As the majority of the country’s population are practicing Theravada Buddhists, one of the most prominent sights around Thailand from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are the tiered rooftops of grand temples (known as wats).

Thanks to its combination of such fascinating culture with a low cost of living, Thailand attracts thousands of backpackers each year, with numerous hostels in Thailand providing cheap accommodation for travelers exploring the country’s sights.

Bangkok

Often the first point of call for backpackers in Thailand, the hectic modern surface of the capital city, Bangkok, conceals a history that’s bound up with its numerous impressive temples.

Home to the country’s most famous attraction, the Grand Palace, Bangkok is at the heart of the Thai Kingdom and its cultural heritage. In the grounds of the Palace complex lies Wat Phra Kaeo, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – Thailand’s most sacred site.

Whilst the Emerald Buddha is small in size, it’s often considered to be the most important image in Thailand. Moved to its current location in 1784, legend places its origins in India with years of Southeast Asia fighting around (and over) it in between.

In addition to this celebrated image, there are paintings and figures inside the wat which depict the mythology of Ramakien, the Thai version of the Hindu epic of the hero Rama.

Just to the south of the Grand Palace, the dazzling Wat Pho is also a popular attraction in Bangkok. The oldest temple in the city, it dates back to the 17th century and is famous for its huge reclining Buddha.

With regards to a place to stay, there are a number of hostels in Bangkok offering both cheap private rooms and dorms to travelers exploring these stunning sights. Many of the best (and most affordable) hostels are situated in Banglamphu, a hub for travelers in the city and in easy reach of the Grand Palace.

However, these temples are just part of Bangkok’s rich history – other highlights include the Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, beautifully decorated with Chinese dragons, and the large Wat Arun, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

Old Sukhothai

North of Bangkok, the ruins of the walled city of Sukhothai lie on Thailand’s central plains. Easily accessible by bus via the modern settlement nearby, there are also some convenient hostels in the vicinity.

Dating back to the 13th century, the city originally housed around 40 separate temples. Today, the most important site is the large Wat Mahathat, surrounded by a moat and filled with the remains of many of Sukhothai’s ancient monuments.

Chiang Mai

Heading further north, public transport whisks backpackers on to Chiang Mai. This laidback and old-fashioned city is an intriguing sight in itself, although it’s mainly a center for hilltribe trekking in the mountains which surround it.

The beautiful Wat Phra Singh is the city’s must-see temple with its exemplary 19th century Lanna architecture, interior murals and gilded roof pediment. To the east sit the ruins of Wat Chedi Luang, once home to the Emerald Buddha, but destroyed by an earthquake in 1545.

Wat Phu Tok

Thailand’s least visited region, the northeastern province of Issan is home to Wat Phu Tok, a stunning retreat perched on the rocky outcrops of the red hills to the east of Nong Khai.

Built by meditation master Phra Ajaan Juen, it winds itself into the cliffs with wooden walkways that represent the seven levels of Buddhist enlightenment. The top level, on the flat of the hill, is in the midst of an overgrown forest.

Although it’s best reached by car, Wat Phu Tok is also accessible by bus from Bung Kan or the nearest town, Ban Siwilai, where there are also a handful of budget hotels providing beds for backpackers exploring the region.

Fancy joining the world’s biggest water fight? Your timing’s perfect, visitors to Thailand during April will have a chance to get involved with the famous Songkran Festival. All across Thailand for four straight days you’re going to get wet, but you’ll have a lot of fun.

Celebrated annually with great gusto and, oh yes, a lot of water, Songkran is the highlight of the Thai festival calendar. It’s an event all children and those young at heart look forward to as the country takes a break from the hot season. Everything grinds to a halt as city centres and villages across the Kingdom relieve themselves with a refreshing splash.

Areas like Bangkok’s Khao San Road, Chiang Mai’s moat, Pattaya’s Walking street and Patong central in Phuket descend into a chaos of ‘friendly fire’ – from water pistols that is – as crowds gravitate towards the fun. Others resolutely avoid them, and if you lack a sense of humour and fun, or would rather not ruin your hairdo, you’re better off retreating to a spa or your hotel room for the duration.

What the rest can expect is an exhausting but riotous few days of mayhem where everyone and everything is a target for a drenching. And with temperatures soaring into the 40s (Celsius) you won’t mind having a bucket of ice cold water dumped on you. Some streets are closed to traffic and are crowded with locals and foreigners alike whose only aim is to get everyone else wet. They use buckets, hoses, small pails, water pistols, cannons and all sorts of paraphernalia on sale. Most restaurants and businesses located in the thick of it provide large drums of water supplies, often laced with blocks of ice, and there are specially installed taps on hand to fill up your weapon of choice.

But there is far more to Songkran than just drenching others. Its roots in tradition mean there are a host of activities for all, including parades, pageants, sand castle building competitions, religious ceremonies and the all important lustrating of the Buddha. This is pious part of the festival when an important Buddha statue is paraded through each town for lay Buddhists to pour ‘religious water’ on. Wrap your camera up well in plastic covering and you will capture some wonderful moments of the Thai concept of fun, known as ‘Sanook’.

Songkran is in fact a time for Thais to visit their home villages, spend time with the family, enjoy hearty meals and help spring clean the house. Many will make house calls to visitors and present hampers to the elderly of the village. What started out as a beckoning of the rainy season with a gentle tipping of some water onto the shoulders of others has turned into a typically Thai celebration of fun. And even among all the chaotic splashing you’ll still experience old ladies coming up to you and softly tipping water from a pewter cup onto your shoulder.

