Bangkok (กรุงเทพ):
Bangkok, aussi connu comme "Krungthep" [กรุงเทพ] qui signifie "la Cité des Anges", est classée comme la meilleure ville du monde en
2008 par "Voyage et Loisirs Magazine". Bangkok est non seulement célèbre sur les temples, le Grand Palais, mais aussi certains des
centres de l'Asie du plus grand centre commercial et le plus grand d'Asie en plein air le week-end du marché (Chatuchak).
Tous les places sont facilement de voyage par du skytrain (BTS) ou le métro (MRT). Bangkok est très apprécié pour beaucoup de choix
de restaurants, de l'authentique côté rue des restaurants d'un certain nombre d'établissements de fine cuisine. En plus probablement
la meilleure vie nocturne en Asie. Le large choix de logements, depuis les hôtels haut de luxe internationale de pensions répond aux
exigences de tous les voyageurs. En termes de relaxation - Bangkok a connu un développement énorme de Spas et centres de bien-être
ainsi que des installations médicales des normes occidentales.
Samut Prakan (สมุทรปราการ):
Samut Prakan also sometimes called Pak Nam (ปากน้ำ),
is located around the area where the Chao Phraya River flows into the Gulf of Thailand and is only 30km from Bangkok.
Samut Prakan is home to countless historical and cultural sites and the new Bangkok International Airport –
Suvarnabhumi Airport – is located here.
Some of the major attractions in the province include the worlds largest crocodile farm (with over 60,000 crocodiles including the largest crocodile held captive
with a length of 6 meters), the newly constructed Erawan Museum and the ‘Ancient City’, Mueang Boran,
where imitations of major tourist
attractions around the country are situated.
Nonthaburi (นนทบุรี):
Nonthaburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand and is more or less considered a part of Greater Bangkok.
It is the land of elegant palaces, magnificent royal gardens,
Ko Kret’s famous pottery, notably old and beautiful
temples, delicious durian and the gorgeous city hall.
The most interesting place to visit is Koh Kret, an island in the Chao Phraya River, which serves as a refuge to the Mon tribes who are famous for their pottery.
Ko Kret is another world compared to Bangkok and much of it retains the air of a rustic village, with wooden shacks propped against palm trees and the occasional dilapidated temple slowly crumbling.
Hence the main attraction is just walking around, browsing the merchandise in the many pottery shops.
Because of the closeness to Bangkok there are only few
accommodation options in Nonthaburi.
Samut Sakhon (สมุทรสาคร):
Samut Sakhon is located at the mouth of the Tha Chin Klong river, a distributor of the Chao Phraya river, to the Gulf of Thailand.
Samut Sakhon was formerly called "Tha Chin" probably because, in the old days, it had been a trading port dealing with a vast number of Chinese junks.
Today it is a major fishing port, the biggest producer of brine salt and is home to the largest traditional fresh seafood market in Thailand – the
Mahachai Market.
Apart from seafood, Handicrafts such as wicker furniture, pottery and local sarongs are among the colorful offerings in the market.
Cruising is one of the interesting water activities for tourists in Samut Sakhon. Tourists can rent a boat for an 1-2 hour roundtrip
and enjoy the panoramic view of mangroves and witness the lifestyle of the fishermen and how to do mussels farming.
Some small
hotels and guesthouses in the city offer budget
accommodations.
Samut Songkhram (สมุทรสงคราม):
Samut Songkhram it is the province of fertile land, of plants and food grains, the production source of vegetables and fruits,
as well as a vast variety of seafood products. It is also an interesting historical source for the early Rattanakosin period.
Samut Songkhram is also the birthplace of the Siamese twins – Chang-Eng- who made Thailand famous around the world.
Attractions in the province include floating markets,
temples,
a Siamese cats house and the Ban Phaya So - a house of the alto fiddle (So U) maker who combines the art of traditional Thai music with carving.
Nakhon Pathom (นครปฐม):
Nakhon Pathom is a small province located just 56 Kms. from Bangkok.
The province features an ancient religious structure called
“Phra Pathom Chedi”,
the world largest stupa which stands 120 meters tall. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruits varieties and famous dishes
and Thailands best-known floating market – Damnoen Saduak.
