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Furry faced well endowed statue in northern Thailand

There once was a time when Thailand was a little visited country well off the beaten backpacker path. That time no longer exists. Thailand has been discovered and some might even say ruined by its own popularity. When you go there you will likely see other foreigners trekking around, but that doesn't mean that your experience will be ruined. If you work hard and do some advanced planning, you can experience Thailand without feeling like you are just another tourist chasing after the cheese in a crowded maze.

What to do

Most conversations about Thailand begin with Bangkok. The capital of the country is home to somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 million people and at times it feels like it is the home to every human on this planet. It is big, noisy, and never boring. It is the place that tourists go to do things they would never do at home. It is simultaneously seedy and seductive. It is beautiful and ugly. It will wear you down and make you wired.

Once you escape Bangkok the country changes. The pace of life slows down and the sheer mass of humanity becomes much more manageable. Many travelers head to the southern part of Thailand to experience the party islands like Ko Samui, Ko Phan Nang and Ko Samet. If you have ever seen a Spring Break movie you know what it is like at these places.

The city of Chiang Mai is the gateway to Northern Thailand and is a huge tourist draw in itself. The city is filled with exotic temples and the famous Night Bazaar is a most-do shopping opportunity.

Adventures

The number of visitors to the northern part of Thailand is much less. The countryside is ideal for trekking and outdoors activities. It is the place to go for adventure travel. A few days frolicking in nature might be just what the doctor ordered after spending time in Bangkok or one of the party islands.

Old time travelers may scoff at what Thailand has become, but don't let that stop you from visiting. You can still have an excellent time on the beach, in the mountains or taking part in debauchery for a relatively cheap price.

Getting there

It's easy to book a flight into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (code: BKK), and airfares tend to be fairly cheap as this is a major hub for the whole region. There are also international flights into Chiang Mai, Ko Samui, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Pattaya, but unless you are coming from neighboring countries you might be better off getting cheap airfare into Bangkok and then flying to one of those other places from there.

Where to stay

There are loads of hotels in Thailand that range from ultra budget to ultra luxury resorts. Your money goes a long way in this country as long as you avoid the latter. There are also various hostels in Thailand, although most of those are in Bangkok. Hotels are so cheap outside of the capital that demand for dorm beds is fairly low.

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Featured Thailand Adventure Tours

Timeless Mysteries

Another trip of splendid contrasts. From Thailand's northern cultural heritage and the jungle park and beaches of the south to the excitement and hustle of the great centres of Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The tour begins in the Thai capital Bangkok, before journeying by night train to Chiang Mai in the north for trekking by foot and on elephant back. Then we head south to the Khao Sok National Park to explore its tropical rainforest, followed by the sparkling waters and white sandy beaches of Rai Leh, and snorkelling, diving and cruising offshore. We start early for the... more information

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This Grand Indo-China trip offers a wonderful chance to explore two of South East Asia's great cultural centres, the North Thailand hills and Laos' Mekong Delta. There can be no better way to witness the stunning scenery and experience the friendliness of the people. After an opening tour of Bangkok, we journey to Chiang Mai in the north. Here we trek by foot and on elephant back - plus rafting on a bamboo raft - to the hillside villages. A highlight of Chiang Mai will be the holy Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple visited by Buddhist pilgrims all year round.... more information

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A wealth of temples, museums, markets, and restaurants await you in this buzzing and, at times, insane capital city. iStyle allows you to experience this exciting city and it's surroundings in the way you want to with a wide range of day tours to choose from. more information

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Our overland journey from Bangkok to Bali is a wonderful introduction to the incredible diversity of the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian archipelago. Nature reserves, volcano sunrises, ecological farming, exotic cuisines and firewalking demonstrations - we pack it all in! Enjoy plenty of opportunities to get to know traditional cultures and meet local people as we wander through rice paddies, lush landscapes and ancient temples. For a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, this is a trip that simply can't be missed! more information

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