And it’s not all a wet affair, it is possible to observe from the sidelines or to find quieter temple grounds where kids activities are taking place. However, if you want to go anywhere be prepared for a spoiling as someone defies your polite requests and drenches you anyway. Keep spare clothes in a waterproof bag, and put your phone and money in a ziplock. There are no rules during Songkran

That brings us to another point. Take care. With so many people enjoying themselves they tend to get carried away. Thais seldom let responsibility get in the way of fun, and there can be drunken and disorderly people about. Accidents are higher than usual, especially when kids line busy roads throwing buckets full of water at passing motorbikes. Use a car and you might find yourself stuck in congestion. Others fail to notice you might have a camera in your hand and cover you in water.

We suggest getting out for the first or second of the official days (12 and 13 April) when enthusiasm is at its best, by day three many have had enough and deserted the party, but there’s still plenty of water throwing about so plan your itinerary carefully. Travelling between the 11th and 20th of April is going to be congested, so book your flights, buses or trains now. There is also likely to be higher incidents of road accidents on each weekend buffering this festival, so drive with caution or preferably not at all. All businesses, except tourist related, will be closed. Fortunately, the splashing ends at dusk and you can move about freely.

Where to join the fun:

Chiang Mai: is considered the best place in Thailand to experience Songkran since its moat around the old city provides the ideal venue, with plenty of water. This historic town is popular with Thais and it fills up, so arrive early. Thapae Gate is the busiest but all around the moat you’ll find a great atmosphere. All roads leading there are usually congested. There is also a huge party held outside the Kad Suan Kaew Mall nearby the Northwest corner of the moat.

Bangkok: actually empties out during Songkran as many go back to their family homes, which makes it more pleasant and less congested. The pedestrianised Khao San Road near the Grand Palace is the place to be, it’s complete mayhem but the atmosphere is great. Alternatively head to Siam Square or parts of Sukhumwit road such Soi Nana. Silom road is also lively. Bangkok’s best festivals

Phuket: the Thais all celebrate in their adminstrative centre, Phuket Town, and the town’s central streets are full of local revellers. But tourists won’t escape the fun if they remain in Patong or Karon. Patong is perhaps the best place to be, centred on Bang La road. At resorts in the quieter areas like Bang Tao, Surin or Kata Noi you might miss it entirely, but each hotel puts up a small ‘fight’ for the tourists.

Pattaya: all along beach road lining Pattaya bay, and the popular Walking Street at the southern end you’ll find the action. The particular atmopshere here includes all the bar girls as the open fronted beer bars down all the lanes are ideal for retreating for a beer and break in-between splashing those passing by. Look out for the ladyboys who just love an opportunity to show off their busty bodies!

Samui: Chaweng and Lamai beach centres, along their main roads, are where you can join the fun. The other beaches have no real nucleus so you’re better off catching a taxi to the heart of the action on the West coast. You can always escape to the beach if you’ve had enough. Guide to festivals on Samui

Krabi: there are two choices here, Ao Nang beachfront road and Krabi Town. The former is for the tourists and likely to be full of fun if you couldn’t be bothered commuting 20 minutes to the provincial capital where all the Thais are enjoying themselves. But sometimes it’s better to join the locals in their city centre, afterall they really do know how to have fun.

Locals advise:

1. Rent a tuk tuk for the day (they take their canopy off), pick up a drum of water, squeeze in a prowl around the action – it will be slow going   however and you’ll be a prime target for pedestrians with water guns.

2. Go solo by abandoning all plans, and carrying nothing but some money. Pick up a water gun at one of the road side vendors and drift from one location to the next. When you’ve hadd enough exit the action on foot to a point where you can safely catch a taxi home.

3. Wrap your valuables: such as cameras, mobiles and money in a plastic bag and keep it safe.
4. Mind your drink: it’s easy to get carried away, but lots of others will be drunk too, including those driving vehicles which share the roads with all the water fighters.

5. Have a sense of humour: all sense of protocol disappears and you can expect to be a target everywhere, wet or dry, ice water or tap water.
6. Choose you weapon wisely: there are vendors on the spot, the biggest ‘cannons’ are often impractical to carry, if you are going to be mobile choose one with a large reservoir. The pump action ‘stick’s are supposed to be banned, but will be on sale anyway. By the end of the day you might have lost your gun, they only cost $5-10.

Fancy joining the world’s biggest water fight? Your timing’s perfect, visitors to Thailand during April will have a chance to get involved with the famous Songkran Festival. All across Thailand for four straight days you’re going to get wet, but you’ll have a lot of fun.

Celebrated annually with great gusto and, oh yes, a lot of water, Songkran is the highlight of the Thai festival calendar. It’s an event all children and those young at heart look forward to as the country takes a break from the hot season. Everything grinds to a halt as city centres and villages across the Kingdom relieve themselves with a refreshing splash.

Areas like Bangkok’s Khao San Road, Chiang Mai’s moat, Pattaya’s Walking street and Patong central in Phuket descend into a chaos of ‘friendly fire’ – from water pistols that is – as crowds gravitate towards the fun. Others resolutely avoid them, and if you lack a sense of humour and fun, or would rather not ruin your hairdo, you’re better off retreating to a spa or your hotel room for the duration.

What the rest can expect is an exhausting but riotous few days of mayhem where everyone and everything is a target for a drenching. And with temperatures soaring into the 40s (Celsius) you won’t mind having a bucket of ice cold water dumped on you. Some streets are closed to traffic and are crowded with locals and foreigners alike whose only aim is to get everyone else wet. They use buckets, hoses, small pails, water pistols, cannons and all sorts of paraphernalia on sale. Most restaurants and businesses located in the thick of it provide large drums of water supplies, often laced with blocks of ice, and there are specially installed taps on hand to fill up your weapon of choice.

