The must-haves of Thailand

At once accessible and totally exotic, Thailand is a destination that appeals to all because of its many facets. The paradise islands of the south retort to the remote and mountainous regions of the north, the karst formations bathed in water contrast with the immense fields of rice paddies and the tranquility of the temples soothe the roaring of the big cities. Add to that, a cuisine considered one of the best in the world and the legendary kindness of Thai: undoubtedly, your trip will bring you wonderful memories.

# 1. Bangkok

© Kittikorn (1)
Throbbing day and night, the Thai capital cultivates excess in all its forms. Sometimes futuristic, sometimes suspended in the past, in some places consumerist, to other imprint of spirituality, Bangkok astonishes and dazzles at the same time by its multiple facets. Its 15 million inhabitants pass between avenues lined with skyscrapers and alleys where there are stalls, restaurants and Buddhist temples, not to mention the khlongs, the canals that run through the city. The city of angels, its nickname, bathes in a tropical climate marked by two seasons, prefer the cool season to visit, from November to March

# 2. Sukhothai

© Maxime DRAY
Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam, it then sheltered more than 200 temples. Listed as UNESCO's heritage since 1991, it is now one of the most exciting archaeological parks in the country and is home to many remains. The most emblematic monument is its Wat Mahatat, surrounded by small lotus flower ponds, but the site reveals a thousand and one other wonders. The most pleasant is to rent a bike to browse the site and if possible at the earliest, to avoid tourists.

# 3. Ko Phi Phi

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Prized for its white sand beaches and cliffs plunging into the translucent waters, the island of Ko Phi Phi has gained international fame since Leonardo di Caprio shot the film La plage! Maltreated by the tsunami in December 2004, the island has regained its superb, that of resorts and wild and secluded corners. The reefs of Koh Phi Phi are very rich, the spots Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are among the most famous to observe the manta rays and perhaps even the whale sharks. With its central position, Koh Phi Phi is also a good starting point for the dive sites of Koh Lanta and Similan Islands.

# 4. Ayutthaya

© wuttichok
Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, Ayutthaya was one of the largest cities in the world in the 17th and 18th centuries. Destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese army, it loses its role in favor of the new capital, Bangkok, and is today mainly known for the ruins of its temples. Its historic UNESCO World Heritage Park is home to many temples such as Wat Chai Wathanaram, built on the model of the Angkor Temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet or Wat Ratchaburana, which dates back to the 15th century.

# 5. The Golden Triangle

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Located at the crossroads of northern Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, the Golden Triangle is a mountainous and wilderness area inhabited by many ethnic minorities. Its name comes from the role the region played in the trade of opium that was traded for gold ... Today replaced the tea, coffee and tobacco cultures, the Golden Triangle lends itself many hikes in the heart of fantastic landscapes of limestone mountains, lush forests and large rice paddies. Chiang Rai and Chiang Sen, the two main cities of the region, are particularly interesting to visit.

# 6. Phuket

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Beaches lined with palm trees, a sea riddled with islands, superb resorts, numerous sports and leisure activities: Phuket is today one of the first tropical seaside resorts in the world. Connected to the mainland by a road, its coastline bordered by white sand beaches and quiet bays is bathed in the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea and backed by green hills, rows of coconut palms and rubber plantations. A paradise illuminated by the sun, all year long.

# 7. Chiang Mai

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Located in the foothills of the north, Chiang Mai is the second largest city in the country and certainly the most amazing. It reigns a very pleasant atmosphere that sneaks between its narrow streets, the many temples and the stalls of its night market. It is also a dynamic city that offers a large number of activities to its visitors: introduction to Thai massage, Thai cooking and boxing classes ... Close to traditions and crafts, Chiang Mai is the ideal destination for tourists. purchases of silver, wood or ceramic objects.

# 8. Ko Tao

© magicinfoto
Ko Tao, understand Turtle Island, is a small tropical island with some of the best diving in the country. Nearly thirty sites are accessible from its palm-lined beaches, including the renowned Chumphon Pinnacle site. With snorkel or bottle, the best time to dive between March to October and especially from March to May when you can swim with whale sharks. In addition, KoTao bathes in a paradisiac setting which generates sensation of end of the world ...

# 9. Ko Pha Ngan

© 4FR
Located on the Gulf of Thailand, No Pha Ngan is known to all for its famous Full Moon parties, the full moon parties. which bring together a large number of ravers. But it contains other treasures like a wild and preserved nature, three quarters of the island being discovered in a dense and bushy jungle. We make a stop in some beautiful sites, such as the waterfall Peang, in Thansadej-Koh Phangan National Park. The coast is serrated with small coves and hidden beaches, more beautiful than the others.

# 10. Krabi

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The protected beaches and bays, the crystal clear waters that lick the golden sand and the small islands scattered on both sides make Krabi one of the most popular seaside destinations. Known for its karst cliffs that give it a mysterious air, the region also enjoys an exceptional fauna and flora, protected in several national parks. There are many caves, some of which have temples like Wat Tham Sua, the temple of the tiger cave, where once lived a tiger ...