Other
attractions include the Rose Garden, the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo, the Thai Human Imagery Museum and Buddhamonthon -
an old religious site with a huge standing Buddha image cast in bronze gold measuring 15.8 meters
Sing Buri (สิงห์บุรี):
Sing Buri is located in the flat river plain of the Chao Phraya river valley 140 km north of Bangkok. Sing Buri is well known for abundant fish, particularly the Mae La catfish,
and the yearly
traditional boat race – an exciting and colourful event which attracts entries from many provinces viewing for
the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy.
Attractions in the province are limited to temples like Wat Phra Non Chaksi - which houses a 46 meter long Buddha image, a hero’s monument and a museum.
Ang Thong (อ่างทอง):
Ang Thong is a low river flat, crossed by the Chao Phraya and the Noi river.
It has neither mountains nor forests, but consists of mostly agricultural land.
It is a province which is luxurious of native handicraft like molded court dolls, firebrick, and wickerwork.
It is also the origination of Li Ke, the native folk song
and hometown of Nai Dok and Nai Thongkaeo, the two heroes during
the Bang Rachan Battle.
Ang Thong is also abundant with more than 200 clean, magnificent, and interesting
temples, most appropriate for Thai chronological study.
Well worth a visit is the drum making village of Ban Phae, the Court Doll Center in Ban Bangsadet, the fish park at Wat Khoi and the bird sanctuary.
Pathum Thani (ปทุมธานี):
The province is located directly north of Bangkok and is part of the Bangkok metropolis. Pathum Thani has a very high concentration of higher education institutions, especially ones in the field of science and technology.
From this fact, together with a number of industrial parks and many research agencies (including those in Thailands Science Park) in the province,
Pathum Thani is considered an "Education and Technology Hub" of its area.
Pathum Thani is full of sites of knowledge, history and culture. There are many
museums and public places that are full of knowledge to visit and learn.
Other than the museums and the cultural center, there are many interesting
temples in Pathum Thani to visit. Most of them are historical areas.
Besides the cultural and natural places, there is the most famous and biggest amusement park in Pathum Thani.
Ayutthaya (พระนครศรีอยุธยา):
The ancient city of Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's major tourist
attractions and was the former capital of Thailand.
The ruins of the old capital in the Ayutthaya historical park are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1991.
Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in the city and Ayutthaya celebrates its glorious past with historical exhibitions,
traditional cultural processions and performances, light & sound presentations around city ruins, and numerous forms of entertainment.
There are over 400 temples in and around Ayutthaya to visit, as well as a private boat museum, arts and craft centers
and Thailand’s largest freshwater fish aquarium –
Wang Pla – amongst many others.
Some elephant camps provide elephant riding and shows,
and boat trips on the Chao Phraya are on offer to enjoy the beautiful scenery and Thai lifestyle along the river.
Saraburi (สระบุรี):
Saraburi, a province in the upper central region of Thailand, is rich in tourist
attraction
resources including natural sites, artifacts, festivals, temples as well as historical sites. Located 108 kilometers from Bangkok and 65 kilometers from Ayutthaya
it is conveniently commutable within a day The most important Buddhist temple
Wat Phra Phutthabat,
built in the 17th century, is located around a Buddha footprint.
It is the most popular pilgrimage site within central Thailand. Two national parks are located in the province. Namtok Chet Sao Noi protects 28 km² around a scenic waterfall.
Phra Phutthachai protects the Khao Sam Lan Forest, which consists of hilly landscape and is the source to several rivers and waterfalls.
Activities in the area include cliff climbing at Wat Phra Chai and exploring Saraburis longest cave - Tham Lumphini Suan Hin - with a length of 1800 meter.
Nakhon Nayok (นครนายก):
Nakhon Nayok is a destination which is often taken for granted by many tourists.
The fact that it is located just 106 kilometers from Bangkok and its
attractions may be visited as a day trip makes it just a stop over spot for travelers.
Nakhon Nayok is famous for its refreshing natural beauty including waterfalls and parks, renowned historical sites, soft adventure
activities, and its variety of
fruits.
The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is covered by the
Khao Yai National Park. The central part of the province is, on a contrary, a rather flat river plain formed by the Maenam Nakhon Nayok. Popular activities are canoeing in the Nakhon Nayok River, mountain biking, horse riding and jungle trekking. The
Sida Resort Hotel near Nang Rong Waterfall is a perfect base to start exploring the refreshing embrace of mountains, evergreen forests, rock gardens, bird park and orchards.
