Ratchaburi, Thailand

Ratchaburi's most famous sights include the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Rose Garden. An early start is required as the floating market is all but finished by mid-morning. The Rose Garden then offers a good introduction to Thai culture with traditional dancing, martail arts, and other attractions.
Ratchaburi also boasts Thailand's first barehanded rock-climbing facility. The Khao Ngu Rock Park is a former blasting site which offers a thrill for bare-handed rock climbers.
Air-con buses from the Southern Bus Terminal to Ratchaburi leave every 30 minutes from 6:00 a.m onwards.
Ratchaburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi. In the west it borders Tanintharyi Division of Myanmar.
The east part of the province contains the flat river plains of the Mae Klong river, crisscrossed by many khlongs. The most famous tourist spot in this area are the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak. The west of the province is more mountainous, and includes the Tanawsri mountain range. As the mountains are made mostly of limestone, there are several caves containing stalactites. Some caves are inhabited by large colonies of bats, and it is an impressive sight when they swarm out in the evening to feed. Other caves like the Khao Bin are accessible for visitors. The main river of the west part is the Phachi River.
At the left bank of the Phachi river the Chaloem Phra Kiat Thai Prachan National Park is in process of being established since 2003: It is scheduled to protect 384.39 km² of forests which had been battle ground with the Communist party of Thailand in the past.
The history of the city of Ratchaburi dates back to the Dvaravati period, when it was an important city of the Mon kingdom. Of the contemporary city Khu Bua nearby only ruins remains. According to legend it even dates back to the mythical Suvannabhumi kingdom predating Dvaravati.

Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city

Chiang Mai. More than 700 km northwest of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city. This statistic, often bandied about, has always testified to the enormity of Bangkok rather than the size of Chiang Mai, but things are changing.
The northern capital still captures the feel of a small town, but most first-time visitors are surprised at how cosmopolitan it is.
Allow a day or two to wander around the city, see its temples, and experience the exten-sive Night Bazaar, which offers Thai and northern Thai clothes and fabrics, crafts, jewellery, antiques and the like.
At Warorot market, one can find even more bargains. There are also many shopping destinations just outside the town specialising in such items as umbrellas, silverwork, woven baskets, woodcarvings, and antiques.

Krabi has some of the most attractive scenery in southern Thailand

Krabi

Krabi has some of the most attractive scenery in southern Thailand: stunning limestone cliffs fronting on fine white beaches, coupled with fascinating islands in the Andaman Sea.
Phra Nang Beach is considered the most beautiful, rivalled only by neighbouring Railay. Here steep limestone cliffs have isolated fine sandy coves that provide a haven for tourists. Thailand's climbing industry has sprung up around these cliffs, with companies offering instruction and equipment for climbers of all levels.Further north, Nopparat Thara is along sandy beach lined with pine trees, popular among Thais.
Offshore the uninhabited islands of Poda, Rang Nok and Hua Kwan offer opportunities for sea canoe expeditions, snorkelling and diving.However, it is the renowned Phi Phi islands that attract tourists to marvel at glistening white sands, towering cliffs and blue waters. Diving is one of the major attractions to explore the offshore coral reefs.

Further south the Lanta islands, with their unspoilt beaches, are preparing to be the next big destination, with numerous resorts now under construction.

Phuket pearl of Andaman

Phuket

Phuket pearl of Andaman. Famous for its beautiful beaches, excellent offshore dive sites and superb sailing opportunities, Phuket is Thailand's and Asia's premier holiday resort. The best beaches are on the west coast, facing the Andaman Sea, with fine sands and clear water. Patong and Kata/Karon are the most popular, thanks also to numerous resort hotels, fine restaurants and an extensive nightlife.
The west coast is also home to many dive companies which arrange expeditions to a wide variety of offshore diving areas, including the Surin, Similan and Racha island groups that are rated world-class for theircolourful corals, clear waters and myriad sea creatures.
Phuket is also a regional centre for yachting, while the annual King's Cup Regatta is a top international event. Other activities include sea canoeing among the rock formations in Phang-nga Bay and windsurfing.

Lampang

Phrathat Lampang Luang

Founded in the 7 th century, Lampang was traditionally the centre of the northern teak industry, which brought many Chinese, Burmese and Western traders to the province. Their influence can be seen in the architecture of many buildings, with houses and art objects made of solid teak found throughout the town.
The town is famous for its brightly coloured horse-drawn carriages, which are a popular form of transport. Its most important templed Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao shows strong Burmese influence and once housed the famous Emerald Buddha.
Outside the town, the walled temple of Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang is considered the most beautiful temple in Thailand. Its central wihan is made of old teak, and exquisite teak carvings grace the facades of many of its buildings.

Parks, waterfalls, camping areas and forest accommodation are abundant in the province. However, its best-known attraction is the Elephant Training School, Elephant Hospital and Sanctuary, which puts on shows, offers training to be a mahout and hosts an annual khan toke dinner for jumbos.