Thailand can be conveniently divided into five geographic and cultural regions:
Regions of Thailand
Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai, hill tribes, and the Golden Triangle.
Isaan
The great undeveloped north-east - get off the beaten track and discover backcountry Thailand and some magnificent Khmer ruins.
Central Plains
Bangkok, lowlands and historic Thailand.
Eastern Thailand
Beaches and islands within easy reach of Bangkok, like Pattaya, Ko Samet and Ko Chang.
Southern Thailand
Hundreds of kilometers of coastline and countless islands on both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, plus Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Tao and many more of Thailand's famous beach spots.
Cities
Bangkok
Thailand's bustling, frenetic capital
Ayutthaya
A historical city, UNESCO World Heritage Site and old capital of Thailand
Chiang Mai
De facto capital of Northern Thailand and the heart of Lanna culture
Chiang Rai
Gateway to the Golden Triangle, ethnic minorities and mountain trekkings
Kanchanaburi
Home of the Bridge over the River Kwai and numerous World War II museums
Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)
Largest city of the Isaan region
Pattaya
One of the main tourist destinations, known for its rough nightlife
Sukhothai
Thailand's first capital, still with amazing ruins
Surat Thani
Home of the Srivijaya Empire, gateway to Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao
Other destinations
Ko Chang
Once a quiet island, now undergoing major tourism development
Ko Lipe
Small island in the middle of Tarutao National Park, amazingly unspoilt with great reefs and beaches
Ko Pha Ngan
Site of the famous Full Moon Party with miles of quiet coastline
Ko Samet
The nearest island beach escape from Bangkok
Ko Samui
Comfort, nature, and entertainment hippie mecca gone upmarket
Khao Sok National Park
One of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Thailand
Khao Yai National Park
Take a night time jeep safari spotting deer or visit the spectacular waterfalls
Krabi Province
Beach and watersports mecca in the South, includes Ao Nang, Rai Leh, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta
Phuket
The original Thai paradise island, now very developed but still with some beautiful beaches
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