Phuket is an island province and Thailand’s largest island – roughly the size of Singapore. Located 862 kilometres away from Bangkok, Phuket is located in the Andaman Sea and recognised as one of the kingdom’s chief attractions for visitors. The island has a history of tin mining and rubber production, deriving substantial wealth from being on the ‘Silk Route’ between China and India. Phuket’s most famous historical figures are Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sisunthon who led islanders in defending Phuket from a Burmese invasion in 1785. A tribute to these heroines is one of the island’s main attractions. Clearly, Phukets beaches, coves and bays are a principal draw for many visitors. The island has accommodation enough to cater for the entire range of visitor, from the budget traveller to the well-healed. Of course Phuket’s seafood is world renown as is the local slant on Thai cuisine. Phuket features a range of leisure activities from treks and walks to snorkelling and diving, all set against a lush tropical backdrop. Among Phuket’s major attractions include Karon, Kamala and Kalim beaches, as well as Patong beach and Promthep Cape.
Often referred to as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai is the economic and cultural centre of Northern Thailand and the focus of tourism within the region. Located about 700 kilometres from Bangkok, it is one of Thailand’s better known and most visited provinces. Originally the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom created by King Mengrai in 1296, the province has a played a major part in the development of the country. Situated on the Mae Ping River and around 310 metres above sea level, Chiang Mai is one of the kingdom’s most beautiful provinces, featuring mountain ranges and hills amidst lush greenery and jungle. Climate conditions in the area can create swirls of mist and fog in winter – an unusual sight in a tropical country. The province’s numerous national parks are extremely fertile, have an abundance of flowers, and support a broad range of wildlife (the area is particularly associated with elephants). The province is also famed as being a home to numerous tribal peoples and visits to tribal villages are a key component of the area’s tourism. Some of the main attractions in the area include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Doi Intanon – Thailand’s biggest mountain. 
Pattaya Beach is at the centre of the half moon crescent that makes up the Pattaya coastline with Nakula Beach to the north and Jomtien Beach to the south. This part of Pattaya is famous (infamous?) for its nightlife. Very much a hedonist’s paradise, Pattaya Beach is littered with go-go bars and swamped with people employed in the sex industry; both genders (and some of nondescript gender!) and a variety of nationalities including Russians and others from former Eastern Bloc countries. Although this is the part of Pattaya that has most accommodation available, the nature of the nightlife can put families off. In the last few years though there has been a drive to make Pattaya more appealing to families by restricting some of the less salubrious activities. This has been successful to an extent but the area still maintains its go-go, discos and nightclubs. By day the area is somewhat different – the water is packed with jet-skiers, water skiers, powerboats and the sky is full of parasails! It is also a centre for scuba divers. Although as a dive site it might not meet the excellence of other places in Thailand, Pattaya is convenient for Bangkok and those with limited time who want to experience diving might well benefit from taking a course at one of Pattaya’s numerous and inexpensive dive shops. Ko Lan, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Man Wichai, and Ko Rin are all in easy reach of Pattaya as is a major shipwreck where more advanced divers visit. Pattaya Beach itself has its appeal, but the numerous hawkers walking up and down the beach make it a difficult place to just sit and relax – you are offered everything from food to high technology with annoying regularity. There’s no doubt Pattaya Beach is a fun destination, but one that needs some consideration before a visit. Pattaya has its appeal, but perhaps it might not appeal to you or your situation.
