Attractions & activities

During the rainy season (July to October) is the best time to enjoy waterfalls and trekking and hiking in the forests showcases the peak of the lush tropical greenery. That said, the cool season (November to February) provides refreshing breezes and the trees are generally green from the prior rains. Park visitors can also ask park officials to arrange a night time outing to observe wildlife near park office.

Most of the tourist attractions are open on public holidays unless some situations may not permit them to be open, such as a ceremony occurring there. Some places' opening times and days are fixed regardless of holidays. Therefore, before visiting anywhere its best to make sure that the place is open by asking the front desk of your hotel or a tourism office.

To obtain a list of upcoming festivals and events in Thailand, please visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website at http://www.tat.or.th/festival/. Further information can be obtained from the Tourism Authority of Thailand call center at 1672.

Thailand’s islands and beaches are the destinations of choice for hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Thailand is blessed with natural beauty and its islands are amongst the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Likewise, its beaches are simply stunning - clean sand, clear water, and wonderful scenery. Diversities exist between the beaches (both on islands and on the mainland). Whereas one island might offer beaches that provide raucous entertainment, others in the same area might only draw those looking for a quiet family time or a romantic getaway. The suggested beaches and islands not to be missed are Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Hua Hin, Krabi, and many more off the beaten path like the marine national parks at the Similan and Tarutao Islands. Some of these places, particularly those farther from shore, feature world-class scuba diving, and many feature all sorts of other activities from rock climbing to sea kayaking. There is a beach in Thailand that will suit almost anyone’s image of a tropical paradise; you just have to find the right one for you!

Yes! Thailand is blessed with natural beauty and its islands are amongst the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Likewise, its beaches are simply stunning - clean sand, clear water, and wonderful scenery. Each of Thailand’s islands has its own character and identity drawing specific types of visitor, and while development and high visitor numbers increase the impact on any environment, even some of thailand’s most popular beaches, such as Koh Samui’s Chawaeng Beach, feature surprisingly soft, clean sand and sparkling aquamarine water!

Chonburi

Beaches

- Jomtien Beach

- Naklua Beach

- Pattaya

Islands

- Koh Khrok

- Koh Lan

Krabi

Beaches

- Ao Nang Beach

- Railay Beach

Islands

- Koh Hong

- Koh Lanta

- Phi Phi Islands



Phang-Nga

Beaches

- Ao Luk (Deep Bay)

- Ao Mae Yai

- Hat Bang Sak

- Hat Khao Lak

- Hat Surin

- Khao Lak

Islands

- James Bond Island

- Koh Similan

- Surin Islands



Phetchaburi

Beaches

- Cha-am Beach

Phuket

Beaches

- Hat Kalim Beach

- Hat Kamala Beach

- Hat Patong

- Karon Beach

- Laem Ka

- Laem Sing

- Patong Beach

Islands

- Koh Kaeo



Prachuap Khiri Khan

Beaches

- Ao Mae Ramphung

- Hua Hin



Rayong

Beaches

- Ao Kai-Laem Tan

- Hat Laem Charoen and Hat Sang Chan

- Hat Mae Ramphueng

- Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach)

- Laem Mae Phim

- Suan Son Park

Islands

- Koh Man Island Group of Islands

- Koh Saket Petch

- Koh Samet



Songkhla

Beaches

- Hat Samila (Laem Samila)

Surat Thani

Islands

- Koh Phangan

- Koh Samui

- Koh Tao Island

- Mu Ang Thong Marine National Park

Trang

Beaches

- Hat Chao Mai

Islands

- Koh Ngai (Koh Hai)



Trat

Beaches

- Ao Tan Khu

Islands

- Koh Chang

- Koh Kuud

Only few places in Thailand are comfortable for cycling due to the heavy traffic in and between many major cities. Cycling in the countryside and around historic centers of Thailand is best enjoyed from November to mid-April as the last part of October the rainy season ends and the cooler days begin. Around mid-April Thais celebrate Songkran (Thai New Year) marking the beginning of the hottest time of year and the rainy season, which doesn't lend itself to idea cycling conditions.

The Golf destinations in Thailand are: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua-hin, Khao Yai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Chonburi, Phuket and Kanchanaburi. Moreover, the number and quality of courses has risen sharply in the past decade, in step with the country's economic boom. The world's top designers have come and left their marks and so have many world-class players. There are currently at least a few courses in or within easy reach of all major cities, and even on some islands, including Phuket and Samui. Most courses built in the last 10 years offer accommodations on site or nearby, plus recreational facilities for the whole family.

Jewelry and gemstones from Thailand are the favorite items for many visitors to the kingdom.  Their beauty, quality craftsmanship and reasonable prices have earned Thai precious and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation. Thai silk, Thai antiques, Thai crafts and souvenirs are also the best buys.

