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Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, Bangkok
view from Bamboo Island, Just off Koh Phi Phi
Lonely Planet: Thailand You can buy this book online now!
Lonely Planet: South-East Asia on a Shoestring
Highlights
Bangkok - the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, The Floating Markets, Jim Thompson's House, Pat Pong
Bridge over the River Kwai - possible day trip from Bangkok
Koh Samed - Island near to Bangkok
The Golden Triangle (north) - Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pae. Good trekking to see traditional opium smoking hill tribes (inc. Long Necks)
Phuket - Popular tourist destination for package holidays but very easy to escape the crowds on the west side. Good jumping off point for Koh Phi Phi and north to James Bond Island.
Koh Phi Phi - (2 hour boat trip from either Phuket or Krabi). Phi Phi Leh (smallest of the two islands) was the setting for the film The Beach. Phi Phi Don is the main island with plenty of accommodation and great snorkeling (esp. Bamboo & Mosquito Islands).
Krabi - Most travellers take the short longtail boat trip out of Krabi Town to Rai Leh beach. Rock Climbing Mecca with incredible scenery and chilled atmosphere.
Koh Samui - Popular tourist destination but again possible to escape the crowds. Most use the island as a stop on their way to Koh Phangan.
Koh Phangan - Smaller, quieter and less developed but home to the infamous travellers 'Full Moon Party'.
Koh Tau - Next island north and even more remote and is the home of excellent diving.
Main travellers routes
Bangkok is usually most traveller's first taste of Thailand. The others travel overland up from Malaysia - generally straight to the Islands in the South.
From Bangkok it is very easy to take either the train or overnight coaches up to the Golden Triangle.
Few backpackers stop at the beach resorts south of Bangkok such of Hua Hin, instead heading straight to the islands. Travelling overland by train or coach is cheapest but internal flights are not too expensive either.
Capital
Bangkok
Other Main populated areas: Chiang Mai (north), Hat Yai (south)
Languages
Thai
Chinese
Some English
Currency
Baht
Visas
Visa not required for UK Tourists for stays of up to 30 days.
6 Month visa required for longer stays or it is possible to leave and re-enter the country to renew the tourist visa.
Foreign Office Advice
http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel/
Links
If you have any information you would like to share with other travellers about this country, email it to:
tips@thetravellerslounge.com
