Thung Yai Neresuan Wildlife Sanctuary
The largest nature reserve in Thailand, the Thung Yai Neresuan, forms a 6000 km² wildlife sanctuary with the adjacent Huai Kha Khaeng Nature Park, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It stretches from Thailand in the north to the Burmese border in the west and provides a safe habitat for endangered species. In addition to Thailand’s national animal, the elephant, there are other rare animal species such as tigers, leopards, wild water buffalo and Asian wild dogs to admire.
- Andyeducation: Introduction to education system in Thailand, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
Ban Chiang archaeological site
Located in northern Thailand, the archaeological site of Ban Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement in Southeast Asia and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. You can see excavation pieces that go back several thousand years and are among the oldest in the world. There is a national museum right next to the excavation site, where you can admire unique ceramic vessels with patterns.
The forest complex of Dong Phaya Yen – Khao Yai
The Dong Phaya Yen Mountains are located in central Thailand and stretch for 230 km. There are numerous national parks in this area, the oldest and most famous being Khao Yai National Park. The entire area covers 6100 km² of protected land area and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. In addition to the amazing wildlife, there are over 50 hiking trails to roam the area. There are trekking tours to bat caves or animal safari tours. The park attracts more than a million visitors every year.
Chiang Mai
The second largest city in Thailand is idyllically situated in the north on the banks of the Ping River. Chiang Mai is famous for its scenic beauty and numerous tourist attractions and cultural monuments. In 1296, Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Empire. This long history can still be felt today and has given the city its very own cultural identity. There is a multitude of ancient monuments and temples. The most famous is Doi Suthep, which offers wonderful views high above the city. The surrounding landscape also has some surprises in store. Hot springs, caves, teak forests and waterfalls invite visitors to linger.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon Mountain is Thailand’s highest peak and is located near Chiang Mai in the north. On the 50 km long road to the summit you will pass several impressive waterfalls such as the Mae-Ya. Many residents of this area belong to rare hill tribes. The surrounding Doi Inthanon National Park was opened in 1972. The landscape is one of the southernmost foothills of the Himalaya Mountains. The lush flora and fauna with waterfalls and nature trails make the nature reserve one of the main attractions of northern Thailand.
Hua Hin
Thailand embodies the fusion of the past with the modern and almost nowhere is this more evident than in the seaside resort of Hua Hin. Just 200 km south of Bangkok, Thais seeking tranquility mingle with tourists at one of the country’s most exclusive sites. Due to its geographical location, the seaside resort, which has existed since 1926, has the shortest rainy season in the country and is the summer residence of King Bhumipol. Hua Hin has an excellent night market, an old royal palace and is home to many beautiful golf courses. The city with Thailand’s most beautiful train station hosts the annual Kings Cup, an elephant polo tournament.
Chiang Dao National Park
The untouched nature of northern Thailand can be enjoyed on the green slopes of Dao Mountain. The 2186 m high limestone cliff is surrounded by waterfalls and the well-known Menam-Ping Gorge. Near the village of Chiang Dao, at the foot of the mountain, we go to the underground stalactite caves. Five of the Chiang Dao Caves can be entered. If you are brave, you can hike through the caves independently with a good flashlight. Or you can join a guide with a lantern. At one of the caves, past the entrance decorated with flowers, you go down to an impressive underground temple with Buddha statues.
islands
Thailand has countless and some of the most beautiful islands in the world. The coral island of Koh Hae is located eight kilometers off the south coast of Phuket and offers colorful coral reefs and small bays that are well developed for tourism. A dream island in the south of Phuket is the island of Koh Racha. With snow-white bays in tranquil surroundings, water buffalo can still be seen amidst coconut plantations. North of Khao Lak, off the town of Ranong, the delightfully tropical island of Koh Phayam is car-free. It offers white sandy, lonely bays with endless beaches, a diving school and some small bungalow complexes.
Khao Lak
The tsunami-hit region of Khao Lak in southwest Thailand has been restored by the local people and today looks even more beautiful than ever. Miles of fine sandy and palm-fringed beaches offer plenty of rest and relaxation and are ideal for family vacations. Khao Lak has villa complexes and bungalows. A quiet and beautiful beach is Niang Beach with its offshore coral reefs. Many destinations are easy to reach, such as the Khao Sok National Park or the many caves in the immediate vicinity. More information about Khao Lak can be found at www.khaolakguide.de.
Pattaya
Once a tiny fishing village, Pattaya has grown into one of central Thailand’s major tourist cities. Stretching 15 km along the Gulf of Thailand coast, it is a seaside resort with cabaret shows and markets day and night. Pattaya’s offerings range from golf courses and amusement parks to a floating market and the spectacular aquarium to activities such as Thai boxing and bungee jumping. Well-known beaches are the vibrant Pattaya Beach with countless opportunities for water sports and the somewhat quieter Jomtien Beach, popular with families. Worth seeing is the Phra Tamnak mountain, a hill outside the city with the temple complex Wat Yansangwararam. It is a meditation center for locals and tourists.
Elephant Natural Park Northern Thailand
In the elephant nature park in northern Thailand, near the city of Chiang Mai, you can observe elephants in their original habitat. The park was established as a sanctuary by Sangduen Chailert in the 1990s and covers an area of 380 hectares. A visit to the park offers fascinating insights and the opportunity to see elephants and the work on and with them up close. More information is available at www.elephantnaturepark.org.
Ko Chang
Located in the southeast on the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Chang, the second largest island after Phuket, was once a backpacker’s paradise. The scenically very beautiful island of Ko Chang has a large rainforest in the interior and is increasingly being developed for tourism on the coasts. On the natural east side there are hidden beaches with beautiful resorts surrounded by untouched nature.
