Ao Nang
During the day, longtail boats depart Ao Nang for the more spectacular beaches and waters of Hong, Poda, Gai, Lanta, and the Phi Phi Islands, as well as nearby Railay Beach. Less adventurous types can find...
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Cha-am
It may not be the cleanest or most picturesque seaside town, but Cha-am does offer an authentic Thai-style beach experience. The main pier is the center of this small, quiet town; its main street, full...
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Chanthaburi
Chanthaburi has played a big role in Thai history. It was here that the man who would become King Taksin gathered and prepared his troops to retake Ayutthaya from the Burmese after they sacked the capital...
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Chumphon
Chumphon is regarded as the gateway to the south, because trains and buses connect it to Bangkok in the north, to Surat Thani and Phuket to the south, and to Ranong to the southwest. Ferries to Koh Tao...
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Hua Hin
Before the introduction of low-cost air carriers in 2003, Bangkokians had few choices for weekend getaways. One of the preferred destinations has been the golden sand near the small seaside city of Hua...
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Khao Lak
The coastal area collectively known as Khao Lak was one of Thailand's hottest new resort destinations prior to the 2004 tsunami. Unfortunately, Khao Lak bore the full brunt of the tsunami, which devastated...
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Koh Chang
Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, is the largest and most developed of the 52-island archipelago that was made into Mu Koh Chang National Park in 1982 (many of these islands are not much more than sandbars)...
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Koh Phangan
As Koh Samui developed into an international tourist hot spot, travelers looking for a cheaper and/or more laid-back scene headed for Koh Phangan. Decades ago, the few wanderers who arrived here stayed...
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Koh Phuket
Phuket was one of the region's economic powerhouses—millions of tourists visited the island every year and many beaches were exhibiting the rampant overbuilding that turned Pattaya from peaceful getaway...
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Koh Samet
Koh Samet's beautiful beaches are popular with Thais and Bangkok expats, especially on weekends. Many people thought that the development of Koh Chang, a couple of hours east, would pull business away...
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Koh Samui
Koh Samui is half the size of Phuket, so you could easily drive around it in a day. But Samui is best appreciated by those who take a slower, more casual approach. Most people come for the sun and sea...
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Koh Si Chang
For centuries Koh Si Chang was considered a gateway to Thailand, the spot where large ships stopped and loaded goods bound for Bangkok and Ayutthaya onto smaller barges. This practice still occurs, and...
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Pattaya
Pattaya proponents like to boast that their city has finally shed its longstanding image as the hub of Thailand's prostitution industry and emerged as a legitimate upscale beach destination. This is partly...
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Surat Thani
Surat Thani is the main embarkation point for boats bound for Koh Samui. Although it's not a particularly attractive city, don't despair if you have to stay overnight while waiting for your ferry. There...
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