Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Regions
Thailand is divided into six geographic regions, Northern, Central, Eastern, Issan, and
Southern. North Thailand is situated in the mountains and is known for trekking, outdoor
adventures and cultural excursions to experience life in the hill tribes. Within the north is
the historically infamous Golden Triangle, once known for its opium production and now a
popular tourist destination. To learn more about what North Thailand has to offer, check out
the chapter on North Thailand.
CentralThailandishometoBangkok,thecapital,acommonstartingpointformanyvisitors.
It boasts an active nightlife with many museums and historical sights. East Thailand is a
small region to the southeast of Bangkok and boasts numerous beaches and coastline. Issan
is in the far east, bordering Cambodia, and its Khmer ruins and agriculture are often over-
looked by travelers. The chapter in this guide on Central Thailand combines three of these
three regions, Central, East and Issan.
South Thailand is famous for its beaches, islands and the Full Moon Parties that draw many
visitors every year. There is an abundance of snorkeling, scuba diving, and even some surf-
ing with small waves which make it a great place to learn.
The weather and the rainy season in Thailand vary by region and by time of year so check
the weather before you plan your trip. Since Northern Thailand is mountainous it is gener-
ally cooler than the rest of the country, while the southern coasts and islands are warmer all
year round. The weather can be different on the islands too which are subject to occasional
tsunamis.
Getting between the different regions can be an adventure in itself. There are many low-cost
airlines that will fly you from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and on to Phuket, and many other
destinations. You can also choose to take the train which, while it may take more time than
a bus, is generally safer than driving on the Thai roads. It is most common to travel by road
and there are a myriad of options to get around, from buses with VIP seats to minivans and
three-wheeled tuk-tuks that look like a motorcycle pulling a small carriage. There are ferries
connecting the islands to the mainland that run regularly, though more frequently during the
high season. At your destination you can easily get around with taxis, buses, tuk-tuks and on
foot. It is also popular to rent a car or a motorcycle for traveling on your own schedule but
be sure to take proper care if you are considering this route. See Tips and Tricks for more
information.