But there is far more to Songkran than just drenching others. Its roots in tradition mean there are a host of activities for all, including parades, pageants, sand castle building competitions, religious ceremonies and the all important lustrating of the Buddha. This is pious part of the festival when an important Buddha statue is paraded through each town for lay Buddhists to pour ‘religious water’ on. Wrap your camera up well in plastic covering and you will capture some wonderful moments of the Thai concept of fun, known as ‘Sanook’.

Songkran is in fact a time for Thais to visit their home villages, spend time with the family, enjoy hearty meals and help spring clean the house. Many will make house calls to visitors and present hampers to the elderly of the village. What started out as a beckoning of the rainy season with a gentle tipping of some water onto the shoulders of others has turned into a typically Thai celebration of fun. And even among all the chaotic splashing you’ll still experience old ladies coming up to you and softly tipping water from a pewter cup onto your shoulder.

And it’s not all a wet affair, it is possible to observe from the sidelines or to find quieter temple grounds where kids activities are taking place. However, if you want to go anywhere be prepared for a spoiling as someone defies your polite requests and drenches you anyway. Keep spare clothes in a waterproof bag, and put your phone and money in a ziplock. There are no rules during Songkran.

That brings us to another point. Take care. With so many people enjoying themselves they tend to get carried away. Thais seldom let responsibility get in the way of fun, and there can be drunken and disorderly people about. Accidents are higher than usual, especially when kids line busy roads throwing buckets full of water at passing motorbikes. Use a car and you might find yourself stuck in congestion. Others fail to notice you might have a camera in your hand and cover you in water.

We suggest getting out for the first or second of the official days (12 and 13 April) when enthusiasm is at its best, by day three many have had enough and deserted the party, but there’s still plenty of water throwing about so plan your itinerary carefully. Travelling between the 11th and 20th of April is going to be congested, so book your flights, buses or trains now. There is also likely to be higher incidents of road accidents on each weekend buffering this festival, so drive with caution or preferably not at all. All businesses, except tourist related, will be closed. Fortunately, the splashing ends at dusk and you can move about freely.

Where to join the fun:

Chiang Mai: is considered the best place in Thailand to experience Songkran since its moat around the old city provides the ideal venue, with plenty of water. This historic town is popular with Thais and it fills up, so arrive early. Thapae Gate is the busiest but all around the moat you’ll find a great atmosphere. All roads leading there are usually congested. There is also a huge party held outside the Kad Suan Kaew Mall nearby the Northwest corner of the moat. Chiang Mai events

Bangkok: actually empties out during Songkran as many go back to their family homes, which makes it more pleasant and less congested. The pedestrianised Khao San Road near the Grand Palace is the place to be, it’s complete mayhem but the atmosphere is great. Alternatively head to Siam Square or parts of Sukhumwit road such Soi Nana. Silom road is also lively.

Phuket: the Thais all celebrate in their adminstrative centre, Phuket Town, and the town’s central streets are full of local revellers. But tourists won’t escape the fun if they remain in Patong or Karon. Patong is perhaps the best place to be, centred on Bang La road. At resorts in the quieter areas like Bang Tao, Surin or Kata Noi you might miss it entirely, but each hotel puts up a small ‘fight’ for the tourists.

Pattaya: all along beach road lining Pattaya bay, and the popular Walking Street at the southern end you’ll find the action. The particular atmopshere here includes all the bar girls as the open fronted beer bars down all the lanes are ideal for retreating for a beer and break in-between splashing those passing by. Look out for the ladyboys who just love an opportunity to show off their busty bodies! Pattaya festivals

Samui: Chaweng and Lamai beach centres, along their main roads, are where you can join the fun. The other beaches have no real nucleus so you’re better off catching a taxi to the heart of the action on the West coast. You can always escape to the beach if you’ve had enough.

Krabi: there are two choices here, Ao Nang beachfront road and Krabi Town. The former is for the tourists and likely to be full of fun if you couldn’t be bothered commuting 20 minutes to the provincial capital where all the Thais are enjoying themselves. But sometimes it’s better to join the locals in their city centre, afterall they really do know how to have fun.

Locals advise:

1. Rent a tuk tuk for the day (they take their canopy off), pick up a drum of water, squeeze in a prowl around the action – it will be slow going however and you’ll be a prime target for pedestrians with water guns.

2. Go solo by abandoning all plans, and carrying nothing but some money. Pick up a water gun at one of the road side vendors and drift from one location to the next. When you’ve hadd enough exit the action on foot to a point where you can safely catch a taxi home.

3. Wrap your valuables: such as cameras, mobiles and money in a plastic bag and keep it safe.

4. Mind your drink: it’s easy to get carried away, but lots of others will be drunk too, including those driving vehicles which share the roads with all the water fighters.

5. Have a sense of humour: all sense of protocol disappears and you can expect to be a target everywhere, wet or dry, ice water or tap water.

6. Choose you weapon wisely: there are vendors on the spot, the biggest ‘cannons’ are often impractical to carry, if you are going to be mobile choose one with a large reservoir. The pump action ‘stick’s are supposed to be banned, but will be on sale anyway. By the end of the day you might have lost your gun, they only cost $5-10.

