There is are so muchmany things to do in Bangkok, by day and by night. It is loaded to the hilt with attractions and landmarks, nightlife and shopping, shops and restaurants, and simply buzzes all times of the year. While the Bangkok’s nightlife is the obvious allure to many travelers to Bangkok, it's not all about that and there are alternatives..
Bangkok has a fine array of attractions and places to visit that will appeal to any tourist. Bangkok tourism’s main claim to fame is its collection of beautiful temples, of which there are more than 400 in the city, with the Grand Palace complex being particularly special. It sits on Rattanakosin Island (old Bangkok), where many other high profile temples and palaces are, along with the buzzing street of Khao San Road.
If you are after traditional Thai food, Pattaya may not be the best place to try it as most restaurants here cater to Western tastes. There are a large number of international restaurants offering food from around the world and Thai restaurants serving up standard Thai dishes such as noodles, green and red curries, and fried rice.
While you are unlikely to find beautifully decorated temples and deeply historic buildings in Pattaya, you will not be short of activities and sites to keep you busy. It might not have the culture and history that is afforded to cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but ultimately that is not why people come here.
Without a doubt, Pattaya is most famous for its nightlife. With its go-go bars, sex shows and abundant bar girls it attracts plenty of single men looking for fun but there is also another side to this city that appeals to couples and even families.
Shopping opportunities in Pattaya can be found in abundance. There are a number of large shopping malls and an even larger number of independent shops and boutiques to be found.
Pattaya is without doubt tourist friendly. You will find ATMs in abundance, fast food outlets on every corner, Western shops and convenience stores and a range of international restaurants. However, due to its popularity, it is also vital to keep your wits about you when it comes to your safety. Never flash money around and always make sure valuables are kept in a hotel safe.
Pattaya is one of the most popular cities for tourists to visit in Thailand. Located on the east coast of the Gulf, it is actually a young city when compared with the history of the country, being developed just 40 years ago and becoming popular with US soldiers enjoying RR during the Vietnam War.
Hot on the heels of Phuket and Samui, this one-time peaceful fishing village has seen much development over recent years, with bars and restaurants replacing the fishing fleets on the piers and hotels and resorts popping up throughout the town.
When compared to some coastal resorts, Hua Hin is very tame. There is not the abundance of bars, clubs and entertainment venues as in other Thai resorts; however, there are a great many activities to keep you busy during the day and a reasonable choice of excellent restaurants and bars for the evening.
Despite not being widely regarded as an excellent location for shopping, Hua Hin does in fact have some excellent opportunities for anyone looking to shop. The town has become something of a hub for contemporary art, with a number of small galleries to browse in while for those into fashion, there are numerous tailors offering unique designs made to measure.
Despite largely catering to Thai tourists, Hua Hin is still very Western-tourist friendly. Most of the staff in restaurants and larger shops speak English and there are plenty of ATMs to ensure that you don't run out of money. What Hua Hin lacks in lively entertainment, it makes up for in charm and it is fast becoming one of Thailand's most desired holiday spots.
Krabi is home to a superb mixture of attractions and activities that focus on both the natural side of the province and its manmade offerings. The majority of Krabi's coastal towns are home to top-quality tailors and supermarkets while the surrounding countryside plays host to ancient temples.
Thailand is also known as ‘the Land of Smiles' and this nickname stems from the country's welcoming locals, and the people of Krabi know exactly how to cater to tourists. Transportation throughout the province is mainly based on local boats used to get from island to island and songthaew (shared taxis) to get around the road systems.
Like most of Thailand, Hua Hin has plentiful dining options. However, the best food can be found by the main markets and also along the main road, close to the main fishing pier.
Entertainment in Krabi is similar to that on much of Thailand's coast with beach bars and restaurants dominating the bar party scene. From golfing, rock climbing, diving and exploring the national parks and their beauty, Krabi boasts many activities suitable for people from all walks of life.
Krabi is a huge draw for tourists looking to visit the south of Thailand with its world-class climbing opportunities due to the striking limestone karst rock formations that the area is so famous for. Krabi is home to some of Thailand's most stunning scenery, from its mountainous interior to its palm-fringed, white sand beaches that epitomize an idyllic postcard-perfect setting.
