City
* Bangkok - Thailand’s bustling, frenetic capital.
* Ayutthaya – a historical city, world heritage site and old capital of Thailand near Bangkok.
* Chiang Mai – the capital of the North and the heart of Lanna culture.
* Chiang Rai – gateway to the Golden Triangle in North.
* Hat Yai – largest city in the Southern region.
* Kanchanaburi – home of the Bridge over the River Kwai in West.
* Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) – main city in the Isaan region (East).
* Pattaya – one of the main tourist destinations in South-East of Bangkok.
* Sukhothai - Thailand’s first capital in North of Bangkok.
* Surat Thani – Main city of Ko Samui Ko Pha Ngan Ko Tao and Srivijaya Empire in South.
* Phuket – Island with many beautiful beach and Luxury resort in South
* Krabi - Place with many white sand beach and many beautiful island-Koh Phi Phi.
Islands & Beaches
* Ko Lipe – Small island in the middle of Tarutao National Park amazingly unspoilt, great reefs and beaches absolutely stunning, a must see.
* Ko Chang – once quiet island undergoing major tourism development
* Krabi – Southern beach and watersports Mecca, includes Ao Nang, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta
* Ko Lanta – sleepy southern island with rapidly developing tourism
* 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 – comfortable, nature, and entertainment hippie mecca gone upmarket
* Ko Tao – Small Island neighbor of Samui
* Phuket – the original Thai paradise island now very developed but still with some beautiful beaches remaining
* Rai Leh – stunning beach by the limestone cliffs of Krabi, rock climbers mecca
National Parks
* Ang Thong National Marine Park – in Surat Thani Province
* Khao Sok National Park – in Surat Thani Province
* Ko Phi Phi – Thailands largest Marine National Park and backpacker favorite where The Beach was filmed
* Khao Yai National Park - in Isaan
* Ko Chang National Park – in Trat Province
* Similan Islands – in Phang Nga province
* Tarutao National Park – in Satun Province
Climate
Thailand is largely tropical, so it’s hot and humid all year around with temperatures in the 28-35°C range (82-95°F), a degree of relief provided only in the mountains in the far north of Thailand. The careful observer will, however, note three seasons:
* Cool: From November to the end of February, it doesn’t rain much and temperatures are at their lowest, although you will barely notice the difference in the south and will only need to pack a sweater if hiking in the northern mountains, where temperatures can fall as low as 5°C. This is the most popular time to visit and, especially around Christmas and New Year’s or at Chinese New Year a few weeks later, finding flights and accommodation can be expensive and difficult.
* Hot: From March to June, Thailand swelters in temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F). Pleasant enough when sitting on the beach with a drink in hand, but not the best time of year to go temple-tramping in Bangkok.
* Rainy: From July to October, although it only really gets underway in September, tropical monsoons hit most of the country. This doesn’t mean it rains non-stop, but when it does it pours and flooding is not uncommon.
There are local deviations to these general patterns. In particular, the south-east coast of Thailand (including Ko Samui) has the rains reversed, with the peak season being May-October and the rainy off season in November-February.
From : www.wikitravel.org