In 1960 Pattaya was still a peaceful fishing village. Today South East Asia’s most famous and notorious seaside resort attracts a strange blend of tourists, consisting out of huge crowds of single men as well as entire families. The first type of traveller mainly visits Pattaya for pursuing their hedonistic desires. Nowadays there’s many other reasons to come to Pattaya and golf is one of the highlights. With nearly 20 courses within reach of Pattaya, no other place in Thailand offers such a big choice in a convenient area. The courses are brilliantly maintained, challenging and not too expensive.

During the last two decades golfing has become one of the most popular sports in Thailand. This sport’s fast increasing popularity was most likely also influenced due to the world’s best player, Tiger Woods, having a Thai mother. Recently Thailand organised several international golfing tournaments. Each year new courses are constructed. Destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin and Khao Yai offer well designed world-class golf courses too, but it is Pattaya that truly appeals to the golfer, since it’s so close to Bangkok and with its hospitality and nightlife creates a perfect boys weekend away.

Today Pattaya undoubtedly provides a haven for both the beginning and advanced golfers. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the cheap green fees, the golf equipment’s rental rates and several other necessary expenses. Enjoying a very reasonably priced golf day has become very popular among tourists. The person who will teach you the essential golfing skills is usually a professional player. In general the green fees will be between 400 and 1,000 baht on weekdays and between 600 and 1,700 baht on weekends. The hire rates for clubs vary from 400 to 600 baht and a pair of shoes and umbrella (highly recommendable during the afternoon) can be rented for 100 baht each.

Early in the morning is the most convenient time to arrive at the course of your choice as about three hours later it might become too crowded. The cooler weather conditions during the early morning hours along with the more laid-back atmosphere are benefits as well. If you still prefer to play around afternoon than you should keep in mind that the heat often reaches unbearable heights, which often seems to be the cause for other players to behave rather annoyingly.

You shouldn’t have any difficulties finding a travel agency in your country or in Thailand, which organises a selection of various golf trips. They also provide the option to experience plenty of world-class courses in two or three days, while Pattaya’s renowned Thai hospitality and vibrant nightlife may be enjoyed as well.

Most of the clubhouses at the golf courses are well-facilitated and often feature a bar, restaurant, golfing equipment shop and a service offering traditional Thai massages. At the majority of the courses it is possible to rent the necessary equipment. The International Pattaya Golf Club issues membership cards, which only cost 200 baht and are valid for two years. Many ex-pats and even tourists make use of this popular golfing. Once registered as a member you are allowed being a player in the club’s tournaments, which usually take place twice monthly on various course locations.

I recently had a most enjoyable golfing holiday in Pattaya and some of the courses I truly enjoyed playing included the Rayong Green Valley C.C., which is a scenic and superbly, by Thompson & Wolveridge, designed course. This golf course houses an outstanding clubhouse along with several accommodation options. Another of my personal favourites is Laem Chabang. This well situated 27 holes course enjoys the reputation being one of the finest in the country. Finally I would like to mention Siam C.C. Many golfers will tell you that this course offers Thailand’s most difficult challenge. The combination of narrow fairways, sand, water features and mature landscapes create an unforgettable golf course.

There are too many to mention here, but a list of golf courses in Pattaya can be found here, with full descriptions.

A thriving, imaginative playground for those travelling with children, a paragon of ultimate clubbing experiences for night owls, and a city of sin for others, Pattaya is many things to many people. Pattaya can also be a relaxing home-away-from-home for expats and those in their retirement. Because everything is so cheap and the smoky-eyed Pattaya girls are so friendly, it is a paradise for those who decide to settle down here.

Only a 1-hour, 30-minute drive from Bangkok, or about 150kms, this exciting oasis provides a cheap and comfortable home for all ‘farangs.’ Pattaya has everything, from lip-smacking, inexpensive food, to vibrant nightlife, top-notch golf courses and a wide range of other spine-tingling indoor and outdoor activities, not to mention a lot of hanky panky business.

If living in Bangkok is paradise, living in Pattaya is seventh heaven. The cost of living isn’t as expensive as in Bangkok or Phuket, with the price of food commonly very low. The most authentic food can be found at local street vendors, which are everywhere in Pattaya.

A plate of famous phad thai noodles with big, yummy shrimps and egg costs less than £1 (about 70 baht), while less than £2 (about 140 baht) can get you a sumptuous plate of chicken fried rice and a big bowl of tom yum kung spicy soup. If you are lucky, you might be able to throw in a watermelon shake with this budget. For more information about sumptuous Thai food, visit our Thai food section.

If your stomach cannot adjust to spicy Thai cuisine, McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut serve the same food as your hometown, but at much lower prices. Pattaya is also home to a dizzying array of authentic Western restaurants. From tangy American prime rib, and creamy and cheesy French onion soup, to English fish and chips delights, you can find everything in this city of food-a-plenty.

Finding a place to stay in Pattaya isn’t exactly a Herculean task. Guesthouses and cheap condominiums have been mushrooming in Pattaya in recent years. There are many studios that start from 5,000 baht per month, but if you are picky and would like something overlooking the water, several apartments in Jomtien are up for grabs for about 10,000 baht per month.

If you are very new to Pattaya, real estate agents can be helpful. However, just like any other places in the world, Pattaya has its fair share of scammers. Ask around for a reliable agency or check out the Pattaya Mail, a local newspaper, for useful tips, news and classifieds. More on Property.

Shopping in Pattaya proves to be a fun experience. A great number of fresh markets are scattered around the city while there is also a wide range of chain supermarkets and Westernised department stores. Tesco Lotus and Big C are very popular among locals and expats, where you can buy goods at wholesale prices.