While Hua Hin's attractions are not as prevalent as those in other towns and cities in Thailand, there is nonetheless a good selection. After all, it is primarily a beach resort. It has been the holiday destination for the king of Thailand for many years and is now actually home to the king, a major attraction in itself. However, it also boasts historic temples, beautiful scenery and a number of palaces.
Shopping may not be the largest magnetism to the region but there are a few decent places to quell a shopping fix. Markets are found throughout many towns and villages and sell charming souvenirs and handmade textiles such as scarves and batiks.
The culinary offerings in Krabi are some of the most desired in Thailand, and with a fertile coast much of the cuisines on offer are based on fresh seafood dishes. Fantastic scenery acts as the perfect accompaniment for Krabi's best restaurants, with an assortment of beach vistas and rich forest-draped landscapes to dine beside.
Phuket's biggest draws are its beaches and entertainment scene, but there are still a range of attractions that are well worth exploring when you're on the island. These include temples, museums and natural attractions.
Phuket's west coast overflows with dining options, and between the resorts and back-alley café s visitors are spoiled for choice. The local culinary scene was affected by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, and their influence still resonates today.
Phuket has been a heavyweight contender in Thailand's tourism industry for decades, and it continues to draw tourists with its blend of resort lifestyle, exotic Thai culture and hedonistic nightlife. Add this to its fascinating roots as a Portuguese port and you have a world-class tourist destination.
Phuket's shopping district is bigger than ever, with an even mix of touristy markets, department stores and upscale boutiques. Prices are high, but bargains persist in unexpected places.
Entertainment is Phuket's strong suit, and visitors will find plenty to do at all hours. Between the rambunctious nightlife, kitsch amusement parks, high-octane beach activities and classier lounges, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Phuket is a great starting point for a tour of Thailand. Foreigners are commonplace, so visitors can get a taste of the culture without stepping far out of their own comfort zone. From here it's easy to connect to other parts of the country where tourism is secondary to mainstream living.
Bangkok is quite a safe city although touts and pickpockets are rife and it pays to remain alert at all times. Avoiding the midday heat and keeping hydrated with bottled water is a must, while doing drugs in Thailand is not advised as penalties are extremely harsh.
Bangkok food goes from cheap and tasty noodle and rice dishes from street vendors up to high class dining in five-star hotels, and everything in between. Obviously Thai food is the big eat, although it is not hard to find virtually any type of cuisine here. In addition, most malls come with a generous supply of food courts, coffee shops, and burger joints.
The Thai capital is a fairly new entity as far as the long history of Thailand goes, established as it was in the 1780s by the current Chakri Dynasty's first monarch. It is a city of deep contrasts and one of Asia's most cosmopolitan, with a bustling Chinatown and visitors from every corner of the globe.
As a pastime, shopping in Bangkok is second only to its nightlife. The city is loaded up with malls, arcades, swanky department stores and street and floating markets, so that you can virtually shop from dawn to dusk.
Chiang Mai is a great city for those who like to shop as tourists can get good value for money here on a wide variety of weird and wonderful things. It is one of the country's cheapest places to buy Asian handicrafts, such as traditionally made clothing, silverware, silk, ceramics, art and antiques.
The metropolis of Chiang Mai, in the northern part of Thailand, is the region's most important city and a thriving tourist hub. Apart from the historic town itself, visitors have the added benefit of being surrounded by lush countryside and stunning mountains.
With 700 years of history under its belt, Chiang Mai is home to an eclectic mixture of old and new attractions. The cultural sites here are plentiful, from the ancient temples to fascinating museums. There are also many contemporary activities to take part in, however, with the plethora of shopping centers, cinemas, bars and sporting facilities.
Chiang Mai offers some of the widest variety and the cheapest options for dining in Thailand. There are restaurants of all kinds here, from traditional Thai cuisine, to Burmese, Mexican, steakhouses and British pub food.
Chiang Mai is home to a large expat community and locals are more than used to sharing their city with foreigners, or farang, as they are referred to. Due to this, the city is well accustomed to Western habits, but do take care to respect local traditions when you come across them.
Chiang Mai is one of the very few places in Thailand that offers fantastic entertainment while managing to keep its authentic charm. There is a multitude of bars and clubs here and live music can be found across the city every night of the week. There are also a number of sporting venues, including golf clubs, shooting ranges and tennis and squash courts.
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