Another destination is the province of Kanchanaburi,128 kilometers from Bangkok. It is where the historical Bridge on the River Kwai was built. Lopburi is famous for shrines that date back to the Khmer period and the ruins of King Narai’s palaces that were built in the 17th century. At Nakhon Pathom is the tallest Buddhist pagoda in the world.

THE EAST
Just a two-hour drive from Bangkok is Pattaya, popular for its beaches and its fantastic nightlife. Other places of interest are Bangsaen, the nearest beach resort and Si Chang Island. A bit further is Chantaburi, the province famous for gemstones, fruits, hot pepper and mats.  In Rayong, one can take a boat to Samet Island, the place to get away from it all. There’s also Trat where Koh Chang National Marine Park waits to be explored.

THE NORTH
Cold weather, scenic mountains, handicrafts and spicy cuisine -- these are the attractions of the region. Chiang Mai is 697 kilometers from Bangkok and is the second largest province in Thailand. Places of interest include Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon and Bhubing Palace. Further north is Chiang Rai, the very heart of the Golden Triangle, where hill tribes maintain a way of life that has not changed much for several centuries. Exciting elephant trekking and jungle tours are often part of tour packages to this part of the country.

In the town of Pamphun are orchards and ancient temples, while Lampang province is known for horse-drawn carriages that still ply its streets. Also worth a visit is Mae Hong Son, which is sometimes called the “town of three mists”. And then, there’s Sukhothai, the old capital which ruins date back centuries.

THE NORTHEAST
Known as Isan in Thai, the northeast has numerous tourist attractions, both natural and man-made. The gateway to the region is Nakhon Ratchasima where the Thao Suranari Monument, the Khmer-style stone shrine Prasat Hin Phimai, and a 250-year old banyan tree can be found.

Khon Kaen is famous as the center of mudmee silk production, while Ubon Ratchatani is known for its candle festival. In Sakhon Nakhon are numerous picturesque sights. Surin stands out for the annual elephant round-up held during the third weekend of November. Buriram has the largest Khmer-style stone temple. Prasat Phanom Rung and Loei have cool weather almost year round.

THE SOUTH
The most prominent tourist attraction in the south is Phuket, the island resort destination visited by millions every year. If you find it a little too crowded, an alternative, is Samui Island in Suratthani. Its tranquility and unpolluted environment is refreshing.

Ranong, where the rain never seems to stop, has hot springs, while Patthalung is believed to be in the original realm of the ancient Sri Vijiya Kingdom.

Hat Yai is the bustling commercial city where imported goods are sold at low prices. Just off Phuket is Phang-nga, which has a magnificent coastline dotted by limestone caves. Krabi and Trang also have many deserted beaches and beautiful scenery. Tarutao Island off Satun has a spectacular underwater world and tranquil atmosphere.