Foodland and Tops supermarkets have good quality food and many imported products while Pattaya Outlet is where you can buy both local and brand name clothes at a discount. For an all-in-one department store, nothing beats the newest addition to the shopping scene, Central Pattaya, a big shot store that monopolises the shopping scene in major cities in Thailand.

Pattaya boasts tip-top infrastructure, with good and inexpensive transportation operating throughout the city. If you have the privilege of staying downtown, several places are located within walking distance. However, if you feel the need for a ride (no pun intended), Pattaya has a wide range of transport options such as songthaew taxis or pick up truck taxis which have padded rail seats and go all over Pattaya for less than 20 baht.

Motorbike taxis are also a popular mean of travelling when you are in a hurry. With a skilled biker, you will be able to zip through the traffic and reach your destination within a wink of an eye. Just remember to hold on tight and wear a helmet.

Once you have settled in comfortably, it’s time to explore to the heart of Pattaya. Known as the naughtiest city in Thailand, Pattaya offers memorable nightlife experiences for all who come to visit. The main clubbing scene is along Walking street, in the South Pattaya, while Central Pattaya is also fringed with a number of bars and cafés. More about Pattaya bars here. Pattaya is also very gay-friendly. If you would like to join the club, head to Boyz Town, the most famous gay area, located around soi Pattayaland 1 and 3.

Staying in Pattaya can be bliss if you know where to go, what to do and who to hang out with. With so many things and venues to accommodate retirees and expats, Pattaya is an ideal place to live and settle down. If you need more information about living in Pattaya as an expat, Pattaya has the Pattaya Expats Club (www.pattayaexpatsclub.com) which holds meetings regularly. No man is an island in Pattaya.

After a widely publicised nomination process, the Bangkok Post has announced the shortlist in its nine month quest to find Thailand’s top nine destinations as voted by its readers.

More than thirty of Thailand’s favourite destinations are now vying for the final list which will be announced in February 2009, following a six month second round voting process. These finalists were selected by popular vote from scores of nominations made during the last three months. The final nine will be made by a panel of travel specialists based on second round public votes.

As featured on their website 9destinations.com, some of the tourists’ perennial favourites have taken an early lead. Not surprisingly Krabi, with its stunning Karst scenery, is currently tops, claiming more than 10 per cent of all votes. It’s followed closely by a locals’ favourite Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchaburi, near Hua Hin.

Chiang Mai province’s Doi Inthanon is further back in third place, offering visitors the highest point in Thailand and some wonderful waterfalls. The North claims fourth spot at present too, with the popular bohemian town of Pai.

Koh Turatao, a pristine and seldom crowded island near the southern border comes in fifth in the early voting stages, and then it’s back North again to the remote and pretty mountain clad town of Mae Hong Son. Chiang Mai is weighing in once more at seventh with Doi Chang Dao, a striking massive described as the ‘last tooth of the Himalaya’.

The remaining two are in the Southern Provinces, comprising the popular uninhabited diving islands of the Similan archipelago, and Khao Sok National Park on the mainland between Khao Lak coast and Surat Thani.

Although the order is likely to change over the ensuing months there are some notable early exceptions such as Koh Chang, Doi Suithep temple in Chiang Mai, Samui and Pha Nga Bay. However, with most of the voting coming from within Thailand, particularly among locals, there has been a clear tendency to vote for some of the less touristy or obvious sites, especially getaway parks and natural beauty areas. Although Phuket town has been nominated, it’s crowded beaches have not, and the shortlist contains some names that are little known outside of Thailand, such as; Phu Soi Dao National Park, Phu Hin Rongkla National Park, Wat Phumin and Phanon Rung Historic Park.

The full list of short listed candidates for the Bangkok Post/Today’s Thailand 9 Destinations is (in no particular order):

Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest peak, in Northern Thailand, with fabulous waterfalls and chilly weather.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao – one of the highest peaks in the country, just north of Chiang Mai with excellent cave systems.

Turatao Marine Park – a pristine and unspoilt Andaman island in Satun Province south of Krabi.

Krabi Sea and Islands – a tourist favourite near Phuket comprising of Phi Phi islands, Railay peninsula and other lovely islands and beaches.

Lam Klong Ngu National Park – cavernous caves and subterranean rivers to explore in the Kanchanaburi region.

Pha Taem National Park – noted for its prehistoric rock paintings and spectacular rainy season waterfalls, near the banks of the Mekhong. Guide to Northeast Thailand attractions

Moo Ko Similan Marine Park – a lovely uninhabited chain of islands offshore from Khao Lak, great for diving.

Kaeng Krachan National Park – dramatic scenery on the Burma border near Hua Hin, a favourite with Bangkokians.

Khao Sok National Park – a tourist favourite midway between Phuket and Samui with striking inland karst topography set around a large reservoir.

Hala-Bala Wildlife Park – a premier bird watching venue in the trouble Southern provinces which has kept tourists away from this one since 2004.

Rattanakosin Isle – the historic section of Bangkok which includes the Grand Palace, Wat Po, National Museum, Temple Mount and many other of the capital’s attractions.

Khao Yai National Park – one of Asia’s finest and Thailand’s largest and oldest sanctuaries, northeast of Bangkok.

Si Satchanalai Historic Park – understated ruins of the Sukhothai era on the Ping river banks, near Sukhothai.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall – a neo Baroque palace in the Dusit neighbourhood of Bangkok popular for official ceremonies.

Wat Phra That Lampang – one of the country’s most important and historic temples in this Northern town.

