantalising eateries and a lychee-and-lemongrass margarita, choose Kao Lak, families will love Phuket, and if you can’t decide, there’s Koh Samui, the original Thai island that still makes waves today.

Chiang Mai

Take a low-key look into Thailand’s past and delve into her modern aspirations in this alluring city.

In the olden days, a trip to Chiang Mai would have involved a multi-day long expedition or a rocky elephant trek through spectacular but somewhat precarious terrain. Thankfully, Thailand’s second city is now easily reachable by plane (or overnight train if you’ve got the time) and if you’d like to get under the skin of the country, it should be firmly on your travel list. The former seat of the semi-independent Lanna kingdom, the city is steeped in history and you’ll hop around a plethora of temples in shoeless serenity, learn about Lanna culture, and meet Buddhist monks at Wat Chedi Luang. At the other end of the spectrum, the Night Bazaar will have you honing your haggling skills like a pro, and there are a multitude of tantalising cookery courses for learning the (spicy!) tricks of the north’s cuisine. Then, leave the urban scenes behind and venture into the glorious countryside to breath in the mountain air, trek through lush jungle, and visit the fascinating hill tribes…

Chiang Rai

Head off radar and escape to nature in the spectacular hills of northern Thailand.

Not to be confused with its ritzier older sister, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is about as real and authentic as it gets. Tucked into the northernmost point of Thailand against the borders of Myanmar and Laos, the province is a place of bounty in looks, culture and scenery. Highlights range from the rugged mountain-scapes that hide iconic hot springs and waterfalls, to the Buddhist shrines and scattered hill-tribe villages. A trek is the best way to take it all in, and just about everyone who ventures up here dons a pair of walking boots, be it for a multi-day romp complete with white-water rafting, or a simpler, shorter jungle trek. And then there’s the elephants. This is the home of the elephant sanctuary, and thankfully there’s not a whiff of tourist-trap rides or shows in the air. Most are run by wonderful NGOs and you’ll learn the tricks of the trade with the mahouts and then follow the gentle pachyderms through the forest and bathe beside them in crystal-clear waterfalls.

Kanchanaburi

Brush up on your WWII knowledge in the city and province of Kanchanaburi, gateway to the Wild West.

A few hours from the streets of Bangkok, in the western, Myanmar-bordered province of Thailand, is Kanchanaburi. Today, it’s a modern, hectic city and if you’re visiting, it’s probably not for the bright lights but rather to delve into the history books. The city is synonymous with the bridge that crosses the River Kwai, part of the infamous Burma-Siam or ‘Death’ Railway that was orchestrated by Japanese forces in 1943 and achieved with the manpower of 300,000 men, 60,000 of whom were Prisoners of War. During the building, hundreds of thousands of men lost their lives and Kanchanaburi is now a powerful memorial to those that perished. Most visit the infamous Hellfire Pass, the most dangerous section of railway and just north of the city, the Allied War Cemetery, and the Railway Museum. If you’re around for longer, follow the river as it winds north to Erawan National Park and breathe in the fresh air on hikes, treks and walking trails through the greenery.

Khao Sok National Park

Jurassic scenery, hardy trekking and the chance to spot wildlife in the planet’s oldest rainforest.

Utter the words ‘Andaman Coastline’ and postcard-perfect beaches and aqua seas probably spring to mind. You wouldn’t be wrong – but venture inland and you might change your mind. Here, you’ll find Khao Sok National Park, home to sights so magical, you won’t forget them in a hurry. We’re talking iconic karsts, swirled in mist and topped by wild jungle, glorious fig trees, banana plants and thick bamboo groves, waterfalls and swirling pools, and pretty Cheow Lan Lake. The ancient rainforest is believed to be one of the oldest on the planet – estimates put it at a staggering 160 million years – and it was dedicated a national park in 1980. Today, most visit to marvel at the scenery, trek to the falls, and spot some of Thailand’s wild things. It’s one of the only places to see larger fauna including bears, boars and wild elephants, but sightings are still rare. Instead, look to the trees and enjoy the vibrant birdlife – or just keep gazing at the landscape…

