THAILAND
Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is a beautiful and remote province in Northern Thailand. Known for its gorgeous nature and mountainous terrain, the province has chilled-out atmosphere. Mae Hong Son is Thailand’s most mountainous province. A fine mist often hangs in the air over the soaring mountains. Rivers flow through lush green valleys and there are plentiful waterfalls that are especially beautiful in the rainy season. You can visit many caves, canyons, fields and also hills vith viewpoints. Mae Hong Son is amazing destination for travellers who enjoy getting back to nature. The mountains offer many opportunities for excellent hiking and climbing. You can also visit more distant places on a motorcycle, such as the beautiful village of Ban Rak Thai near the Burmese border, the Tham Lod cave system, or Pai Canon near the town of the same name.
Phuket
Phuket is the largest of the Thai islands and lies about seven hundred kilometers south of Bangkok. It is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. It can be said that this island offers something for everyone. No one can be bored in Phuket. The area around the island is perfect for diving, snorkelling and boat trips. There are beautiful Buddhist temples and other monuments on the island – the most famous is the beautiful Wat Chalong where on the tallest tower you will find the ashes of the Buddha. Mount Nakkerd is home to the 45-meter-high Big Buddha, whose construction cost 30 million Thai baths and is still unfinished. You can enjoy Phuket’s Old Town, visit local markets and try street food, or indulge in modern temples of consumption. The inland of the island hides beautiful waterfalls, lots of viewpoints and nature trails. There are also countless beaches around the island, just choose your favorite one and watch the beautiful sunsets. Phuket is simply worth a visit.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand, it is a religious, economic, cultural, educational and transportation center for the whole northern Thailand and part of neighboring Myanmar (Burma). Once the capital of an independent kingdom, the city also has strong cultural ties with Laos. Chiang Mai has a very specific atmosphere, for which it is frequently visited and also becomes a haven for digital nomads and backpackers. It is the starting point for trips to nearby and more distant surroundings, such as the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon (2,565 m above sea level). Doi Suthep Mountain, with views of the city, is also a popular destination. There are over 300 temples in the city itself. Chiang Mai is also famous for its annual Loy Krathong festival, during which thousands of lucky lanterns are released from the city, or for several days of Thai New Year celebrations – Sonkran. Unfortunately, I was unlucky and Loy Krathong experienced in 2021 without forbidden flying lanterns. Still, it was amazing and Chiang Mai is one of my favorite places.
Erawan National Park & Khuean Srinagarindra National Park
Located in West Thailand in the Tenasserim Hills range of Kanchanaburi Province, Erawan National Park is home to one of the most popular falls in the country. The major attraction of the park is 7 levels of Erawan Falls with emerald green ponds. What makes Erawan Falls so popular is it’s picturesque emerald green clear waters. Last waterfall level is accessible by scrambling up to a few cliffs, for those who like a bit more challenge. The total distance from the trailhead up to the top tier is nearly 1.5 km. There are many emerald green ponds along the trails that the visitors are allowed to swim in. Near is also Khuean Srinagarindra National Park with popular Huay Mae Khamin waterfall, a waterfall of seven levels which eventually flows to the Khwae Yai River. The waterfall’s source is in the mountains in the east of the park. Other park waterfalls include Pha Sawan and Pha Tat.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a bit neglected, but you will find tourists here. In fact, there is much more to see than just the Death Railway and the bridge over the River Kwae. Within driving distance of the city are beautiful national parks and reservations, so I took Kanchanaburi as a base for trips to the wider area. Although Kanchanaburi is a year-round destination, the best holiday season is from November to February, when temperature is relatively colder than the rest of the year. At the peak of summer (April), Kanchanaburi is one of the warmest places. In the area, there is amazing Erawan National Park, which with its waterfalls is one of the most beautiful.
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is about two hours from Surat Thani. It is a place created for adventurers and nature lovers. This national park is one of the best preserved in Thailand. You will find countless plant and animal species, often very rare. In addition to several species of monkeys, there are also a few felines (two species of leopard, tiger), as well as wild elephants, tapirs, hornbills, flying lizards and many other inhabitants of the forest. You could see here the largest snake in the world (lattice python), the largest venomous snake (royal cobra), the largest gecko, a butterfly, but also the largest flower in the world – Raflesia. In the National Park you can choose from many treks, trips and rides. Be sure not to miss the popular Cheow Lan Lake, with the possibility of spending the night in the jungle or on the lake. Of course there are also kayaks or activities with elephants. If you can regret luxury and comfort, have an adventurous nature and you would rather go through the jungle than through the city streets, Khao Sok National Park is the place for you.
Khao Ngon Nak National Park
This national park in Krabi province is not big and cannot be compared to parks like Khao Sok or Khao Nor Chu Chi. Still, it’s worth visiting. It is about thirty minutes from the famous Ao Nang Beach and is easily reached. To visit it means to climb more or less to the top of the mountain. The road is about five kilometers long and if you are not totally without physicality, it is a very pleasant trail. The peak is worth it. Amazing views of the countryside and great places to take photos on the rocks are enough reward for a little effort.
King Power MahaNakhon - Bangkok
Khao Sok National Park is about two hours from Surat Thani. It is a place created for adventurers and nature lovers. This national park is one of the best preserved in Thailand. You will find countless plant and animal species, often very rare. In addition to several species of monkeys, there are also a few felines (two species of leopard, tiger), as well as wild elephants, tapirs, hornbills, flying lizards and many other inhabitants of the forest. You could see here the largest snake in the world (lattice python), the largest venomous snake (royal cobra), the largest gecko, a butterfly, but also the largest flower in the world – Raflesia. In the National Park you can choose from many treks, trips and rides. Be sure not to miss the popular Cheow Lan Lake, with the possibility of spending the night in the jungle or on the lake. Of course there are also kayaks or activities with elephants. If you can regret luxury and comfort, have an adventurous nature and you would rather go through the jungle than through the city streets, Khao Sok National Park is the place for you.
Doi Inthanon (Thai highest mountain)
The highest Thai mountain Doi Inthanon is located about 100 km from the city of Chiang Mai in the Doi Inthanon National Park and is 2565 m high. You can comfortably go up on a motorcycle or car and you will find there two beautiful temples. However, I recommend going on the local nature trails, where after passing through the forest part of the road, you will have wonderful views from the mountainside. Definitely one of the most beautiful places to go.
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a small L-shaped island located in the province of Satun in southern Thailand not far from the border with Malaysia – not far from Langkawi. The island belongs to the Adang-Rawi archipelago, located on the edge of Tarutao National Park. Koh Lipe (also known as Koh Lipeh or Koh Lipey) actually means paper island. The island has three main beaches, Sunset Beach (in the west), Sunrise Beach (in the east) and Pattaya Beach (in the south). The surrounding area is famous for diving and snorkelling. Its coral reefs are easy to reach as they start just a few meters from the main beaches. There are many accommodation options on the island, from bamboo bungalows to four-star hotels.
Krabi
Krabi is one of the most beautiful places in all of Thailand. Crystal white sand on the coast with more than 200 islands, azure and turquoise sea, but also the jungles inland, where you can find caves, waterfalls and exotic flora and fauna will force you to return here. There are definitely fewer tourists than on crowded Phuket, more relaxed atmosphere than for example on Koh Samui. Until recently, the neglected corner of southern Thailand is truly one of the most naturally interesting places on the Andaman coast. Karst cliffs, lush greenery and turquoise sea create unforgettable scenery. And you will find an inexhaustible number of places around, where you definitely have to go and explore them.