Department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok have fixed prices, but at most of others bargaining is acceptable and expected; however, some department stores will even offer a discount on expensive items like jewelry and fine furniture. No fixed rules can be given on the process of haggling; it depends as much on the bargainer’s skill as the shopkeeper’s mood, but the final price may be reduced as much as 10% to 40% of the first quoted price. An important point to keep in mind is that Thais admire good manners and a sense of humor and tend to be put off by a loss of temper. Providing you have the time, a good general rule is to make a survey of several shops selling the sort of items you want before coming to a final decision. Furthermore, sellers superstitiously believe that making their first sale early will portend a prosperous day. Consequently, you may get a lower price if you shop early (just after the night market has set up for example). The cash from your “lucky sale” will be tapped on the other merchandise to help those goods sell more quickly!

Regarding Khao Phra Wihan(in Thai; Preah Vihear in Khmer), due to an ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, Thailand periodically blocks access to the site from its side. To check the latest updates, you may contact directly the responsible TAT office i.e. TAT Surin at:

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Surin Office

Areas of Responsibility : Surin,Buri Ram,Si Sa Ket

Tourist Information Center of Surin, Lak Mueang Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Surin, 32000 (Temporary Office)

Tel. 66 4451 8152

Fax.

E-mail Address : tatsurin@tat.or.th

Website : www.tourismthailand.org/surin

Thai antiques are excellent buys but for foreigners there is an export ban on certain pieces, particularly Buddha images. Other pieces may require an export license, but any reputable dealer will be able to advice on restrictions and any necessary documentation. For your benefit (against purchasing counterfeit or restricted antiques) and the cultural preservation of Thailand, shop at reputable dealers and make sure you obtain necessary paperwork.

Tourism information is available at the Tourism Authority of Thailand head office in Bangkok, local offices in 22 major cities, and the TAT information counter at every airport where there is a TAT local office. They provide maps, brochures and useful information on tours. All TAT information offices are open seven days a week from 8.30 AM. to 4.30 PM. You can even enquire for sight seeing information at your hotel to check for the sightseeing companies.

Remember the song “One night in Bangkok” Well, one night simply isn't enough! You’ll definitely want to stay here longer than just one night, perhaps a week, or even a month if you can spare the time.

There is always something for everyone in Thailand’s entertainment capital. If you like clubbing Bangkok features world class DJ’s. Those looking for spectacular views will enjoy rooftop bars with amazing panoramas of the city. Pubs and sports bars abound, and Thai nightclubs are packed seven days a week with live music and enthusiastic partygoers. If pool is your cup of tea you will find some very good players to test your skills with. Though Bangkok offers very interesting nightlife, there are plenty of other places to visit as well. Nightlife activities as diverse as beach parties, rock festivals, and blues music venues can be found around the Kingdom from Koh Phangan to Chiang Mai.

Thai Boxing is the national sport of Thailand and is best seen LIVE throughout Thailand at the following Muay Thai Stadiums

Bangkok & Vicinity

• Lumpini Stadium

Rama IV Road, Bangkok Tel: (662) 252-8765, 251-4303, 253-7702, 253-7940

Fight Nights: Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30 pm, Saturday afternoons 5-8 pm., Saturday nights from 8.30 pm.

Ticket prices: 220, 440, 1,000 baht (ringside)

• Ratchadamnoen Stadium

Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue Tel: (662) 281-4205, 280-1684-6

Fight Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, starting at 6.30 pm.

Ticket Prices: 220, 440, 1,000 baht (ringside); special discount on Sunday nights

• Channel 7 Stadium

Behind the old Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit), opp. Chatuchak Park, Bangkok

Tel: (662) 272-0201

Fight Schedule: Sundays, from 1.45 pm., third Wednesday of each month starting at 12.00 noon

Ticket prices: Free admission

• Rangsit Stadium

336/932 Prachathipat Road, Rangsit, Pathumthani

Tel: (662) 992-0099

Fight Nights: Wednesdays & Thursdays from 8.30 pm.

Ticket Prices: 110 (women only), 220 baht

• Samrong Stadium

Samrong Road, Samutprakarn Tel: (662) 393-3592

Fight Nights: Fridays and Sundays, from 8.30 pm

Ticket Prices: 100 baht for women, 200 baht for men

• Omnoy Stadium

74 Moo 12 Tumbon Omnoy, Amphoe Krathumbaen, Samutsakorn

Tel: (662) 420-4317

Fight Schedule: Saturdays from 11.45 m.

Tickets: 200 baht

• International Stadium, Chachoengsao

23/22 Moo 6 Thepkunakorn Road, Tumbon Sothorn, Amphoe Muang, Chachoengsao

Tel: (66-38) 821-746-50

Fight Schedule: Sundays, from 4.00 pm.

Tickets: 200 baht

Chiang Mai

• Dechanukrau Boxing Ring

Bumrungrat Road, Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai

Fight Nights: Saturdays and Sundays

Phuket

• Phuket Boxing Stadium

Phuket Road, Amphoe Muang, Phuket

Fight Nights: Fridays from 8 pm.