Khao Sok

 If you need a break from the beach head up to the Khao Sok, which has the largest area of rainforest in southern Thailand. Canoe safaris are a good way to explore the area, as is an elephant trek through the forest. If you have any time left then hire a boat at the Cheow Larn Lake and spend the night in one of the traditional houses on the lakeside.

Krabi

 This isn't really a place most travellers choose to stay, it is more of a transit hub, the place where you cath ferries to places like Phi Phi island or Koh Lanta. Just out of the city is the Kho Phanom Bencha national park. Worth a visit for its impressive waterfalls and creepy cave landscape.

Phi Phi island

 Although the 2004 Christmas tsunami changed the face of this island, since the tragedy lots of re-building has taken place. Ferries and long-tail boats run services to this paradise where gorgeous white beaches meet tropical jungle.

Coral island and Racha island

 For all snorkelers and divers out there, strap on your fins and head to the south of Phuket. These islands are perfect for day or overnight stays. No cars, only pure white sands and coral reefs, teeming with tropical fish.

Surathani

 Travellers don't really spend a lot of time here. It is a transit hub for island hoppers wanting to catch a ferry to Koh Samui, Koh Toa or Koh Pha-Ngan.

Pattaya

 Because it is just two hours away from Bangkok, this is a good destination for day-trippers who want to explore the beach side city while they relax with a cocktail in their hand on the pier. This is more popular for expats and businessmen. It is not a popular destination for backpackers.

Hua Hin

 Thanks to King Rama VII and the Thai high society, Hua Hin changed from a little fishing village on Thailand's east coast to a glamourous getaway for the rich and beautiful. Today this is a cosmopolitan city and a holiday destination for Europeans who want to escape winter.

Koh Tao

 For a more relaxed time, Koh Tao is a good place to chill out and scuba dive along a beautiful coral reef.

Koh Phangan

 This is the most well-known backpacker party place in all of Thailand. When night falls, head down to Hat Rin Beach and enjoy one of the legendary full moon parties. Dance to trippy trance beats around fire sticks while you throw back a glass or five of good old Thai whiskey. After a long night out and a short nap in one of the beach hammocks, start the day with a refreshing dip in the sea.

River Kwai

 This stretch of water was immortalised in 1957 when Bridge over the River Kwai was adapted into a film from Pierre Boulle's novel. It is located in the Kanchanaburi province of western Thailand, around two hours from Bangkok. It is a great spot to learn about traditional Thailand and the country's involvement in World War Two.

Chiang Rai

 Also known as Siang Hai, this is a quiet city located near the Mekong River in the most norther province of Thailand. Everything seems a little bit smaller and more relaxed than it is in Chiang Mai. The place is (in)famous as being a centre for opium and has been nicknamed the gateway to the golden triangle.

Chiang Mai

 Surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery, historical Chiang Mai is a place of Thai art and culture. There are over 300 temples to explore and you can meet the locals while strolling around the nights markets.

general information

 Typical Thai food combines ingredients like coconut milk, chillies, fish sauce and lemongrass which are then mixed together with fresh meat and vegetables. The best way to experience real Thai food is to eat at one of the street stalls. These are cheap and a good way to meet locals.

Hill tribes

 The Hill Tribes are located in northern Thailand. The area has tropical forests, wild rivers and scenic mountain ranges, and is home to a diverse number of tribes and you can experience their unique way of life in places like Lamphun and Sukhothai.