Chachoengsao (ฉะเชิงเทรา):
Chachoengsao is 80 kilometers from
Bangkok and is an important venue for agricultural products in the Central Region,
with Mango as the most popular fruit of the province. Moreover, it is the location of the sacred Phra Phutthasothon Buddha image.
Attractions include a drum making village, a court doll center and Thai-style
house models producers as well as temples and the annual boat races, held in October, should not be missed.
Chonburi (ชลบุรี):
Chonburi, Bangkoks nearest seaside town, is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometers from Bangkok.
The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful
beaches, local colors, traditions, delicacies and fresh seafood.
This is a popular resort among Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules as Chon Buri has something for everyone.
In addition, Chon Buri is the center of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and fishing villages.
The most famous city of the province is
Pattaya - Asia's premier beach
resort which caters with equal appeal to families, couples and single visitors.
Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is synonymous with every ingredient for memorable holidays.
Accommodation in Chonburi ranges from luxuriously appointed backside hotels with superb convention facilities to simple guesthouses.
Pattaya (พัทยา):
Pattaya [พัทยา] est de 147 kilomètres loin au sud de Bangkok face au Golfe de Thaïlande. C'est une destination importante
touristique des choix en Asie dessin à l'expérience de la nature attrayante ainsi que l'ambiance animée à offrir.
Différentes parties de Pattaya offrent une atmosphère distinguée pour convenir à un large éventail de préférences.
Les familles peuvent préférer une atmosphère tranquille de Jomtien. Mondialement connue comme la ville divertissement.
Pattaya offre une variété de vie nocturne très animée pour les visiteurs qui aime s'amuser avec un certain nombre de
discothèques, bars, pubs et quelque chose entre les trouverez également les aime facilement ici. Hébergement varie
largement d'hôtels 5 étoiles aux guesthouses situées autour de la ville. De nombreux sports et activités sur le terrain,
dans l'eau ou même dans le ciel sont disponibles, dont le golf, la pêche, jet ski occasions touristiques etc sont
abondantes comme musée, théâtre, jardins, zoos, parcs d'attractions et bien plus encore.
Rayong (ระยอง):
Rayong est situé à l'orientale de Thaïlande environ 220 kilomètres loin de Bangkok. Il couvre 3552 km carrés et 100 kilomètres de
plages, donnant sur le golfe de Thaïlande. Les îles et les rochers dans ce domaine sont belles et ont des formes bizarres.
La plus grande île du groupe est de Koh Samet, un week-end recherché pour Bangkokians. L'île possède 14 plages de sable blanc et
récifs de corail colorés offrant une profusion d'activités aquatiques. La météo comme toujours chaleureux et pas très affectée par
la mousson. Outre les plages, il y a aussi d'autres attractions naturelles pittoresques montagnes et grottes, sites historiques,
sites religieux, des fruits vergers et des musées. Un certain nombre de restaurants en front de mer invitent tous les fruits de
mer somptueux, ainsi que d'autres types de cuisines. Logement de tous types de bungalows simples à des hôtels 5 étoiles sont
disponibles tous les deux sur le continent et sur Koh Samet.
Chantaburi (จันทบุรี):
It is located in the east of Thailand, at the border to Battambang and Pailin of Cambodia and the shore to the Gulf of Thailand.
Together with the neighboring province
Trat, Chantaburi is the center of
gemstone mining, especially rubies and sapphires.
Tropical fruits like Rambutan,
Mangosteen and Durian are also among the main products of the province with the Durian on top of the list.
There are
national parks with waterfalls and forested hills good for nature walks, hiking, camping and white water rafting; historical monuments,
traditional cultures of the old days, temples and pagodas of various religions and beaches and islands to be explored.
Accommodation is available in town and along the coast at Laem Sing.
Trat (ตราด):
Trat is Thailand’s eastern-most province, located about 315 kilometers from
Bangkok.
This small province borders on Cambodia with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural demarcation.
With 52 large and small offshore
islands, long white sandy beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, Trat offers delightful scenery and a tranquil hideout for nature-lovers.
The province also serves as a major fruit-growing and fishing area.
The city of Trat forays into outlying gem and Cambodian
markets and is the starting point to
Ko Chang island group.
The island, together with more than 40 surrounding smaller islands, forms the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park.
Other islands of the province include:
Ko Kood,
Ko Mak and
Ko
Kradad.
Trat is also a transit point for people travelling to Cambodia, as it is
only a 90 minute minibus ride to the border at Hat Lek.
