More about Thailand

Thai Regions

The Kingdom of Thailand is divided into five main regions. The regions are Bangkok, the Northern Region, the Northeastern Region, also known as Isan, the Central Region, and the Southern Region. The regions are subdivided into provinces. See a list of Thai provinces below.

🟧 Major urban Centers in the Central Region.

• Bangkok
  Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon) is Thailand's capital and largest city. It is a major global player in finance, culture, and transportation. The metropolis is the country's primate city. An estimated 15 to 17 million people live in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, which includes several urban provinces. ^[WFB]
  
  
• Nonthaburi
  Nonthaburi is a densely populated city across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok, forming part of Greater Bangkok.
  
  
• Samut Prakan
  Samut Prakan is another city within the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, situated at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River to the south of Bangkok. The city is a historical gateway to Bangkok and a key area for maritime trade and defense.
  On the river's east bank is the Ancient City a huge outdoor museum with replicas of historic Thai temples, old cities and palaces.
  
  
• Ayutthaya
  Ayutthaya is a historical city, founded c. 1350. The former royal capital features iconic prang towers (reliquary towers), chedis (stupas), and Buddha statues. The Historic City of Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  
  
• Pattaya
  Pattaya is a coastal city 150 km south of Bangkok, known for its beaches, massive nightlife, and similar tourist attractions.
  
  
• Nakhon Pathom
  Nakhon Pathom is known for its historical temple, Phra Pathommachedi, and its proximity to Bangkok.
  
  

🟧 Major urban centers in Thailand's Northern Region

• Chiang Mai
  Chiang Mai is a major cultural hub in northern Thailand and the country's second-city. It was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom (1296 CE until the kingdom's fall to Burmese forces in 1558)
  The city is known for its numerous temples (over 300), vibrant night markets, and a stunning mountain scenery. Chiang Mai features a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for tourists.
  
  
• Chiang Rai
  Known for its unique temples, such as the White Temple, and proximity to the Golden Triangle
  
  
• Phitsanulok
  A historic city with cultural and religious sites

🟧 Major urban centers in Thailand's Northeastern Region (Isan)

• Khon Kaen
  A major city in the region, known for its vibrant markets and cultural festivals.
  
  
• Udon Thani
  A booming city with vibrant markets and easy access to Laos.
  
  
• Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
  A large city in Isan, with historical significance and a growing economy.
  
  
• Ubon Ratchathani
  Known for its temples and proximity to the Mekong River.
  
  

🟧 Major urban centers in Thailand's Southern Region

• Hat Yai
  A major southern city, a transportation hub and commercial center.
  
  
• Phuket
  Thailand's largest island, known for its beaches, resorts, and nightlife.
  
  
• Surat Thani
  A transportation hub for islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
  
  
• Krabi
  Known for its stunning limestone cliffs, beaches, and access to islands like Railay and Phi Phi.
  
  
• Songkhla
  A coastal city with historical significance and a large lake.
  
  
  
  

⬜️ Mountains of Thailand

The map shows major mountain ranges in Thailand.

Daen Lao Range
Daen Lao is a mountain range of the Shan Hills in eastern Myanmar (Burma) and northern Thailand.
Northern highlands bordering Myanmar.

Thanon Thong Chai Range
The Thanon Thong Chai Range is a significant mountain range in northern Thailand, known for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. Within the mountain chain, is Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon at 2,565 m (8,415 ft). The mountain is located within the Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai Province.

Phi Pan Nam Range
Runs north to south in northern Thailand.

Phetchabun Mountains
Low mountain range in central-northeastern Thailand.

Tenasserim Hills
The Tenasserim Hills are a mountain chain that runs north to south for about 1,700 km along Thailand's western border with Myanmar. The range extends along the Malay Peninsula, with a section also situated in Peninsular Malaysia. The range is part of the larger Indo-Malayan mountain system.

🏝 Thailand's Islands

Thailand is renowned for its numerous tropical islands, both in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Many of the islands offer dramatic limestone cliffs, palm tree fringed pristine white-sand beaches, and crystal clear turquoise waters teeming with colorful fish.

Among the most popular and well-known islands are Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe, and Koh Tao.

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and an important center for tourism, while Koh Samui is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

🟦 Andaman Sea (West Coast)

🏝 Phuket
Largest Thai island and a global tourist hub. It offers everything: beaches, nightlife, culture, and access to nearby islands. Patong Beach is infamous; Old Town Phuket is charming and historic.

🏝 Ko Phi Phi
World-famous for Maya Bay (The Beach movie). A postcard-perfect limestone island group with turquoise lagoons and vibrant coral reefs. No roads—just paths and longtail boats.

🏝 Ko Lanta
Much calmer than its neighbors. Long beaches, mangroves, and a laid-back vibe. Great for families and divers. Lanta Yai is the main island.

🏝 Similan Islands (Mu Ko Similan National Park)
Considered one of the best diving spots in the world. Crystal-clear water, giant boulders, and healthy coral reefs. Protected and mostly uninhabited.

🏝 Ko Tarutao
Part of a marine national park near Malaysia. Wild, mysterious, and relatively untouched. Once a prison island, now a paradise for nature lovers.

🟦 Gulf of Thailand (East Coast)

🏝 Ko Samui
Ko Samui is the second-largest Thai island. Coconut palms, luxury resorts, waterfalls, and temples. Chaweng Beach is bustling; Lamai and Maenam are more relaxed. Samui Airport (USM) connects the island to domestic destinations by Bangkok Airways.

