Amazing Thailand Holidays Guide

Bangkok Metropolitan Region

As you would expect, Central Thailand provinces encircle the Thai capital of Bangkok City. This central hub is a vibrant microcosm that represents everything righteous about Thai customs and traditions.

Bangkok is also the home of the Grand Palace (พระบรมมหาราชวัง), a fabulous venue for the coronation of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the 5th of May in 1950.

Thai people adore their Kings - past and present - and in 2024, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua is the epitome of all that is good in the Thai way of life.

In Bangkok, the old and new collide, especially the architecture of the buildings! It's a city where historic Buddhist temples share the skyline with modern skyscrapers.

Now that you know Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, what attractions are there for visitors? The list is an extensive one, but here are a few of the popular sections that cover things to do in Bangkok for tourists:

• Amulets at Tha Prachan Market
• Badminton Bangkok Court and Clubs
• Bangkok City Library in Phra Nakhon
• List of Government Hospital in Bangkok
• Patpong Nightlife
• Thailand Long Boat Racing Saraburi
• Wat Pho Massage School Bangkok

Tip: Check out a comprehensive list of activities and attractions in the Bangkok tourism guide to see what's happening in Thailand's capital city.

East Coast Thailand

There are six Eastern Seaboard provinces and the one that most tourists visit is the coastal province of Chonburi. This is where you will find the famous, though some say infamous, Pattaya beach resort.

Even so, as famous as Pattaya is, the other areas in the Eastern part of Thailand have superb national parks and access to several coral islands.

Some of the tour guide reviews ignore most of Thailand's east coast. But, you might be missing out if you choose to avoid this area.

Why?

Venture inland and you will find some amazing villages, towns, and local produce, such as home-mined gemstones and fresh fruit products.

Pattaya Beach Resort

In fact, the holiday resort Pattaya is one of the closest beaches to Bangkok (around 149 kilometres to the south).

The former peaceful fishing village has long since gone. Now, it's a place that offers vibrancy at night and fun watersports in the heat of the day.

So, apart from the nearby islands, this sun-kissed sandy coastline is user-friendly for tourists from all walks of life.

Simply put, Pattaya is one of the most famous cities and tourist destinations in Thailand. No wonder! It has everything that a holidaymaker could possibly want - and a bit extra on top!

North-Eastern Thailand (Isan)

Some of the remotest areas in Thailand are the Isan provinces to the north and east of Bangkok. This region is one of the most rural and productive in the kingdom.

Yet, being very dependent upon rice farming, Isan is one of the poorest and the wettest. Nonetheless, these provinces are steeped in history.

And the outcome...

From Buriram to Khon Kaen, and all the way through to Roi-Et, this is where you will find deep-rooted respect for the family structure, like nowhere else in any of the six geographical regions in Thailand.

This respect is taken by people with roots in the Isan region to all other parts of the country. They go to seek more "profitable" work so they may send money home to help support the families they have left behind.

Southern Thailand

The South of Thailand is home to the best islands, surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the Andaman Sea to the west.

Furthermore, the popular holiday destination of Phuket is the place for all manner of watersports, such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

Shoreline five star hotels, pure white sandy beaches, and the cooling shelter from swaying palm trees help to draw in millions of holidaymakers and backpackers every year.

Andaman Coastline

Head to the Andaman coast if you prefer seclusion. In addition, chilling out in the Krabi province for a few days is another top place if you like avoiding commercialism.

The awesome limestone cliffs await anyone who enjoys rock climbing. Or, relax on the golden sands of the pristine beaches lapped by the Andaman Sea.

Northern Region of Thailand

There are nine northern Thailand provinces that include the tourist magnets of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

In fact, the northern region of Thailand is noticeably cooler than the rest of the country. But, this area is blessed with mountainous terrain, an agricultural mainstay economy, and innumerable ancient cities and temples.

For various reasons, it's the home of Thai arts and crafts - not to mention the scrumptious food. Yes... the food in the north is really something special.

West and Upper Gulf Coast

It's important to differentiate the striking differences between the lower southern gulf and the upper Gulf of Thailand. These are the five provinces in the western region:

• Kanchanaburi
• Phetchaburi
• Prachuap Khiri Khan
• Ratchaburi
• Tak

Two of the lower provinces greet the Gulf of Siam (also called the Bay of Bangkok). But, the upper gulf of Thailand has a large section of Myanmar as a neighbouring country.

In other words, the neighbour to the west deprives the upper gulf area of the Andaman sea. Even so, the upper Gulf coast of Thailand lies to the east, and here you will find countless islands and beautiful beaches to explore.