Koh Chang (เกาะช้าง):
Koh Chang [เกาะช้าง], la plus grande parmi les 52 îles de Trat, est également deuxième grande île en Thaïlande, après Phuket.
La plupart des plages de sable fin et pittoresques baies sont situés sur le côté ouest, s'étendant du nord au sud, y compris
de Klong Son Bay, White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach et de Kai Bae Beach. La profusion de sites naturels et des installations
qui ont été continuellement améliorés permettent des myriades de choses à faire
Outre belles longues plages de sable, Koh Chang a aussi des forêts denses, des cascades, des mangroves, des sites de plongée
spectaculaires et les îles environnantes telles que Koh Mak, Koh Kood et d'autres petites îles qui attendent d'être explorées.
Koh Chang et les îles environnantes sont facilement accessibles. Il peut atteindre par avion via la partie continentale de Trat,
en voiture et en bateau. Les déplacements dans l'île est également pratique. Les logement sur l'île et ses environs gammes îles
de bungalows simples au plus luxueux hôtels 5 étoiles.
Prachin Buri (ปราจีนบุรี):
The province is divided into two major parts, the low river valley of the Prachin Buri River,
and the higher lands with plateaus and mountains of the Dong Phaya Yen mountains. In those areas are also two
national parks,
Khao Yai and the
Tab Larn National Park.
Prachin Buri is a very prosperous town with beautiful
waterfalls and canals which are very popular among nature adventurers.
Many trekking and bicycle routes are available in the province and white water rafting and golfing are popular activities.
One of the festive highlights in Prachinburi is the Bang Fai Sky Rocket Festival held annually in May at Wat Maha Pho.
Accommodations are available in town and near the Khao Yai National Park – a perfect place for nature lovers to relax and experience the great outdoors.
Sakaeo (สระแก้ว):
Located in the eastern border of Thailand, facing Cambodia at Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo is a popular province known as a trading centre.
Generally, the area varies from plains to highlands. Highlands and mountains are in the north where
Pang Sida National Park and Ta Phraya National Park are located,
while the south is covered with wavy plains and hills.
Also, there are evergreen forests along the Chanthaburi mountain range.
Accommodation is available within the parks and the
Indochina Hotel just outside town is a good base to start touring the province.
Lopburi (ลพบุรี):
Lopburi is located approximately 154 kilometers north of
Bangkok.
Lopburi is one of several provinces in central Thailand where many significant historical artifacts and prehistoric settlements have been discovered.
These relics, ranging from the Bronze Age to the Ratanakosin period, have made Lopburi a blend of east and west and ancient and modern,
revealing the citys turbulent and alluring history and a glimpse of Thailands extraordinary past. Apart from historical
attractions,
Lopburi provides opportunities for nature lovers to visit its famous Sap
Langka Wildlife Sanctuary in the north.
Another special landmark of Lopburi are monkeys. To tourists, the city is known as the land of monkeys.
The food offerings in
San Phra Kan drew the monkeys from nearby forests. These mischievous monkeys have taken over several attractions such as San Phra Kan and
Phra Prang Sam Yot.
Chainat (ชัยนาท):
Located some 194 kilometers from
Bangkok it is famous for handicrafts, basketry, sculpture, weaving, as well as
the Benjarong pentachrome ceramics made in the finest and most sophisticated craftsmanship.
An important tourist
attraction is the
Chai Nat Bird Park
which has the biggest aviary in Asia (26 rai) as well as an aquarium, snake park, rabbit park and wild animal park. There is also a monkey park and a crocodile farm with different kinds of animals such as crocodiles, tigers, rays, and various bird species to visit.
Kanchanaburi (กาญจนบุรี):
Kanchanaburi est 150 km loin à l'ouest de Bangkok, sur une excellente route panoramique. La province est populaire resort avec une longue
histoire, l'ancienne civilisation et beaucoup plus de destinations touristiques, les deux attractions naturelles et humaines faites. C'est
la location internationale connue comme Le Chemin de Fer de la Morte "Pont de la Rivière Kwaï" par l'historique la Seconde Guerre Mondiale
et mise en films "Le Pont sur la rivière Kwaï".