Ayutthaya

Swap the current capital for the ancient one and immerse yourself in Thai history from years gone by

Calling all history buffs! In fact, you don’t even have to be a history buff to fall head over heels for the charm of Ayutthaya, the erstwhile capital of the ancient Siam Kingdom. Nestled on the banks of the Chao Praya River and surrounded by rice fields and meandering waterways, the city was once a bustling trading port, and merchants from India, China and Europe would flock to trade and peruse the exotic wares. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tourists replace the merchants (although really, there aren’t that many in this part of the country), eager to see the ornate temples, shrines, monasteries and Siamese artefacts left behind. If it were us, we’d hop on a bike and peddle our way through the back alleys and landmarks, before stopping for a light lunch of ‘boat noodles.’ In the afternoon, a leisurely cruise on a converted rice barge is just the ticket to see the sacred sights from a different perspective.

Krabi

A rugged, beautiful coastline in the south west, made famous by a certain Hollywood movie…

If you’ve ever looked at Thailand in a holiday brochure, you’re probably familiar with those iconic, jungle-topped karsts that rise dramatically out of the Andaman Sea, limestone sentinels watching over their utopia below. Famous the world over (thank you, Leo di Caprio), the staggering cliffs are the distinguishing feature of south-western Thailand’s Krabi coastline, one of the country’s most popular beach destinations and ideal for an iconic, toes-in-the-sand break. But whilst golden sands, luxe hotels and aquamarine seas are all present and correct, there’s also much more to the province than just lazing on a lounger. Send your heart rate sky high with a climb to the top of the karsts, then kayak around the rugged shoreline, stopping at hidden coves and snorkelling with technicolour fish. On land, climb all 1,200 steps to the golden Buddha atop the Tiger Cave Temple, then descend for a cold one in Krabi Town and watch the world go by.

Koh Lanta

Low-key Lanta is perfect for divers, honeymooners, families – and anyone looking for a dreamy sunset.

Once the preserve of baggy-trousered backpackers, Koh Lanta is now a rather lovely, secret (ish) spot for those in the know. Located just off the southern Krabi coast and surrounded by acres of glittering Andaman Sea, the island is significantly quieter than neighbouring Phi Phi – and just as gorgeous. Most are drawn to the miles-long beaches, the most picturesque of which are on the western side of the island, the most developed in the north, and the wildest in the south. The Marine National Park extends off the south coast and protects 16 jewel-like islands, frequented only by chattering monkeys and divers heading to two of Thailand’s best sites, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Closer to the surface, snorkelers can explore the vast coral reef alongside parrot fish and sea turtles, and back on land, there are pineapple plantations to explore and plenty of (flat) walking trails – and a smattering of upmarket hotels to sip cocktails at too.

Phuket

A diverse beach haven with something for honeymooners, flashpackers, families and über jetsetters.

It’s probably fair to say that Thailand’s largest island has received some bad press since the years that it first began to seduce Western visitors. But really, it’s Phuket Town that has attracted the less-than-dreamy reputation – and the parts of the island that we’re talking about are far removed from any nightclubs or Tiger beer t-shirts. When we think of Phuket, it’s of a haze of sun-kissed, wave-lapped sands, those of which on the western-side of the island have some of the best sunsets we’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a sundowner alongside; it’s of the uber-luxe resorts that would make James Bond blush; and of the rainforest-clad national parks, coconut farms and gorgeous rice fields that cover much of the interior. It’s this variety that produces a seriously good list of activities too. From kayaking, snorkelling and body boarding to world-class PADI dive schools, Thai boxing lessons, cookery classes, golf clubs, museums, temples and mouth-watering eating opportunities, you won’t be short of something to do for a second…

Khao Lak

A laidback coast where life is relaxed, the sands are soft, and the diving is spectacular.

Head north of Phuket along the dazzling stretch of Andaman Coastline, through Phang-Nga province, and two hours later, you’ll stumble across Khao Lak. And when we say stumble, we really mean it, for this little slice of beach nirvana is so wonderfully easy-going, it most certainly doesn’t shout about itself. There is a town of the same name, but the area ‘Khao Lak’ is really a collection of beaches dotted up and down the coast. The accessible are ideal for those looking to escape Phuket’s glitz and glam but still crave somewhere for a cocktail or two, whilst the more remote, slivers of blindingly-white sand tucked between forests and tangled mangroves, make the ultimate escape. Many also come here to explore the little-visited Surin and Similan Island Marine National Parks, home to some of the country’s most impressive dive sites and pretty damn good for snorkelers too.