Mae Hong Son – possibly Thailand’s most remote town, a charming mountain enclave along the inaccessible northwest border.

Pai – also in Mae Hong Son, a popular backpacker destination and lately with Bangkokians looking to go hippie.

Phu Soi Dao National Park – a mist shrouded highland area on the Laos border noted for its wild flowers and waterfalls.

Sukhothai Historic Park – a must on all Thailand tours and a World Heritage site dating from Thailand’s golden era of the past in the 15th C.

Phanom Rung Historic Park – outstanding elevated Khmer ruins in the Northeast entered by 15 celestially planned gates.

Ayutthaya Historic Park – ancient Siam’s great seat of power before falling into ruin, a vast preserved city on an island of the Chao Praya, North of Bangkok.

Amphawa Community – responsible for the popular floating markets on the Klong river in Samut Songkham southeast of Bangkok.

Phu Kham Khao Dinosaur park – as the name suggests, a wonderful theme park for the whole family, on the Korat plateau.

Klong Suan 100 year old market – the floating market to get to if you’d rather not rub shoulders with loads of tourists, in ChaChoengSao province near Suvarnabhumi airport.

Phuket Town – grand old mansions away from the tourist beaches that suggest the original wealth and importance of the city. Guide to Phuket Town

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao – Another Lampang temple on the list, this Burmese styled templed housed the famous Emerald Buddha for centuries. Great for cameras.

Wat Phumin – one of the country’s oldest temples, somewhat understated in the sleepy remote Northern province of Nan – the Thailand of yesteryear.

Phra Kradueng National Park – is in Loei, one of the kingdom’s lesser visited and more remote corners, lofty scenery near the Mekhong Northeast. It’s a gruelling hike to the top.

Phu Hin Rongkla National Park – unusual moonscape highland scenery in Phitsanulok, once the bastion of the Communist insurgency in the seventies.

Ancient City – Bangkok’s best kept secret, a wonderful theme park of Thailand’s most famous sites replicated and packaged into a convenient single day trip.

Stretching over much of the Banglamung coastline, Pattaya draws visitors with its lively entertainments scenes and pretty beaches. You don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy this popular beach resort, with an array of decent mid-range accommodation and several budget options to choose from.

Standard rooms can be found from 400 baht a night although many of these feature basic rooms without air conditioning. Most budget hotels start at around 1,200 baht and usually feature air-conditioning, refrigerators, hot showers and cable television although these prices tend to go up in the high season.

Pattaya is split into six sub-districts, each of which is named after the section of beach it contains. North Pattaya is one of the quietest areas, with South Pattaya and Central Pattaya making up the main hub of the resort. Naklua, a popular district among German tourists, flanks the area to the north and Buddha Hill lies to the south. Farther south from Buddha Hill lies lively Jomtien. Budget accommodation can be found in all of these areas.

In the quiet north, the Thai Garden Resort is located among tropical gardens and boasts a relaxing atmosphere. The lovely, well-kept rooms are just a 10-minute walk from the beach and prices start from 1,300 baht a night. For a livelier break, the Mark Land Hotel Pattaya is a high-rise that towers above the lively area. Being a 10-minute walk from the vibrant party scene and a 15-minute walk from Wong Amat beach, this hotel proves a popular choice among travellers of all nationalities.

Also in the north, the hotel’s Sky restaurant features views over the district, and here guests can enjoy a sundeck and swimming pool. Room prices start from 1,350 baht. The nearby Fairtex Sports Club & Hotel features clean, spacious rooms from 985 baht and boasts sporting activities ranging from Thai boxing to table tennis. Guests can relax in the sauna or steam room before socialising in the onsite bar.

Located centrally on Pattaya Second road, the Ice Inn Hotel boasts bright, clean rooms with air conditioning, cable television, hot showers, telephones, refrigerators and minibars. Prices start from around 450 baht and the staff are exceptionally friendly here. The Central Pattaya Hotel is situated close to the bar and shopping area and features a family-friendly pool area, making this the perfect place to relax with the children.

In bustling South Pattaya lies the Nova Lodge Hotel, boasting a beachfront location close to the main shopping and entertainment areas. Palm trees surround a large swimming pool and rooms are charmingly decorated. Staying at the Nova Lodge Hotel will set you back between 1,000 and 2,300 baht a night. Close by, the Golden Cliff House is built in the style of a Victorian castle and lies to the south of Pattaya beach. Room prices start at 1,240 baht and guests can enjoy the excellent restaurant with its sea views and a salt water pool.

For those who are on a tight budget, the Wonderful Bar on the corner of Second road, close to South Pattaya, features basic rooms with hot showers, televisions and air conditioning for between 300 and 400 baht per night. Alternatively, the Sawasdee Pattaya Hotel features simple rooms with no air conditioning for around 400 to 500 baht per night. Located close to the main area, this backpacker haven has an onsite restaurant and internet facilities.

Farther south and situated close to Jomtien beach is the White House Resort, which features clean, bright rooms with all modern facilities as well as a large outdoor swimming pool. Room prices start from 870 baht per night and each room boasts a decent sized balcony. Close by, the Jomtien Beach House and Spa is located close to bars and shops, with Pattaya’s main nightlife area a mere 10-minute walk away. Rooms can be had for between 965 and 1,650 baht per night.

The recently renovated One Metro Apartments in Jomtien feature excellent rooms with all mod-cons including DVD players and wireless internet. An onsite bar is open until the early hours and features three pool tables and internet access. A small library and onsite laundry service are available to guests. Prices range from 650 to 850 baht per night and discounts can be had for staying for more than a week or a month. A short walk away from here lays the Nirvana Boutique Suites with its traditionally decorated rooms and small, family-friendly swimming pool. The price for a single or double room is 1,650 baht and rates do not change with the seasons.