La province est une maison de 6 Parcs Nationaux, multiples des casades spectaculaires, le cimetière des prisons par la Seconde Guerre
Mondiale et par la frontière du Myanmar, c'est un règlement de Mon et Karen. C'est un endroit où 3 rivières convergent. Les attractions
naturelles sont aussi des sources d'activités d'aventure telles des rafting, le bambou rafting, randonnées, trekking d'éléphant,
observation des oiseaux et beaucoup plus. Autres activités de plein air sont aussi disponibles telles de le golf, la pêche et faire du cheval.
Suphan Buri (สุพรรณบุรี):
Just a hundred kilometers away from
Bangkok, Suphan Buri is an ancient town rich in natural and historical heritage.
The province was once an important border town involving battles and important wars during the period of the Ayutthaya kingdom.
So, today, travelling around the province is like drifting through historical novels.
Historical evidence leads you to travel to the past such as
Don Chedi Monument, Wat Khao Khuen, whose abbot played a significant role in Thai history,
U Thong National Museum, etc. Furthermore, various natural wonders such as Phu Toei National Park, Bueng Chawak Aquarium,
as well as the famous local-style cake Sali Suphan always impress visitors.
Ratchaburi (ราชบุรี):
Ratchaburi means "The land of the king”. The province is full of cultural heritage, beautiful places, and historical sites.
It is located 80 kilometers west of
Bangkok and borders Burma to the west with the Tanaosi range as a borderline.
It has Mea Klong River through the center of town. The provincial area abounds in natural
attractions and historical sites.
The most famous tourist spot in this area are the floating markets of
Damnoen Saduak.
It shows the people's life style and the importance of the river as a mean of commerce.
The Khao Ngu Stone Park offers adventurous activities on its area, such as abseiling,
flying fox, rope bridge, and rock climbing. The west of the province is more mountainous,
and includes the Tanawsri mountain range and there are several caves containing stalactites.
Some caves are inhabited by large colonies of bats, and it is an impressive sight when they swarm out in the evening to feed.
Other caves like the Khao Bin are accessible for visitors.
Phetchaburi (เพชรบุรี):
Phetchaburi, also known as Phetburi, is a town in central Thailand, capital of the Phetchaburi Province.
It is approximately 160km south of
Bangkok, at the northern end of the Thai Peninsula.
The Phetchaburi River runs through the middle of the city. The region is mostly flat, save for a hill (called
Khao Wang) on the outskirts of town.
The royal palace named Phra Nakhon Khiri and one of the many wats are on top of Khao Wang.
The hill and town is the site of an annual festival, called the Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair.
It lasts for eight days in early February and includes a sound and light show and classical Thai dance.
In the south of the province is
Cha-am, a popular beach
resort for Phetchaburi people as well as travellers from Bangkok and surrounding areas to spend the weekend.
Cha Am (ชะอำ):
The premier beach
resort of
Phetchaburi, Hat Cha-am is just as beautiful as the neighboring
Hua Hin Beach.
Located approximately 163 kilometers south of
Bangkok and 20 kilometers north of Hua Hin, the casuarina-lined beach is famous for being long and clean.
Cha-am is a popular lively resort town offering a large variety of
accommodations and challenging activities.
Boredom is rare in Cha-am as there are a variety of water sports that can be enjoyed, while a possible alternative to
water sports is bicycle riding along a 6-kilometer sandy white beach or touring Cha-am’s Forest Park.
There are also several world class
golf courses nearby to enjoy a day of golfing.
During the weekdays the beach is virtually deserted but on weekends and holidays it is party time with many students coming down from Bangkok.
Hua Hin (หัวหิน):
It is a part of
Prachuap Khiri Khan province. 281 kilometers south of
Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai,
is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.
Hua Hin’s consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the
Sofitel Centara
Grand), an elegant Victorian-style
resort hotel,
and also the countries first standard
golf course.
A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of
the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing.
Today, Hua Hin is a well-established
beach
destination with word-class facilities coupled with a
true sense of Thai hospitality.
Prachuap Khiri Khan (ประจวบคีรีขันธ์):
Prachuap Khiri Khan, or commonly referred to as simply Prachuap,
is a province located in the lower central region 93km south of
Hua Hin. It connects with the South of Thailand and possesses various interesting tourist
attractions
such as
beaches, islands, forests and mountains. Besides just sunbathing snorkeling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy
golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops,
seafood and nearby
national parks.
The provincial capital is a fishing port with a superb location beside beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops.
About 100 kilometers to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailand’s first beach
resort which is renowned for golf and spa.
Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan is Pran Buri with many
boutique resorts and
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird life.
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