Koh Samui

Enjoy an all-out beach bliss-out in Thailand’s second largest island or be as active as you dare…

You’ve probably heard of Koh Samui. Over the years, it has attracted travellers from far and wide, many of whom return time and time again - and if we had to guess why, we’d say it was the sheer variety. Samui is all about diversity and all coasts and corners provide something different, be it desert-island remoteness (south), upmarket vibes (north) or something a tad livelier (east). The hotels are similarly varied, but to remain glued to your lounger, although tempting, would be a travesty. How about a day trip to the island-speckled Ang Thong Marine Park, inspiration for Alex Garland’s The Beach, or chartering a yacht and discovering your very own movie-set? If you feel like mingling, try some restaurant-hopping around the fragrant food stalls and top-class eateries, then work off the calories with a jungle trek and a swim in the Na Muang waterfall. And if all else fails, how about pampering yourself to another level of serenity in one of the renowned spas?

Koh Kood

An off-the-radar, idyllic eastern hideaway where coconut palms outnumber people.

With a sea of Kohs to choose from, it can be hard to know which is going to tick all the boxes for a dreamier-than-thou beach break. Well, would it help your decision if we told you that Koh Kood is often described as Thailand’s perfect island? It’s the fourth largest of all the isles but despite that, flies firmly under the radar and is, without a doubt, one of the least visited. And that’s all quite an achievement when you take into consideration the fairy-tale beaches, come-hither coconut palms and cobalt sea… Ok, ok, maybe all that sounds just like any other beach paradise, but Koh Kood really is something special. Maybe it’s the small but beautifully select number of hotels to stay in, so far from the en-masse package-tour resorts, you’ll have to be careful not to fall into your private infinity pool? Or maybe it’s the gorgeous hidden bays and coves, and the charm of the local fisherman? Or perhaps it’s the fact that it’s so completely, blissfully, absolutely quiet… You’ll just have to visit to find out.

Koh Yao Noi

Sleepy, soul-soothing and utterly dreamy – R&R doesn’t get better than on Yao Noi…

45-minutes by boat from Phuket, yet several worlds away from the buzz of Thailand’s largest island, Yao Noi is mellow, relaxed and cool as a frozen cucumber (apart from the food). The tiny island is for those that like things remote and aside from a handful of ultra-private, ultra-gorgeous hotels, it’s just you, the palm trees, ocean for days, and views of the karsts that will make you gasp. The waters here are truly unspoiled and a sea-kayak or a long-tail expedition will take you to hidden coves and crescents of sand that feel as if you’re the first to discover. Landlubbers can take advantage of the quiet roads for a cycle or a moped trip, and in the north, the rock climbing is fantastic. And if you need a helping hand on the way to holiday nirvana, the hotels here have some of the best spas in the world. Need we say more?

Koh Phangan

No airport, no pretense – just jungle, sacred waterfalls and Thailand's wildest beaches.

Koh Phangan has a reputation, of course – and yes, Haad Rin's Full Moon Party is still going strong – but step off the ferry at Thong Sala and head north, and you'll discover an island that looks nothing like the postcards. Two-thirds of the interior is protected jungle, rising to the 627-metre peak of Khao Ra, and the coastline shifts dramatically from one bay to the next: fishing boats bobbing at Chaloklum, sunrise-facing sands at Thong Nai Pan, and the boat-access-only coves of the wild eastern shore. At Than Sadet, a waterfall tumbles over granite boulders still bearing the carved monogram of King Chulalongkorn, who visited fourteen times between 1888 and 1909. The west coast around Sri Thanu has quietly become one of Southeast Asia's most established yoga and wellness communities, while the night market at Thong Sala serves up some of the finest street food in the Gulf. Beneath the surface, there’s a world to discover.

Thailand

Where to go in Thailand