See a whole list of Pattaya hotels

Bangkok and Pattaya are inseperable, those in the capital love to come to Pattaya for the week and those spending part of their holiday or time by the sea can’t help being lured to the big city for a weekend of shopping, nightlife, culture, sightseeing and sophistication. It’s worth planning time in your itinerary for a Bangkok stopover.

Sightseeing, sports and other activities including courses, shopping, amusement parks and nightlife are all close at hand in Bangkok. There are temples, monuments, palaces, museums and galleries as well as a river to cruise and parks and neighbourhoods to explore such as Chinatown and the famous backpacker area of Khao San road. Try one of the city’s many organised tours or explore on your own by taking the Skytrain (BTS), the new subway (MRT) or a river boat.

The spectacular Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho and Wat Arun are on top of the list of things to see in Bangkok. There’s detailed information on these and other temples to be found in our temples section. If your interest is in museums and galleries, there is plenty on offer from the Jim Thompson House, with its collection of fine Thai artefacts in a traditional Thai wooden house, to the Vimanmek Teak Mansion, the former home of King Rama V and the largest teak mansion in the world. Then of course there is the enormous National Museum, one of Asia’s finest. An interesting blend of Thai history and culture can be found at these and several other museums and galleries around Bangkok. Read more on Bangkok museums.

For visitors who are looking for things to do of a physical nature, there’s a variety of sports options available including state-of-the art fitness centres, tennis and swimming facilities and great golf courses. You might also want to try your hand at Thai boxing (Muay Thai), and there are courses offered on this popular sport. Maybe you’d prefer something a little less physical, like a course in Thai cooking or Thai language.

There’ll be no problem filling your evenings with the many entertainment options that Bangkok features. From world-class dining, to sampling the local food, live music venues to the more hedonistic night-time pursuits, there’s an endless array of night attractions and things to do. Sukhumwit road is popular with expats for its choice of fine restaurants and bars, and those looking for some of the city’s famous naughtiness (if you haven’t already been worn out by Pattaya’s) head for Nana Plaza or Patpong on Silom road. Clubbers should take a taxi to RCA, a remote area set aside for a dozen or more clubs in one location.

If shopping is what you’re looking for, Bangkok is a paradise. Everything you can imagine is for sale, from well-priced top-of-the-line designer goods to small handmade items that make for great souvenirs. Be sure to practice your bargaining skills at any of Bangkok’s markets because the asking price is always negotiable.

Emporium, Siam Paragon and Gaysorn Plaza are a few of the ultra-chic shopping centres where designer labels dominate. The all-encompassing mega-malls such as Seacon square or MBK have an endless selection of things to buy. If technology and gadgets are more to your liking, head to lively Pantip Plaza (Petchaburi road) or the slightly less frenetic Fortune Town (Rachadapisek road) for the latest in everything.

Shopping opportunities in Bangkok don’t stop at these shopping centres. Your experience isn’t complete without a trip to one of the many night markets or the gigantic Chatuchak market which is probably the most popular place to buy Thai arts and crafts. It is a vast and busy place with hundreds of small stalls selling goods from all over Thailand. Make sure to bargain hard here; bargaining is part of the fun and you’ll be sure to come away with some great finds and even better memories.

Prior to the 1950s, Pattaya was little more than a quiet fishing village along the Gulf of Thailand. Its long sweeping bay was populated only by a few boats and beach shacks where the villagers lived. When residents of Bangkok and a handful of neighbouring soldiers began spending their weekends in Pattaya during the 1960s, this beach town began its transformation into a major seaside resort destination.

In the early days, only a few of the wealthier Thais came to Pattaya to enjoy the sea and sand, which at that time was still clean and uncluttered. They bought small beach cottages to use as weekend retreats and helped encourage the locals to open little seafood restaurants. But soon after their ‘discovery’ of Pattaya, the war in Vietnam brought an entirely different crowd to its quiet beaches.

It all started when a group of 500 American soldiers stationed at the military base in Korat were driven to Pattaya on 29th June 1959 for a week of rest and relaxation (R&R). They rented several houses at the southern end of the beach from a prominent Thai, Lord Sunthorn, thus opening Pandora’s Box for this sleepy fishing village. Despite their short stay, the GIs had a great time and raved about the place. The word spread among other American soldiers stationed in the region and Pattaya quickly became a hot alternative to the concrete sprawl of Bangkok.

Even before the start of the Vietnam War, American GIs had put Pattaya on the map as the best beach destination to unwind and indulge. But when large numbers of troops began to arrive at the neighbouring Ban Sattahip Air Base in 1968, things really picked up in Pattaya. Also known as U-Tapao International Airport, the army base at Sattahip was heavily staffed and used by the US Air Force throughout the Vietnam conflict. Pattaya history in brief

Sattahip is also the site of Juksamet Port, the home of the Thai Royal Navy’s largest naval base and one of Thailand’s few deep-water ports. Between the air and naval bases, there were thousands of soldiers living in and passing through Sattahip. Since the military bases are just 90kms from Pattaya, GIs flocked to the beach resort in droves whenever they had an R&R break. The first hotel, called the Nautical Inn, opened in 1960 and is still in business today. In 1964 the first bar was opened in the Nova Lodge Hotel, which is also still open.

