There is quite a lot to see and do in Thailand, when The famous attractions And its fame, as well as the sites and points of interest worth stopping at, are all offered in its various areas. Thailand is divided into several main regions, each of which brings with it the beauty and uniqueness of the country and above all - good reasons to stop there for a short or long stop. Let's start with a rougher division of the areas and when you should visit them:
North Central Thailand
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi
In northern Thailand, the dry season lasts from November to May/June, when a small amount of rain is expected during this period. After the cool winter months, from the middle of January, the temperatures start to rise and reach their peak between March and May (usually it will be 30 degrees, although sometimes they may also reach 40 degrees, especially in the more central areas). This situation can also continue into the rainy season, the wet season, which brings high humidity percentages and a less pleasant feeling.
The monsoons usually arrive between May and June, initially the rains are few and also in short periods of time, and immediately after them the sky clears up. As the rainy season progresses, the rain becomes heavier and more constant, peaking in August and September. The temperatures during these months remain high, between 28 and 34 degrees. They drop dramatically in the months of October and November. The dry weather then returns for the next six months, when from October to January the temperatures drop slightly, mainly in the north, in the higher places, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 26 degrees. In the entire region at this time of year the evenings may be cool.
Andaman Sea, Khao Sok
Phuket, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, Koh Chang, Khao Sok National Park
The west coast of Thailand is characterized by three main seasons: from November to March, when the humidity levels are very low, the breeze cools and is pleasant and the daily temperature varies between 26 and 32 degrees. From March to May the temperatures rise (average temperature between 30 and 36 degrees) and so does the percentage of humidity. From the end of May to October is the monsoon season, with its peak from mid-September to mid-October. Outside of these months, the rain is very focused and heavy and usually falls in the afternoon.
Koh Sok National Park in southern Thailand has weather patterns identical to the Andaman coastline and experiences most rainfall between May and October, making it one of the wettest areas in the country. You can expect showers throughout the year, and the wet season is, in fact, also the best season to visit the park in light of the comfortable temperatures - between 25 and 26 degrees, the large amount of water and the multitude of animals there.
Gulf of Thailand
Kosmoi, Copenhagen, Hua Inn
The east coast of Thailand also has three main seasons. From December to February the weather is comfortable and pleasant with a minimal amount of rain and winds that help maintain a moderate temperature. Sometimes the winds become stronger, which creates perfect conditions at sea for water sports enthusiasts. Starting from March the temperatures rise (the average temperature is between 29 and 36 degrees) and it reaches its peak in April and May. A small amount of rain is expected until June, which usually falls in the afternoon. At the end of August/September, the monsoons are expected to arrive, bringing with them plenty of rain and very high humidity. However, the temperatures remain around 30 degrees and in between you can also enjoy a bit of sun and blue skies. The rains reach their peak between the months of October and November.
Where should you stop and what is there to see everywhere?
Northern Thailand
The northern part of Thailand includes the Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hong Son Province, the Northern River Valley and also Northern Lower Thailand. This area is characterized by primordial green landscapes, extensive forests and lovely nature. It also borders Burma and Laos, which has quite an impact on its local culture, which is reflected in food and customs. The prominent destinations in northern Thailand are: the city of Chiang Mai, aka the capital of the north and also the second largest city in the country, Chiang Rai, which is located north of it and is a base for trips to the region (including a trip to the "Golden Triangle", the meeting of the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar ), the town of Pai, which is close to the border with Myanmar and offers calm and peace, the ancient city of Sukhotai, where you can learn a lot about the local culture and the town of Mae Hong Son.
Northeast Thailand
The northeastern part of Thailand, the Isan region, is known as a quiet and calm region and also as less developed compared to other regions of the country (and this is exactly the secret of its charm!). It is also the poorest region of Thailand and its inhabitants are agricultural and land workers. There are quite a few ancient temples in its territory as well as factories for the production of silk. In the district of Buriram (Buriram) in this area there are over 100 different ancient sites (mainly in its southern part) which in themselves are a tourist attraction worth stopping at. In the list of prominent points of interest in the northeastern region of Thailand, you can find the Khao Yai National Park, also known as the oldest park in the country, the special Phanom Rung temple, the Phu Wiang National Park, where the Dinosaur fossils and Nam Nao National Park, known as one of Thailand's most beautiful parks, with a total area of 1,000 square kilometers.
Central Thailand - Bangkok, the capital and its surroundings
The city Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is the main and official gateway to the country and also a place where many spend quite a bit of time during their visit to Thailand. Bangkok combines East and West, and as such offers ancient and sacred sites alongside innovative modern buildings. It has a multitude of attractions and places of entertainment as well as an abundance of hotels, hostels and accommodation solutions of all kinds.
In Bangkok itself is also the royal house, which receives a lot of attention. The King's Palace, built in 1782, is a recommended stop, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha as well as Khao San Street (Thanon Khao San), where many Israeli backpackers stop. The markets of Bangkok They are an integral part of it, and the night market in Patong and the weekend market (Cha-Tu-Chuk) are especially recommended. In the city you can also find interesting museums, such as the National Museum, which is located near the King's Palace, the one that tells the history of the country and the famous wax museum - Madame Tussauds. As for the other sites that are near the city: the city of Ayutthaya, which is 85 km from Bangkok and is known as a fascinating archaeological site, the city of Kanchanaburi, which is 122 km from Bangkok, the famous city of Pattaya, a lively resort town and the island Chang (Koh Chang).
The western islands of Thailand - the Andaman coast
The strip of islands west of Thailand attracts crowds, both thanks to the spectacular beaches offered by the islands and thanks to the many attractions and luxurious resorts. In this island chain you can find: Coffeey, Phuket, Lanta line, Riley Beach as well as some lesser known ones, such as Ko Jom, Ko Yao Yai, Ko Si Boya and more. Beside "Batan Gev" the area itself also offers special attractions and points of interest, worth stopping at. In this list you can find: the Similan Islands Marine National Park, which has a spectacular diving site and lovely beaches, the Surin Islands Marine National Park, with its spectacular granite islands, white beaches and rainforests, Krabi Province, known as a real paradise, Trang Province ( Trang), which is less known and touristic, and Satun district, which is near the border with Malaysia.
The eastern islands of Thailand - Gulf of Thailand
The eastern islands, on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, are also known as a very popular tourist attraction among travelers. It is a group of islands, located south of Bangkok, islands that look like they are taken from a postcard. Copenhagen, Kosmoy and Ku Tao They are the most famous of them and they offer their visitors everything they need for a perfect vacation of a few days, or more. Surat Thani province, known as the largest province in the southern part of Thailand, offers several special points of interest: Khao Sok National Park with its rainforests, caves, waterfalls and limestone cliffs and the town of Chaiya Where you can enjoy meditation workshops. The beautiful forested Nakhon Si Thammarat province with lovely beaches and the picturesque Ao Khanom Bay and Khao Luang National Park, and the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Songkhla and Narathiwat ( Narathiwat), which are usually reached to continue from there to Malaysia.