🏝 Ko Pha Ngan Known
Ko Pha Ngan is known for its Full Moon Party, but also lush jungles, peaceful coves, and yoga retreats. Popular with backpackers and seekers of balance.

🏝 Ko Tao
Ko Tao is a diver's paradise. Compact, friendly, and surrounded by coral gardens. Also good for snorkeling, rock climbing, and enjoying sunsets with a cocktail.

🏝 Ko Chang
Ko Chang, the Elephant Island; it is largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, near the Cambodian border. Rugged jungle interior, waterfalls, and a growing tourism scene. Part of Mu Ko Chang National Park.

🏝 Ko Samet
Ko Samet is the closest island escape from Bangkok. Powdery white beaches and calm waters. Small but incredibly popular for weekenders and city-weary souls.

🟦 Rivers of Thailand

Thailand has two main river systems, the Chao Phraya and the Mekong.


Chao Phraya
The Chao Phraya River is Thailand's most important waterway. It has played a vital role in the country's history, culture, and economy. The river is formed by the confluence of the Ping and Nan rivers at Nakhon Sawan, and flows south for about 372 kilometers, passing through Bangkok before emptying into the Gulf of Thailand.

The Ping River is one of the two main headwaters of the Chao Phraya. It has supported agriculture and settlement for centuries. The Nan River rises in the Luang Prabang Range, it joins the Ping at Nakhon Sawan to form the Chao Phraya.


Mekong
The Mekong is a vast and ancient river that shapes the geography, politics, and cultures of mainland Southeast Asia. Its source lies in central China, and it flows south through several countries. At the Golden Triangle, the tripoint where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, the Mekong begins to form part of Thailand's northeastern border with Laos. From there, it continues south past several Thai provinces. In Thailand, the Mekong contributes to local irrigation, supports small-scale fishing, and plays a role in regional trade and cross-border interaction.

🟪 List of Thailand's 77 provinces.

Northern Region
Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Uttaradit, Phrae, Nan, Phayao, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun.

Northeastern Region
Nakhon Ratchasima , Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Chaiyaphum, Amnat Charoen, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu , Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Loei, Nong Khai, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Kalasin, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan.

Central Region provinces
Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Saraburi, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Sa Kaeo, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Southern Region
Chumphon, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phuket, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang, and Yala.

🟧 Borders

Thailand shares borders with Cambodia (Kingdom of Cambodia), Laos (Lao PDR), Malaysia and Myanmar (Burma).

Cambodia
Thailand's main land border crossing to Cambodia is at Aranyaprathet—Poipet, a Cambodian city famous for its casinos.

The Thai-Cambodian border dispute centers on the area around the Preah Vihear Temple, an ancient Khmer temple awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962. However, Thailand and Cambodia both claim ownership of the surrounding land, especially a 4.6 km² area near the temple.
Tensions have flared multiple times since the 2000s, leading to military standoffs, brief clashes, and evacuations of civilians.


Laos
The main land border crossing between Thailand and Laos is at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai, connecting Nong Khai, Thailand, to Vientiane the capital of Laos.
The Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge over the Mekong connects Mukdahan Province in Thailand with Savannakhet in Laos.
The Nakhon Phanom border crossing connects Thailand and Laos via the Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.


Malaysia
The primary land border crossing between Thailand and Malaysia is at Padang Besar, which has both a train station and a road crossing.

Thailand–Malaysia Border Tensions
The tension isn't between the tow countries but primarily within southern Thailand, in the deep south provinces: Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla, all Thai provinces bordering northern Malaysia. This region was once part of the Malay Sultanate of Pattani, which was gradually absorbed into Siam (now Thailand) in the early 20th century. The population in the region is predominantly ethnic Malay, Malay-speaking, and Muslim.
Since 2004, a violent insurgency has resurged, involving separatist groups seeking greater autonomy or independence. Attacks include bombings, ambushes, and assassinations, mostly targeting Thai security forces, teachers, and officials. Over 7,000 people have died in the violence.


Myanmar
Thailand's main land border crossings with Myanmar are at Mae Sot—Myawaddy, and Mae Sai—Tachileik. There is also a less-frequented crossing at Ranong—Kawthaung.

The US UK Australia and EU countries have issued travel warnings for all travel to Myanmar. The reason for this, is the ongoing civil war in that country.


Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is a border region at the tripoint where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. It covers an area of roughly 200,000 km² and is centered at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. The Golden Triangle was once infamous as one of the world's largest opium-producing areas, the region has shifted focus since the 1990s, thanks to development efforts by the Thai government and Royal Projects under King Bhumibol. Today, the Golden Triangle remains a sensitive border zone but also draws visitors for its striking geography and historic role in regional trade and security.



✈ Airports

The principal airports of Thailand
(The links open the official airport website.)
✈ Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA code: BKK)
✈ Bangkok Don Muang Airport (IATA code: DMK)
✈ Chiang Mai International Airport (IATA code: CNX)
✈ Chiang Rai International Airport (IATA code: CEI)
✈ Phuket International Airport (IATA code: HKT)
✈ U-Tapao International Airport (IATA code: UTP)

More Thailand Information

Amazing Thailand
The official website of Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Thailand Tourism Directory
Tourist information by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Thailand.

Thailand NOW
Thailand NOW offers information on all aspects of Thai life.

Bangkok Post
English-language newspaper with news from Thailand.

The Nation
English-language newspaper Thailand related.