As the Vietnam War raged on during the late 1960s and early 1970s, hundreds of American GIs were airlifted into U-Tapao air base on a daily basis for their R&R. Nearly all of these soldiers headed straight to Pattaya, where a boom town of partying, prostitution and escapism developed. Coming right out of a war zone, one can only imagine the state of mind these soldiers were in when they arrived in Pattaya. Fighting an intense physical and psychological guerilla war in Vietnam created a genuine need for total escapism.

To fulfill these soldiers’ needs, an entire resort and entertainment industry emerged from the humble foundations of a fishing village. Thais from all over the country, but especially from Issan, moved to Pattaya to work in this booming and indulgent atmosphere. In the early days, a hotel room cost about 50 cents and a lady companion not much more. The GIs spent their earnings freely and the Thais happily raked them in.

At the southern end of the beach a ramshackle spot called the Marine Bar opened and soon became the hub of Pattaya’s growing red-light district. As fast as the American GIs were being shipped into Vietnam to fight, this hedonistic neighbourhood expanded. Soon Pattaya jokingly earned a reputation for I&I (intoxication and intercourse). Vast numbers of drinking holes, nightclubs and girlie bars opened to cater to the swarms of young GIs who arrived in a seemingly endless flow.

Despite its deserved reputation as an unbridled party nexus, Pattaya wasn’t only about sex, drinking and drugs. At its heart it was still a beach town and the sea and sand also played a big role in the soldiers’ R&R. The first scuba diving shop opened during this period, providing an underwater escape for many servicemen and their families. Some of the first commercial diving in Thailand was done right off the shores of Pattaya among its pretty coral reefs. The clean sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs provided plenty of outdoor recreation to balance the night-time activities. Visitors could rent ski boats, work on their tans and take long swims in the calm sea.

When the Vietnam War came to a close in 1975, the fortunes of Pattaya fell into a brief slump. With all the soldiers gone, many of the bars, clubs and workers were forced into early retirement. Rival beach destinations had begun to emerge along Thailand’s endless coasts, offering a distinctly different scene to that which Pattaya was famous for. Pattaya useful facts

Yet the town endured, boosted by a new wave of hedonistic visitors from around Asia, India and Russia. Pattaya was officially named a city in 1978 and began to market itself to a broader range of tourists. After the Vietnam War, many servicemen stayed in Pattaya. They married Thais, opened bars and restaurants, and kept the spirit of the American GIs alive.

Today, thousands of American soldiers still come to Pattaya every year to participate in a joint Thai-US military exercise known as Cobra Gold. Although the circumstances are different than they were in the 1970s, many of the GIs still head right to the heart of infamous Pattaya where things haven’t actually changed that much.

Pattaya is notorious for the go-go girls that swarm Walking and South streets, however, this self-acclaimed sin city isn’t all about hanky-panky business. There are a wide range of activities to be had while amazing performances await your visit both in the daytime and nighttime.

Nothing can put a huge smile on your children’s face like entertaining animal shows and Pattaya is definitely an ideal place for it. Perfect for a family day out is the Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm where you can gasp at rare species like albino bears and other ubiquitous animals like elephants, tigers, lions and crocodiles. Animal shows include mind-blowing performances of crocodiles and elephants doing tricks. The farm is also home to fantastic collections of flowers, plants and rocks. Guide to Pattaya attractions.

If gigantic, big-eared, friendly animals are your thing, Elephant Village is a must-visit venue. It’s a fun village where you can have fun with everyone in your family. Expect a variety of shows that will wow tourists away including well-trained elephant shows and spectacular ancient ceremonial re-enactments. You can also hop on the back of the elephant and take a ride around the village or opt for a longer trek.

Your boys will be over the moon to get a glimpse at these fascinating animals and their cubs at Sriracha Tiger Zoo, only half an hour away from Pattaya. Your little girls will probably have something to boast to their friends about to see relatives of Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine’s Bengal. Sriracha Tiger Zoo isn’t only for children as adults will enjoy extraordinary shows like elephants playing basketball and jaw-dropping crocodiles wrestling with women.

If the shows of wild animals aren’t too appealing to you, you can always opt for gracious horse shows at the Horseshoe Point. Series of impressive shows await curious tourists including a matador show which uses a horse instead of an angry bull and a horse giving out red roses to the ladies.

After a packed day of children-friendly animal shows, you would think that would be all for your family fun vacation, think again. Surely your children won’t be too interested in a-go-go, pole-dancing performances but quality musical shows performed by skilled transvestites might do the trick. Pattaya is home to several cabaret shows, including Tiffany shows, which put together the humour of your lovely Thai drag queens and awesome musicals. It’s not exactly West End production but it will definitely jazz up your evening. Pattaya night shows.

Those wishing to soak up on Thai culture will be very pleased to know that Pattaya is also home to the state-of the-art theatre, Alankarn, which boasts a fantastic combination of a 70-metre long show-stage, huge movie screens, a fascinating 30-metre of water track for performances on water and advanced sound systems. Here, you can gasp at one-of-a-kind spectacular cultural shows with skilled performers in their dazzling costumes. The theatre seats up to 2,000 visitors and also serves delectable Thai-styled dinner.

Mini Siam is one of several great theme parks With a plethora of fun animal shows by day and fascinating cabaret and cultural shows by night, Pattaya is in fact one of the places where you can have hearty, unadulterated family fun. Even though it is more famous among those looking for ultimate nightlife and naughty business, Pattaya definitely has its friendly, child-centred sides to attract the innocent minds. Simply ignore the aforementioned t-shirt and enjoy your quality weekend in Pattaya with your family. Of course, you can always come back on your own and get yourself one of those black tees.